Gay Hookup New Orleans? All Answers

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Calling New Orleans gay-friendly is like saying red beans and rice are a good idea for Monday dinner. The city has long been a landing ground for people of all stripes and polka dots — the artistic, the expressive, and the kind that dance to their own drummer. Though Decadence, aka Gay Mardi Gras, is ground zero for off-the-charts parties, there are gay and inclusive bars and clubs catering to the queer set year-round. Cis genders are also welcome.

The choice of bar/club largely depends on your mood. There are low-key cheers bars where pooches are welcome and sometimes even have their own stool, dance clubs that attract the young and handsome, bars/cafes for drag shows and brunches, and party spots along Lower’s “pink” section Bourbon closer to Marigny than CBD. If you are looking for leather lords, The Phoenix on Elysian Fields is the go-to destination for the gay, bear, pup, and leather communities.

New Orleans is ranked as one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the country, according to three different publications. The Advocate listed the Crescent City as the 5th most queer city in the country. Best of Gay Cities 2017 also ranked New Orleans as the second most welcoming city. Stay up to date with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here. Sign up for our email newsletter to get the latest news straight to your inbox. Click here to login!

New Orleans is ranked as one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the country, according to three different publications.

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The Advocate listed the Crescent City as the 5th most queer city in the country. Best of Gay Cities 2017 also ranked New Orleans as the second most welcoming city.

Stay up to date with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here. Sign up for our email newsletter to get the latest news straight to your inbox. Click here to login!

Last January 16th in New Orleans, thousands of locals flooded the French Quarter, got drunk and marched in a second David Bowie tribute parade.

It was one of the wildest non-Carnival events yet, filling the streets to the bone as Grammy Award-winning indie rock band Arcade Fire led the procession with a local marching band. While the otherwise impromptu parade paid tribute to the late musician, it also marked a moment in New Orleans history: the brink of a hipster revolution.

New Orleans has long been famous for its centuries-old voodoo culture, historic bed and breakfasts, Cajun fare, ghost tours, and of course, Mardi Gras. But now there’s contemporary Israeli cuisine, locally grown kombucha and a Warby Parker. Arcade Fire leads parades and hip hotels like Ace and Virgin move in.

Fascinating for its mystical and distinctive Creole history, New Orleans is also fully adapting to a modern world ruled by hipsters. Call it a citywide gentrification. Thanks to a steady influx of young, creative types visiting and moving to the city, the Big Easy, which has forever rested on its storied past, is finally merging with the future.

The biggest hint of a hipster-centric renaissance is the Bywater District, a formerly rough neighborhood that’s become New Orleans’ East Village. “Bywater has always been very urban and was built pretty much as a working class neighborhood along the river,” says Cari Roy, a nationally recognized psychic who has lived in Bywater for 25 years. “Now all the hipsters are coming in.”

As well as famous BBQ joint The Joint and Southern Standby Elizabeth’s, there are sidewalk cafes, yoga studios and trendy restaurants like The Franklin and Red’s Chinese, the latter opened by a Mission Chinese graduate in NYC and San Francisco. A new independent movie theater, high-end Stateside hotel, and luxury condominiums are in the works, and the public streetcar system will be expanded here by fall due to demand.

Across town, the Garden District is getting a lot of attention, and not necessarily because Beyonce and Jay Z reportedly bought a home here last May. The charming Hood is home to six miles of Magazine Street. Historically it was the place to see a seamstress or shop for antiques, but it’s full of trendsetting restaurants, bike shops, art studios and fashion boutiques run by young designers. Fashion labels like Warby Parker and Kit & Ace opened last year and now share the sidewalk with recently moved chains like American Apparel, West Elm and Jamba Juice.

By far the most eye-catching is Shaya, a hip eatery that was voted Best New Restaurant by Esquire and Eater last year. Chef Alon Shaya, winner of the 2015 James Beard Award for Best Chef of the South, serves creative Israeli cuisine. It serves traditional fare like hummus, but the lutenitsa (a mashed roasted pepper, eggplant, garlic and tomato) is the standout for foodies looking for bites beyond po’boys and jambalaya.

Alon isn’t the only hipster adopting food culture. A wave of cool new spots like Seed and Girls Gone Vegan are supporting the growing vegan scene, and third-wave coffeeshops are big (Revelator has a cult following).

Former New Yorker Alexis Korman introduced Big Easy Bucha, a homemade kombucha she literally created in her basement two years ago after moving here. BEB is now available in 35 stores including Whole Foods and the Minibar in the new Ace Hotel (From $189). “The hipsters who moved to New Orleans from other demographics seem to have opened the door for me,” she says.

A number of modern accommodations have continued to modernize New Orleans. Old No. 77 (From $147), a boutique hotel in the industrial Warehouse District, opened last year with ornate decor and “Top Chef” Nina Compton’s excellent New American restaurant, Compere Lapin.

Opened in March, NOLA’s Ace Hotel occupies a beautiful, historic Art Deco building with a restaurant run by James Beard finalists Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman.

