My information is a little dated, but I am pretty sure the places are still there post-K.
Vincents was one of my favorite places. There is one on Saint Charles Ave and another in Metairie off Transcontinental if memory serves me. The corn and crab bisque in a bread cup hit the spot to begin.
I thought K-pauls food was good on Chartres (pronounced Charters). They used to keep a line outside even when it was only half full, so don't let that deter you. Nice open air inner courtyard seating is somewhat representative of New Orleans architectural style.
You may want to take a ride out to Metairie and go to Ruth's Chris. The original on Broad is no more I believe, and it will give you a chance to see what Ruths was supposed to taste like. I have no doubt they maintained their standards after the firm in Chicago bought the chain and have pretty much destroyed it in my opinion.
There is some 2 sisters place that everyone will tell you about. Never went there because I used to hear about it from tourists and figured it was full of them.
If you happen to wander onto Bourbon street, there is a place called Desire. It was ok, but it will give you a chance to eat on Bourbon. Jambalaya and hush puppies was my goto for this place. You may get to see someone puke on the street while you eat, and it may small like horseshit, but that is called ambiance. I am sure someone will tell you where better Jambalaya is, but this will be convienent.
There are (were) so many places that you will probably forget everything everyone told you and just eat at random places. If I only had one place to go it would be Vincents, but that is just me.
Safety:
When there, with Canal behind you, I never really went left of Bourbon (except for a place call Deja Vu), which strangely was not a strip club. Royal Street has many shops, and a police station, and is pretty safe. I would stay away fro the riverwalk at night.
I never had a problem in 2 years day or night in the FQ and I was living there. Like all places, just keep your wits about you. Someone else can comment on the current state.
I can't really recommend going across the parkway to go to Liuzza's. My only experience is a guy I knew who didn't want to pay the $6 in parking on Conti (almost right next to a police station) parked on the other side and within an hour his car was stolen. Maybe things have changed, and I know my recommendation will disappoint those who like to eat in places just west of nowhere and then say it was the best food EVER, but I prefer my dinner without a side of stabbing.
Misc:
If your young, or an old gross guy, there is a good college bar near Tulane on Cherokee (I think) that is good. Samuels on Saint Charles is good also for all ages. There is some place next to it which is supposed to be good, something about being made from a piece of the eiffel tower or something.
If your gay, and would like to go to some gay bars, then keep walking away from Canal on Bourbon. I don't know where exactly they are, past St. Peter I think, maybe someone else can clarify.
The W (not on Chartres) across from the Casino has a good bar.
If you want to go to Ricks, there is a bar across the street that used to have free passes, just buy a drink and ask and tip the guy. Saturday night is better than Friday night. The best talent wouldn't work much on Friday because it was loaded with college students waving their last 3 dollars hoping the guy next to them got a dance.
Pat O'briens can be fun, worth a trip anyway.
And Cafe du Monde so you can curse the inventor of funnel crap.
Like I stated, my experience is a few years old and pre-katrina so, and I am sure it goes without saying, if someone has differing opinions I am sure they will chime in.
