A day in chilly Gentilly
It looks residential and low-key, but some of the best food and chill spots in the city are here.
by Mary Staes
October 29, 2018
For many, Gentilly has become almost an extension of Lakeview. It has a family-friendly atmosphere, with lots of places to eat and chill dotted among the residential areas.
Breakfast
Pontilly Coffee and Snowballs
To start your day off right, you’ll probably want a nic cup of coffee. Tucked away across from the Baptist Seminary, these hidden gems have indoor and outdoor seating and tables for up to 6 people if you want a quiet meeting space. The coffee shop doesn’t close until 9 p.m., so it’s a nice place to sit and study. All of the profits go to Bethel Community Baptist Church, which operates faith-based treatment programs. The prices are reasonable, with a 20-oz iced coffee at $2.75 and a large cup of Cafe’ Americano ringing in at $2.75. The snowball stand also offers snacks like chips, nachos and hot dogs.
Daytime Activities
Joe Bartholomew Golf Course
After you’ve gotten your hot cup of joe, it’s time to explore. This quiet golf course sits across from Southern University of New Orleans’ campus, nestled in the back of Pontchartrain Park. The public course offers 18-holes and was opened in 1956 as the Pontchartrain Golf Course. It underwent renovations in 1979, and was renamed to honor the first African-American inducted into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame.
Lakefront Marinas
Gentilly sits along Lake Pontchartrain, with Southern University of New Orleans and the University of New Orleans both bordering the lake. Everyone who grew up here has memories of being on the lake, whether it’s sitting by the stairs watching the waves come up, or running on the levees as a child. The lake always offers a beautiful view, and it’s a great place to sit alone and think or gather some friends to chill and have fun.
Pontchartrain Park
Home of the Pontchartrain Park Patriots, this park boasts lots of club athletics. If you and your kids are just visiting, there is a playground with equipment, baseball field, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a fenced field for play.
Lunch
Zimmer’s Seafood
So, sometimes there’s a line out of the door here, but that’s how you know the food is good. When crawfish is in season, getting at least four pounds is your best bet. It’s amazing. You can also get seafood plates here, like shrimp po-boy or soft shell crabs, shrimp salad as well as their fresh seafood. It’s perfect for grabbing some food before dinner or taking a pound of seafood out to the lake.
Happy Hour/Night Time
Daquiris & Company
It’s the end of the day, and maybe you don’t like lines that are always out to Chef Menteur at the daquiri shop near the seminary. This shop has lots of seating, and it’s where people in the neighborhood come to grab a drink after work. There’s even a food menu so you can get something in your stomach before that house special takes over.
More Local Stories
Eat Play Stay Orlando: Sanford
On this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando explore what’s new in the Northern part of town. Sanford has a plethora of breweries, bars, and delicious dining options to choose from.
Hometown Tragedy: The Pike County Massacre
On this episode of Hometown Tragedy: Missing in Milwaukee, we’ll explore what happened to Jerica Banks, her children, and how it impacted their community.
Six New Orleans parks that are perfect locations to celebrate 4th of July
Head to one of these six New Orleans parks to celebrate Independence Day in the city.
Cheap Date Orlando: Punk Rock & Pooches
Two Orlando couples shop vintage, search for the perfect slice, visit a post-apocalyptic saloon, and take the stage on blind dates in Orlando.
Fit and Fab: Free summer workouts in Boston
Cover photo courtesy Getty Images Looking to get fit for the summer? Still wary of COVID-19 or just looking for some sunshine while you sweat? Here are some Boston free summer workouts across the city so you can keep moving all season long! Seaport Sweat May 2 to Sept. 29 Boston’s biggest free workout series…
What’s On the Menu?: Farm-to-table
The farm-to-table movement brings locally grown foods to your plate. Not only will enjoying farm-to-table meals allow you to indulge in fresh, nutritional, seasonal dishes, but farm-to-table dining helps the environment and supports the local economy. Check out these delicious farm-to-table restaurants in Greenville, South Carolina on the latest episode of What’s On the Menu?. …
A guide to some of the best Black-owned brunch spots in NOLA
Gather the crew together, make those reservations, and celebrate all things Black at brunch.
A guide to Pittsburgh’s summer events must-do list
Check out our roundup below for the can’t-miss events happening in the city over the next few months.
Eat Play Stay Orlando: Tarpon Springs
In this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando you’ll be transported to a thriving Greek community nestled on Florida’s gulf coast. From sponge diving to flaming cheese to a Greek bakery that supplies a ginormous amount of baklava to the entire country, you’re sure to fall in love with Greek culture in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
Dorchester doughnuts that pack a paczki
These traditional Polish pastries are the real deal.
A guide to some of the best Black-owned brunch spots in NOLA
Gather the crew together, make those reservations, and celebrate all things Black at brunch.
Queen Trini Lisa’s Ascension to New Orleans’ Caribbean Soul Food Throne
Lisa Nelson didn’t plan on being a chef. She didn’t anticipate becoming a queen either, but true to the most beloved of royalty, the people made her one.
A grab-and-go food guide to the MSY New Orleans terminal
Time. Most of us don’t have a lot of that. Even less so when we’re rushing to make a flight. There are still plenty of tasty options for the less leisurely travelers among us, though it helps to know where to find them.
Chef Dee Lavigne expands the only Black-owned cooking school in New Orleans
Deelightful Roux School of Cooking is the only African American-owned cooking school taught by a New Orleans native, and her class is a guide to New Orleans’ food culture.