Do any of you guys attend Southern Decadence in New Orleans? I've never been and plan to attend this year. Does anyone have any advice on where to stay and where to eat?

Thanks.

[ April 04, 2005, 03:59 PM: Message edited by: raiders3 ]

Stay in the French Quarter, so you don't have to drive or take a taxi. You might be able to find places to rent, like small houses or apartments, by searching on the Internet, but many of those places may be booked a year in advance. Beware of places that say they are "near" the French Quarter, because they're probably not within walking distance.

In the Quarter, there must be over a hundred great places to eat. Just walk around until you find a place that looks good. It's very very hot and humid that time of year in New Orleans, and most of the restaurants in the Quarter won't have a dress code - you could go in in shorts and a tank top and flip flops - but you can still get outstanding gourmet food at those places. Then there are also upscale places if that's what you're looking for.

Most of all, be prepared for large crowds of barely-clothed sweaty men, very hot weather, very hot strippers, and lots of alchohol. It's a blast. Everyone should do it once. But having done it once, now I prefer to go to N.O. on a non-event weekend, when it's still lots of crazy fun.

[ April 04, 2005, 04:17 PM: Message edited by: maxallen ]

Friends of ours own the Golden Lantern on Royal St, but I have no idea what kind of clientele it caters to....

I went to Southern Decadence for several years and it was very fun. However, the last year that I went(2003), it was very "toned down". I have heard from others who went last year(2004) and they said that it was similar to 2003.

The New Orleans police department, the owners of the gay bars, and the religious zealots have really taken the fun out of Southern Decadence so I don't recommend it.

Dedric

I second maxallen's suggestion of renting a small house or apartment in the Quarter. It's always been the best option when we've gone. It may seem a little more expensive, but well worth it. There are several reservation services that rent out places. I know some have cancellation policies sometime around June for the early reservations, so you may be able to pick up a place that gets cancelled. PM or email me and i'll send you the link to the service we've used in the past (i don't want to be accused of hawking for one service over another).

If you go, no need to stalk out Anne Rice's home in the French Quarter. She no longer lives there. Last week, Chris Rice was here in town at a book signing I attended. Of course, one of the questions was about his mom and he said that she abandoned New Orleans and now lives in Southern California about an hour away from him.

Hell, I'm going and I'm also going again for Halloween. It's going to be a blast!

I think I've been 3, maybe 4, times in the past. Not sure I'll go again though. New Orleans is one of those places, especially during S. Decadence, not suitable for monogamous couples.

But anyway, the times I went were a blast!!! I'll always have the many memories of things I did, saw, enjoyed. If you like lots of men, lots of things to see, and lots of things (mainly people) to do, then I say go for it and have fun. It's definitely not for the faint of heart though. Release the inhibitions and enjoy yourself.

The first time I went I purchased a weekend pass for the club OZ; however, I soon realized that most of the fun stuff and good times occur outside on the street. Ah, good times...

Check your PM's.

And Max is "spot-on" here!

maxallen gives good advice and is right about the restaurant dress codes. To clarify though, I would not walk in flip-flops around the Quarter, especially Bourbon Street, during SD festivities. Drunken people, broken glass, etc. can be harmful. I went to a great restaurant called Gumbolaya. It's on N. Peters at the Decatur St. split, just NE of Cafe du Monde and Jackson Square. I also went to a restaurant right on Jackson Square that was just awful. The only good thing about it was it's a great place to people watch. I cannot remember the name of that restaurant. That diner on Bourbon near oz and Lafitte’s is great after your drunk. And it's where all the beautiful-interesting riff raff goes after hours.

The diner on Bourbon is the Clover Grille / 900 Bourbon Street

www.clovergrill.com

Ask to be waited on by EARL - you won't regret it!

[ April 12, 2005, 07:18 AM: Message edited by: Cajun ]

The Clover Grill is such a hoot. Every time I go to N'awlins, its a must. wink

Yes, I've been served by Earl. I've never been so red from laughing in my entire life.

Earl!!!

OMG, he is such a hoot, a NO legend. A friend told us to go to the Clover Grill after the bar, it was a blast, and great greazy food. Earl made me laugh so hard coffee was spewed.

Too bad we can't do an OutSports event in New Orleans. I think it would be fun to get everyone there. That city seems to make the most hard nosed person have fun.

From Allen: No can do. N'awlins' doesn't have any professional sports teams (snicker, snicker.

Had one in Philly though, right?

I thought the Hornets were in New Orleans. Aren't the Saints still there too? :confused: They just need a MLS team. Wait a minute...Houston needs a pro soccer team.

simontexas: They're just trying to be funny based on the Hornets and Saints not exactly being of championship caliber right now.

I see...very clever.
captain clever