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Where to eat, drink, and make the most of your time in the city.
New Orleans isn’t your typical conference city, and NARPM Broker/Owner isn’t your typical conference. The food is real. The music is everywhere. The history hits you on every block. And if you blink, you’ll miss it.
We put together this guide to help you make the most of your time between sessions, from the best bites near the Hyatt Regency to where the night should end up. We also recorded a quick walkthrough video so you can see exactly what’s around the conference.
You’re already in a great spot
Most NARPM attendees are staying at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, and the location couldn’t be better:
- 5-10 minute walk to the Superdome
- ~20 minutes on foot to Bourbon Street
- Quick rideshare to the French quarter or Garden District
It’s walkable, central, and easy to navigate, especially if you move with a group.
Don’t miss the Rentvine party
If you only commit to one thing outside the conference, make it this.
Cornet, April 29, 7-10pm
700 Bourbon St (at St. Peter)
Right in the heart of Bourbon Street, open to all NARPM Broker/Owner attendees. No reservations, no dress code, no pressure. Just good drinks, great people, and a reason to actually enjoy Bourbon Street instead of just surviving it.
Show up, grab a drink, and meet the people you’ve only seen in LinkedIn posts.
Where to start your morning
Cafe de Monde: The classic. Beignets and café au lait, right on the river. Go early; the line builds fast and for good reason.
Loretta’s Authentic Pralines: A local favorite with a more laid-back vibe. The praline beignets alone are worth the detour.
If your schedule allows, hit both. They’re completely different experiences and both completely worth it.
Best spots to eat between sessions
Cochon: Michelin recommended, and you’ll taste why. This is the New Orleans meal. Gumbo, jambalaya, Cajun comfort food done with serious intention. If you want one sit-down dinner, go here.
Killer PoBoys: Also Michelin recommended, and nothing like you’d expect from a po’boy spot. Fast, creative, and genuinely good. Perfect when you’ve got 45 minutes and still want something local instead of something forgettable.
Where to drink (the short list)
Sazerac Bar at the Roosevelt Hotel: Non-negotiable. New Orleans is the birthplace of the Sazerac cocktail, and this is where it’s still done better than anywhere else in the world. Go midday or early afternoon for a more relaxed experience before the evening crowd arrives.
Cane & Table: Great cocktails, great food, and a more polished atmosphere if you want a step up from the Bourbon Street chaos.
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar: One of the oldest bars in America, and the legendary home of the “purple drank.” Worth a stop, especially late at night when the vibe is at its best.
Live music worth your time
One thing worth knowing: NARPM Broker/Owner falls during Jazz Fest, one of the most celebrated music festivals in the world. The whole city is buzzing, live music spills out of every corner of the Quarter, and the energy is unlike anything you’d find at a normal conference trip. Take advantage of it.
Preservation Hall: Small room, no bar, no distractions. Just some of the best traditional New Orleans jazz you’ll hear anywhere. If you care about music at all, this is the move. And here’s a bonus: it’s right across the street from Cornet, so after the Rentvine party wraps up, it’s the perfect next stop.
Fritzel’s European Jazz Club: More casual, still authentic. Easy to drop in if you’re already walking through the Quarter and hear something good coming through the door.
What to see when you have a gap
Head to the French Quarter; it’s all walkable and packed with more history than you’ll be able to absorb in one trip:
- Jackson Square: Open air, street performers, and a front-row view of St. Louis Cathedral
- Royal Street: Galleries, antique shops, and architecture worth slowing down for
- St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 or Lafayette Cemetery: If you want something different, these are cultural landmarks, not tourist stops. Treat them accordingly.
Low-key spot for a quick reset
The French Market: Local vendors, food stalls, and an easy place to wander without a plan. Great for a breath of fresh air between sessions or a slow start to your evening.
A word on Bourbon Street
If you’ve got a few hours before your flight:
- One last meal somewhere you didn’t get to
- A final walk through the quarter
- A slow pass through the French Market
New Orleans rewards people who slow down, even just a little. Take the extra hour if you have it.
See you on Bourbon Street
NARPM Broker/Owner is always a strong event. New Orleans just makes it better.
Use the time you have. Try something you wouldn’t normally try. Meet more people than you planned to. And come find us on Cornet on April 29; we’ll save you a seat.
