Ladies and gents, it’s time to glam yourselves up and get ready for a big night out on the town. Lucky for you, parts of the newly repaired Magazine Street are emerging from their construction-laden sleep with more life than ever before.
Magazine Street’s six-mile stretch has long been a mecca for all kinds of New Orleanians and visitors, drawing them in with its charming architecture and eclectic boutiques. The street’s name bears reference to the French word magasin, which is loosely translated as “store” or “storehouse.” Oddly enough, this name still fits the street today, with its assortment of stores and shops that greet passersby with bright window displays and New Orleans charm. Within just a few blocks lies a spectacular assortment of shops, restaurants and bars to inspire you to get dressed up, dine and drink. Here are some options to get you dressed and ready to go, and a few more options for when you’re ready to hit the town.
Miss Claudia’s Vintage Clothing (4204 Magazine St., 897-6310, MissClaudias.com) A one-stop shop for men’s and women’s vintage clothing, including costumes, theatrical clothing and accessories – perfect for those nights when you’re feeling daring and want to try a new look. Miss Claudia’s accessories can really spice up an outfit and give it a unique touch that people will definitely notice.
Miss Claudia’s is open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and various Sundays during the summer.
Buffalo Exchange (3312 Magazine St., 891-7443, BuffaloExchange.com) No need to worry about spending too much for a night on the town – at Buffalo Exchange you can buy, sell or trade to get the designer labels you want without breaking the bank. Buffalo Exchange is a national chain, but because the store buys and sells from customers in the Big Easy, this location has a New Orleans flair that’s all its own. Buffalo Exchange has everything from shoes to clothes to accessories for both men and women, and it’s inexpensive enough to buy a complete outfit without regret.
The store is open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Fleurty Girl (3117 Magazine St., 301-2557, FleurtyGirl.net) Want to go out in style but don’t feel like dressing up?
Check out Fleurty Girl’s selection of New Orleans-inspired T-shirts for a comfortable yet fashionable look. The collection, which includes shirts for men and women, displays often-witty phrases that could only be heard in New Orleans. Fleurty Girl also has a great selection of shirts and accessories for Saints fans – perfect for a night devoted to watching the game at your favorite bar and cheering on New Orleans’ own! Fleurty Girl is open Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
Tomato (3318 Magazine St., 895-0444, TomatoStores.com) This boutique carries feminine dresses and blouses that are perfect for a night out. If you’re looking for something pretty, flirty, cute or otherwise girly, this is the place.
Tomato is open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
Feet First (4119 Magazine St., 899-6800, FeetFirstStores.com) At 33 years old, Feet First is New Orleans’ largest independent shoe and accessory store, offering over 50 lines of women’s designer shoes and accessories. Feet First is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, 12:30 p.m.-6 p.m.
Salú (3226, Magazine St., 371-5809, SaluRestaurant.com) Tapas and small plates are Salú’s specialty, served with a Latin flair unlike any other restaurant on Magazine Street. Featuring specialty cocktails, wine and beer.
Salú is open Monday-Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-midnight; and happy hour Monday-Friday, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
Mona’s Café (4126 Magazine St., 894-9800) Locally owned Mona’s has turned many “meat-and-potatoes” types into Middle Eastern food lovers. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a full meal, Mona’s serves a variety of Middle Eastern fare for both vegetarians and meat lovers.
Mona’s is open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
Ignatius Eatery (4200 Magazine St., 896-2225) Ignatius is a local favorite that serves classic New Orleanian food, including poor boys and Creole favorites. The restaurant has outdoor seating and is perfect for people-watching and enjoying that Magazine Street buzz.
Ignatius is open every day except Tuesday, from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Nirvana (4308 Magazine St., 894-9797, InsideNirvana.com) This traditionally, yet cheerfully, decorated restaurant offers delicious Indian food at an affordable price. The menu includes Indian favorites such as chicken tikka masala as well as vegetarian options. Nirvana has a patio and private rooms are available.
Nirvana is open Tuesday-Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Rum House (3128 Magazine St., 941-7560, RumHouseNola.com) Founded by two men whose love for the clear waters and sandy beaches of the Caribbean inspired them to give New Orleans a taste of the islands, the Rum House menu features Caribbean-inspired tacos and boat drinks.
The restaurant is open Monday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Tracey’s (2604 Magazine St., 897-5413, TraceysNola.com) Established as the “original Irish Channel bar in 1949” (in a nearby location with links to Parasol’s). Tracey’s is no stranger to a good party. Armed with a friendly staff and loyal customers, it’s a great place to watch sports and enjoy “the best po’boys on earth.”
Restaurant open Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight. Bar open daily 11 a.m.-until.
The Bulldog (3236 Magazine St., 891-1516, Bulldog.Draftfreak.com) Named one of the best beer bars in the United States by BeerTravelers.com, The Bulldog has a selection of draft beer that can’t be beat. With 50 beers on tap and more that 100 in bottles, the Bulldog has a beer for everyone. Come enjoy a cold one on their fabulous outdoor patio.
The Bulldog is open Monday-Thursday, 2 p.m.-until; and Friday-Sunday, 12 p.m.-until.
Magazine Street Project
WHAT is happening to our beloved Magazine Street? Magazine Street will soon be pothole-free and better than ever. A 3.52-mile-long stretch is being repaired as part of the South Louisiana Submerged Roads Program, and when complete it will have new asphalt pavement, curbs, handicap ramps and striping and markers. The project is in the final stage of its three phases.
WHO is being affected by the construction? Shops on Magazine Street are still open for business and shoppers need not be deterred by the construction. Drivers should be aware of crew members on the road and follow all posted signs and detours.
WHEN will we see the finished product? The first phase of construction began in January 2011 and was completed in early March. The second phase began after Mardi Gras and wrapped up in July. The project is in its third and final stage, which is expected to be completed prior to Thanksgiving.
