Sights & Sounds
Things to do, see, and hear.
Enter-taint-ment
The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret
@TheQueerCajun
New Orlean's premier queer performance space featuring drag, burlesque, stand-up comedy, live music, and more!
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Follow their official Facebook page for the most up-to-date schedule of upcoming events.
Prytania Theatre
@TheQueerCajun
Never seen the Rocky Horror Picture show live? Do yourself a favor and catch it at the Prytania with shadow cast. Get the prop kit; it's totally worth it!
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Saenger Theatre
@TheQueerCajun
The historic Sanger Theatre is my top spot for Broadway in New Orleans. The twinkling star ceiling is mesmerizing.
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The Broadside
@TheQueerCajun
This cozy, outside, music venue is absolutely darling.
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Experiences
Vue Orleans
@TheQueerCajun
An absolutely captivating 360 degree view of the entire city.
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Night Life
Frenchmen Street
@TheQueerCajun
Looking for live Jazz music? Then look no further than Frenchmen Street! Small Jazz bars line the entire stretch. There's also an outside art market that's beautifully lit with Christmas lights several nights a week.
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Just the Tip: Uber/Lyft will not get you to the strip if you simply put "Frenchmen Street" as your drop-off (even *this* map is off).
A Little Deeper: Try using the address for "Dat Dog" on Frenchmen as your drop-off location.
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#1 Karaoke Destination
Oz New Orleans
@TheQueerCajun
Two dance floors, two bars, one balcony. The Oz is my top choice for when I need to shake what my momma gave me.
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THE best dance club in the city.
The Corner Pocket
@TheQueerCajun
If you care to see scantily-clad men dancing on a bar, this is the place for you!
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Tastes
I grew up ON the bayou (not down the bayou; there's a difference), with freshly caught fish always in season and home-cooked southern comfort food never in short supply. Needless to say, the bar is set pretty high. Only the best of the best have made it onto this list. So, unbutton your pants, and don’t forget to save room for dessert!
Because You Brunch
A selection of the best brunch spots in town.
Who Dat Coffee Cafe
@TheQueerCajun
This super queer brunch spot packs a ton of flavor into a tiny space. Their full-service boozy coffee bar is truly something to behold.
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T-Rev Recommends: Crab Cake Benedict | Chicken Fried Steak | Breakfast Potatoes
Ruby Slipper Cafe
@TheQueerCajun
Reserve your spot in advance using their website. Any of their several locations are delicious.
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T-Rev Recommends: Bacon-infused vodka Bloody Mary | Chicken St. Charles
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T-Rev Recommends: Shrimp and Grits
Molly's Rise and Shine
@TheQueerCajun
Get there early, but don't stress too much about it. Although the line is known to pour out onto the street most days, they move pretty quickly to get people in and out.
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T-Rev Recommends: Chicken Biscuit
BEARCAT CBD
@TheQueerCajun
*Multiple Locations*
T-Rev Recommends: The breakfast potatoes.
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Buttermilk Drop Bakery
@TheQueerCajun
THE best donuts and Apple fritters in the entire city. So fluffy and light!
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Because You're Hangry
My top picks for lunch and dinner.
Zea Rotisserie & Bar
@TheQueerCajun
My absolute favorite New Orleans restaurant specializing in gourmet rotisserie meats. At Zea, there’s something for everyone.
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T-Rev Recommends: The Sedona Chicken Panini (no tomatoes) with a side of corn grits (add cheese) | Mediterranean Hummus | Asian Almond Shrimp
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Pizza Delicious
@TheQueerCajun
"Pizza D's" features a rotating menu depending on what fresh ingredients they can get locally. Yum!
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T-Rev Recommends: Damn Good Nachos (serves 2) | Chili Glazed Shrimp Tacos
Arabella Casa Di Pasta
@TheQueerCajun
An amazing build your own pasta experience. They make everything in house, from scratch, fresh daily.
