January 2026
New Year, New New Orleans
What's New In Real Estate & Life In New Orleans
She Who Shall Not Be Named has exited stage left. This time, New Orleans is happy to foot the bill on a first class ticket out of town (one-way domestic, of course). Even still, we’re finding it strangely difficult to be snarky. We’ve spent the past four years lambasting our local government... but against our better instincts, we are optimistic that things are about to get a lot less funny, and a lot more fun-ctional.
The Chinese calendar says we’ve shed the Year of the Snake and galloped into the Year of the Fire Horse. How fitting. With it, they say a few rare imports will arrive with the flaming stallion, tariff-free: momentum, opportunity, urgency.
Here at ben + burka, those traits have already manifested in a all-star lineup of new listings that feel as good as the first sips of your favorite parade route drink.
See below for the magic...
Featured Properties
1300 Arabella Street is a rare mixed-use neighborhood asset steeped in New Orleans history as the original home of Langenstein’s, which served the community from 1922 to 2025. The ±4,500 SF ground-floor retail space—operating as a legally non-conforming, full-service retail use—will be available within approximately 90 days, while the ±2,575 SF second floor includes two well-maintained 2BR/1BA apartments, one leased month-to-month and one vacant. Positioned on the hard corner of Prytania and Arabella Streets, directly adjacent to the new Robert’s Fresh Market, the property sits in the heart of the Golden Rectangle, just blocks from Prytania Street, St. Charles Avenue, and Magazine Street. Its legal non-conforming status allows continued retail operation or less intensive uses, including office (buyer to verify zoning and permitted uses).
![]() |
![]() |
This rare Lower Garden District offering features a fully licensed mixed-use short-term rental complex with seven commercial STR licenses, a ground-floor commercial space, and a large rear yard. Originally built c. 1855 and meticulously restored, the property blends historic character with modern systems and offers compelling upside through potential historic tax credits—just steps from Magazine Street and minutes from Downtown and the French Quarter.
![]() |
![]() |
This ±1,800 SF former bar space offers strong street presence along one of New Orleans’ most active retail corridors. Previously home to Another Bar, the fully built-out space features a new front façade and flexible layout, with the option to subdivide into up to three ±600 SF storefronts—each with Freret frontage and display windows—surrounded by a dense mix of top local and national operators.
![]() |
![]() |
This ±1,275 SF second-generation restaurant space in the heart of the Marigny comes fully built out with a commercial kitchen, bar seating, and generous outdoor dining. Formerly home to Bao & Noodle, the space features an open kitchen, hood vent, grease trap, and private office—all surrounded by some of the neighborhood’s most beloved destinations and just steps from the French Quarter.
![]() |
![]() |
What We're Eating & Drinking
![]() |
![]() |
WE'RE EATINGSusan Spicer's Oyster Stew |
WE'RE DRINKINGMocktails |
|
A true New Orleans classic, this oyster stew is rich, simple, and deeply comforting—letting the briny sweetness of fresh oysters shine. Gently simmered with leeks, cream, and a touch of spice, it’s the kind of dish that feels both timeless and indulgent. Find the recipe here. |
Sadly, dry January is here. And if you are participating this year, we have you covered with three different mocktails from our very own Callie, who moonlights as a bartender at the Gilded Perch. Sip 'em down, guilt-free. |
Office Update
Casey, who usually never helps bring Christmas presents to the tree on Christmas Eve, was guilted into doing so by his wife. After attempting to carry an unreasonable volume of gifts, he fell down the stairs, injuring his coccyx on the way down. He is now receiving physical therapy treatment and is expected to make a full recovery. Join us in wishing him better luck and good health in 2026!
If our newsletter becomes old, generic or lame, it would be an utter shame. Speak up, help us out, that's what we're all about.













