New Orleans Best of Bywater Food, Drinks & History Tour

New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood is a vibrant, eclectic district that’s captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. The Best of Bywater Food, Drinks & History Tour offers a chance to uncover this neighborhood’s rich cultural tapestry, blending culinary delights with captivating stories. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or simply curious to explore, this guided experience promises to tantalize the senses and ignite your curiosity about Bywater’s enduring appeal.

Key Points

• This small-group tour of the Bywater neighborhood in New Orleans offers a comprehensive experience, including exploring the area’s distinctive architecture, learning about its history and culture, and savoring local food and drinks.
• The tour features colorful shotgun houses, Creole cottages, and street art that reflect the creative spirit of the Bywater community.
• Guests discover the neighborhood’s connection to the Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court case, the artistic legacy, and the vibrant culinary traditions.
• The food and drink highlights include a Bavarian pretzel with beer cheese dip, a local Po-Boy sandwich, and a BBQ plate or microbrewery beer flight.
• The tour is led by a local guide and culminates at The Joint, allowing for further exploration of the Bywater area.

Tour Overview

This New Orleans Best of Bywater Food, Drinks & History Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the vibrant Bywater neighborhood.

Rated 4.5 stars based on 4 reviews, the tour runs Wednesday through Saturday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Priced at $98 per person, the small-group experience is capped at 14 travelers.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance. Highlights include discovering Bywater’s colorful architecture and street art, learning local history and culture from a native guide, and enjoying tastings of food and drinks at various stops along the way.

Exploring Bywater’s Architecture and Street Art

As visitors embark on the New Orleans Best of Bywater Food, Drinks & History Tour, they’re immediately captivated by the neighborhood’s vibrant architectural landscape.

Colorful shotgun houses, Creole cottages, and converted warehouses line the streets, showcasing the area’s rich history. Murals and street art adorn the buildings, reflecting the creative spirit of the community.

From whimsical wall paintings to thought-provoking political statements, the art offers a glimpse into Bywater’s dynamic culture. Guests explore this lively visual tapestry with their knowledgeable local guide, gaining a deeper appreciation for the neighborhood’s distinctive character.

Discovering Local History and Culture

Throughout the tour, guests discover Bywater’s rich history and vibrant local culture. The guide shares stories about the neighborhood’s role in the Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court case, which laid the groundwork for the civil rights movement.

Visitors also learn about the area’s artistic legacy, including its status as the birthplace of bounce music. Along the way, they sample classic New Orleans dishes and local craft beverages, gaining insight into the community’s culinary traditions.

Savoring the Food and Drink Highlights

Guests begin their culinary journey with a traditional Bavarian pretzel and beer cheese dip, accompanied by a German beer or wine.

Next, they savor a local Po-Boy sandwich paired with a regional beer or non-alcoholic beverage.

The highlight of the tour is a BBQ plate featuring two house-smoked meats and sides, or a microbrewery beer flight.

Throughout the experience, the guide shares insights into the neighborhood’s vibrant food and drink scene, highlighting non-touristy spots favored by locals.

Tastings and recommendations provide an authentic taste of Bywater’s rich cultural heritage and culinary delights.

Po-Boy and Local Beer Tasting

The tour’s first tasting showcases a classic New Orleans delicacy – the Po-Boy sandwich. Guests indulge in a freshly-made Po-Boy, paired with a local beer or non-alcoholic beverage.

This iconic sandwich features:

• Crusty, fresh-baked French bread

• Tender, flavorful meat or seafood

• Crisp vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles

• Savory, tangy dressings

As they savor the sandwich, guests learn about the history and cultural significance of this beloved New Orleans dish.

The combination of authentic flavors and local insights provides a truly immersive experience, setting the stage for the rest of the Bywater food and drink tour.

Bavarian Pretzel and Beer Cheese Dip

Next, the tour takes guests to a cozy local spot for a Bavarian pretzel and beer cheese dip pairing. This traditional German appetizer is a crowd-pleasing favorite.

The soft, salty pretzel is served warm, accompanied by a rich, creamy beer cheese dip that perfectly complements the bread. Travelers can choose to pair this savory snack with a German beer or a glass of wine, further enhancing the authentic experience.

The combination of textures and flavors provides a satisfying start to the culinary journey through Bywater’s vibrant food scene.

Barbecue Plate and Microbrewery Flight

After savoring the Bavarian pretzel and beer cheese dip, guests are treated to a hearty barbecue plate or a microbrewery beer flight.

The barbecue plate features:

• Two house-smoked meats

• Signature sides

• Tangy sauces

• Crisp slaw

For those seeking a sampling of local brews, the microbrewery flight offers a selection of:

• Crisp lagers

• Hoppy IPAs

• Bold stouts

• Refreshing wheat beers

Whether indulging in saucy barbecue or sipping on craft beers, this dining experience immerses guests in the vibrant culinary scene of New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood.

Meeting Point and Additional Details

As guests make their way to the 701 Homer Plessy Way, they’ll find the Plessy v. Ferguson Historical Marker, which serves as the meeting point for the tour.

The tour culminates at The Joint, 701 Mazant St, where participants can further explore the Bywater neighborhood.

The tour culminates at The Joint, 701 Mazant St, where participants can further explore the Bywater neighborhood.

The tour is confirmation-based, and service animals are allowed, though the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Dietary restrictions and guests under 21 must be communicated 48 hours in advance.

The tour requires some walking, but is near public transportation.

The Sum Up

The New Orleans Best of Bywater Food, Drinks & History Tour offers a delightful way to experience the vibrant Bywater neighborhood. Guests can savor iconic local dishes, explore the area’s unique architecture and street art, and discover the rich history and culture. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this small-group experience provides an engaging and immersive introduction to one of New Orleans’ most fascinating communities.