Advice on 1st trip to NOLA

Question

Hi we will be staying at Hyatt Centric French Quarter in April for 3 nights. I’m seeing a lot of itineraries posted with breakfast/ dinner restaurants / jazz clubs booked. Is it best to book before we come? If we left it until we arrived, will we miss out? Any recommendations of bars worth visiting / restaurants. We are in our 50s thanks

Answer

It’s fantastic that you’ll be visiting New Orleans soon! Staying at the Hyatt Centric in the French Quarter puts you right in the heart of the action, and you'll have easy access to some of the city's best restaurants, bars, and jazz clubs.

Regarding reservations, it’s definitely a good idea to make a few bookings in advance, especially for popular spots. April is a busy time in New Orleans due to the spring season, and some top restaurants and jazz clubs can get fully booked, especially during weekends or events. However, you don't need to book every meal or experience ahead of time, but I would recommend reserving for the more well-known or in-demand places, like:

Commander's Palace – A New Orleans institution known for its Creole cuisine. Reservations are essential, especially for dinner or during Jazz Brunch.
Arnaud’s – Another classic spot for great Creole food with a beautiful setting in the French Quarter. Book early for dinner if you're set on going.
Preservation Hall – The go-to place for live jazz. It’s very popular, so booking in advance for a ticket might be necessary to ensure you get in, especially during peak times.
Willie Mae's Scotch House – Famous for its fried chicken, but it can get busy. Consider going early or booking ahead if possible.

If you leave it until you arrive, there’s still a good chance you’ll get a table or seat, especially if you're flexible with dining times (like going a bit earlier or later in the day). However, for places that tend to fill up quickly or have limited availability, it’s better to plan ahead.

As for bars and jazz clubs, here are some recommendations worth checking out:

The Carousel Bar – Located in the Hotel Monteleone, this iconic rotating bar is a must-see. Great cocktails and a unique atmosphere.
French 75 Bar – A classy spot in Arnaud's, known for its excellent cocktails and intimate ambiance.
Dat Dog – A fun, casual place for amazing hot dogs, plus a good selection of beers. It’s a great spot for a relaxed bite and drinks.
The Spotted Cat Music Club – For a more laid-back vibe, this intimate jazz venue on Frenchmen Street has amazing live music.

As far as restaurants, here are a few other gems you might enjoy:

GW Fins – A seafood lover's dream. The menu changes frequently based on what’s fresh, so it’s always exciting!
Café du Monde – Don’t miss the beignets and café au lait here. It's a classic experience, and while it’s touristy, it's also delicious.
Shaya – If you’re looking for something a little different, Shaya offers modern Israeli food with a New Orleans twist.
Coop’s Place – A more casual but highly rated spot in the French Quarter with great fried chicken, jambalaya, and other local dishes.

For breakfast, if you're an early riser, you might also want to check out:

Elizabeth’s – Known for their praline bacon and other Southern breakfast treats.
Blue Dot Donuts – A local favorite for delicious, fresh donuts if you’re looking for a quick but tasty breakfast.

New Orleans has a great vibe for exploration, so while reservations are a good idea for key spots, don’t hesitate to wander and discover some hidden gems along the way. Enjoy your trip!