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T-Rev Recommends: Black Pepper Fettuccine Noodles (w/ sauce and protein of choice) | Meatballs
Nirvana Indian Cuisine / Call if you are coming after 10:00pm, please!
@TheQueerCajun
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T-Rev Recommends: The Indian Flag | Naan
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T-Rev Recommends: Crispy Tamarind Noodles (spice level "3")
Just the Tip: Their other location on Magazine Street is just as delicious.
A Little Deeper: They won't do more than 4 separate checks, so plan accordingly!
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St. Roch Market
@TheQueerCajun
A collection of small, authentic eateries of all kinds.
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T-Rev Recommends: The Gyro Plate
Just the Tip: The Coast Roast, one of my coffee shop recommendations, also has a location inside the market.
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T-Rev Recommends: Spring Rolls w/ Peanut Sauce | Brisket and Meatball Pho
Banh Mi Boys
@TheQueerCajun
Their original location is out on Airline Highway inside of a gas station. Don't let that deter you, though.
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T-Rev Recommends: The K-Town Fries
Jacques-Imo's
@TheQueerCajun
Damn good cajun-inspired dishes. It's so good in fact, they've taken over the building next door.
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Just the Tip: Make dinner reservations ahead.
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T-Rev Recommends: The Luau Quesadilla | Bad Ass Bacon Bean Dip | Frozen Lemon Berry | Cadillac Margarita
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T-Rev Recommends: Egg Drop Soup | Hoshun Trio | Streetcar Roll
Just the Tip: Tell them ahead if you need separate checks, otherwise your experience WILL end in a nightmare from hell.
Monday | Restaurant + Bar
@TheQueerCajun
Great ambiance, great food, and great vibes!
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Just the Tip: Get there early!
T-Rev Recommends: Chicken Cracklin | Boudin Egg Rolls
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Just the Tip: Get there early!
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T-Rev Recommends: Fresh Squeezed Passion Fruit Juice | Chicken Nachos
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Just the Tip: Don't miss their weekday lunch buffet!
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Just the Tip: Get there early! The line is known to spill out onto/down the street.
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T-Rev Recommends: Chili Glazed Brussels Sprouts | The Peanut Burber
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T-Rev Recommends: Roasted Garlic Mac-and-cheese | Chicken Wings
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The way I "C" it: Any time I go to a modern-day BBQ restaurant, I can't help but feel robbed. $20 for 3 thin slices of briquet, coleslaw that's been sitting uncovered in a fridge for 3 days, and a single slice of the lowest quality white bread they could find (say it with me: "DRY")? Just take my debit card! It's less painful that way... This is NOT the case with Central City BBQ. You won't leave hungry or disappointed.
Because You’re Spicy
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Clesi's Seafood Restaurant & Catering
@TheQueerCajun
Another solid pick for boiled crawfish.
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Because You're Romantic
Intimate spots for you and your "boo thang."
Mona Lisa
@TheQueerCajun
There's something absolutely magical about this hole-in-the-wall pizza joint. Maybe it's the rustic-looking butcher paper and crayons that adorn every table for your amusement. It could also be the wall-to-ceiling Mona Lisa spoof paintings. Either way, call ahead and reserve your place at this intimate eatery.
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T-Rev Recommends: Parmesan Crusted Shrimp
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Because You're Fancy
Upscale Dining - not for the faint of wallet.
Doris Metropolitan New Orleans
@TheQueerCajun
When you walk through the front door, you're greeted by a meat aging room directly to your left, and it just gets better from here. Every single piece of meet served in this place melts in your mouth as it transports you through time and space to meat heaven. The bread service is also divine.
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T-Rev Recommends: MEAT | Truffle Polenta
Commander's Palace
@TheQueerCajun
This is my absolute favorite place for birthday celebrations. From the moment you walk through those big double doors, every member of the wait staff makes you feel super special.
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T-Rev Recommends: Boudin Stuffed Quail | Turtle Soup | Bread Pudding Souffle
N7
@TheQueerCajun
Just as fancy as it is mysterious, this French inspired restaurant is hidden away in a residential neighborhood. The food here is truly great, and the outside dining room provides amazing ambiance. If you didn't know this place was here, you'd walk right by it none the wiser.
