Heading to the "The Big Easy" for the Big Game? Here's your crash course in New Orleans culture. 

If you don't want to look like a f*cking tourist, you'll need it. 

So here's your Super Bowl Guide to not looking like a tourist. Let's dive in, y'all!

Fit Right In

Some things will make you stand out like a sore thumb.

Know The Enemies

  1. No ATL Falcons Gear. Sorry, but the rivalry is real. Even if you're not a fan of the New Orleans Saints, everyone here knows we don't like the Falcons.
  2. We Don't Like Those Guys. If you hear anyone talking about football, you'll probably want to make a disapproving stink face if anyone mentions the names Dennis Allen or Micky Loomis. Just trust me. 

Know Your Calendar

  1. Mardi Gras Is In March. I know you probably want to wear 20 pounds of Mardi Gras beads around your neck, but a local isn't going to be drenched in purple, green, and gold just yet (unless there is a special occasion). We're just not wearing any until the parades start. Them's the rules.
  2. Every Day Is Gumbo Day. I don't care if it's hot outside. Every day is a great day for gumbo. We just cook more when it's cold. 

Know Your Eats

  1. The Holy Trinity. Most of our delicious recipes have three ingredients in common. The Holy Trinity: Onions, bell peppers, and celery. NOM NOM NOM NOM.
  2. The Gumbo Wars. The Gumbo Wars are real. Roux: Homemade or jar? Protein: Seafood or chicken and sausage? Tomatoes: Do they go in a gumbo? Yes or hell f*cking no. I can't tell you the right answer, because it depends on who you're asking. Just be aware that it's a touchy subject. 
  3. Potato Salad. It's totally A-OK to put your potato salad INTO your gumbo. Just like you would with your rice. 
  4. Jambalaya. This is more rice-y than a gumbo, and does not require a roux. Still yummy. 
  5. Etouffee. Man, we really have some good food. Don't we? An etouffee is more "gravy-like" than a gumbo and the protein is usually shellfish related. 
  6. GOOD FOOD. EVERYWHERE. Don't feel like you have to hit up the “big names” like Cafe Du Monde or any other highly praised restaurant. The food is good here. Like, almost anyone's home kitchen has something delicious cooking on the stove. Don't be afraid to try out a lesser known hole-in-the-wall restaurant.

Maybe you can't make it to NOLA for the Super Bowl, but while you're watching from home you can get a head start on your leaguemates for next fantasy season with a FantasyLife+ Tier 2 subscription!

Culture Shock

Alcohol By Foot (Open Containers)

Yes, you can drink in the street! As a Louisiana native, it wasn't until college that I finally realized it wasn't customary to take your drink outside of a restaurant or bar in other states. 

  1. Don't freak out about it. Everyone will be walking around with drinks in hand. Act cool, not like a fool. 
  2. You'll need a plastic cup. While you can walk around with open containers, you won't be allowed to have glass bottles. No one wants broken bottles in the street. Don't worry, most bars will have a sleeve of plastic cups at their exit for you to pour your beer into.
Caesars Superdome

Feb 3, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; A general overall view of the Caesars Superdome, the site of Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Etiquette Still Exists

While the rules might seem pretty lax compared to other large cities due to the vibes of New Orleans and the flowing alcohol, this doesn't give you the right to be a menace. 

  1. Treat the city with respect. You still can't be a belligerent drunk or p*ss in public. I mean, you can, but there are consequences. 
  2. Be kind to your servers. People often have misconceptions about how to act in public once they enter NOLA. Imagine what the locals have to put up with. Just be kind. 

Art & Music

New Orleans has a rich history, and much of it can be seen through the art you'll be surrounded by. 

  1. Take time to appreciate the talent. There are always bands to be found, whether it's in the street as you're walking past or at a local bar somewhere down the street. It's not touristy to appreciate art. Take some time to take it all in.
  2. Explore. New Orleans isn't bound by the perimeters of the French Quarter. There are other areas that are ripe with great food and wonderful music. 

Know Your Brews

We’re all adults here. You can drink whatever you’d like. But here’s a list of popular Louisiana breweries that many locals love. 

**Disclaimer: If you buy the infamously named “Hand Grenade” cocktail… Yea, you’re gonna look like a f*cking tourist. 

Urban South Brewery

Paradise Park

  • American Lager, 4.4% ABV
  • Light and refreshing

Holy Roller 

  • IPA, 6.3% ABV 
  • Juicy

ABITA Brewing Company

ABITA Amber 

  • Lager, 4.5% ABV
  • Toasty & Malty
  • Voted “best beer” in many New Orleans polls

Purple Haze

  • Lager, 4.2% ABV
  • Made with raspberries! 

Parish Brewing Co. 

Ghost in the Machine

  • Double IPA, 8% ABV
  • Juicyyyyyy goodness

NOLA Brewing Co.

“The OG of the New Orleans craft beer scene”

NOLA Blonde Ale

  • Blonde Ale, 5%
  • Great, light street-walking beer (goes well with crawfish).

Local Beer Hack

Beer Names: ABITA Strawberry Lager & ABITA Andygator

The Hack: Ask your bartender to pour half and half of each. Andygator is 8%ABV, but the Strawberry Lager gives it the perfect balance. Peer pressure resulted in the brewery creating its own “Strawgator” beer due to the high demand. But mixing is always more fun! And you’ll look like you know what you’re doing. 

Stay Vigilant

As with any large city, take precautions. Be safe. And beware of scams, my dude.

If you're already itching for a jump start on next fantasy season, check out the FantasyLife+ Tier 2 membership for access to our full suite of tools, rankings, and more!