Red’s Chinese

Those not specifically seeking out the family-style New Orleans-esque Chinese food experience would never know that inside what might appear to be  a closed-down laundromat or hole-in-the-wall liquor store exists a utopia filled with brightly-colored thai tea daiquiris, heaping platters of fried rice, and giant bowls of ginger scallion noodles. Head down to the Bywater to experience Red’s Chinese and feast on incredible Chinese food with a delicious New Orleans twist. Do yourself a favor and don’t fall victim to the twinkly string lights and trendy minimalist aesthetics of the restaurants adjacent to Red’s. You’ll miss out on the dimly-lit, eccentrically-decorated hideout that leaves my heart and stomach not just satisfied, but on the brink of explosion.

On this Friday night, November 5, make your way over to New Orleans’s iconic Tipitina’s if you’re looking for a fun time filled with dancing and drinking. In operation since 1977, Tipitina’s is a live music venue filled with a unique energy that perfectly captures the magic of the city. New Orleans’s very own DJ Soul Sister will be performing at her fifteenth annual birthday celebration which was unfortunately rescheduled due to Hurricane Ida. She’ll bring the tunes, and the audience (YOU!!) will bring the energy. Bring a group of friends, or come solo and meet new people if that’s your style. Tickets are $20.

If you, like most people, are in need of a relaxing afternoon amid the stresses of life, head to The Bead Shop on Magazine Street. Grab a bite at a nearby coffee shop or restaurant – there are many conveniently located around The Bead Shop – and walk on over to make some jewelry. Inside the store, you’ll find a wide array of colorful beads and charms ready to be assembled into a unique piece of jewelry that will last a lifetime. You can use this as an opportunity to treat yourself or make a gift for a friend. The prices of each charm, bead, and chain range far and wide, so the cost of your piece is essentially up to you – this doesn’t have to break the bank!

If you’ve ever stepped foot in the city of New Orleans, chances are you’ve heard of the famous Pat O’Brien’s bar in the French Quarter. Not everyone who knows and loves Pat O’s is aware, however, of the bar’s weekly event – Dueling Pianos. Two pianists gather each Friday night and play songs suggested by the audience. The room is filled with an incredible spirit and the energy is palpable. The cost of attendance is simply the price of your drink, so the price of the experience all depends on how you want the night to go. This Friday, come grab a drink and sing along!

If you’re a fan of Thai Food, look no further than Sukho Thai. With two locations in the city, this restaurant is quite popular among New Orleanians – and for a good reason. Their food is DELICIOUS, and not too pricey. You can split a large entree with a friend for about $10 each, or you can each get your own dish and take home leftovers that will be exciting to wake up to the next morning. Try the Pad Thai or Drunken Noodles if you want a top-notch culinary experience. Both locations are very casual, so come in whatever clothes you want and see where the night takes you.