Uptown, which sits slightly south and west of the French Quarter, got its name from the direction you’d go if you swam (or, um, paddleboat-ed) upriver along the Mississippi. The name is almost as confusing as its boundaries, which depend greatly on whom you ask and whether they are interested in actual city planning maps or just a general sense of the word. No matter — Uptown is more about feel anyway. You’ll feel it when you’re Uptown: the historic homes, the unhurried streetcar, the giant oak trees. The area also gives way to spinoffs like the Irish Channel and is home to famed Magazine Street. Don’t bother debating the specifics: just kick back and enjoy this Uptown itinerary, brought to you by photographer Gabrielle Geiselman (@gabriellegeiselmanmilone).
Uptown Itinerary
Start with iced coffee and the streetcar
Geiselman went to Cherry Coffee for her iced coffee fix (she’s not alone) and walked to the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar line, but if you’re looking for something along the route, try Rue de La Course in the Riverbend area on Oak Street. Next, hop on the streetcar and enjoy the view. A one-way ride is $1.25 (exact change required), but you can purchase a Jazzy Pass in advance — it’s just $3 for unlimited rides all day.
Find natural beauty in Audubon Park
Shady oak trees are your friend — and there are so many of them in Audubon Park. You can also explore the Audubon Zoo on the premises (there’s a splash park, a ropes course, and so much more).
Have lunch on Magazine Street
The options on this lengthy street are endless, but Geiselman chose Mahoney’s Po-Boys. Their po-boy sliders are especially alluring — they’re easier to eat than traditional po-boy sandwiches. And beer specials? Always delicious.
Grab a drink at The Columns Hotel
Giant, picturesque porch? Check. A whole slew of elegant cocktails? Check, check. The Columns Hotel also often offers free live music, making it a triple threat and the home for your afternoon break. Pictured is the refreshing St. Charles Breeze with gin and chartreuse.
Dinner at Pascal’s Manale
Uptown has its share of iconic restaurants (like Charlie’s, just up the street), but Pascal’s Manale is an absolute must, especially for seafood lovers. Order the barbecue shrimp as Geiselman did, and keep an eye out for the restaurant’s oyster shucker extraordinaire, Uptown T.