Richard Branson’s Virgin Hotel announced a 2018 opening, and the Pontchartrain, a 1920s hotel graced by famous faces like Tennessee Williams and Frank Sinatra, will reopen this June with the city’s first rooftop bar for revelers.

“The hip kids are always chasing something new and fresh in the nightlife here,” says Brett LaBauve, a local DJ and party promoter whose recent Gimme a Reason warehouse parties spearheaded a new after-hours scene.

Young people are finally finding refuge outside of jazz clubs, dive bars and strip joints.

Adds LaBauve, “Places where you would find queers, freaks and weirdos all night are now merging with mainstream college kids, and they’re all looking for a new venue, theme or sound to excite them .”

Do you want to live in New Orleans? Thanks to its thriving nightlife, famous Mardi Gras festival and hot job market, Big Easy is a great spot for singles and young professionals. If you’re thinking of moving to NOLA, consider living in one of these top five New Orleans neighborhoods for young adults!

of water

House price: $249,333 median purchase price; $841 median monthly rent

$249,333 mid-price; $841 average monthly rent Crime Rate: Safer than 25% of New Orleans neighborhoods

Known for its colorful shotgun houses and vibrant arts scene, Bywater is one of New Orleans’ premier neighborhoods for singles and young professionals. Often paired with neighboring Marigny and only 10 minutes from downtown, Bywater is known for being one of the coolest places to live in NOLA. From the music clubs and neon lights that line the area’s popular Frenchmen Street to the eclectic restaurants and more, this hip New Orleans neighborhood has a lot to offer. In terms of jobs, young professionals moving to the Big Easy will find many opportunities in Bywater, particularly in service industries such as retail and grocery. Find more corporate jobs just a short 13-minute drive away in the Central Business District.

Things to do in Bywater

Immerse yourself in colorful mixed media exhibitions and other large-scale artworks at JAMNOLA. Buy from Dr. Bob Folk Art the same eclectic painted signs you’ll see all over town. Host a block party at the Marigny Opera House or catch a live performance of all kinds. Add a rare album to your vinyl collection or watch a zine at Euclid Records. Play your way through a collection of real musical instruments turned works of art at the Music Box Village. Get a variety of dishes in one place, from crispy Korean Brussels sprouts to Biscuit & Gravy at Elizabeth’s Restaurant. Try fine dining like Pork Belly with Corn Crema or Roasted Pompano at Bywater American Bistro. Or try grilled dishes like pork ribs or a charcuterie platter at The Joint.

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Central Business District

House price: $269,920 median purchase price; $730 average monthly rent

$269,920 mid-price; $730 average monthly rent Crime Rate: Safer than 75% of New Orleans neighborhoods

With towering skyscrapers, office blocks, and an abundance of shops and restaurants lining the busy streets, the Central Business District is one of New Orleans’ premier places to live for singles and young professionals. The CBD is part of Downtown NOLA, adjacent to the famous French Quarter, with the meandering Mississippi River to the east. The neighborhood’s sleek industrial skyline is home to major local employers like University Medical Center and Hibernia Bank, and more jobs await in the Warehouse District to the south. CBD’s convenient location means commutes are easy – neither jobs nor things to do are ever far away when you live in this popular New Orleans neighborhood. The Central Business District also teems with historical sites, art galleries, nightlife and more for residents to enjoy!

Things to do in the central business district

Don a black and antique gold jersey and cheer on the Saints (NFL) during a home game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Learn the history of soul food and other southern foods at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum—or take classes on how to make them yourself. Visit the second oldest public park in New Orleans, Lafayette Square, and enjoy live music by local acts in the square on Wednesdays. Cruise down the Mississippi River on the Creole Queen paddlewheeler while enjoying a meal, jazz music, and historical tours. Indulge in classic comfort food with an upscale twist at award-winning NOLA favorite Willa Jean, like Pimento Grilled Cheese or Oyster BTLA. Eat beignets and sip a coffee to wash it down at the famous Café Du Monde on the Riverwalk. Spend a date night at Peche Seafood Grille, where you’ll find quality surf and turf, including grilled strip steak and jumbo shrimp, in an elegant setting. Or dance the night away while live DJs spin at Barcadia.

ferret

House price: $211,467 median purchase price; $990 median monthly rent

$211,467 mid-price; $990 average monthly rent Crime Rate: Safer than 34% of New Orleans neighborhoods

As a small part of the Uptown/Carrollton neighborhood, Freret offers a good mix of the amenities and architecture you’ll see in other larger New Orleans neighborhoods. The people who live in Freret can choose from quaint shotgun houses and semi-detached houses or larger single-family homes, and the jobs available are just as varied. Young professionals can find a healthcare career at Ochsner Medical Center, while those looking to graduate can enroll at nearby colleges such as Tulane University. On days off, young professionals and singles living in this popular NOLA neighborhood can explore Freret Street where shops, restaurants and other entertainment options await. This fun neighborhood is also a fantastic place for public art, live music and more. Freret residents have even more to do when they take a short 12-minute drive to downtown New Orleans.

