Readers of my Bayou Hauntings series know paranormal investigator and ghost hunter Landry Drake, who lives in the French Quarter and works at WCCY-TV, Channel Nine. Although Landry and his station aren’t real, the bars and restaurants he frequents certainly are, and it shouldn’t surprise you that the places Landry loves are my favorites too. With no guarantees you’ll have the same experiences I did, or enjoy the food and drink as much, or come away with a yearning for more, here are some of Landry and Cate’s go-to places in the French Quarter.
MURIEL’S (Billy Whistler) is a great bar and restaurant right on the corner of Jackson Square at Chartres and St. Ann Streets. It has a great jazz brunch on Sundays. Landry only lives three blocks away, and he frequently stops in Muriel’s on his way home from WCCY-TV.
IRENE’S (The Experiments) is a real New Orleans hidden gem. It’s nestled away on Bienville Street just a couple of blocks from the craziness of Bourbon Street, but it’s a world in itself. Landry and Cate snagged a window table, the best in the house. The place is tiny so make a reservation. Early or late dining will help ensure you get a table.
THE CAROUSEL BAR (Forgotten Men, The Experiments) is a unique bar in America’s most unique city. Where else can you sit on a bar stool and ride a carousel around a bar and sip on a Sazerac, the quintessential New Orleans cocktail? Landry and Cate have been coming here since they first started dating, although now that he’s becoming famous, it’s hard to avoid well-wishers and autograph-seekers.
G.W. FINS (Billy Whistler) consistently ranks as one of New Orleans’ top ten restaurants. It’s hard to snag a reservation (although Landry knows the maître d’ and skips the line), but well worth it. Fins has some of the best and freshest seafood in the city. It’s a great place to people-watch too. Not only are Landry and Cate regulars, so are the mayor, the governor and visiting celebrities from all across America.
LOBBY BAR OF THE ROYAL SONESTA (Billy Whistler), also known as the Jazz Playhouse, is a quiet place just steps away from crazy Bourbon Street. Landry brought Cate to this dark, cozy place for a drink and some relaxing jazz music (which happens every night, by the way). KINGFISH(The Nursery) is a relative newcomer to the French Quarter restaurant scene. It’s a lively place at the corner of Chartres and Conti Streets. Landry and Cate often meet at the bar, and they eat at a table in the back. The restaurant has doors that can be opened in nice weather, giving it an open effect. The food’s wonderful too. This is a place you should try!
KINGFISH(The Nursery) is a relative newcomer to the French Quarter restaurant scene. It’s a lively place at the corner of Chartres and Conti Streets. Landry and Cate often meet at the bar, and they eat at a table in the back. The restaurant has doors that can be opened in nice weather, giving it an open effect. The food’s wonderful too. This is a place you should try!
