Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Ruddock

"Last on our list of the top 7 bars and restaurants in New Orleans: nestled in the Garden District, Commander’s Palace has been a New Orleans landmark since 1893, known for its award-winning food and its lively atmosphere. With some of the best Creole cuisine in New Orleans and whimsical Louisiana charm, Commander’s Palace is a quintessential New Orleans upscale dining experience. Not to mention they offer 25 cent martinis during lunch with a full entree (limit 3 per person)."

"Known for the award-winning quality of its food and its convivial atmosphere, the history of this famous restaurant offers a glimpse into New Orleans’ storied past and has been the go-to destination for Haute Creole cuisine and whimsical Louisiana charm."

"1403 Washington Ave., (504) 899-8221; www.commanderspalace.com. Duck fat-seared bluefin tuna is served with Meyer lemon grilled greens and sweet potato boulangere with miso-lemon grass veal bone jus and foie gras ganache. Reservations recommended."

"Most tourists recognize the St. Louis Cathedral's triple spires as the main symbol of the French Quarter. Many have taken photos of the gleaming white facade against a clear blue sky, from across picturesque Jackson Square. Relatively few, though, have stepped inside the Cathedral – the oldest continuously active one in the US – to view its surprising interior; the stained glass windows depicting the saintly life of France's King Louis IX, the glorious murals and statuary beckoning the visitor back nearly 300 years to its founding."

"Some key points to check out in this small zone are: the artists along the street at Jackson Square, St Lous Cathedral (you can’t miss it), New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo, and shopping for antiques on Royal Street. Of course, Bourbon street is here too and always popping even in the daytime."

"St. Louis Cathedral, also known as The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of the city and is undoubtedly one of the best free things to do in New Orleans."

"If you’ve seen photos of New Orleans, you’ve likely seen Jackson Square: a small park that sits in front of St. Louis Cathedral, the view of New Orleans’ beautiful white cathedral is one of the most classic shots of New Orleans. It doesn’t take long to walk around, but the real treat is what’s between Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral: in this small walking area, you’ll often find energetic street performers, from jazz musicians to jugglers, as well as plenty of people willing to exchange a bit of touristy New Orleans voodoo for a fee."

"Founded and constructed all the way back in 1721, Jackson Square is one of the oldest destinations in the whole city of New Orleans and is known to be the equivalent of the downtown area in other cities."

"The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is Smithsonian-affiliated and, as its name suggests, celebrates the culture and aesthetic of Southern artists. The permanent collection showcases more than 4,000 pieces from 15 states; in fact, with works dating back to 1733, the institution boasts the most comprehensive collection of Southern art in the world. Exhibits feature paintings, photography, sculpture, and handicrafts, and place historical works alongside contemporary artists working in the South."

"– New Orleans Museum of Art, fondly known as NOMA, is the city’s oldest fine arts institution and opened in 1911 with only nine works of art. Now, NOMA has a wonderfully impressive permanent collection with many beautiful rotating exhibits coming through frequently. Every Wednesday, the New Orleans Botanical Garden is free for Louisiana Residents through the Helis Foundation."

"Definitely off the beaten path, Bacchanal is a hybrid hang out that attracts artists, foodies and locals to chill, graze and listen to live music on the edge of the Bywater. The vibe is nonchalant whether you nibble cheese and charcuterie in the ramshackle courtyard or tuck into more substantial eats in the gastro pub upstairs. And of course, befitting its namesake, Bacchanal serves a decadent selection of wines by the glass or bottle."

"In the Bywater, Bacchanal became a part of the Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts when guest chefs from around New Orleans cooked for the crowds on Bacchanal Sundays. “After Katrina, New Orleans had this renaissance and reinvention of itself, and I think Bacchanal had a lot to do with that,” says Gregory Gremillion, owner of local restaurant CellarDoor. This combo wine shop/backyard party hosts live jazz on the outside patio."

"Located on St. Charles Avenue, this restaurant features po-boys, burgers, seafood, and some cajun bites like alligator poppers and boudin balls. Situated right on the St. Charles streetcar line, it’s easy to hop off and grab your meal before hopping back on the streetcar on your way to Audubon Park."

"A Big Ch-Easy burger is topped with cheddar, pepper Jack or Swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato and served with garlic-herb fries."

"Lizardi rolls are egg rolls filled with cabbage, crabmeat, shrimp and crawfish seasoned with Asian and Cajun spices and served with sweet chili sauce. Reservations accepted. Lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat."

"Located on the edge of the French Quarter in the Warehouse District that is fast becoming the entertainment epicenter of New Orleans, Aprés is the first and only Ultra Champagne Lounge in the Crescent City. In addition to being one of the top nightclubs in downtown NOLA, it is a premier event venue for private parties, meetings, and social events. Aprés means "after" in French, and this luxurious venue has become the spot to be seen for the afterparty, after a long week of work with friends, or even just after a fancy "Date Night" couples dinner in the city."

"When dining out with a family of people with different tastes, a steak house is never a bad option. Ruth’s Chris, nestled between Harrah’s Hotel and Fulton Street, offers outdoor seating right on the pedestrian walkway, which is lovely on a nice evening and perfect for the kids who might need to stretch their legs or stay occupied with some people-watching. Additionally, Fulton Street offers Christmas decorations, live music, and “snow” during the holidays."

"People might not think of cheap eats when they think of Ruth's Chris Steak House. However, when it comes to upscale dining in this town, Ruths Chris offers options that won't break..."

"In many cities, Ruth’s Chris dominates local steak houses with unforgettable steaks, seafood, and sides. At the location in New Orleans, Executive Chef Vernell Gibson has elevated ..."

"We’ve already mentioned visiting the Cabildo as one of the best things to do in New Orleans – but what about its twin, The Presbytère?. It faces Jackson Square and dates back to 1791, and like its “sibling”, it boasts amazing architecture that makes it a true masterpiece. Built in a colonial Spanish style, The Presbytère was once used as its name suggests – as domestic quarters for the Capuchin monks of the Cabildo."

"The Presbytère is located on the northwest side of Jackson Square, between St. Louis Cathedral and St. Ann Street. It matches the Cabildo, which stands on the other site of the Cathedral. The Presbytère was built in 1791, and is currently one of the United States’ best examples of colonial Spanish architecture."

"After Hurricane Katrina swept through Louisiana, much of New Orleans was flooded as the levees broke and the sea rushed in. The 9th Ward in particular was one of the hurricane’s biggest victims, suffering losses in both lives and properties when the Industrial Canal levee broke. This corner of the city has since remained largely empty, with many of its original residents simply choosing to not return."

"Lower Ninth Ward, naturallyThis neighborhood of New Orleans, East and across the Industrial Canal from the hipster-inflected Bywater, is most notable in the media for two things. Firstly, it was one of the hardest hit by Katrina flooding, and is still one of the last to fully recover."

"611 O’Keefe Ave., Suite C7, (504) 309-9422; 4600 Freret St., (504) 267-0320; www.thecompanyburger.com. A Company burger features two Creekstone Farm beef patties, American cheese, bread-and-butter pickles and red onions."