Last week, we spotlighted one of our favorite boutiques in New Orleans, Hattie Sparks - which is located in the city's new South Market District. Modern and chic, the South Market District is quickly becoming the center of a new energy and activity transforming and revitalizing New Orleans’ historic Downtown.
The South Market District encompasses a five-block area at the intersection of the Warehouse/Arts District, CBD, Medical District, and Superdome/Entertainment District. Long lamented as the “parking lot district”, developers successfully turned this area into a walkable neighborhood featuring dozens of urban amenities, including shops, restaurants, salons, grocery stores, and luxury apartments.
We’ve compiled a guide to New Orleans’ newest neighborhood filled with our favorite places to eat, drink, and shop.
Where to Eat
Photo by Brooke Boyd
Blaze Pizza
(611 O’Keefe Ave., BlazePizza.com): Fast-fired, custom-built, artisanal pizzas by this in-and-out lunch time favorite. Blaze also offers artisanal salads and a delightful dessert menu.
Allegro Bistro
(Entergy Centre, 1100 Poydras St., AllegroBistro.com): Anchored on the ground floor of the Energy Centre, this long-standing Creole restaurant offers dishes in an upscale Art Deco atmosphere.
Johnny Sánchez
(930 Poydras St., JohnnySanchezRestaurant.com): The best Mexican food in town, this chic restaurant operates under the flag of celebrity chef John Besh and business partner Aarón Sánchez.
Cellar Door
(916 Lafayette St., CellarDoorNOLA.com): Housed in a former brothel and one of the most unique historic buildings in all of New Orleans, this avant-garde restaurant and bar serves small plates and fine spirits.
Balise
(640 Carondelet St., BaliseNOLA.com): Justin Devillier, James Beard nominated chef and owner of La Petite Grocrery, opened Balise as a downtown offshoot of the Uptown staple.
City Greens
(909 Poydras St., EatCityGreens.com): This salad bar, where wraps, juices and soups are also on the menu, serves seasonal and locally grown greens.
Company Burger
(611 O’Keefe Ave., TheCompanyBurger.com): Local favorite, Company Burger serves award winning burgers, along with fries and shakes.
Magasin Kitchen
(611 O’Keefe Ave., MagasinCafe.com): One of Astrid's favorites, Magasin serves Vietnamese fare including pho, bun and bánh mì.
Willa Jean Bakery
(611 O’Keefe Ave., WillaJean.com): This contemporary bakery serves Southern food (think shrimp and grits), baked goods, specialty coffee and cocktails and is the perfect spot for Sunday Brunch.
Where to Shop
Stonefree
(611 O’Keefe Ave.): One-of-a-kind clothing inspired by the 1960s and ’70s takes center stage at this shop for women
Arhaus
(939 Girod St., Arhaus.com): The sophisticated furniture store with a national presence features handcrafted, one-of-a-kind designs for the home environment.
Hattie Sparks
(939 Girod St., HattieSparks.com): A lifestyle boutique with a local collection of home décor, clothing, cosmetics, jewelry, books, art and gifts.
Other Activities
Barre3
(611 O'Keefe St., Barre3.com): Lift, tuck, and tone - Barre3 is an extensive workout that combines ballet barre, pilates and yoga.
Civic Theater
(510 O'Keefe St., CivicNOLA.com): New Orleans' oldest historic theatre, originally opened in 1906, the Civic hosts concerts, plays, films, corporate events and private parties
Buff Beauty Bar
(720 Carondelet St., BuffBeautyBar.com): At this one stop salon, stop in for a quick manicure, blowout, or wax.
What is your favorite spot in the South Market District? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram by using #SoloNOLA!
Every female solo traveler is different when it comes to exploring a city alone at night. Some are reluctant to leave the comfort of their hotel, others are eager to hit the town, and some want to be out and about, but don’t want to drink alcohol. Our list of 7 things to do at night as a solo traveler in New Orleans has something to suit every preference!