If you do wind up in Nola a couple recommendations
(Until we moved to Germany, we were there at least once/month)
If you're into better music and a few less frat/sorority partiers, hit up Frenchmen's Street (Marigny district on the east end of Bourbon). It's typically where the locals hang out when they're looking for good music and less tourists (but it's still packed!!)
Best burger in the world is at Port 'o Call on Esplenade (the 4 lane that separates the Quarter from Marigny). Be warned you may wait an hour to get in