Freshman 15

This is New Orleans. We eat big, we drink big and we dream big.

We might not have a Fortune 500 company based here, a decent transportation system or an IKEA, but darn it, this city is something special. What it lacks in regular city elements it makes up for in food, music and culture (although if New Orleans did have an IKEA, it would be a slice of Swedish heaven).

It’s not like you decided to go to Utah for college. You chose New Orleans for a reason. Go out and explore all this city has to offer.

But this year, it’s a little different. There’s no beloved streetcar. But that doesn’t mean all the fun is ruined. Think about it this way: walking will help you lose that freshman 15.

All of the following places are only a short walk from campus. They’re great places to hang, eat, drink and shop. Perfect for freshman. In fact, we call them our Freshman 15.

This is New Orleans. Welcome.

The Classics

The Boot 1039 Broadway St.866-9008

Don’t let the name fool you. We’re not talking about a honky-tonk or a two-stepping dance hall, you crazy country folk. The kind of dancing here would make Willie Nelson run for the hills. Great for a night of mingling, there’s always a mixture of Tulane and Loyola students. Their pizza is famous for being delicious at 4 a.m., but tasting different during normal business hours. The club doesn’t get going until after 2 a.m., so get in a quick nap before heading out.

Tuck’s5130 Freret St.891-4080www.friartucksbar.com

How can you turn down a bar with two ladies’ nights? No matter where you are, the night always ends with a few hours at Tuck’s. It never seems to be far away from where you are. With ladies drinking free on Saturday and Wednesday nights, two-for-ones on Fridays and free food during all football games, you can’t go wrong. Tuck’s is kind of like “Cheers”. Everybody in there knows your name, even if they don’t remember it right away.

Quill’s7600 Maple St.866-5205

You can hear from a mile away the college crowd that spews out of Quill’s. A 30-year-old would stick out like a sore thumb around all the coeds playing a late night game of pool or foosball. Stop in late. If you come at 10 p.m., you’ll walk in there and hear crickets. If you’ve passed the Vet Hospital, you’ve gone too far.

Vera Cruz7537 Maple St.866-1736

Nestled across from Quill’s, this Mexican food haven has a lot to offer a student on a budget searching for a good meal and yummy frozen margaritas. Burritos, tacos, quesadillas and chips and salsa all make the menu a traditional Mexican selection. It’s not exactly straight from Mexico, but the pitchers of margaritas make up for it. It’s a great place to spend a weeknight with the girls or the guys.

Grub

Fresco Cafe7625 Maple St.862-6363www.frescocafe.us

Fresco’s menu is a mix of Mediterranean and Italian flavors that combine to make delicious cuisine. Not to mention, where else will you find a place in the city that delivers until midnight? Whether you’re working late, drinking late or just want to eat late, Fresco’s delivers. ‘Fresco Thursdays’ in the dorms used to be popular when “Friends” was still on. Start a new tradition with the eatery by ordering during “Grey’s Anatomy”. Eat out at their Maple Street location for a great study break.

Maple Street Cafe7623 Maple St.314-9003

The front of this cozy cafe right next door to Fresco’s is all windows. As you peer onto the tables covered in white linen tablecloths, you will see that each is adorned with a candle and a happy couple on a romantic date. But during the day, it emerges as a great lunch place for students and young professionals looking for amazing food at a reasonable price. Serving up a Mediterranean-inspired menu that includes pastas, hummus and even filet mignon, this Maple Street delight is a must.

Kyoto4920 Prytania St. 891-3644

The walk to this sushi joint might be longer than the rest, but their crunchy rolls are worth it. You don’t really expect to find a great sushi bar in New Orleans, but Kyoto surpasses your taste buds’ expectations. The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff is friendly. As one of the first restaurants to reopen after Katrina, Kyoto has recovered and is here to stay. Their sake is always a best bet as well as the beef and asparagus roll or the Sara roll.

Creole Creamery4924 Prytania St.894-8680

Right next door to Kyoto is another gem of Prytania: the Creole Creamery. With homemade flavors such as bananas Foster, Creole cream cheese and coffee n’ donuts, this 1950s-style ice cream parlor is a must taste before you leave New Orleans. Don’t be scared to try a new flavor or something you’d never try. And don’t let the strange colors fool you. That lavender-colored, plum-walnut flavor might turn out to be your favorite.

Bored?

Whole Foods5600 Magazine St.899-9119

Take a quick walk down Nashville Avenue to Magazine Street, hang a left and you’ll see the most out-of-place structure standing there: A Whole Foods Market. Do yourself a favor and hold off on brunch at the O.R. on Sunday. Go to Whole Foods and make a meal out of the free samples. Their cheese selection is the best in town. Splurge on a slice of their brie. You won’t regret it.

Plum Street Snowball Stand1300 Burdette St.(504) 866-7996

If you’re not in the mood for ice cream but still feel like something sweet, take the short walk over to the corner of Plum and Burdette Streets to get an authentic Plum Street Snowball. For just a few bucks – which you can easily find in your jeans pocket – you can taste a piece of New Orleans history. Try the grape, coconut, or Harry Connick, Jr.’s favorite – chocolate with condensed milk. It sounds odd, but he says it’s delicious.

The Neutral Ground5110 Danneel St.891-3381

If you like great coffee, music and poetry, the Neutral Ground is the place for you. Just past Newman High School, it is a bit of a walk but well worth it when you order an iced coffee on a hot day. Have something to share? Go to Open Mic Nights every Sunday. Every other night of the week they have live performances from local musicians. The neighborhood’s a little sketchy, so venture over with friends.

Zot’z Coffee House8210 Oak St.861-2224

This off-the-wall coffee house is usually swarming with blue-haired, pierced and tattooed bohemians looking for a superb cup of joe and a wireless connection. The back room has a peaceful Zen garden to relax your cares away. Try a selection from their wide variety of bubble teas. And don’t forget your laptop.

Just us girls

Sweet Pea and Tea and Tulip Salon802 Nashville Ave.899-4044

This quaint little boutique on the corner of Nashville Avenue and Magazine Street is ideal for an afternoon of shopping at Sweet Pea Boutique and primping at Tea and Tulip Salon. You can find great pieces in their racks, not to mention great buys on their outdoor sales rack and a new shoe line. Hop into the back for some lowlights or a manicure at their new salon. One trip and you’ve got the best of both worlds.

Venus Experience 8011 Maple St.865-7112

After a long day of classes, why not treat yourself to a spa treatment right around the corner on Maple Street? The staff is so friendly that even a bikini wax doesn’t seem as daunting. Students and female professionals have known about this little Uptown spot for years but kept it a secret because the prices are so low. Try their mini manicure and mini pedicure especially for students for only $40.

C. Collection8141 Maple St. 861-5002

High-end brands like BCBG mix together with inexpensive jewelry at this hip Riverbend boutique. It has the looks you want for the prices you can afford. Anything from cuff shorts to bathing suits and cashmere sweaters fill this picturesque shop from wall to wall. Try the sales rack first because chances are you can spend the same amount on eight things from the sales rack as you would on the kimono dress you saw in the window. Don’t forget the hidden shelves of shoes in the corner.

Nicole Wroten can be reached at [email protected].