Dirty Coast

It was our last day in NOLA and I still needed a few gifts for friends, I'm so glad we entered this cute lil store!They have something for everyone, stickers, shirts, socks, soaps.... I even found the most perfect lil gator ornament for my Xmas tree!! The store is very clean and organized, customer service was great and we were in and out very quickly. I will definitely stop by again on our next trip!

There's more than meets the eye when it comes to traveling: The pit stains from too much walking. The desperate searches to find a bathroom. The hesitant decisions to buy a souvenir, not knowing if it's too touristy, kitschy, expensive, or all of the above. Does Instagram see any of that?No. But Yelp can guide you in the right decision of a delightfully authentic and quirky souvenir that captures the ethos of the city. I stumbled into Dirty Coast's French Quarter location, seeking respite from the smothering humidity and fully thinking that it would be a cookie-cutter souvenir shop hawking generic goods, like one of the others I had cooled down in earlier.I've never been happier to admit that I was wrong.If you know, you know -- and that was clearly the north star for all the items I found in here. Insider cultural references were everywhere in a way that felt inviting: Patches that said "swamp ass." Candles that smelled like a blend of coffee and beignets. Pouches that looked like a New Orleans parking violation sleeve, one of which I eagerly purchased.

Let me tell you how much my life has improved since finding Dirty Coast and her amazing crew in the French Quarter. First, never will I ever have that "what do I get so and so for a gift?!" problem because Dirty Coast has something funky, eclectic, endearing and just plain COOL for everyone. And I emphasize everyone because their gifts, gear, art, socks, and souvenirs are also inclusive and connected to the NOLA community and that's downright special. Dirty Coast isn't just a store, it's a hub for humans to connect and it's a beautiful thing. And let me tell you about the people who bring this store to life. In a word: fabulous. It's no surprise that an enterprise so unique, funky and chic is upheld by good humans who reflect the spirit and genuineness of creative community and good will towards all. Everyone I've encountered in the store is not only super helpful and stellar at their job, but they're genuinely lovely to be around and make you feel welcome, like you belong. The manager at the French Quarter spot is top notch and she's a total bad a$$! Now get yourself on down to the Dirty Coast!

One of my favorite stores! I'm always ordering online but had the opportunity to purchase in-store this past weekend while in town. Such amazing customer service and I love the store's values. Customer for life!