“In America, there might be better gastronomic destinations than New Orleans, but there is no place more uniquely wonderful. … With the best restaurants in New York, you’ll find something similar to it in Paris or Copenhagen or Chicago. But there is no place like New Orleans. So it’s a must-see city because there’s no explaining it, no describing it. You can’t compare it to anything. So, far and away, New Orleans.”
Anthony Bourdain
From Roswell (AZ) to New Orleans (LA)
Day 22 – Roswell (AZ) to Houston (TX)
Prepare for the longest stretch of your road trip – the journey from Roswell to Houston. Make sure you get a proper night’s sleep, as this drive will be quite demanding.
Sonic
Start your day with breakfast at Sonic Drive-In before hitting the road. Sonic is a classic American drive-in fast food chain known for its extensive menu and nostalgic carhop service. You can park your car and order from a menu that includes everything from burgers and hot dogs to breakfast items and shakes. I love their simple grilled cheese sandwich. Processed American cheese it’s a guilty pleasure of mine.
In-N-Out
As you continue your drive towards Houston, take a break to grab some In-N-Out burgers along the way. This stop is particularly special because it’s the last chance to enjoy In-N-Out on this trip. While the burgers here are still good, they just don’t quite match the magic of those from California, personal opinion.
Mala Sichuan Bistro
After a long day of driving, you’ll want to treat yourself to a delicious meal before settling into your motel for the night. We stopped at Mala Sichuan Bistro, this restaurant is known for its authentic and flavourful Sichuan cuisine. The variety of dishes, from the classic dan dan noodles to the mouth-numbing water boiled fish provides a culinary adventure that is well worth the stop.
Once you’ve satisfied your appetite, head to your motel in Houston. Take the evening to unwind and recharge after a super long drive.
Palace Inn Blue Tomball Parkway – 2 nights
Day 23 – Exploring Houston
Space Centre Houston
Start your day with a visit to the Space Center Houston. This incredible museum offers a fascinating insight into the history and future of space exploration. You’ll get to see real spacecraft, artifacts, and even experience interactive exhibits. The Space Center provides a unique opportunity to learn about NASA’s missions and the International Space Station, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in space and science.
Killen’s BBQ
After immersing yourself in the wonders of space, head to Killen’s Barbecue for a proper Texan BBQ lunch. This place is legendary for its smoked meats, and their brisket and ribs are absolute must-tries. Don’t miss out on their pecan pie, which is the perfect sweet finish to a hearty meal. The rich, nutty flavour and buttery crust make it one of the best pecan pies you’ll ever have.
Athena Gun Club
In the afternoon, visit the Athena Gun Club to experience a shooting range. As a tourist, it was pretty straightforward to get started, and the staff were super nice and informative. They guided us through the process, ensuring we had a safe and enjoyable experience.
For the evening, we decided to take it easy and ordered some takeout. Enjoying a relaxed dinner in the comfort of our motel room was exactly what we needed to wind down after a busy day exploring Houston.
Days 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 – Houston (TX) – New Orleans (LA)
Start your final morning in Texas with a proper Texan breakfast at The Breakfast Klub. This beloved local spot is known for its delicious Southern breakfast dishes. Make sure to try their biscuits and gravy – a traditional Southern comfort food that features fluffy biscuits smothered in rich, savory sausage gravy. Another must-try dish is the Katfish & Grits. This dish features perfectly fried catfish served with a side of creamy, buttery grits. The catfish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while the grits provide a smooth and comforting contrast.
The Breakfast Klub
After enjoying your Texan breakfast, it’s time to head to your final destination: the incredible New Orleans. The drive will take you through the heart of the South, offering glimpses of charming small towns and scenic landscapes along the way. One of the many quirks of road-tripping across the United States is the encounter with the absurdly large soda sizes available at gas stations. It’s not uncommon to find “Big Gulps” or “Mega Sips,” with sizes ranging from 32 ounces to a staggering 64 ounces or more. If like us you are not a soda fan, opt for ice-cold iced tea with some lemon. If you are lucky you may even find a gas station that offers fresh wedges.
