Bywater Historic District
Bywater Historic District
4
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A quiet, swampy neighborhood downriver from the French Quarter.
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4.0
22 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
6
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
1
susansname
Atlanta, GA86 contributions
Don't be put off by the area you'll drive through on your way into the Bywater from I-10. Once you're in the neighborhood, you'll find it friendly and fun, and as safe as any urban neighborhood for visitors who respect the place and its residents. I was meeting a friend to stay at the beautiful Lookout Inn, and arrived at night, driving alone in an unfamiliar city. En route from the Interstate, Siri had me navigating an industrial area, then a less-than-inviting stretch of Poland Avenue.
The corner bar a couple of doors down from the inn looked like a dive, but I would later learn that Bar Redux is one of the best things about the Bywater district, a terrific family-run place with the best gumbo we tried anywhere in New Orleans.
I didn't know that, though, during the first nervous, road-tired moments of arrival. Thank heaven my friend walked out to the curb in front of the inn to point out a parking place and make me welcome.
The Lookout Inn is almost like having your own courtyard (and pool!) apartment in what turned out to be a fabulous neighborhood with working-class roots, some gorgeously refurbished tiny Victorian homes, and some of the city's best dining and music venues: Vaughn's Bar (live music on Thursday nights) featured in HBO's Treme; The Joint for top-rated bbq ribs; Elizabeth's, famous for breakfast but outstanding at any time of day; Bar Redux; Dr. Bob's Art ("Be Nice or Leave"); an assortment of dusty little corner grocery stores, family-friendly hangouts, and of course our beloved Lookout Inn, all in a compact and intimate area of narrow streets, big old trees, outsider art and paint-peeled gingerbread houses.
If I hadn't been meeting someone who had already settled in comfortably before I arrived, I'd have passed this neighborhood up because of that rather intimidating nighttime drive from I-10. And I'd never have found the place I now think of as the quirky, marvelous Best Part of New Orleans.
The corner bar a couple of doors down from the inn looked like a dive, but I would later learn that Bar Redux is one of the best things about the Bywater district, a terrific family-run place with the best gumbo we tried anywhere in New Orleans.
I didn't know that, though, during the first nervous, road-tired moments of arrival. Thank heaven my friend walked out to the curb in front of the inn to point out a parking place and make me welcome.
The Lookout Inn is almost like having your own courtyard (and pool!) apartment in what turned out to be a fabulous neighborhood with working-class roots, some gorgeously refurbished tiny Victorian homes, and some of the city's best dining and music venues: Vaughn's Bar (live music on Thursday nights) featured in HBO's Treme; The Joint for top-rated bbq ribs; Elizabeth's, famous for breakfast but outstanding at any time of day; Bar Redux; Dr. Bob's Art ("Be Nice or Leave"); an assortment of dusty little corner grocery stores, family-friendly hangouts, and of course our beloved Lookout Inn, all in a compact and intimate area of narrow streets, big old trees, outsider art and paint-peeled gingerbread houses.
If I hadn't been meeting someone who had already settled in comfortably before I arrived, I'd have passed this neighborhood up because of that rather intimidating nighttime drive from I-10. And I'd never have found the place I now think of as the quirky, marvelous Best Part of New Orleans.
Written 26 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DB-Raw
Santa Fe, NM1,139 contributions
Dec 2016 • Family
It's easy to spend a part of a day or even a whole day in the Bywater Neighborhood. This neighborhood has a cool, experimental vibe.There are plenty of eateries, music venues, art spots and interesting things to see. From Dr. Bob's to The Joint, Euclid Records to Frady's, The Bargain Center to New Orleans Center for Creative Arts...there are a ton of things to see. If you like to walk it is not too far from the French Quarter through Faubourg Marigny.
Written 28 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosebud50402
Bermuda32 contributions
Jun 2016
Much to see and do in Bywater … take a walk around, talk to people, stop here and there, see some things, do some things, whatever you feel, this is New Orleans, folks want you to enjoy, visit Parkway Bakery … the best po-boys around, try roast beef w/debris and bloody mary (or two), you will be back. :)
Written 23 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bens2787
New York City, NY540 contributions
May 2022 • Family
This is a Very Scary and unsafe neighborhood after dark even worse. we stayed in a great condo but the atmosphere on the main road looks gang like and dangerous. Lots of tailgaters partying at night. Run down Graffiti definitely not a place for any tourist.
Written 8 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue L
Sydney, Australia233 contributions
Jun 2013 • Solo
Away from the tourist areas and just felt like home-houses, restaurants and pubs all side by side in an avant garde area-just go and be surprised at the lack of tourists and the wonderful vibe down here
Written 11 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric2483
Kyiv, Ukraine8 contributions
Sept 2012
This neighborhood is THE neighborhood that is NOLA to this writer... So many places to visit... The Joint (best BBQ in NOLA), Elizabeth's for brunch (praline bacon), Satsuma (healthy alternative for food... and worth every minute!!), Markey's Bar (awesome bar... watch out for a Saints game there... it can get rowdy!! WHO DAT?!?!), and the jewel of the Bywater.... The Country Club... a bar/restaurant with a clothing optional pool, hot tub, and sauna... it's amazing!! one of my favorite places in all of NOLA... try the food... it's much more than "bar food"!!!... get naked... go swim... it's amazing!! I can't say enough about this gem... While I'd like to keep it a secret, it's too good to NOT mention!!
Written 28 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor B
Chicago, IL8,481 contributions
Feb 2019
The Bywater Historic District in New Orleans, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was mostly plantation land in the colonial era. Many people from France, Spain and the French Caribbean settled here. Historically, it is home to the site at which Homer Plessy was removed from an East Louisiana Railroad car from violating the separate car act, an event that resulted in the famous Plessy v. Ferguson case and the legal doctrine of "separate but equal." A historical marker stands at the intersection of Press Street and Royal Street to commemorate the event. Today, Bywater and neighboring Faubourg Marigny are two of the most colorful neighborhoods in New Orleans. The architectural styles borrow heavily from the colonial French and Spanish and have elements of the Caribbean. This blending over the last three centuries has resulted in an architectural style unique to the city. Bywater is bounded by Florida Avenue to the north, the Industrial Canal to the east, the Mississippi River to the south and the railroad tracks along Homer Plessy Way (formerly Press Street) to the west. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, many survivors flocked to the area as it was less affected by the storm, due to the slightly higher elevation closer to the Mississippi River. Bywater became what was known as the "Sliver in the River," meaning neighborhoods that saw no flooding, including Faubourg Marigny and the French Quarter.
Written 17 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kitkit1
pass christian ms25 contributions
Oct 2012 • Family
Great to just walk around & see an urban area in the process of revitalization. There are lots of junque stores & good restaurants & bars. It is so much better than the Quarter.
Written 31 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nonekaro
Paris, France21 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
I recently stayed with my family in Bywater and answer to old reviews (2012) regarding the safety of the district. We never felt unsafe. Day and night. It is the place where I would go back with great pleasure; As others said, it is not particularly dangerous to walk inside. But it is very residential and rather deserted on the streets after dark. It is not the richest part of the city. Some buildings look derelict and unsused. And it is good;
Some people may feel uncomfortable in this authentic neighborhood. Grunge and funky vibes, not for the preppies
Some people may feel uncomfortable in this authentic neighborhood. Grunge and funky vibes, not for the preppies
Written 29 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jjn0la
New Orleans, LA109 contributions
This remains a neighborhood of working class folks, artists, musicians, restaurant workers. A real sense of community here.
Written 23 January 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olemiss2019
Quakertown, Pennsylvania
We are two single women going to the Bywater area on this day vacation is the area safe for us? We are doing as Airbnb any suggestions or recommendations
Written 23 August 2018
During the day it seems fine, but at night i wouldnt walk around the neighborhood, it'd be better to take a uber or cab. Its poorly lit and feels run down in some areas.
Written 8 October 2018
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