With so many tourists in and out of New Orleans at all times, it can be easy to feel like we never have any secrets. But of course that isn't true. As locals, there are still some places that you can rest easy knowing that only the locals are going to be spending time there. Here are some of the best kept secrets in New Orleans!

1) Dragon’s Den, 435 Esplanade Ave.

While Dragon’s Den has gone through many iterations since first opening a few decades ago, this multi-level bar at the end of Esplanade Ave. truly has something for everyone. The gorgeous patio is great for grabbing a drink with friends, while upstairs there is always some variety of party starting to get going. It’s easy to let a night slip away from you walking up and down the stairs at this incredible New Orleans spot.

2) Hey Café!, 4332 Magazine St.

This Café may seem tiny at first but a substantial back area offers a lot of room to get comfy. There’s also consistent shows and other events that take place here, making it a favorite hang out spot in the area.

3) Sammy’s Food Service & Deli, 3000 Elysian Fields Ave.

Found right off of the 610 split near Lowe’s, Sammy’s has quickly become a favorite spot for New Orleanians to get their favorite po-boys as well as some creative modern options. You won’t be disappointed whatever you order here—it’s all delicious!

4) The Neutral Ground Coffee House, 5110 Danneel St.

This New Orleans institution has been around for decades, but if you are new to the city it could have easily slipped past your radar at its uptown location across the street from Newman School. Go here to play some board games with friends or enjoy the nightly music, where folk musicians from around the country and of course in New Orleans play tunes at the makeshift stage.

5) Francis Sylvester Backstreet Cultural Museum, 1116 Henriette Delile St.

This unassuming museum in the heart of the Treme offers an up close and personal view of the history of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians and other indigenous cultural heritage of African Americans in the neighborhood and the city at large. Feels like a tour of your wise uncle’s attic---if that uncle was one of the most experienced and astute cultural observers of New Orleans.

6) Pontchartrain Park

This park, which also is the name of the surrounding Gentilly neighborhood, offers lots of various recreational opportunities, including a jungle gym and walking paths. It’s a great place to gather with friends and neighbors or just enjoy the great outdoors on your own.

7) Old Point Bar, 545 Patterson Dr.

Live music goes on almost every night at this Algiers institution, where there is always plenty of drinks flowing and plenty of friendly faces ready to welcome you into the family. Some might even call it the best dive bar in New Orleans, but I don’t want to start any fights.

8) Broadview Seafood, 1468 Broad St.

Living in New Orleans, I am constantly on the hunt for a great and inexpensive place to pick up the pounds of crawfish that I consume ravenously. The rest of the seafood is awesome as well and the prices just can’t be beat!

9) Chalmette Battlefield & National Cemetery, 8606 West St. Bernard Highway, Chalmette

It’s somewhat easy to overlook this part of the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve, which commemorates the place where the January 8th, 1815 Battle of New Orleans took place under the command of General Andrew Jackson. There are some truly fascinating relics and gorgeous scenery to check out here.

Those are some interesting places don't you think? If you're really into secret spots of New Orleans, you may like this other article, where we focused in on hidden gems in New Orleans! You'll love it!