Things to do in Freret

Jam at Gasa Gasa to musical performances across all genres, and don’t forget to sip a cocktail during happy hour. Eat, drink and dance your way through the annual Freret Street Festival. Enjoy an open-air shopping experience with live music and homemade goods at Freret Market. Wet your pipe with a Sherry & Tonic or one of Cure’s many other great craft cocktails. Grab a short stack or ricotta and lavash for breakfast at Bearcat Cafe. Order The Original at Liberty Cheesesteaks for an authentic cheesesteak just like you would find in Philly. Choose your own toppings and create the perfect hot dog at Dat Dog, including vegan options. Or bite down on a lamb burger or other sandwiches like a grilled cheese at The Company Burger.

Lower Garden District

House price: $341,467 median purchase price; $1,197 average monthly rent

$341,467 mid-price; $1,197 average monthly rent Crime Rate: Safer than 42% of New Orleans neighborhoods

The quaint Lower Garden District, with its neoclassical homes and vibrant public art, is one of New Orleans’ best places to live for those looking for a more natural setting in their everyday lives. While many areas of New Orleans — especially those with hot job markets — are dotted with office buildings, the Lower Garden District has a very different aesthetic. The public parks and green spaces throughout the neighborhood offer a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life, yet residents are still close enough to the heart of NOLA to enjoy urban amenities. Downtown is only seven minutes away, but Lower Garden District residents don’t have to commute from the neighborhood to find work. Employers in the area include various law firms, retailers and even the St. Charles Surgical Center.

Things to do in the Lower Garden District

Take a tour of other NOLA neighborhoods, including the French Quarter, on the St. Charles Streetcar, making several fascinating stops along the way. Book a stay at one of New Orleans’ most famous (and reportedly haunted) hotels, The Columns. Enjoy the fresh air while jogging, picnicking or sitting by the fountain in Coliseum Square Park. Visit some of the city’s finest graves and learn about New Orleans history on a walking tour with Save Our Cemeteries. For lunch, grab a Reuben or Rachel sandwich along with a craft beer at Stein’s Market & Deli. Stock up on vegan plates like Tofu “Pork Belly” Bao at Seed. Wake up to a crayfish omelette and grapefruit mimosa at Gris-Gris. Or slurp up a bowl of Original Tori Ramen at Union Ramen, made with homemade roast pork and their own chicken-based broth.

In the middle of the city

House price: $188,660 median purchase price; $912 average monthly rent

$188,660 mid-price; $912 average monthly rent Crime Rate: Safer than 23% of New Orleans neighborhoods

Quirky, affordable and about five minutes from downtown NOLA and the French Quarter, Mid-City is a fantastic place to live for young professionals and singles relocating to New Orleans. You’ll find lots of fun things to do on NOLA’s famous Canal Street, which runs through Mid-City. Homes consist primarily of shotgun houses and bungalows with large porches for residents to sit on and admire the expansive green space and historic architecture. Mid-Town combines old-school Southern charm with the cultural influences of residents from around the world. Foodies, for example, love the many neighborhood cuisines, from Italian to Cajun and beyond. And for jobs, Mid-City’s proximity to the Central Business District makes it a prime location for young professionals.

Things to do downtown

Take a sightseeing tour of the Mississippi River on the Canal Streetcar, which includes great stops throughout the city. Go golfing or stroll through the botanical gardens at New Orleans City Park. Reserve tickets to see stunning temporary exhibitions like “Buddha and Shiva, Lotus and Dragon” or browse the permanent collections of sculpture, paintings and more at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Rent the Bayou Wine Garden’s VIP area to enjoy cocktails or wine on tap amidst lush greenery. Eat your way through Vietnamese fusion dishes like Vietnamese BBQ Catfish and Red Curry Shrimp Pasta at Cafe Minh. Satisfy your taste buds south of the border with Mexican dishes like Fajita de Pollo or Costilla de Res at Taqueria Guerrero. Sample soul food direct from Bevi Seafood Co, where you’ll find traditional fare like Fried Catfish Po-Boys and rib-y side dishes like Fried Green Tomatoes and Spicy Fried Potatoes. Or get classic surf and turf food like a shrimp & catfish platter at Katie’s.

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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes

New Orleans is ranked as one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the country, according to three different publications. The Advocate listed the Crescent City as the 5th most queer city in the country. Best of Gay Cities 2017 also ranked New Orleans as the second most welcoming city. Stay up to date with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here. Sign up for our email newsletter to get the latest news straight to your inbox. Click here to login!

New Orleans is ranked as one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the country, according to three different publications.

advertisement

The Advocate listed the Crescent City as the 5th most queer city in the country. Best of Gay Cities 2017 also ranked New Orleans as the second most welcoming city.

Stay up to date with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here. Sign up for our email newsletter to get the latest news straight to your inbox. Click here to login!

What unites everyone in New Orleans is the city’s love of traditional cuisine. It’s a romance played out over white linen tablecloths with crawfish etouffe, in a bistro courtyard with a bowl of gumbo, or on a picnic bench with a po-boy sandwich stuffed with fried oysters. Creole, Cajun, the list goes on and on.