Image courtesy of Matassa’s Market on Facebook
The French Quarter may be the crown jewel of New Orleans, a tourist mecca where the revelry never ends. But it’s also home to thousands of locals, who do what residents everywhere do: shop for groceries and do their laundry. Forgot your razor? Fancy a bottle of wine? You don’t have to wander far to find what you need, along with an only-in-New-Orleans ambiance.
Rouses Market (701 Royal St.)
This family-owned supermarket chain puts a distinctly local spin on grocery store staples, from grab-and-go boiled crawfish (in season) to dozens of fiery hot sauces. Rouse’s also boasts an excellent selection of wine, beer and spirits, which you can pick up on the fly until 10 p.m.
Matassa’s Market (1001 Dauphine St.)
For over 90 years, French Quarter residents have stocked up on staples like milk and TP at Matassa’s. But the real draw is their famous fried chicken and other hot-plate specials. The best part? This full-service grocery, deli and liquor store delivers to your door. Matassa’s underwent a renovation in 2021, and is better than ever, with an expanded deli menu.
Mary’s Ace Hardware Store (732 N. Rampart St.)
Chances are you won’t need a saw or a hammer. But Mary’s stocks lots of handy stuff for visitors, from bike-repair kits to umbrellas, and perks include free coffee and off-street parking. Venture “a step above” to the second-floor kitchen & bath emporium, where you’ll also find shelves laden with local gourmet foods.
Suds Dem Duds (1101 Bourbon St.)
Got a load of laundry to do? Fire up your laptop with free Wi-Fi while your clothes cycle through the coin-up machines. Or get the VIP service, and text 504-345-2828 for a pickup. Suds Dem Duds returns your clean, folded laundry the same day, and even ties a festive bow on top.
Walgreens (619 Decatur St.)
It’s got everything you’d expect at your own local Walgreens, including sunscreen essentials for tropical weather. But the Decatur St. branch is housed in an art deco building, complete with neon arches, and boasts a trove of New Orleans souvenirs like pralines and Cafe du Monde coffee, some priced lower than in Quarter tourist shops.
CVS (620 Decatur St.)
As in many cities, CVS is directly across the street from Walgreens, and stocks many of the same items as its competitor. But insiders also know CVS as one of the best places in town to score good deals on champagne, wine and spirits.