A friendly place to visit
When to go
New Orleans has been know for two major events: Mardi Gras (celebrated on the day before Ash Wednesday) and the Jazz and Heritage festival (April). It is also know for the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina which destroyed many parts of the city in 2005. Though both Mardi Gras and the Jazz and Heritage festival are great times to go, they are going to be much busier and slightly more expensive. The great thing about New Orleans is that any time is a great time to visit (unless a hurricane is on its way).
Winter is still a great adventure
Traveling in N.O. in January proved to have just as big of a party as I thought Mardi Gras would be but the local assured me that I was a few weeks too soon for the biggest party I would ever be see. Bourbon St. had more bars open than anyone could visit in a weekend. The shops and restaurants in the French Quarter welcomed everyone to come in and try some delicious southern food; the people were always smiling. The weather was in the 50's and 60's with heavy wind but as long as you have the right clothes it wont bother you, especially because you can always duck into a bar and grab a drink to go to warm you up.
Eating around town
If you like fried food, beignet (similar to a donut), lots of beans, rice and greens, then you have found heaven. The food is delicious! This being said it is best to ask the local where to eat. Two suggestions are Coops (down by the river) and Pralines on French Man St. The food is true New Orleans and the people are very welcoming.
After dinner
A must visit is Bourbon St. for at least a few hours during the evening hours. The bars are rocking all night and there are food stands open late for pizza or hot dogs.
If this is too much for you, venture toward French Man St. where you will find great bars, Jazz clubs, and other live music with drinks at a more reasonable price.
Has N.O. recovered since the hurricane? I haven't heard anything about it (i.e. the news stopped reporting as soon as the hurricane disappeared) for quite a while...