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Harrahs New Orleans first time

Discussion in 'Non-Vegas Casino Hotels' started by Avoidtheboyd, Sep 9, 2020.

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  1. Avoidtheboyd

    Avoidtheboyd Newbie

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    Long time reader, first time posting. My friend and I are going to Harrahs New Orleans for the first time in November. Does anyone have any recommendations on where to eat, do and see other than the casino? Im a diamond plus and will gamble just looking for other things to do.
     
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  2. ritilinkid

    ritilinkid Believe it or not I'm walking on air.

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    Hopefully it is cleaner than the last time I was there Feb '20. The restrooms were so BAD, I had to find a floor person to address, even they were disgusted.
     
    We're Goin' Dammit
  3. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    World War II Museum is a must.
     
    Last edited: Sep 16, 2020
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  4. DaiLun

    DaiLun R.C., L.C., and A.A.N.G.

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    4 trips since 2017. Lots of dining recommendations in both New Orleans and Biloxi

    https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/index.php?threads/1-25-1-29-2017-7-retreat-tol-the-big-easy-aka-new-orleans.138297/

    https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/index.php?threads/new-orleans-biloxi-8-1-8-5-laissez-les-bons-temps-rouler-let-the-good-times-roll.153603/

    https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/index.php?threads/counting-down-harrahs-new-orleans-1-23-1-27-2020.170216/

    hope that helps.
     
    Last edited: Sep 15, 2020
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  5. KnowItAll

    KnowItAll VIP Whale

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    Check out Mothers
     
  6. kittenhead

    kittenhead Low-Roller

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    Where to eat in NOLA is pretty much ... anywhere. I could eat myself sick there, was wiping praline crumbs off my mouth for days. Lol. We were actually there this last November, had a lovely time. Please do yourself a favor and drop in at the Carousel Bar in beautiful Hotel Monteleone, that is also my recommendation for a hotel stay. If you go close to Thanksgiving Monteleone and the French Quarter will be decorated for Christmas and it’s lovely. Brennan’s for brunch is always a good choice. Willie’s Chicken Shack—unbelievable. Cafe Beignet. Really, very hard to go wrong in New Orleans but I’m quite partial to that city. Amsterdam bar is a must and they have the best jukebox around and a cozy fireplace that invites you to hang out and get weird in there. I’m getting warm and fuzzy just thinking about being there in the fall. Practice yelling “WHO DAT!” and you’re in for a good time!
     
    Last edited: Sep 15, 2020
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  7. oghuman

    oghuman VIP Whale

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    Sunday Brunch at Commander’s Palace.
     
    Last edited: Sep 15, 2020
  8. DaiLun

    DaiLun R.C., L.C., and A.A.N.G.

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    WARNING!!!!!

    If you're a guy, make sure that you wear a collared shirt. Collared shirts are mandatory or else they put a jacket on you and make you zip it all the way up.
     
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  9. martinr

    martinr Rock Chalk Jayhawk

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    Check with the Total Rewards (or whatever they're calling it now) at Harrah's regarding using RCs at restaurants around New Orleans. They have had a pretty good list of places you could take advantage of outside of the property. My wife and I went to Commander's Palace and paid nothing but the tip! It has been a few years, but it's worth checking to see if they still do this.
     
    First Time Staying on the South End. Will I Hear Southern Accents?
  10. eliza

    eliza Creepy Vegas Friend

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    Oh man, NOLA! As @kittenhead said eat pretty much everywhere (except a chain restaurant - I went to NYC once with friends who insisted on eating at TGIFridays in Times Square - I'm still not over it). I'm sad that my NOLA favorite, K-Pauls, has permanently closed.

    Some other favorite eats:
    • Jacques Imo's - well worth the wait. Don't make my dad's mistake and drink too many gimlets while waiting. He dropped like six forks during that meal and I was worried we were going to get tossed any moment. Also, he ate all the rabbit appetizer before I got a bite! The worst!
    • Cafe DuMonde - A must do for beignets and chicory coffee.
    • Camellia Grill - Diner w/ awesome breakfast food.
    I was very underwhelmed by brunch at Commander's Palace - but perhaps we caught them on a bad day.

