Hi,
I can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t want to go to school in New Orleans
I thought it was a blast, and it taught me responsibility in the face of temptation. I’ve got a lot of love and respect for that city and it’s inhabitants, though I departed in search of a healthier long term lifestyle for both my liver and arteries.
Parasol’s for po-boys is a neighborhood spot that’s a little off the beaten path but still good. Nice atmosphere during the day time with pool tables and a casual environment. I only mention them because I haven’t seen them mentioned anywhere and they are out of the way and more of a neighborhood spot so will be slightly less touristy.
I noticed you didn’t ask about breakfast, but having lived there I can say once you’ve indulged in the evening life a good breakfast is key the following morning. I realize you won’t be going that crazy due to the child, but in New Orleans they sell beer at amusement parks and the zoo.Truly is a drinking town with a party problem.
Cafe Du Monde for beignets and coffee. Try the chickory coffee if you haven’t for the experience.
Another out of the way place I found which is a little more “green” and health focused is called Satsuma Cafe. They serve wheat grass shots, smoothies, and amazing salads and sandwiches. Great breakfast/brunch/lunch place to recharge after a Pat O’s Hurricane sugar bomb everclear explosion the night before.
In terms of day time music I would say street performers in the quarter and on Frenchman Street will be your best bet. Some of them are quite good, and they all have a sound that comes from the soul. Since you might be there during the Mardi Gras season, if you go pre Feb 21 see below.
There is a place called Oak Street Cafe uptown which has good breakfast and lunch (close at 2:30 I believe) and a piano player (as of my last trip 12 months ago) named c\Charles who is really great and plays every morning, especially on the weekends. You can ride the street car from downtown up St. Charles and around the bend at Carrolton to get within 3 blocks at the end of Oak and Carrolton.
http://www.cafedumonde.com/main.html
The owner of oak street is a really interesting character, along with the fine piano player. Even if the website isn’t quite as fancy as some of the others, truly a family establishment.
I don’t know how much later this month you’re going but it’s mardi gras season right now so you will see parades all day. Talk about daytime marching bands and colors, it’s the biggest party in the world. Just remember there are two things to get in trouble for during mardi gras, public urination and glass bottles. Don’t have/do either and you should be fine. Also if it is indeed building up to the 21st (say the preceeding week, realize the city basically shuts down the weekend before mardi gras and plan not to be able to really drive downtown or on St. Charles. Children are a part of the mardi gras festivities, just stand far enough back that you don’t get hit with anything from the floats.
Best,
Chris Buchanan