I’m going to dispense with “the history” of Bourbon Street because it doesn’t really interest me. Really? Yes, I’m an Aquarius and we love to focus on the present and, even more so – on the future. So here goes.

WHERE EXACTLY IS BOURBON STREET?

This world famous street is 13 blocks long (which, based on its reputation, doesn’t sound like very much to me). It goes right through the heart of the French Quarter: from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue – then it becomes Carondelet Street when it’s past Canal and Pauger Street when it goes past Esplanade.  

IT RUNS ALONG A DIAGONAL. GOT THAT?

No. To be truthful – okay let’s look at it this way:

·       The southern part of Bourbon (near Canal) is called Upper Bourbon or upriver from the Mississippi. This is the area best known to visitors. It’s lots of neon, bachelor-and-bachelorette parties and strip clubs – plus nonstop drinking.

·       The northern part of Bourbon (near Esplanade) is called Lower Bourbon or downriver from the Mississippi. This area has all of the above and includes LGBTQ blocks (meaning Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (the “Q” can be “Queer or Questioning). I’m glad we got that straightened out.

Now we’ll take a look at the restaurants/bars on this fabled street.

I

THE BOURBON HOUSE: 144 BOURBON STREET, (504) 522-0111

This is one of New Orleans’ old-school seafood houses. It is run by the Brennan family. The lunch and dinner menu includes appetizers such as Alligator Hot Wings and Crab Fingers Bordelaise while the entrees offered are Roast Chicken Breast and Bourbon Shrimp and Grits.    

II

OLDE NOLA COOKERY: 205 BOURBON STREET, (504) 525-4577

The tagline they use is “Cooked by Locals, Spiced with History” to describe their Cajun and Creole dishes. They also say, “two balconies overlooking Bourbon Street are great for a party.” The menu includes: Fried Shrimp Po-boy, Seafood Gumbo plus “Knife and Fork” BBQ Ribs.

III

GALATOIRE’S “33” BAR & STEAK: 215 BOURBON STREET, (504) 525-4577

A faded marker of “33”, etched into a post more than a century ago was discovered by artisans renovating a historic building on Bourbon Street – today that building is Galatoire’s “33” Bar & Steak. The bar menu features Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Steak Tartare, Lobster Roll and Shrimp Toast.

IV

JEAN LAFITTE’S OLD ABSINTHE HOUSE: 240 BOURBON STREET, (504) 523-3181

This 200-year-old bar has a very colorful history. I notice that their Cocktail Menu offers a Ramos Fizz – that’s a great drink that’s almost impossible to find anywhere. They also offer “The World’s Best Gin and Tonic” – there are no shrinking violets here. This bar has a wild selection of T-shirts with sayings such as, “MY BLOOD TYPE IS: ABSINTHE” (the word “blood” is in bright red) – just in case one doesn’t get it.  

V

THE JAZZ PLAYHOUSE: 300 BOURBON STREET, (504) 553-2299

The Royal Sonesta New Orleans hosts the best jazz club in town. They showcase great jazz talents while serving cocktails and appetizers inspired by the New Orleans Jazz culture. Their menu sports names such as: Billie Holiday, Dizzy Gillespie and Eartha Kitt. And, they offer delicious munchies such as: Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Crab Mac & Cheese plus BBQ Pork Nachos – an exciting mix of Music. Food. Drinks.   

LINK to information about Bourbon Street and the French Quarter

THEN HIT THIS LINK to more FQ dining spots.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? I trust we’re all heading back to our normal day-to-day lives – if not now, perhaps at some point in the near future. Why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a trip to the Big Easy and a very pleasant stay in a gracious antebellum mansion. Think about it. 

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever restaurant/bar you choose to visit.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick