Hidden Nola 2023

BYWATER

S ituated along the Mississippi River, the Bywater has similar architecture and Creole cottages of the nearby French Quarter to the West. It exudes a funky vibe with a number of dive bars that host local talents along with one-of-a-kind restaurants. The eclectic scene includes swing dancers, artists, and musicians in and around St. Claude Avenue, the neighborhood’s bustling thoroughfare and nightlife hub. The area is perfect for walkers and bicyclists who patron these local neighborhood bars, eateries, book shops, record stores, and clothing stores. Both locals and visitors can appreciate the large-scale murals along historic street corners in this laid-back pocket of the city. Twenty-acre urban linear park Crescent Park offers views of the Mississippi River and pavilions to enjoy. The Music Box Village is an artist-driven eclectic one-of-a-kind music and event venue with an interactive village of musical architecture and small bar. Thrifters can comb through rare and vintage finds at Low Timers and Tiger Rag Vintage . Beloved second-hand shop the Bargain Center is a treasure trove of furniture and found items that are decidedly New Orleans. Discover new and old music and a collection of vintage jazz magazines at Euclid Records . New Orleans Art Supply has you covered if the area has sparked your inner artist. JAM NOLA , a cultural funhouse, celebrates the art, music, food, and theatrics of the city through interactive exhibits and Studio BE exhibits thought-provoking work from local artists. Try not to smile when perusing the Bark Market , a store that celebrates our furry friends. Shop | Play | Visit

Biker in the Bywater Photo by Max Becherer

Eat + Drink

Inside a mansion in the middle of a residential neighborhood, The Country Club hosts regular weekend drag brunch with classic breakfast dishes and an unforgettable show. Vegetarians and vegans will delight with a bite at the always-tasty Sneaky Pickle . Cozy Honduran eatery Alma Cafe uses only fresh ingredients for its regional menu. Bacchanal features an expansive courtyard with café lighting and a popup kitchen and N7 , voted best new restaurant by Bon Appétit in 2016, is a one-of-a-kind neighborhood French restaurant and wine bar. For a grab-and-go bites, quaint convenience store Frady’s serves classic po boy sandwiches inside a small grocery store and Black-owned Stuph’d offers up classic sweet beignet and non-traditional versions. Iconic dive bars not to miss include Bud Rips, B.J.’s, and Vaughan’s Lounge, where trumpeter Kermit Ruffins plays weekly.

Sleep

The Mazant is a bed-and-breakfast in a Greek Revival mansion on the National Register of Historic Places. With accommodations for up to 18 guests, it boasts 13' ceilings with plaster medallions, heart pine wood floors, cypress doors, and a 125+ year old oak tree.

HIDDEN NOLA

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