re: Eating in New Orleans

You could, in theory, go to a place like Bacchanal early, not buy any wine, and just get small plates and I think they sell sodas and water in the wine shop. It would be odd and pretty pointless, but thats a good spot for a large group if you get there early enough and don't mind a place that is outdoors.

You can also go to places that are open relatively late that do NOT have reservations, like Ancora, Rumhouse, etc...and just wait until you get a table. Which will be a long time.