Bywater: An Artist’s Haven and Creative Community

About a 15-minute walk to the edge of the French Quarter, the Bywater neighborhood is known for its bohemian vibe, street murals, great restaurants, funky art venues and sweeping views of the city from Crescent Park. Its boundaries are 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. Walkable and bike-friendly, the Bywater’s main thoroughfares are St. Claude Avenue and Chartres Street, with favorite bars, brunch spots, and coffee shops found between the two.

Two of Bywater’s most noteworthy institutions are the celebrated New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA), a pre-professional arts training center for high school students, and Studio Be – a 35,000 square foot warehouse featuring the work of Brandan “BMike” Odums, a visual artist who uses the space to address and critique social issues.

Because the Bywater is located along the natural levee of the Mississippi River, it was spared flooding from Hurricane Katrina. And in recent years, it has become popular for its renovations and restorations of classic New Orleans homes like Creole cottages, shotguns and center hall cottages.

Here are some of our favorite spots in the Bywater:

Press Street Gardens – An urban farm and outdoor learning lab funded by The NOCCA Institute, the nonprofit partner of the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.

Satsuma Café – Offering freshly made juices, breakfast and lunch using quality, local and organic ingredients.

Pizza Delicious – Amazing pizza that has earned numerous accolades!

Crescent Park – A 1.4 mile, 20-acre urban park along the riverfront, with views of the city, bike paths, a dog run and more.

Music Box Village – An experimental community art project created and built by a non-profit organization featuring interactive “musical houses”.

Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits – Courtyard dining and wine shop where food, live music, and culture come together to create a unique experience.

Dr. Bob Folk Art – An artist studio and shop featuring the work of folk artist Dr. Bob, who popularized the phrase “Be Nice or Leave” with his art.