New Orleans Bachelorette Party Guide

by Anne Fritz, Posted Dec 16th 2010 1:30PM

International House Loa Bar

Where to stay: Forget the French Quarter -- it's where you want to eat, drink and party, but when it comes time to get your beauty rest, you'll need something a little quieter. One of the chicest boutique hotels is International House, located conveniently two blocks outside of the French Quarter. The hotel's Loa Bar is always happening.

Where to eat: Deciding where to dine in Crescent City may well be the toughest decision you'll make during your bachelorette party. For freshly shucked oysters and po' boy sandwiches, try Felix's. For a fancier meal, try Galatoires, a New Orleans classic for more than 100 years. Locals get around the no-reservations policy by paying others to stand in line. The Galatoire gouté, anything with eggplant, and whatever your waiter suggests will all make you forget about the wait. Food Network fans won't want to miss Emril Lagasse's NoLa. It offers many New Orlean classic dishes with a fresh twist -- think wood fired apps and entrees and sauces made with local Abita beer.

Where to party: It's about as touristy as they come, but Pat O'Brien's is a New Orleans institution for a reason. Your bachelorette party will have a blast singing along to dueling pianos or laughing at the guy who plays a tray. Skip the too-sweet Hurricanes and order your favorite beer on draft instead. For more sing-a-long fun, drop by Cat's Meow, which is considered by many to be the best karaoke bar in the country. The bar has hosted everyone from Bill Gates to Seal. While it's technically a gay bar, Oz in the French Quarter is the best club in town for dancing. Don't worry, the cute, shirtless guys don't bite.

Where to relax: On the theory that if you can't beat 'em, you may as well join 'em, forget about spas and salons (which the city isn't well known for) and opt for a walking cocktail tour. You'll get to try Sazeracs and Ramos Gin Fizzes in the bars where they were purportedly created. Just remember: You don't have to finish them all!

Where to brunch: For casual, greasy fare, try Mothers Restaurant (http://mothersrestaurant.net/) -- think egg biscuits or buttery grits. For a more civilized meal, make a reservation at Commander's Palace for its Jazz Brunch. Order a milk punch or a Bloody Mary.

Dress code: They like to keep in pretty casual in NoLa, plus you need to be prepared to walk a lot in the French Quarter (Read: On cobblestone streets). If you can't go without heels, try wedges for easier maneuvering.

No bachelorette party in New Orleans is complete without: A risque cake from Hot Chocolate bakeries.

Things to know: During the summer, the city will be hotter and more humid than a rain forest, but you can find screaming hotel deals.

Anne L. Fritz is the founder of The Jet Set Girls, a website about girls' getaways. Fritz is the former style director for Life & Style Weekly and has written for DailyGlow.com, Daily Makeover.com. and InStyle.com.

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