When I moved to the Crescent City in late October, I imagined I would spend my evenings after work trying cool, trendy restaurants and New Orleans classics each night.
It all played out in my mind — I'd order apps, entrees and desserts and film it all and become an immediate food influencer. I'd eat bananas Foster at Brennan's, turtle soup at Commander's Palace, the mac and cheese at Li'l Dizzy's and the bologna sandwich at Turkey and the Wolf.
Spoiler alert: It was all a dream (so far). Living here full time in the Central Business District, I immediately got bogged down in a routine of mostly eating at the restaurants around my building. And while they're all delicious, I know I live in the food capital of the South (and the world) and need to get my s--- together.
So I've made it a priority to spend 2024 trying some of the most iconic, unique and hidden gem restaurants across New Orleans.
After spending the morning with my family in Kiln, Mississippi, and having traditional Christmas fare for an early lunch, I was ready to find something good for dinner when I got back to NOLA.
I consulted Nola.com's list of restaurants open on Christmas Day, and ruled out anywhere that required a reservation because I did not plan this venture. I thrive in chaos. I also know there's still time to enjoy holiday Révellion menus across the city, even after Dec. 25.
As a lover of bar food (I will always say yes to chicken tenders, don't come for me), I decided to eat at American Townhouse in the French Quarter.
It's a gay bar and restaurant all in one, and the patio is great for day drinking or weekend shenanigans with friends. The various LGBTQIA flags told me immediately it was a safe space, which is important to me.
The menu has lots of small bites and sandwiches to choose from, and I watched a lot of food come out of the kitchen to other tables — the burger, pork rinds and loaded waffle fries were all popular among guests.
I tried the burger with house-made chips and started the meal with their boudin and cream cheese egg rolls.
The appetizer felt very Louisiana to me and was something I hadn't seen on other menus. The boudin and rice combo was spicy and the cream cheese provided a good balance. The burger was hearty and the bread was perfect, but the chips were the star of the show. Dipping them in queso was a gluttonous choice, but the right one.
American Townhouse, like any good gay bar, also plays music videos on TV screens throughout the dining space. The highlight of Christmas dinner was when the packed spot went silent and forks down to watch "Water" by Tyla. It was the Christmas present we didn't know we needed.
If you want good company, good music and good food in a place where everyone is welcome, American Townhouse is the place. I'm not a drinker, but the bartenders were knowledgeable and so friendly as well.
After dinner, a few friends and I went out in the Marigny and French Quarter.
A new friend who is also new to the city lives in the Quarter and suggested a slice of late-night pizza near his apartment.
We walked a few blocks to Willie's Pizza Joint on Bourbon Street and got pepperoni and cheese slices to end the night.
Pizza is easily my favorite food. I visit Pizza Delicious (in the Bywater) and Zee's Pizzeria (Uptown) on a regular basis. I also love the Italian Pie near my apartment and Magazine Pizza in the Warehouse District.
I've also had quite a few Lucky Dogs in my life. But hear me out — this cheesy, greasy pizza slice for $6 was hot, fresh and a perfect end to the night.
I know Bourbon Street food isn't exactly the culinary experience people tell you about in New Orleans, but it's a great late-night option that doesn't get the recognition it deserves.
What other New Orleans restaurants should I try? Email me and let me know at justin.mitchell@theadvocate.com.
