Best Hole in the Wall Italian in NOLA?

**hnooe** · 02-20-2008, 08:48 AM

I am in New Orleans this weekend--I have spent a lot of time there in the past, having set up 2 Macy dept. stores there...I only love hole in the walls and I NEED SPECIFICALLY 2 Holes in the wall:

1. Best authentic, non-touristy, Italian Hole in the Wall. I will cab it!
2. BEST "people observing" bar (prefer straight bar in this instance) near the Quarter, maybe with not too many holes in the wall?

**Rebecca** · 02-20-2008, 09:58 AM

1. Best hole in the wall old school Italian - Irene's (it's in the
quarter; forget the street).
2. Hmmm. Lafitte's Blacksmith Bar is a good one. Not too rowdy. Good
people watching.

**SHELLY** · 02-20-2008, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by RebeccaS

1. Best hole in the wall old school Italian - Irene's (it's in the
quarter; forget the street).
2. Hmmm. Lafitte's Blacksmith Bar is a good one. Not too rowdy. Good
people watching.

Check and check.

.

**Scooter** · 02-20-2008, 05:44 PM

I spent Mardi Gras 2006 at Molly's on the Market. Had a great time just waiting in line for the bathroom. Just a word of caution (I lived in NOLA for 30 years) be very careful around Esplanade Ave. Port of Call is a fabulous burger place, but I would only go there during the day or with a crowd of people and be careful where you park. Pascal Manale's is one of my fav's off of Canal St.

**InletBchDweller** · 02-20-2008, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by Scooter

I spent Mardi Gras 2006 at Molly's on the Market. Had a great time just waiting in line for the bathroom. Just a word of caution (I lived in NOLA for 30 years) be very careful around Esplanade Ave. Port of Call is a fabulous burger place, but I would only go there during the day or with a crowd of people and be careful where you park. Pascal Manale's is one of my fav's off of Canal St.

I will second Scooters heads up on Port of Call.

Even though Checkpoint's is on Esplanade it is close to the river and the quarter. I personally have never been worried there and I have spent probably ever hour of the day and night in the place.

This was, of course, before little IBD came along.

**kurt** · 02-20-2008, 10:06 AM

You might have trouble finding a hole in the wall bar in NOLA.

**Curtis** · 02-20-2008, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by hnooe2000

I am in New Orleans this weekend--I have spent a lot of time there in the past, having set up 2 Macy dept. stores there...I only love hole in the walls and I NEED SPECIFICALLY 2 Holes in the wall:

1. Best authentic, non-touristy, Italian Hole in the Wall. I will cab it!
2. BEST "people observing" bar (prefer straight bar in this instance) near the Quarter, maybe with not too many holes in the wall?

PORT OF CALL

http://www.portofcallneworleans.com/crew.html

Best burger and baked potato I have ever had. Good "people observing" bar also.

**Rebecca** · 02-20-2008, 10:41 AM

Love Port of Call - Tons of Cheddar cheese on everything!
If you have time for the best hole in the wall brunch, try Elizabeth's - It is a best kept secret and all of the locals go there.

http://www.elizabeths-restaurant.com

The Maple Leaf bar is great for live music as well.

**InletBchDweller** · 02-20-2008, 10:59 AM

not sure about italian but a bar you gotta check out

Checkpoint Charlies, it is on Esplanade by the firestation and katty-cornered from the Mint.

http://www.frommers.com/destinations...ns/N25404.html

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-reviews-28...Zt2Uoxy2FzFmoL

you never know, we may run into you this weekend!!