Agree absolutely about Galatoire's which has always been one of my favorite restaurants. However, Commander's is really a very excellent restaurant and I'm sorry you all had such a bad experience there. It was, I think, the exception that proves the rule. Commander's has a long tradition of outstanding food in a great setting with polished service and a world class kitchen brigade. Both Paul Prudhomme and Emeril laGasse were chefs at Commanders for many years and the Brennans who own and operate it are true world class professionals in their own right. Last time I was in New Orleans I had a great dinner there. A cup of Turtle soup followed by crab ravigotte as a starter and rack of lamb with grilled asparagus and brabant potatoes. I skiped dessert and opted for a cheese plate of stilton, ste andre, and irish cheddar with a generous glass of vintage port. We started off with an excellent Chassagne Montrachet and followed that with Pommard Epinots, wow! Commander's is really worth another visit.

dekeguy, it wasn't the food that was the problem for me at Commander's Palace, it was the noise level. I was eight years old and quite noise sensitive. The place was jammed - I think it was a Saturday night. You had to shout just to have a conversation with the people at your table. I was begging my parents to let me step outside for a few minutes to get away from the din. They wouldn't let me step outside alone (would you??) and neither of them wanted to get up and take me outside. So there I sat, getting a bigger and bigger headache, while they enjoyed their dinner, wine, coffee, after-dinner drinks... :(

I'd go back, but only at the very beginning or very end of the dinner hour when there are fewer customers.

New Orleans was much more interesting on my second visit... probably because I was over 21. ;)

I grew up in New Orleans and let me tell you --Bourbon street is soo much fun for New Years! I would definitely try to stay somewhere close to Bourbon street but everything will be pricey. The Columns is a great place to stay-but it's more uptown than downtown, not near Bourbon Street. If you are looking for an inexpensive hotel, I woud recommend staying in a suburb like Metarie--You can always cab it into the city, which might work better. Cabs are very popular there. I would definitely check out Orbitz for hotel prices. They usually have great deals on hotels! Have fun!

LOL, I would be more than willing to give Commander's another try, but I don't think I could pay greeklawboy to go back there again!

Maybe I'll go to Commander's on my own or with a friend in the future. :)

bourbon street is one of the dirtiest places in the world ;) the only reason i ever go *that* direction in NoLa anymore is because the boy i am madly in love with works in a restaraunt on the infamous street. however, i know that tourists have to check bourbon out - it's just the way the world is...BUT, there is also another popular street with lots of clubs and bars - they are a bit more laid back, classier, and still tons of fun - so check out frenchmen street, too, while you're there. it's not far from the quarter. also, definitely stay somewhere within walking distance of the quarter - the cab drivers jack up the fares A LOT around new years, mardi gras, the super bowl, and other big new orleans crowd-pleasing-holidays.