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T-Rev Recommends: The Steak
Because You're Thirsty
A collection of bars from around the "gayborhood" (a.k.a. "the skittle circle").
QiQi
@TheQueerCajun
This hole in the wall neighborhood bar is owned and operated by the sweetest lady I've ever met. It's also sober-friendly which is always a plus in my book!
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Note: Although technically not situated inside the "skittle circle," it's definitely worth mentioning here.
Phoenix Bar
@TheQueerCajun
The best bear/leather bar in town. Don't forget to stop in at the "adult" store for all your leathery and lacy needs.
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Because You're Tired
It's my solemn duty to encourage others to consume local caffeine and avoid generic/corporate coffee shops. There are so many great places out there that are not only locally owned and operated in our communities, but also way more ethical. #DRINKLOCAL
French Truck Coffee
@TheQueerCajun
Any of there many locations are sure to please.
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T-Rev Recommends: The NOLA
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T-Rev Recommends: Cold Brew (black, w/ light ice) | Just the Tip: keep it simple!
Old Road Coffee
@TheQueerCajun
The owner of this adorable coffee shop opened its doors the same month everything shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, he's still operating with an impressive following. | For the first 6 months of the pandemic, my roommate and I would walk there every morning for coffee with the dogos. He even ordered and kept soy milk in stock just so I'd have it. What a guy!
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T-Rev Recommends: The Lavender or Wildflower Lemonades
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T-Rev Recommends: The Chocolate-Covered Espresso Bean
Because You're Different
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Because You're Drunk or Lazy
Late-night eats.
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Vieux Carre Pizza
@TheQueerCajun
The absolute best pizza by the slice within the confines of the French Quarter. *Always* my last stop before heading home.
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T-Rev Recommends: "The Bourbon" (Chicken and Spinach)
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T-Rev Recommends: Dragon and Phoenix
Because You're Sweet
Drip Affogato Bar NOLA
@TheQueerCajun
Espresso and gelato: a match made in heaven.
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Legendairy Milkshake Bar™
@TheQueerCajun
This milkshake shop’s name is an accurate description of their offerings.
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T-Rev Recommends: Death by Chocolate
Frey Smoked Meat Co.
@TheQueerCajun
I was conflicted about which section I should put this restaurant in. They have an amazing barbecue, but the real highlight has to be their mega-sized milkshakes.
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T-Rev Recommends: Bucket of Biscuits | The Cookie Monster Milkshake
Treat-Yo-Self
Because You Like SHOPPING
Bourbon Pride
@TheQueerCajun
The owner of this little gift shop really takes pride in his offerings (pun intended), designing most of the apparel himself. Some of my favorite pieces come from this store. Oh!? Did someone say poppers loyalty punch card?
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The BEST Queer Gift Store; truly something for everyone.
Shoe Be Do
@TheQueerCajun
A personal [queer] friend of mine owns and operates this meticulously cultivated collection of shoes and high fashions.
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"Let's get some shoes." - Kelly
Fringe and Company
@TheQueerCajun
All things that sparkle! Locally made.
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"Shine bright like a gay man," or whatever it was Rihanna said.
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Just the Tip: Never pay full price for anything.
NEHI Home
@TheQueerCajun
A lovely antiques and consignment shop that's queer owned and operated.
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Because You're Witchy
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Just the Tip: Book a tarot card reading with drag superstars Alexa Milano or Laveau Contraire.
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Because Self-Care is Important
Cindy's Nail & Spa
@TheQueerCajun
Cindy's original location on S. Carrollton Ave is an absolute gem! The atmosphere and service are top notch. She'll even serve you wine while you get pampered.
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Two Guys Cutting Hair
@TheQueerCajun
I won't let anyone except Trent Bender touch my hair or my beard. Unless you're pulling from behind (but that's a different kind of guidebook).
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Thank you for your support!
Because Sharing is Caring
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