10 Restaurants to Visit with a Hop On Hop Off New Orleans Pass This November

Experience Good Food, Great Friends, and Delicious Fun with City Sightseeing New Orleans

When you think about the month of November, there are probably two things that come to mind first: family and food. From Thanksgiving to the end of December, there is typically no shortage of meals to consume and delicacies to sample regardless of where you live in the U.S.

New Orleans is certainly no exception to this tradition. In fact, the city offers a plethora of dining options year-round that are perfect for the aspiring foodies and hungry travelers in your group. The best part? When you purchase a Hop On Hop Off New Orleans pass from City Sightseeing, you can make your way to different locations around the Big Easy with remarkable ease. Forget about confusing directions and parking — here are 10 restaurants located near City Sightseeing New Orleans stops that you won’t want to miss this holiday season.

Muriel’s Jackson Square

For some good old-fashioned classic New Orleans cuisine, look no further than Muriel’s Jackson Square. Found in the Jackson Square area, the establishment is based in a historic building stemming from the early 18th century. Like many old structures in the city, this restaurant is famous for its resident ghost spirit — a young woman named “Muriel” — who interacts with guests as they eat. If the weather is nice enough, reserve a seat in the beautiful courtyard that looks out over the French Quarter as you enjoy seafood gumbo, turtle soup, and blackened redfish.

To visit Muriel’s Jackson Square, disembark at Stop #1: Jackson Square with a Hop On Hop Off City Sightseeing pass.

Cafe du Monde

Established in 1862, Cafe du Monde is a historic coffee shop located in the French Market and directly across from Jackson Square. Known for its signature beignets and cafe au lait, it serves as a beloved landmark for locals and visitors alike. Cafe du Monde hosts a gorgeous open-air seating pavilion that provides easy access to several landmarks in the area, including St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo museum. To avoid long lines, plan a visit early in the morning or late at night, particularly on weekdays.

To visit Cafe du Monde, disembark at Stop #1: Jackson Square with a Hop On Hop Off City Sightseeing pass.

Horn’s Eatery

Horn’s Eatery aims to revive the traditional neighborhood restaurant experience in the heart of New Orleans’ beloved Marigny district. The brainchild of Kappa Horn, the operator of the popular Slim Goodies diner, Horn’s Eatery was a deeply personal endeavor that pulled from longstanding family traditions. The restaurant specializes in classic New Orleans cuisine complemented by a breakfast menu that includes waffle cochon, the Crabby Wife, and several variations of Eggs Benedict. With indoor and outdoor seating options, you can enjoy the sense of casual community crafted by Horn, who is still known to be an active presence in the establishment to this day.

To visit Horn’s Eatery, disembark at Stop #3: Marigny with a Hop On Hop Off City Sightseeing pass.

Meril

Located in the heart of the Arts/Warehouse District of New Orleans, Meril is renowned Chef Emeril Lagasse’s modern, casual dining experience that reflects the chef’s personal style of cooking and hospitality. Named after his daughter, Meril features a warm, inviting atmosphere with an open kitchen and sleek design, perfect for gatherings with friends, family, or colleagues. The menu is a creative blend of global flavors and local ingredients – offering a variety of small plates, wood-fired dishes, and shared plates. True to Lagasse’s culinary philosophy, Meril emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold, vibrant flavors, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts exploring New Orleans.

To visit Meril, disembark at Stop #17: Arts District with a Hop On Hop Off City Sightseeing pass.

Molly’s Rise and Shine

This vibrant breakfast spot located on Magazine Street was developed by chef Mason Hereford, who is also known for his acclaimed New Orleans restaurant Turkey and the Wolf. With service that only extends to breakfast and brunch, Molly’s Rise and Shine lives up to its name as a place perfect for hearty meals and good company. Order the Grand Slam McMuffin, Deviled Egg Tostada, or Roasted Carrot Yogurt along with more familiar menu offerings. Locals and visitors alike regularly rave about the establishment’s imaginative dishes. The Chocolaty Chip & Cheez-It Cookies are a particular must-try for some morning dessert.

To visit Molly’s Rise and Shine, disembark at Stop #11: Magazine Street with a Hop On Hop Off City Sightseeing pass.

Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria

This popular dining establishment brings authentic Mexican cuisine to the cultural foodie landscape that is New Orleans. Known for its casual and fun atmosphere, Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria offers freshly cooked meals like the Baja Style tacos, burritos, chimichangas, and nachos. For a slight buzz, ask for one of the hand-squeezed margaritas to complement your food. Local favorites include the fish tacos and carnitas. Don’t miss the chance to eat at Gambit’s newly crowned #1 Best Mexican Restaurant in New Orleans for 2024!

To visit Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria, disembark at Stop #19 with a Hop On Hop Off City Sightseeing pass.

The Commander’s Palace

Celebrated for its role in shaping the local cuisine of New Orleans, Commander’s Palace has been providing a sophisticated dining experience since its opening in 1880. A true landmark of the Big Easy, the original building was opened as a saloon by Emile Commander and evolved into a full-service restaurant that catered to wealthy patrons from around the world. Located in the beautiful Garden District, this establishment serves delicacies like turtle soup with sherry, creole gumbo, and creole bread pudding souffle. For guests wanting a unique experience, ask for the 25-cent martini lunch when you visit.

To visit The Commander’s Palace, disembark at Stop #12: Garden District on Magazine Street with a Hop On Hop Off City Sightseeing pass.

Johnny’s Po-Boys

This casual eatery is a staple of the New Orleans food scene largely because of its delicious homemade po-boys. Established in 1950 by Johnny and Betty DeGrusha, the small grocery and sandwich shop maintained its prominence in the city for over three generations. Today, it remains the oldest operating po-boy shop in the French Quarter. Made with a distinctively New Orleans spin on French baguettes, po-boys are essentially overstuffed sandwiches that hold a variety of various meats and seafoods. For more adventurous eaters, give the alligator sausage po-boy a try.

To visit Johnny’s Po-Boys, disembark at Stop #1: Jackson Square with a Hop On Hop Off City Sightseeing pass.

Pêche Seafood Grill

Emphasizing a rustic culinary style, Pêche Seafood Grill offers an impressive selection of fresh, locally-sourced seafood. The restaurant is known for its modern take on traditional cooking methods, particularly those reliant on open fire. With dishes inspired by South American, Spain, and Gulf Coast cultures, Peche Seafood Grill has something for everyone — even the pickiest eaters — within your group. Winner of the 2014 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant, it’s no exaggeration that Pêche Seafood Grill is easily among the top dining destinations in New Orleans.

To visit Pêche Seafood Grill, disembark at Stop #10: The National WWII Museum with a Hop On Hop Off City Sightseeing pass.

This Thanksgiving season, don’t settle for the traditional turkey and mashed potatoes (although if you do, we certainly don’t blame you). Expand your palette with this list of New Orleans restaurants that are perfect for leaning into the November spirit of food, family, and fun.

For more information on purchasing a Hop On Hop Off bus pass with City Sightseeing New Orleans, please visit our website here.