French Quarter Fun at Night and Good Food in the Morning

The best part about having friends who live in the French Quarter is being able to walk out the door to your local watering hole at night and grab an easy breakfast in the morning, half a block away.

I had walked by the Chartres Room (aka Chart Room) on the corner of Chartres and Bienville several times before first entering. Its dark setting wasn’t terribly welcoming, but once I went in for a beer, I realized this was the local’s hang-out in the Quarter.

Last Wednesday I had a casual beer sitting at the bar, trying it on for size. The bartender knew everyone at the bar (except me), and gave prompt and chilled service. There was definitely not a shortage of character-watching.

So when friends were in town visiting from Denver for the first time (I’m New to the Orleans), we started the evening at Chartres Room. And after paying $9 for a delicious and light Pimm’s Cup at another bar earlier that afternoon, the $2 beers at Chartres Room were a huge hit.

Without a doubt, I must give props to the jukebox at Chartres Room. Tons of local music, and nothing bad. In fact, I pushed the “most popular” button and was pleased as punch. I will for sure be making my way back here in the very near future, and taking plenty of cash for the jukebox and the New Orleans’ beer of choice, cold Miller High Life.

The next day for breakfast, just around the corner on Conti, we had a quick bite at Somethin’ Else Cafe. The special was watermelon gazpacho, sweet and spicy, served in a coffee mug. The waitress recommended Egg In Da’ Hole, and I obliged. Cheesy grits are a necessity. Somethin’ Else is a very easy place to eat, casual and low key. The location can’t be beat. And look at that plate of eggs and grits: served with a smile.

Chartres Room
300 Chartres St
New Orleans, LA 70130

Somethin’ Else Cafe
620 Conti
New Orleans, LA 70130

Tagged as: Beer, Chartres Room, Food, French Quarter, GoNOLA, Louisiana, New Orleans, NOLA, pimm's cup, Somethin' Else Cafe