The City That Time Forgot
In the storied city of New Orleans, many hotels, restaurants and watering holes have been relatively untouched by the passing of years. Soak in the remarkable history at these famed spots around town — all of which were established more than 100 years ago.
Hotel Monteleone
EAT
COMMANDER’S PALACE
Est. 1880
This legendary restaurant, which launched the careers of both Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse, serves reinvented New Orleans classics, like oysters poached in absinthe and cream. 1403 Washington Ave; 504-899-8221; www.commanderspalace.com
GALATOIRE’S
Est. 1905
Men sport jackets and ladies wear hats at this outpost of high society and haute Creole cuisine. After two-hour lunches that begin with cocktails and end with a flaming bowl of café brûlot, even the pillars of society may be tottering. 209 Bourbon St; 504-525-2021; www.galatoires.com
DRINK
LAFITTE’S BLACKSMITH SHOP BAR
Est. 1720s
This was one of the only buildings to survive a fire that tore through the French Quarter in 1794. Today, it claims to be the country’s oldest continuously operated bar. Sip a beer in the ancient room lit by candles and the glow of frozen daiquiri machines. 941 Bourbon St; 504-593-9761; www.lafittesblacksmithshop.com
TUJAGUE’S RESTAURANT
Est. 1856
This stand-up bar has slaked thirsts and calmed nerves since before the Civil War. Order a classic drink, like a Sazerac — the bartenders know how to make it right. 823 Decatur St; 504-525-8676; www.tujaguesrestaurant.com
SHOP
ADLER’S
Est. 1898
This family-run jewelry shop opened the year the US won the war against Spain. Today it sells everything from shiny diamond rings to silver mint julep cups to pewter stands that can hold a jar of Tabasco sauce. 722 Canal St; 504-523-5292; www.adlersjewelry.com
MEYER THE HATTER
Est. 1894
The staff here practices a lost art: picking a hat to suit any head. The shop is crammed floor to ceiling with caps, fedoras, derbies and berets. 120 St. Charles Ave; 504-525-1048; www.meyerthehatter.com
SLEEP
HOTEL MONTELEONE
Est. 1886
Authors, from Tennessee Williams to William Faulkner, always favored this French Quarter hotel; Truman Capote even claimed he was born here. Be careful — it’s rumored to be one of the most haunted hotels in America. 214 Royal St; 504-523-3341; www.hotelmonteleone.com
THE ROOSEVELT NEW ORLEANS
Est. 1893
Huey P. Long drank ramon gin fizzes at the Sazerac Bar, and Ella and Louis played the Blue Room. After a $170 million renovation, the hotel (now part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection) sparkles like the day it opened. 123 Baronne St; 504-648-1200; www.therooseveltneworleans.com
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