I will be in NOLA Oct 9-11.Have been there many times but this is my first time post-K. Have heard mixed reviews, from, it's just as great as always, just with a few less people, to nightmares about not being able to find a restaurant open past 8 or 9 in the Quarter on Mon. or Tues, and not being able to find a place to have a few drinks that stays open past 10 or 11 during the week. What is really the case on Bourbon and in the Quarter? Just looking to eat some good food(love ACME and Dickie Brennan's), have a hurricane or hand grenade(or 2 or 3) and enjoy a great city but don't want to be sitting in my room at midnight with nothing to do.THanks in advance for any advice.

Just to be clear, I fully realize any inconvenience I might encounter pales compares to what those of you that live in NOLA and on the Gulf Coast are going through. Just trying to get a true view of what to expect. Thanks again.

Few restaurants have ever been open on Mondays, even pre-Katrina. Most of the restaurants and popular nightspots have websites with hours and menus posted online. That will give you the best idea of what's open based on your personal interests. Due to staffing shortages, you may still find some early closings early in the week. After a major disaster, it's coming back together quite well, but please try not to be unrealistic in your expectations. Personally, I think you'll have a great time in New Orleans! Most everyone who has gone and posted here has enjoyed it and been changed by their trips.

From the website, it looks like Pat O's main bar is open until 4 or 5 AM, and the Restaurant Bar is open until 2 AM, so you can always go there after midnight! ;-)

BayouGal is absolutely right. There will be MINOR inconveniences but many of the "can't find a restaurant" issues were solved months ago. I think the French Quarter will be much as you remember it, with of course some very minor changes.

My biggest complaint is that Virgin Megastore pulled out of the market. It was my favorite music store!!

I was there in late June and there's plenty open. And don't worry, the bars on Bourbon are definitely not shutting down early.

There are less people than pre-Katrina for sure but most bars and restaurants are up and running. The only thing I found were many of the stores closed early due to lack of staffing.

thanks for the responses. I'm excited about coming down, I'm sure i will have a great time like I always do in NOLA. Thanks again.

Dan, I will no longer patronize businesses like Virgin and Macy's, in stores or online, for their speedy exit from New Orleans. Those large retailers could have afforded to give it a year to see how things went. They've lost my business!

BG - I don't blame you, instead of being supportive it is all about the $$$. kcm, there are a number of recent posts on here, just search NOLA or click on my name (I typically respond) or BayouGals' name (as does she).