When visiting New Orleans, most tourists tend to stick to the iconic French Quarter or the Garden District. However, there are countless hidden gems in Central City New Orleans that offer a deeper, more authentic connection to the city’s culture and history. Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard is one such treasure—a vibrant area filled with indie shops, museums, historic landmarks, and incredible local eats. In this blog, we’ll share our family day exploring this underrated part of the city, showcasing its unique charm and must-visit spots.
A Day of Discovering Hidden Gems in Central City New Orleans
Record Raid at the New Orleans Jazz Market
Our day exploring hidden gems in Central City, New Orleans, began at the People’s Health New Orleans Jazz Market, a stunning venue created by the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. This cultural hub celebrates jazz music while hosting performances, community events, and private gatherings. On this day, it was home to Record Raid, a quarterly vinyl market featuring over thirty music vendors offering records, CDs, cassettes, and vintage music books.
As lifelong vinyl fans, Kurt and I were ecstatic to dig through the treasures. The Jazz Market itself is a masterpiece, with its hardwood-paneled walls, cozy reading spaces, and the Bolden Bar, which serves coffee and cocktails. We grabbed records from The Cure, New Order, and The Beatles—just a few finds that made this stop unforgettable.
Coffee and Culture at Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplinary Arts Center
Next, we visited the Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplinary Arts Center, a venue that showcases indie films, performing arts, and visual exhibits. Inside, we found Church Alley Coffee Bar, where we treated ourselves to some of the best toast and iced tea we’ve had in a while. My goat cheese toast, drizzled with olive oil, salt, and pepper, was divine, while Kurt’s avocado toast with radish and olive oil was equally satisfying.
This stop encapsulated what makes Central City special—it’s a mix of art, culture, and culinary delights that feels authentic and unpretentious. Whether you’re a foodie or an art lover, this is one of the hidden gems in Central City New Orleans you shouldn’t miss.
It was bittersweet to learn that Church Alley Cafe & Grocery closed its brick-and-mortar shop on November 24, 2024, after 12 years of daily service. Their pantry line is still available at The Good Shop, Laughing Buddha, and through pre-orders with pick-up at their monthly pop-up cafes.
The Southern Food and Beverage Museum: A Taste of History
One of the highlights of our day was visiting the Southern Food and Beverage Museum (SoFAB), a space dedicated to preserving and celebrating Southern culinary traditions. On this particular day, we were greeted with an unexpected treat—free pork from a whole hog that had been smoked overnight!
The museum’s exhibits, like the Al Copeland/Popeyes display, are a delight for anyone who loves food history. SoFAB also hosts regular culinary events and tastings, making it a must-visit spot for food lovers. For us, it was a delicious reminder of how deeply food is intertwined with New Orleans culture.
66<100: A Pop-Up With a Purpose
Next, we stopped by 66<100, a pop-up shop raising awareness about the gender pay gap in Louisiana. Women in the state earn just $0.66 for every dollar men earn, and this shop reflects that disparity in its pricing—women pay 66% of the retail price, while men pay full price.
The shop featured handmade crafts, art, and baked goods, including salted chocolate chip cookies and a blueberry hand pie that were absolutely unforgettable. Supporting a cause like this while enjoying delicious treats made this one of the most meaningful hidden gems in Central City, New Orleans. Unfortunately, we can’t find any information on this shop more recent than 2016 (this blog was originally written in 2015).
Why Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard Matters
Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard is more than just a street—it’s a testament to the resilience and creativity of New Orleans. Once a bustling commercial district, it has been revitalized as a cultural hub filled with art, history, and community-focused businesses. For our family, spending the day here wasn’t just about discovering great food and unique shops—it was about connecting with the city on a deeper level.
And while some businesses go, others have taken their place.
As locals, we believe it’s essential to highlight aspects of New Orleans that many tourists often overlook. Central City, with its rich history and vibrant present, offers an experience that’s both authentic and unforgettable. It’s the perfect destination for families, solo travelers, and anyone looking to explore a side of New Orleans few get to see.
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