New Orleans for 40th birthday
 

Going to be in New Orleans for my husbands 40th birthday. Wondering if anyone had suggestions for dinner. We will have teenage kids with us (well behaved). But, definitely don't want too over the top expensive (they just won't appreciate it). Price is okay - really want a memorable experience, with good food and some local flavor. Thanks so much! We're staying near St. Charles and Jackson and would like to be able to get there via streetcar.

Are you flying to New Orleans or could you ride on the "City of New Orleans" from Memphis or Chicago?
Be sure to get begniets from Cafe du Monde. My favorite in NOL is the Jambalaya. Also try a PoBoy sandwich.

Thanks for the tip! We are actually driving back home to Florida from Texas and stopping in NOLA for 2 days on the way.

Gumbo Shop is some of the best Gumbo in the area and not an fancy place

Cochon Butcher as well

Cafe Beignet is easier to negotiate than Cafe Du Monde.

Discuss actual price points for better recs, can't tell how high you'll go from what you wrote.

For a birthday dinner, you can't go wrong with Muriels - right off Jackson Square in the French Quarter. It's a nice restaurant with great food and plenty of local flavor - but it isn't overly expensive or dressy. We had our anniversary dinner there in March and I wore a sleeveless dress with sandals, my husband wore slacks and a collared shirt (the more casual kind of shirt with the square hem meant to be worn untucked).

I really like Cochon Butcher. The teens should love it and it's pretty laid back and the space is neat. And the bread and butter pickles are amazing!!

Thanks for all the tips! I'll definitely check out Muriels for the birthday dinner, and Cafe Du Monde, Cafe Beignet and Cochon Butcher while we're there. We love gumbo too so Gumbo Shop might have to happen while. As far the birthday dinner, price I'm comfortable with around $20-$30/person. I don't typically take the kids/teens to higher end places because they just don't appreciate the food. Plus I think we'd rather have a laid back fun dinner, than formal.

Cafe Beignet is good and maybe slightly better than Face Du Monde but you can't recreate the people watching atmosphere of Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarter in Jackson Square


If the line looks long it goes quick and a to do item on most people's lists

We were there last month and got caught in a downpour but not really in bad shape when they lowered the canopy and it was fun taking to several people from different places while we waited

The WW2 museum was amazing and cannot be done within a day the way it should be

I love going to Commander's Palace for lunch and sitting in the upstairs room with a view over the trees. It really has that NOLA feel and is not stuffy at all. Lunch prices are very reasonable.

Then, you and your husband could have a dinner alone. I would suggest Herbsaint. I lived in NOLA for years and it is my favorite restaurant. You could also take the kids there, but it would be nice for just the 2 of you.

The other restaurant uptown that I really like is Clancy's. A typical NOLA restaurant.

Hope you have a great time.

I tried both Cafe du Monde and Cafe Beignet and greatly preferred the former. Will also second Commander's Palace.

Would recommend doing a search under my name on this forum if interested in my food experiences in NOLA.