Jeff's Things to do Around NOLA, Part V: Oak Street

Rachel and I at Cowbell on Oak Street

Sometimes, people will ask me, Jeff, Do you ever get sick of talking about New Orleans every day? I mean, there are days where you give the same presentation to six different high schools... does talking about New Orleans ever get old?

The answer... is no. Never.

And with that comes the next part in Jeff's Things to do Around NOLA! Previous TTDANOLA have taken us to Freret Street, Mid City, Magazine Street and Frenchman Street. Today, we head just a few blocks uptown from Tulane to one of my favorite streets in town: Oak Street. Oak Street is a true American Main Street in every sense of the term. You'll feel like you've stepped out of a big city any into a little Main Street of Anytown, Southern USA. It's got a great vibe and a real "undiscovered" feel to it. The shopping is great, and some of the best restaurants in town can be found here. Oak street is also home to the infamous New Orleans Po Boy Festival, a Tulane student favorite ever year.

Oak Street is not far from Tulane. It would be a pretty healthy walk, but it's also easily accessed by hopping on the streetcar line right out front of Gibson Hall at Tulane. Take the streetcar (of if you doing this right now, the parallel St. Charles Bus, which is currently running the same route as the streetcar as a stretch of the rail line is replaced this summer) up around the Riverbend and get off right at Oak Street. You'll know you've hit Oak Street when you spot the Rue de la Course Coffee Shop. Spend a morning or an afternoon on Oak, take in the sights and shops, grab some dinner and hear some great tunes. You'll be glad you did.

Here are my can't miss spots:

Rue de la Course Coffee Shop:  Rue has a number of coffee shops around town, but this one is probably their most popular. I can't say that I am much of a coffee drinker, but the ambiance at this place is great- tall ceilings in this refurbished old-world bank.You'll always catch Tulane students studying here, especially some of our Med and Law school students.

On The Other Hand- Funky!

On the Other Hand: Man, this place is a hoot. You know those absolutely off the wall thrift stores where you dig around and find the most incredible gems you can't believe you've stumbled upon? Well, this is one of those spots. They sell everything from mink coats to Mardi Gras Indian costumes. The whole block where this shop is located has cool funky furniture stores and clothing shops. Check out Eclectic  Home and also Skip and Whistle for great NOLA t-shirts and clothing.

Oak Wine Bar: There has been a bunch of great new stuff opening on Oak the past few months (see: Chiba, Tru Burger, etc.) and this one is probably my favorite. The appetizers are great, and for you, ahem, upperclassmen, the wine selection is obviously great as well. A very laid back atmosphere.

Oak Street Cafe: Breakfast all day long! Need I say more?

The Famous Jacques Imo's

Maple Leaf Bar: Back when I was an undergrad, this was one of my favorite spots to check out some of the best live music NOLA's got to offer. Every Tuesday night, the award-winning Rebirth Brass Band takes the stage. Rebirth was still fairly new back when I moved to NOLA (case in point; they were the backyard band at one of my fraternity's parties back in the day... and now they have a Grammy! I knew 'em when...) but they still take this humble stage every week and jam out to one of the best brass shows you'll ever hear.

Jacques Imo's: Right next to Maple Leave is arguably the most popular Tulane student restaurant in all of New Orleans. Ask 9 out of 10 students where they want their parents to take them to eat when they visit, and they'll send you over to Jacques Imo's. I ate here when I visited Tulane as a 17 year old high school senior, and have probably been back 50 times since. Everyone will tell you their recommendations at this funky, fun, kitschy, delicious Creole Soul Food restaurant, but I personally recommend the alligator cheesecake and the orange-glazed duck breast.

Cowbell: My trusty coworker Rachel and I headed to Cowbell for lunch yesterday (see photo at top!) so I could get some good shots of Oak Street. Cowbell is also relatively new and the food there is great. I recommend their cheeseburger- one of the best in town.

Inside Cowbell 

Oak has over 100 different merchants lining its blocks. You can check them all out here, and visit the ones you choose. For more info all about Oak Street, click here. Enjoy!

Oak Street Cafe