New Orleans
Driving into New Orleans felt like stepping into another world. This city is a sensory overload of vibrant colors, tantalizing aromas, and the sounds of jazz echoing through the streets. It’s a place where history and culture are as thick in the air as the humidity, and every corner has a story to tell.
Café du Monde
For breakfast, head to famous Café du Monde for beignets – fluffy, deep-fried doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar and some chicory coffee.
Commander’s Palace
Located in the heart of the Garden District and conveniently near Lafayette Cemetery, Commander’s Palace is a New Orleans institution. This iconic restaurant, renowned for its Creole cuisine, offers an irresistible lunchtime special: 25-cent martinis. Yes, you read that right—just a quarter for a full-sized martini, reasonably limited to three per person.
Imagine starting your lunch with a crisp, perfectly mixed martini for just a few cents. It’s a deal too good to pass up and a tradition that harkens back to the lavish days of the three-martini lunch. Whether you’re sipping martinis, enjoying a bowl of turtle soup, or just soaking in the opulent surroundings, this restaurant captures the essence of the city—full of life, flavour, and a touch of the unexpected.
Lafayette cemetery
Now, here’s where the fun part comes in. After indulging in three martinis, why not take a leisurely stroll over to Lafayette Cemetery? There’s something darkly humorous about being slightly tipsy while wandering through one of New Orleans’ historic resting places, It adds a more surreal twist to the experience.
Nightlife
New Orleans has a reputation for its wild nightlife, and there’s a reason it’s often humorously connected to liver transplants – the drinking culture here is legendary. You might even come across some cabs with upfront prices for vomiting, a humorous nod to the city’s party spirit. Yes, in NOLA, you drink.
The Hand Grenade, known as “New Orleans’ Most Powerful Drink,” is a neon green cocktail that’s both sweet and potent. The Fish Bowl, a giant, colorful cocktail served in an actual fish bowl, is perfect for sharing or tackling solo if you’re brave enough. Normally, we’re not fans of this kind of sugary mixes, but in NOLA, embracing the city’s vibrant and slightly chaotic vibe means sipping on these quirky concoctions. It’s all part of the experience, and sometimes you just have to go with the flow and enjoy the absurdity.
Erin Rose
Recommendation for a morning after. Erin Rose Bar is located just off Bourbon Street, this cozy spot is perfect for starting your day with one of their famed Bloody Marys, a spicy mix featuring Guinness and Louisiana hot sauce. Their Frozen Irish Coffee, a blend of coffee, cream, brandy, and coffee liqueur is another favourite.
Killer Po’boys
Don’t miss the Killer Po’boys served here, like the “Seared Gulf Shrimp” Po’boy, offering a tasty, modern take on this classic New Orleans sandwich. Erin Rose Bar captures the essence of the city’s laid-back charm, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the French Quarter
Parkway Tavern
The quest for the best po’ boy in town is a serious undertaking. These sandwiches, typically filled with fried seafood or roast beef, are a New Orleans staple. Parkway Tavern is a renowned spots to indulge in this local favourite.
Johnny’s Po Boys
For an option in French quarter you can’t go wrong with Johnny’s Po Boys. The crispy bread, combined with the flavourful fillings and tangy remoulade sauce, creates a truly satisfying bite.
R & O Restaurant
For Andrew, the highlight was the debris sandwich at R & O Restaurant. He said it was the best sandwich he ever had – filled with tender roast beef that’s been slow-cooked until it falls apart, served dripping with gravy.
Pat O’Brien’s
Pat O’Brien’s Hurricane cocktail is a New Orleans classic. Created during World War II, the drink emerged from a need to use up an excess supply of rum, which was more readily available than other spirits due to wartime shortages. The Hurricane’s vibrant mix includes light rum, dark rum, passion fruit syrup, fresh lime juice, orange juice, grenadine, and simple syrup, all shaken together and served in the iconic hurricane glass. Its sweet, fruity flavours are dangerously deceptive, skilfully masking the strength of the rum. Enjoying a Hurricane in Pat O’Brien’s famous courtyard, surrounded by the lively atmosphere and the fountain’s flaming fire, is a quintessential part of the New Orleans experience.
