Your post is two months old so you're probably back from NO! But if not -- don't worry. Yes to St. Charles Streetcar (named Desire). Also, there is a cool little island a short free ferry ride away from Canal St. (Egyptian name? Cairo?) Neat homes, and Mardi Gras museum. Ferry over and have a coffee and sweet roll. Another memorable experience even if I can't remember the name of the place!From Brennans (fabulous food) to Antoines (history) to little hole in the walls for lunch -- you really can't go wrong in New Orleans. If the food isn't wonderful, the memory will be. Even Cafe de Monde (touristy) is something to experience. NO is extraordinary! Just get at least one Hurricane from a street side bar on Bourbon Street and toast all of us who wish we were back in NO!

Beignet at Cafe Du Monde are awesome but don't try to take them with - eat them while they are hot. Oh, and don't INHALE (powdered sugar, that is).

I would skip K-Paul's, unless you're asking for a heartattack. The food was very greasy and buttery and not even all that good. There is a long line for dinner and, even if there isn't a line, I won't go back.

The Mardi Gras museum is in Algiers. It is really an experience for someone from out of town. They even have costumes you can try on. For something different & indoors it is a good idea.<BR><BR>As for beignets, I agree with the thought of not inhaling deeply around the powdered sugar. Also try not to wear dark clothes while eating. It is a guarantee of coming out with white spots on your clothes unless you cover yourself with napkins. But what a way to go!!

Skip Commander's Palace & Galatoires. Both are over-priced, pretentious & well past their prime. Your miss list is very accurate. I like Dickie Brennans for steak & Ugelisch's. I would add the Acme Oyster House if you want some oysters or red beans & rice just for the fun of it. Anyone going to Commanders Or Gallys is so they can say they have been there & that is all.

Past their prime??? I've been going to New Orleans for 45 years and I can promise you Commander's Palace and Galatoire's are definitely NOT past their prime. They both have outstanding food and Commander's Palace has the best service I've had anywhere.

don't forget Mother's for great po'boys

Sniff, I loved Court of Two Sisters. I took my mom there and we ate in the courtyard. The food was good and I liked the atmosphere and it was not outrageously expensive. I could have died when she ordered Bananas Foster though. What a production!

Joyce - perhaps you should eat out more. If you want to hang out w/pretentious old people or tour groups, have OK food in a less than average atmosphere I'd still say go. But in NO w/all of the GREAT places to eat, those 2 old joints aren't even close.

Sorry, SA. These two restaurants are still quite good. I'm 25 and not a native New Orleanian and love both of them!