    Bars to visit:
    • Carousel Bar - v. classy and classic.
    • Pat O's - I don't love hurricanes, but one drink in the piano bar section (if open) is a must do.
    • Lafitte's - They claim to be the oldest bar in NOLA. I don't buy it, but still worth a visit.
    • Cat's Meow - Neither classy, nor classic, but somehow I always end up here at least once on any trip to NOLA.
    I've never really done the touristy things in NOLA - besides Mardi Gras parades, but I've heard WWII museum is amazing and the Audobon Zoo is quite good if that's your jam. We did do a fishing charter for a day somewhere south of NOLA and that was a lot of fun...for my dad...I was cold and bored and I'm not sure that the charter captain appreciated that my version of fishing consisted of reading a book, drinking Coronas, and steadfastly ignoring my line so that I wouldn't have to catch another ugly eel thing.
     
    Last edited: Sep 16, 2020
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  11. DaiLun

    DaiLun R.C., L.C., and A.A.N.G.

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    Yeah, if you don't mind "burning" RCs at the rate of 2:1. All partner restaurants are 2:1, that means that the $500 that you get on a 7* benefit is actually $250.
     
  12. DoctorD

    DoctorD Low-Roller

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    A must is a late night trip to Cafe DuMonde by bourbon street.
    The best beignets!
    Drunk+Beignets=lots of powdered sugar everywhere.

    D
     
  13. thebeachbum

    thebeachbum High-Roller

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    Get one Lucky Dog for sure.
     
    Need a good trip this time
  14. kittenhead

    kittenhead Low-Roller

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    DaiLun brings up a good point that is probably unexpected your first time to New Orleans. People get the impression NOLA is only Bourbon St. bars and hard partying crowds. That’s definitely part of the experience, but sprinkled in and around the French Quarter are restaurants where eyebrows will be raised if you’re wearing casual clothes, God forbid a t-shirt. Dress codes are a thing they enforce at some of these establishments. Do a little digging on the places you know you want to visit and find out if you need to pack different attire. On the other hand, there are some excellent clothing boutiques down there and any excuse to shop is a good excuse. Ha!
     
  15. vegasvstr

    vegasvstr VIP Whale

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    Be aware NOLA bars are closed with just some exceptions where food is served/was added.
    Also, under phase 3 bars AND casinos in Louisiana now can't serve any alcohol after 10pm!
    https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2679
    "Phase 3 also prohibits the sale or service of alcohol for on premises consumption at all establishments, including restaurants and casinos, after 10 p.m."
    "The new order will be in place for 28 days, expiring on October 9"

    Hopefully things will improve by late October/November.
     
    Last edited: Sep 16, 2020
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  16. Avoidtheboyd

    Avoidtheboyd Newbie

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    Thank You everyone for the recommendations and the heads up on dress codes.
     
  17. ncpokeresq

    ncpokeresq Low-Roller

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    The food choices in Nola are vast and mostly excellent. I would encourage you to go beyond the Quarter. As a Nola friend of mine says any restaurant which survives in the locals market has to be good because there is so much competition.
    Audubon Park/Zoo located on the street car line may be of interest so long as it is not a rainy day ( locals spot to eat near the park is Clancy's). To explore the culture of the MG Indians and Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs a trip to the Backstreet Cultural Museum is definitely worth the time http://www.backstreetmuseum.org/ . Covid restrictions may effect being able to listen to live music or watch second lines but the locally owned non rprofit radio station WWOZ is an excellent resource for listings of live music and cultural events. Finally, the Jean Lafitte National Park at 419 Decatur. the National Jazz Park at 916 Peters and the Williams Historical Center 410 Chartres offer options to escape the bustle of the quarter, plus a way to use the restroom without having to buy a drink!
     
  18. kittenhead

    kittenhead Low-Roller

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    Let me tell you what too much time in NOLA does, besides make you fat. In a post above I went on and on about Amsterdam bar...ain’t no Amsterdam bar in NOLA!! I was thinking of Absinthe House! Jesus. So anyway make sure to check out Absinthe House in NOLA...if you ever come to DFW Texas then check out Amsterdam Bar. Shit!

    AND it took me 4 damn days for that to pop in my head. My old ass been partying too long. But...I’m a lot happier than some; so let’s call it even. Laissez les bons temps rouler
     
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2020
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  19. oghuman

    oghuman VIP Whale

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    I’m a New Yorker so you don’t have to take my advice, but I liked Cafe Beignet better than Cafe DuMonde for Beignets.
     
  20. vegasvstr

    vegasvstr VIP Whale

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    Cafe Beignet was "good enough" for me as well when I saw the huge line at Cafe DuMonde last time I was there.
     
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