Oysters
Oysters in New Orleans are a must. You can eat your weight in them, served in a variety of ways. From raw on the half shell, chargrilled with garlic and parmesan, to fried and piled high in a po’ boy – each preparation offers a unique taste of the Gulf.
Acme Oyster House
New Orleans cuisine is a celebration of flavors and traditions that reflect the city’s diverse heritage. Try the crab étouffée, a rich, flavorful stew of crab smothered in a spicy, roux-based sauce.
Oceana Grill
If you are an adventurous foodie, try gator bites. These tender morsels of fried alligator are a local delicacy that perfectly captures the adventurous spirit of NOLA’s cuisine. Typically, gator bites are lightly breaded and fried to a golden crisp, with a flavour that’s a cross between chicken and fish, with a slightly gamey undertone. They’re usually served with a tangy remoulade sauce, adding a bit of spice and zest that complements the meat’s unique taste.
Galatoire’s
For a Friday lunch, head to Galatoire’s. This iconic restaurant on Bourbon Street is known for its traditional Creole cuisine and lively atmosphere. Locals have a fascinating custom here – they pay “sitters” to wait in line for them to secure a table in the ground room for Friday Lunch, you can’t book it in advance, it has to be booked on the day in the morning. This practice underscores the restaurant’s popularity and the lengths people will go to enjoy a meal here.
Order some classics like gumbo, a quintessential Creole dish full of seafood, andouille sausage, and okra, all simmered in a flavorful roux. Another must-try dish is their famous Oysters Rockefeller, where oysters are topped with a rich sauce of butter, herbs, and breadcrumbs, then baked to perfection. Café Brûlot for dessert is another must, one of the best liquor coffee we had. This classic New Orleans after-dinner drink is a blend of coffee, brandy, citrus peels, cloves, cinnamon, and sugar, all flambéed tableside in a dramatic presentation. This spectacle not only warms the drink but also fills the air with an enticing aroma of spices and citrus.
Deanie’s
Don’t miss a seafood boil, where shrimp, crab, and/or crawfish are boiled with potatoes, corn, and spicy seasonings, then dumped on a table for everyone to dig in.
Southern Candymakers
For dessert visit Southern Candymakers for the best Pralines.. sweet, creamy pecan candies.
Jazz
Live jazz on the streets of New Orleans is a quintessential part of the city’s charm. As you stroll through the French Quarter or Frenchmen Street you’re enveloped by the soulful sounds of saxophones and trumpets. The city’s beautiful architecture, with its iconic wrought-iron balconies and vibrant facades, provides a picturesque backdrop to this musical tapestry. The atmosphere is friendly and vibrant, drawing you in and inviting you to join the celebration.
Central Grocery & Deli
Central Grocery & Deli, nestled in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, is the birthplace of the legendary muffuletta sandwich. Established in 1906 by Sicilian immigrant Salvatore Lupo, this family-owned store crafted the muffuletta to cater to local Sicilian farmers and dock workers. They sought a convenient, hearty meal that could be easily transported and enjoyed throughout the day. The muffuletta is built on a round, sesame-seeded Italian loaf, and stuffed with layers of Italian cold cuts like salami, ham, and mortadella, along with provolone and Swiss cheese. The star of the sandwich is the olive salad that balances the richness of the meats and cheeses, a tangy mix of chopped olives, garlic, capers, and celery, all marinated in olive oil. Central Grocery’s muffuletta is typically served cold, but it can also be enjoyed warm, slightly melting the cheese and toasting the bread.
Sukhothai
For those craving an Asian fix in New Orleans, visit to a Thai restaurant can be just what you need. There’s nothing quite like a plate of drunken noodles to soak up the %%%.
Carousel Bar
The Carousel Bar & Lounge, nestled in the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans’ French Quarter, is a beloved city icon. This unique bar features a circular, rotating bar top that slowly turns like a carousel, giving patrons a whimsical and one-of-a-kind experience. The bar’s decor, with its hand-painted animals and vibrant colors, adds to the enchanting atmosphere.
New Orleans is a place that stays with you long after you’ve left. Its food, music, and culture create an unforgettable experience that makes you want to return again and again.
French Quarter Courtyard Hotel and Suites – 4 nights
