The beautiful live oak trees of Audubon Park are a highlight of the Uptown, New Orleans experience.
For those buying a house in this New Orleans neighborhood, a lot is at your disposal.
Uptown has a lot to offer, including spectacular architecture and plenty of shopping and dining options (on Freret and Magazine streets especially). Within the neighborhood, you’ll find several bustling areas, including the stunning Garden District, the Carrollton area, and the University District, which is home to both the Loyola and Tulane campuses. When you live in Uptown, you’ll be close to the two universities, to amazing Audubon Park and its acclaimed zoo, as well as lots of restaurants, art galleries, vintage boutiques, and more.
Some of Uptown’s charms and attractions are better known than others, so if you’re interested in buying a house in Uptown, you may want to dig deeper to get to know your potential new neighborhood. Let’s explore.
Annunciation Rec Center (800 Race Street)
Located in the Lower Garden District, this 3.5-acre square once formed the center of one of antebellum New Orleans’ most exclusive residential neighborhoods. In the early 19th century, two newly formed subdivisions shared a square Place de l’Annonciation. The City of New Orleans bought it and it’s now a public park that covers one city block and features a recreation center, a basketball court, and a playground. You can easily spot the park because of its distinct metal gateway. Dogs on the leash are welcome.
Bourrée (1510 S. Carrollton Avenue)
A sister restaurant to Boucherie, Bourrée is another venture by Chef Nathanial Zimet. It’s a casual smokehouse with favorites like smoked wings and daiquiris on the menu. The restaurant was the 2022 winner of the Oak Street Po-Boy Fest for best roast beef po-boy, so you know what’s on the menu has to be good.
Cure (4905 Freret Street)
The people behind Cure were at the forefront of Freret Street’s revitalization when they opened this chic craft cocktail bar in 2009. This James Beard Award-winning gem is sleek, dimly lit, and filled with stylish nine-to-fivers, especially during happy hour. Located in a 1903 fire station, Cure also features a leafy patio. Cure’s elegant menu is full of inventive, impeccably made craft cocktails and small plates. Bring a date or hit it for happy hour!
High Hat Cafe (4500 Freret Street)
High Hat is your friend if you want well-executed, no-frills Southern food like fried catfish, po-boys, gumbo, and other staples. The place has a local old-fashioned diner feel and decidedly friendly vibes. Huge glass windows that offer a prime opportunity to people-watch are a bonus.
La Boulangerie (4600 Magazine Street)
Everything in this exquisite French bakery and cafe is delicious, and you might just feel you’ve been transported to Paris when you’re sitting at one of Boulangerie’s sidewalk tables with your croissant and cafe au lait. There’s an impressive menu of freshly made pastries and bread, but also French-leaning lunch fare like baguette sandwiches.
Magazine Antique Mall (3017 Magazine Street)
The 6,500-square-foot Mall is an indoor haven for antique and vintage shoppers. It’s packed to the gills with estate jewelry, vintage clothing, 70s tchotchkes, antique furniture, collectibles, costumes, and much more. Some stores are a little hard to browse because they’re so packed, but all vendors are friendly and knowledgeable, so whether you’re browsing or looking for something in particular, don’t hesitate to ask.
Milton H. Latter Memorial Library (5120 St. Charles Avenue)
This stately St. Charles Avenue gem is a must-visit, not just for books, events, and a computer lab, but as a place to soak in the ambiance of the Avenue.
The building that houses the library is a restored neo-Italianate limestone mansion designed by architects Favrot and Livaudais, and built in 1907 for Mark Isaacs, a wealthy merchant. It was donated to the city by the Latter family and opened as a library in 1948. Inside, you’ll still find the restored formal rooms and the original ceiling frescoes and murals.
Newcomb Art Museum of Tulane (50 Newcomb Place)
This museum sits on Tulane University’s campus, and it is free and open to the public. Past and present exhibitions have featured artists in a wide range of disciplines. Besides rotating exhibits, the museum features a permanent collection worth checking out.
Picnic Provisions & Whiskey (741 State Street)
One of the people behind this restaurant is co-founder and owner Tory McPhail, the former executive chef at Commander’s. Picnic Provisions is nothing like Commander’s, however. It’s a casual, dog- and family-friendly spot that serves comfort food, cold and hot. You’ll want to eat (indoors or outdoors) as a family and share a bunch of sides and snacks, picnic-style.
Rue de la Course (1140 S. Carrollton Avenue)
This coffee shop is housed in a historic bank building. Founded in 1990, Rue de la Course is a neighborhood staple filled with regulars, including university students from the nearby campuses. The upstairs space is great for people-watching, and the menu doesn’t disappoint. Nice touch: Rue’s specialty bagel sandwiches are named after New Orleans neighborhoods.
Audubon Riverview Park – (6500 Magazine Street)
The sprawling riverside park, known by locals as The Fly, is worth visiting by itself, but it’s also a great place to chill after visiting the adjacent zoo. Located along the Mississippi River, it’s a lovely place to picnic, stroll with your dog, or watch the sunset.
United Apparel Liquidators – UAL (3306 Magazine Street)
This small chain with three locations in the New Orleans metro area (the others are in the French Quarter and Metairie) offers up to 90% off on past-season and overstock items obtained directly from high-end boutiques and department stores. They also work directly with designers to purchase samples and overruns, so this is a great shop for one-of-a-kind pieces from designer brands at a fraction of the original price. Whether you are shopping for a special occasion or just want a cool tee from the latest hot new designer, you just might score it here.
Uptown: Places to Explore at Every Corner
As you embark on the exciting journey of buying a house in Uptown, New Orleans, discover the hidden gems that make this neighborhood truly unique. From the historic charm of Annunciation Rec Center to the culinary delights at Bourrée, there’s something for everyone. As you explore these lesser-known treasures, envision the vibrant lifestyle awaiting you in Uptown. Ready to make Uptown your home? Connect with our dedicated Realtors to find the perfect property in this captivating neighborhood. Your New Orleans adventure begins now!