The Spread The Love Guide to New Orleans: Our Favorite Food & Local Spots

Spread The Love is a proud sponsor of the American Sports and Performance Dietitians Association (ASPDA), and we can’t wait to see everyone at this year’s conference in New Orleans from May 14–16. ASPDA brings together some of the most passionate and knowledgeable sports dietitians in the country, and we’re always inspired by the work you do to fuel athletes, improve performance, and promote lifelong health.

Beyond the conference sessions and networking events, one of the best parts of attending ASPDA is the chance to explore the host city. New Orleans is one of the most vibrant, flavorful, and culturally rich cities in the United States. From incredible food and unique cocktail bars to historic neighborhoods and live music, there is truly something for everyone.

Whether you have a few hours between sessions, a free evening with colleagues, or you’re planning to extend your trip, we wanted to share some of our favorite food, drink, and activity recommendations to help you experience the best of New Orleans.

One thing you’ll quickly learn in New Orleans: food is part of the culture. The city blends French, Spanish, African, Caribbean, and Southeast Asian influences into some of the most distinctive cuisine in the country.

Here are a few spots we recommend adding to your itinerary.

Start your day with a visit to Willa Jean, one of the city’s most beloved breakfast and brunch spots. Located in the Warehouse District, Willa Jean is known for its Southern-inspired pastries, biscuits, and elevated breakfast plates. Their bakery program is incredible, so if you’re a fan of freshly baked goods and great coffee, this is the perfect morning stop before heading to conference sessions.

Another must-visit is the iconic Café du Monde. Established in 1862, this legendary café is famous for its beignets. It’s one of the most recognizable food experiences in New Orleans and a great place to soak in the city’s historic atmosphere.

If you're looking for something f you're looking for something fresh, vibrant, and health-conscious, check out The Daily Beet. Conveniently located within walking distance of the conference, The Daily Beet offers smoothies, salads, grain bowls, and nutrient-dense dishes that make it easy to stay energized during a busy conference day.

If you have the opportunity for a special dinner while in town, we highly recommend Mosquito Supper Club. This intimate dining experience celebrates Louisiana’s Cajun coastal cuisine with a communal, family-style meal. Chef Melissa Martin highlights regional seafood, seasonal ingredients, and the storytelling traditions behind each dish.

Another excellent dinner option close to the conference area is Cooper Vine. Known for its impressive wine selection and elegant but approachable menu, Cooper Vine is a great place for a relaxed dinner with colleagues after a full day of learning and networking.

New Orleans is also famous for its cocktail culture. Whether you prefer craft cocktails, dive bars, or creative coffee drinks, the city has plenty of options.

One local favorite is R Bar. Located in the Marigny neighborhood, this laid-back bar is known for its friendly atmosphere and neighborhood charm. It’s a great spot to unwind after dinner or meet up with fellow conference attendees.

If you want something a little more unique, visit Dovetail Bar: Coffee & Cocktails. As the name suggests, Dovetail blends two worlds: excellent coffee and creative cocktails. It’s the perfect stop whether you need a midday caffeine boost or an evening drink.

If you want to experience the city’s famous music scene, head to Frenchmen Street. This vibrant street is lined with live music venues featuring jazz, blues, funk, and brass bands almost every night of the week.

Compared to the more tourist-heavy Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street has a more authentic, local vibe. It’s the perfect place to wander from club to club, hear incredible musicians, and soak in the creative energy that defines New Orleans.

For those who love to stay active, even during conferences, consider taking a class at Hype Haus. This indoor cycling studio offers high-energy workouts that can help you recharge and reset after long days of sessions and networking.

Sometimes a great workout is exactly what you need to stay energized throughout a packed conference schedule.

If you're looking for something unusual, visit the Museum of Death New Orleans. This unconventional museum explores the history and cultural fascination surrounding death through artifacts, art, and exhibits.

It’s certainly not your typical museum experience, but it’s one of the many unique attractions that make New Orleans such an unforgettable city.

As a Filipino-owned brand, we also wanted to highlight a fascinating piece of history that connects Filipino culture with Louisiana.

Long before Filipino food became widely recognized in the United States, Filipino fishermen settled along the Louisiana coast in the 1700s. Many historians believe these early immigrants, often referred to as “Manilamen”, established one of the first Asian settlements in the U.S. in a village called Saint Malo.

These communities were built on fishing, shrimping, and maritime trade, and they played an important role in shaping the region’s coastal economy and culture. Over time, Filipino culinary traditions and techniques became woven into the broader food culture of Louisiana.

Today, New Orleans continues to reflect a blend of global influences, making it one of the most dynamic culinary destinations in the country.

For us at Spread The Love, it’s incredibly meaningful to celebrate that heritage, especially while gathering with such an inspiring community of nutrition professionals.

Last year, Spread The Love had so much fun hosting a Pilates and Smoothies event during the ASPDA conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. We gathered at The Workshop Pilates for a morning workout followed by refreshing Kaleidoscope Smoothies made with Spread The Love Peanut Butter.

It was an incredible opportunity to connect with sports dietitians outside the conference setting—sharing movement, great conversation, and of course, delicious food. We loved seeing how many of you incorporate our nut butters into athlete fueling strategies, recovery snacks, and creative recipes.

We’re excited to continue supporting ASPDA and look forward to connecting again in New Orleans this year.

ASPDA is always one of our favorite conferences of the year because it brings together people who truly care about performance nutrition, athlete wellbeing, and the power of real food.

We hope this guide helps you explore a little more of New Orleans while you're in town. Whether you're grabbing beignets before a morning session, enjoying dinner with colleagues, or discovering live jazz on Frenchmen Street, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences waiting for you.

And of course, be sure to stop by and say hello to us during the conference; we’d love to connect.

See you in New Orleans!