Try some places on Magazine. A lot of really good places there and usually not nearly as expensive and crowded.
Not a fine-dining experience by any stretch, but Buffa’s at Esplanade and Burgundy has the best red beans and rice I’ve ever had. The rest of the menu is pretty solid too, from my understanding. And, it’s a fun divey joint that isn’t touristy.
Agreed, I’ve been there in the last year or so. It was wonderful. Plus if you’re so inclined, the St. Charles Trolley takes you really close. There’s also a live blues music bar next door called The Maple Leaf IIRC.
Pat O’Brien’s in the FQ has good food, and it’s the birthplace of the Hurricane, so that’s cool.
Shaya’s on magazine is awesome. I ate so much for lunch I couldn’t eat dinner. Modern Israli Cuisine.
In the quarter I like Coop’s but it always really crowded and they aren’t always nice to tourists. Very much a local’s kind of place. Redfish Meuniere is my favorite.
Not an oyster eater but Dracos has Barbeque shrimp that is awesome.
My favorite shrimp po-boy was from Verti Marte 1201 Royal st. But Borgne was second best. Well actually the best was “We never Close Po-boy” but unfortunately they did after Katrina.
Seconding Felix’. As our cabby told us, “all them oysters come out of the same water.”
I got terrible food poisoning from a muffalatta at Central Market. I have no idea how far ahead the make them.
Honest to od, if you’re up late and see a street vendor with eggrolls on a stick, try one. They’re great. Or I was just very drunk 
Please post a trip report when you return.
I’m also visiting New Orleans soon and I’m traveling with a coworker who has expressed her love of fresh halibut to me several times. Doing a little research, I found a place, Gautreau’s, that used to have fresh halibut as a special often, but apparently the chef, Sue Zemanick, who was known to have served it has moved on.
So, does anyone have a recommendation pro or con about Gautreau’s these days, or able to recommend a place that’s likely to have fresh, not frozen, halibut? Unless warned off, I’ll likely give Gautreau’s a call about their specials while we’re there.
Thanks everyone, incredibly helpful. I will post after I return (which will be after Thanksgiving).
My sister recommended August and Cochon, which I see got a couple mentions here. Anyone else got an opinion?
Also, of the classic old-school places like Galatoire, Arnaud’s, Antoine’s, etc. is there any one that stands out?