I'll be in The Big Easy next week.

I have a work conference in New Orleans next week.  I'll be flying in Monday and out on Friday.
 
I'm not sure if we have any members nearby, but thought I'd throw it out there for a possible meet up for a cigar if anyone is interested.
 
I don't yet know exactly when/where because I don't have my exact schedule down just yet, but if someone is interested we could figure it out.
 
Also, if anyone has recommendations on where to go for a cigar, please let me know.  I've never been to New Orleans and will be shooting from the hip, minus any online research.  I'm staying at the Pelham hotel at the corner of Common and Magazine streets.

Wyatt,
 
There's a new cigar bar that opened up in September called La Habana Hemingway Cigar Bar.  The address is 533 Toulouse Street, and it's within walking distance of your hotel.  I'm not familiar with the Pelham Hotel, but I am familiar with New Orleans.  My wife is from MS, 90 minutes north of there.  We go there 3-5x/yr and I've been doing so for 17 years.  I have not been to the cigar bar however but it looks like an worthy place to try.  
 
Heres' a link to their website:    http://www.cigarbarneworleans.com
 
Here's walking directions from your hotel:  http://mapq.st/1hTsOkW
 
On your walk to the cigar bar, if you go 2 more blocks past Toulouse Street, you'll find Cafe du Monde.  This is the coffee I drink every day.  I recommend stopping there one day and get a coffee with chicory, a beignet and sit and people watch.  The coffee is served black or au lait (half coffee, half hot milk).  
 
There are great restaurants in New Orleans and too many to list, but one block from the cigar bar on Chartres St. is a relatively new restaurant called Kingfish...serves local cuisine and is getting great reviews.  We haven't tried it yet but it's on our list.  Just ask your concierge for advice.  There is a quaint restaurant that's been there forever called The Old Coffee Pot and it's on St. Peter's street, one block off of Jackson Square (about 2 blocks from the cigar bar).  They have some of the best gumbo around, as well as Po' Boys.  It's a tee shirt and shorts kind of place.  Definitely stop in to the place next door for a Hurricane, Pat O'Briens!
 
Hope you have fun.  We'll be down there in April right before Easter.  I would like to hear your feedback on the cigar bar, if you go.  You're in a location where you can walk to just about anything you want to do.  Be prepared for all the street urchins begging for money and keep your wallet in your front pocket!
 
Frank

Thanks for all of the info Frank!  I will  definitely take as much of that advice/direction as I can.
 
That cigar bar looks great.  I have every intention of hitting it up!  Thanks for the food advice as well, having never been there I appreciate some direction.
 
I'll post the feedback as requested.  Thanks again!

At Kingfish now Frank.

Let me know how it is!

fjldo said:

Let me know how it is!

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Highly recommend Frank. We had lunch plates and two beers, but the ambiance is great and food was superior!

Awesome. Can't wait to try it out. Thanks for the feedback.

fjldo said:

Awesome. Can't wait to try it out. Thanks for the feedback.

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Just a final follow up as I've returned from my trip.
 
Kingfish was outstanding and I highly recommend.  We also ate at Royal House Oyster Bar and I thought that was pretty solid.
 
I spent time at La Habana Hemingway Cigar Bar, and did not find that worthy of ever returning.  It was pretty dirty, the owners were not knowledgeable, and the prices were out of control (I paid $25 for a Liga 9 Toro).  Also the only two lines they had were Drew Estate and Rocky Patel, and they had extremely limited amounts of that.  It just wasn't a great place.
 
I did enjoy my time at Don Leoncio Cigar Bar though.  Much better stock at much more reasonable prices.  They had a nice bar area with good options.  The place was 3 times as large and right off of Canal St.  The ownership was helpful and attentive.  I would recommend this place easily.
 
Overall, the trip was fantastic.  The food was great and I enjoyed myself.  Thanks for the recommendations Frank.  I didn't make the Café, but maybe next time.

Thanks for the follow up Wyatt. I'll be sure to avoid La Habano and make sure I spend some time at Don Leoncio. I hadn't heard of that cigar bar so I'm glad you found it.