Visiting New Orleans

Welcome to the Crescent City! As you gather for the 2026 IARSLCE Conference at Loyola University, you aren't just visiting a destination; you are stepping into a living classroom of resilience, culture, and community. While the sessions at Loyola will spark vital discourse, we invite you to step beyond the campus gates to truly enmesh yourself in the fabric of New Orleans.

Let the rhythm of the streetcars and the scent of jasmine guide you into a city where history is told through murals, and community engagement is a way of life found in every neighborhood kitchen and jazz hall. This is your invitation to explore the soul of the South—to listen deeply, engage authentically, and let the spirit of the Big Easy enrich your perspective.

Engagement & History

  • Studio BE: Located in the Bywater, this massive warehouse features the work of Brandan "Bmike" Odums. His towering murals explore themes of Black resistance, social justice, and community identity.

  • Backstreet Cultural Museum: A deep dive into New Orleans' unique African American processional traditions—think Mardi Gras Indians, Jazz Funerals, and Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs.

  • The National WWII Museum: Regularly ranked as one of the best museums in the world, it offers profound insights into global conflict and the "home front" effort.

  • Whitney Plantation: If you have half a day, this is the only plantation museum in Louisiana with an exclusive focus on the lives of enslaved people. It offers a vital, sobering perspective on the region's history.

Music & Culture

  • Frenchmen Street: As an alternative to Bourbon Street, head here for world-class live music in venues like The Spotted Cat or Snug Harbor.

  • Preservation Hall: For a traditional, unplugged New Orleans jazz experience, book a seat at this legendary French Quarter institution.

  • The St. Charles Streetcar: Since you’re at Loyola, take the green streetcar down St. Charles Avenue and see the stunning mansions of the Garden District. Disembark downtown on Canal Street and take a stroll around the French Quarter.

Nature & Reflection

  • Audubon Park: Directly across from Loyola’s campus. Walk the 1.8-mile loop under the ancient "Tree of Life" to decompress between sessions.

Dining

Loyola’s Campus

  • The Danna Student Center at Loyola has reliable options, including:

    • Tsunami Sushi: High-quality sushi rolls.

    • The Orleans Room (The O.R.): The main dining hall, offering a variety of stations including local favorites.

    • Starbucks, Smoothie King, Subway: For the quick refuel between sessions.

Tulane’s Campus is virtually contiguous with Loyola and offers a variety of additional dining options.

  • The Lavin-Bernick Center Food Court is located centrally on Tulane’s campus near the McAlister Drive pedestrian mall.

    • Halal Shack: Street-cart style bowls and gyros with Mediterranean/Middle Eastern flavors.

    • NONY Deli: An elevated delicatessen featuring kosher meats and specialty wraps.

    • Wild Blue Poke & Sushi: Fresh, customizable poke bowls and a wide variety of sushi rolls.

    • Pei Wei Asian Express, WOW Café, Dunkin’: Fast and casual.

The Freret Street Corridor (walking time: ~15 mins)

  • High Hat Cafe: A local favorite for elevated Southern staples.

  • Dat Dog: Fun, vibrant, and fast. They offer unique sausages (including alligator and vegan options) in a bright, casual setting.

  • The Company Burger: Frequently cited as one of the best burgers in the city. Sleek, modern counter-service spot.

  • Bearcat Café: Offers two brunch-style menus: "Good Cat" (healthy/vegan) and "Bad Cat" (decadent).

The Riverbend & Maple Street (walking time: ~12 mins)

  • Satsuma Maple: Specializes in cold-pressed juices, hearty salads, and sandwiches. Great outdoor seating.

  • The Camellia Grill: An iconic 1940s diner. Famous for counter seating, tuxedoed servers, and grilled pecan pie. (Note: There is often a line, so plan accordingly).

  • Lebanon’s Café: Affordable, fast, and generous portions. Perfect for vegetarians.

  • Babylon Cafe: A smaller, quieter alternative to Lebanon's with incredible shawarma and falafel.

Beyond Uptown

  • Dooky Chase’s: A pinnacle of Creole cooking and a landmark of the Civil Rights movement where leaders like MLK Jr. met over gumbo.

  • Café Reconcile: Located in Central City, this non-profit restaurant provides life-skills and job training to youth. The food is soul-satisfying (try the fried catfish or the daily "Blue Plate" specials).

  • Pascal’s Manale: A classic Uptown spot within walking distance (or a short ride) from campus. They invented New Orleans BBQ Shrimp—be prepared to wear a bib and get your hands messy.

  • Jacques-Imo’s Cafe: Located on Oak Street. Loud, quirky, and quintessential New Orleans. They don't take reservations for small groups, so grab a drink at the Maple Leaf Bar next door while you wait.