There’s country on the jukebox, a rotating cast of colorful characters at the bar and the drink prices are almost as low as the ceilings. Great drag shows on weekends.īrothers Three: Despite its sunny yellow exterior, inside this Magazine Street lounge it’s dark, dank and divey 24-7. Gay but straight-friendly, the Lantern keeps patrons lit with strong pours and a daily happy hour that runs from 8 am to 8 pm. Golden Lantern: It’s from this 24/7 watering hole-in-the-wall that the annual Southern Decadence parade-a booze-fueled, flesh-filled celebration of debauchery-kicks off each Labor Day weekend. But, thankfully, little has changed at the corner of Chartres and Bienville: the atmosphere is still easygoing, the bartenders unpretentious and the shots just keep on coming. Who needs mai tais?Ĭhart Room: When this local landmark changed ownership after 40 years in 2015 loyalists lamented the end of an era. What you will find is a worn sofa, a well-stocked jukebox and extra-strong cocktails at hard-to-beat prices. And don’t even think about ordering one, the bartender might toss you out. While such institutions are the stomping grounds of locals, visitors are universally welcome, whether you show up for a late-night music performance or drop in for a drink during the middle of the day.Īunt Tiki’s: Don’t let the name fool you there are no umbrella drinks here. The bars are found in old buildings that had previous lives as homes or corner stores, which imbues them with the sort of authenticity you just don’t find in newer establishments. We encourage responsible drinking (but we can also offer a few hangover cures).Short on amenities but long on lore, some of New Orleans’ most popular bars might be considered dives in other cities.īut here bars with storied pasts, the patina of good times had and the anything-goes vibe of a diverse clientele are regarded as hallowed ground for its regulars. Still thirsty? Click above for several more options, including a stop at Salon by Sucre for their “I’ve Been Scrooged”.ĭisclaimer: No need to do the whole crawl in one night. Claude to check out The Allways Lounge and Hi-Ho Bar, go to the Country Club in the Bywater, or head back into the French Quarter for endless options. It’s basically chef’s choice but doesn’t disappoint.įrom here, New Orleans is your oyster. If you’re still hungry and feeling adventurous, order the “trust me” from the tapas menu. Everything is turned up a notch including the noise, and depending on when you arrive, you may find a DJ spinning upstairs. Walk toward the river on Franklin Avenue and on the opposite corner you’ll find Mimi’s. Next stop: Mimi’s In the Marigny Peppermint hot chocolate from Mimi’s in the Marigny. The Desmond is also delicious if you’re a bourbon fan. Have: Old Fashioned (if you make it for Happy Hour, it’s only $5). We’d recommend the cozy spot up near the front window. Have: Pimm’s Cup or Bloody Mary Next stop: The FranklinĪll this drinking requires fuel and this stop on our journey has amazing small bites, including raw oysters, and blue crab and corn croquettes (yum!). It’s a charming, quaint dive with inexpensive drinks, a fun bar staff, pool table and jukebox! Not far from the jazz bars of Frenchmen Street you’ll find a “kind of gay, but not exclusively” (as you’ll find with many Marigny bars) bar called Friendly. Have: Bloody Mary Next stop: Friendly Bar The Friendly Bar. The decorations alone will make you want to peek inside this French Quarter gay-borhood bar and original home of Southern Decadence. Have: Eggnog Noel Next stop: Lucille’s Golden Lantern Bar Lucille’s Golden Lantern.
It’s open on Christmas Eve, Christmas day, and New Year’s Eve, but you might want to make a reservation the Bombay Club is a locals’ hot spot for the holidays. Grab a seat at the bar or sit at one of the four person high-tops and enjoy some holiday cheer. (Photo: Rebecca Ratliff)Ī candlelit hidden gem with a lovely small courtyard and live music every weekend, this dark, bookcase-lined room feels like something from the Godfather. Have: Sazerac Next stop: Bombay Club Bombay Club. (We’d also recommend Domenica restaurant if you want to start with some great food in your belly.) The decorations are amazing and having a Sazerac at the bar named for the drink is a perfect start to your crawl. LGBT Holiday Bar Crawl First stop: The Roosevelt New OrleansĮvery holiday bar crawl – gay or straight – should start at the tree-lined lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel. Escape your family or bring them along we’ve compiled a list of our holiday favorites, including some drink recommendations for each. Whether your holiday plans consist of turkey with the trimmings, seafood gumbo, or a Reveillon Dinner, be sure to carve out time before or after to experience New Orleans cocktail culture.