Run, Roam, Eat (repeat)
If you’re in Chattanooga and you need a quick change of scenery, New Orleans is a perfect weekend play. It’s close enough to be doable, different enough to feel like you’ve gone somewhere, and it’s built for the kind of trip I love: walk a lot, eat better, follow the music, repeat. We stayed in a spot where you could pop out for a sandwich run, wander Magazine Street, and end the night on a patio without ever feeling chained to a car. And that’s the real estate tie-in for me—because the best trips always remind you what you value in day-to-day life: a neighborhood you can actually live in, places you can walk to, and a community vibe that makes you want to linger.
New Orleans is the kind of place that rewards movement. Not the “check every box” kind of movement—more like: run a few miles, wander into a neighborhood you didn’t plan on, and suddenly you’re holding the best sandwich of your life and texting your friends “WE HAVE TO COME BACK HERE.”
We went with a list (because we’re not animals), but also left room for the city to do what it does: pull you toward music, patios, oysters, a weird little store you didn’t mean to enter, and a bar that feels like it’s been waiting on you.
This is the running recommendation list—the places that hit, the ones I’m still thinking about, and the ones I’m absolutely doing next time.
The “start here” eats (close to home base + immediate wins)
If you’re staying anywhere near Magazine / Uptown-ish, you’re dangerously close to sandwiches that will ruin you.
Stein’s Deli ✔️
Right next to the Airbnb (or at least close enough to feel like fate). This is the kind of sandwich stop that makes you question why you ever ate lunch anywhere else.
Turkey and the Wolf ✔️
It lives up to the hype. Creative, loud flavors, and the kind of place where you look around and realize everyone is having a religious experience over their plate.
Molly’s Rise and Shine ✔️
Owned by Turkey & the Wolf—so yes, you should go. Breakfast that feels like it has a personality.
Shug’s Bagels ✔️
Next to Audubon Park = perfect for a run-then-reward situation.
Gumbo, po’ boys, and “I need a nap” plates
New Orleans food doesn’t whisper. It commits.
Liuzza’s by the Track ⭐️
Gumbo + po’ boys. No notes. Classic for a reason.
Cassemento’s Oysters (Magazine)
Cash only. Worth it. (Bring cash. Don’t argue with me later.)
Ye Olde College Inn
Shrimp broiled po’ boy—one of those “how is this so simple and so perfect” moments.
Vaucresson
On the list for gumbo (possibly best gumbo energy).
Katie’s
A solid “you can’t go wrong” kind of spot.
BBQ and smoked things worth planning your day around
The Joint (Bywater)
Bywater BBQ that’s freaking amazing. If you’re going Thursday/Friday, go early—smoked pastrami before 12 so it doesn’t sell out. This is the kind of place you plan around and feel proud about it.
Central City BBQ
Another strong BBQ move if you’re in that direction.
Brunch mode (Sunday plans + “we’re doing this right”)
Commander’s Palace brunch (Sunday)
If you’re going to do a New Orleans brunch, this is one of those “lean in” moments.
Atchafalaya (awesome brunch)
A great option when you want big flavor + a vibe that makes you stay longer than you meant to.
Commander’s Palace happy hour??
I’m leaving this as a question mark because it’s very “New Orleans decision-making”: we might be responsible…or we might end up sipping something fancy at 4pm.
The “next time / must hit” dinner list
These are the places that feel like a whole evening:
Clancy’s
Pascale Manale’s
Prejean’s (quail/pheasant gumbo—yes please)
Bayona (French Quarter, $$$, but on the list for a reason)
Cochon ✔️ (already confirmed as a win)
Neighborhood roaming eats (when you want variety and surprises)
St. Roch Market
A food hall that’s perfect when the group can’t agree (or when you want to sample like a little gremlin).
1000 Figs
Mediterranean—fresh, bright, a break from the heavy (but still satisfying).
Mona’s Café / Saj
Middle Eastern on the list—good for mixing it up.
El Pavo Real
Authentic Mexican.
Lily’s
Pho + spring rolls = comfort in a bowl.
Singleton’s (Black Pearl)
Vietnamese + po’ boys is such a New Orleans flex.
Hungry Eyes (@hungryeyesnola)
Magazine St, also Turkey & Wolf people—so it’s basically a guaranteed yes.
Sneaky Pickle (Bywater)
Vegan option that still feels fun.
Breweries + casual hangs (the “let’s just go vibe it out” list)
This is the sweet spot: post-adventure, pre-dinner, everyone happy.
Miel Brewery (crawfish boil Saturday 1–6)
Parleaux Beer Lab
Brieux Carré
Second Line Brewing Co
Ecology (couple blocks from the BnB = dangerously convenient)
And honestly? Brewery afternoons in New Orleans are underrated. Shade, patios, cold drinks, and the group finally stops walking like they’re in a competitive sport.
Bars + cocktails (when you want a moment)
Paradise Lounge (Magazine)
St. Joe’s
Bayou Beer Garden
Barrel Proof (if you want something strong and not sorry about it)
Music venues (because you’re in New Orleans—go hear something)
Maple Leaf
Tipitina’s
Siberia
AllWays Lounge
Even if you don’t plan the night perfectly, just pick one venue and go. New Orleans always meets you halfway.
A simple “use this” itinerary flow (based on your list)
Day 1: Settle + Sandwich Win
Stein’s → wander Magazine → cocktails (Paradise Lounge / Barrel Proof)
Day 2: Run + Park + Po’ Boy
Run Audubon → Shug’s Bagels → City Park / roam → Liuzza’s by the Track
Day 3: Bywater Day
The Joint (before 12) → Music Village / Bywater wandering → Bacchanal (not during prime)
Sunday: Brunch energy
Commander’s Palace brunch or Atchafalaya → brewery afternoon → music venue at night
Final note: the real magic
The best parts weren’t just the food (even though…wow). It was the table moments—everyone laughing, passing bites around, deciding the next stop like it mattered deeply, and collecting these tiny memories that stick.
New Orleans is a city you taste, but it’s also a city you share.
