Calling itself a "Rotisserie-Extraordinaire," this upscale, yet casual restaurant has been a favorite for both locals and tourists for the past 35 years. The Rib Room has a casual atmosphere and is usually filled with business people taking a break. It is best known for its slowly roasted prime rib and Creole classics. Try the Crawfish Salad, the Filet of Gulf of Mexico Fish seared in a fresh herb crust, or the Roasted Yellow Fin Grouper.
Conveniently located just two blocks from the Convention Center, Ernst Cafe is a great place for lunch, relaxing with a few drinks, or holding a business meeting. The elegant upstairs hall can accommodate 50-500 people for conventions and private parties. The upstairs balcony overlooks the bustling activity of the Lafayette Pedestrian Mall. The simple and delicious bar-food menu includes hamburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and traditional New Orleans gumbo.
Just a short cab ride from downtown, this coffee shop has a '60s influenced decor. Appointments are just as you would expect—overstuffed furnishings and chess boards. Sunday nights are for the aspiring singer, songwriter or musicians to take the stage. If that doesn't draw you, come back another night and hear the professional contemporary or folk singers who perform here.
This Warehouse District saloon is just one large room with about 20 tables for dining, two pool tables and several televisions above the bar. There is an intricately painted mural of a bayou ho-down covering the interior walls. Happy hour and lunch are always packed with the 25 to 50 year-old business crowd, who work in the near-by Central Business District. The evenings typically are slow. This bar makes some of the best and most affordable barbecue in New Orleans. Menu items include slow-smoked beef brisket, pulled pork, and pork ribs. The chili beans topped with onions, cheddar cheese, and sour cream are delicious.
Gordon Biersch is part of the national chain which combines breweries with restaurants. At Gordon Biersch you can take a guided tour of the brewery along with tasting of the different beers. The beers, lagers and ales at this brewery/restaurant are locally handcrafted. Some of their popular beers are Hefewizen, Schwarzbier, Maerzen and Czech Lager. The restaurant also serves good old American fare with pizzas, pulled pork sandwiches and much more. A meal at this restaurant is an interesting experience, especially if you are a fan of beer (who isn't) and are curious about how it is made.
This gay club in the French Quarter neighborhood hosts a number of shows like "Calendar Contest," "Mardi Gras 2008" and many more. The decor of Corner Pocket is simple with a few pool tables. The clientèle here consists mostly of locals of all ages. Corner Pocket says they have the hottest guys in town - go see for yourself.