that shop on taft is in my favorite part of town -- hyde park/montrose. one of the best bars in the world is nearby, rudyards on waugh. stop in before the kids arrive and grab a pint and listen to some uncle tupelo on the jukebox. they also have great cooks in the kitchen serving up tex-mex.

other big faves are catbirds (a laid back, hole-in the wall, french quarter jazz club) and the oldest bar in town, la carafe, downtown. that one is a beautiful place to drink a glass of wine, talk to the locals, and play old r&b on the juke.