Lafitte's Blacksmith Bar, New Orleans

This is a just down a bit further on Bourbon Street, 941. It was built by the Lafitte brothers in the late 18th century at a facade for their illicit slave dealing. Today it's one of the most atmospheric places in a very atmosphere city - the claim is that it's the oldest building housing a tavern in the United States. It certainly seems as if they haven't yet installed electricity here - it's one of the darkest places I've ever ordered a g & t. If you are looking a little the worse for wear about a serious debauch elsewhere in the Quarter, this is a good place to go - somewhere that you're practically invisible to the person next to you!

Since 1772, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop has been serving them up to customers, making it the oldest bar in the United States! That's worth stopping in and having a drink by itself. The atmosphere is best described as... DARK! Candles are on all of the tables and they have a fireplace when the weather permits, but it is hard to see across the table!
Old wooden beams rom the 1700's, stories of ghosts roaming the bar, and drinks to boot, what more do you want in a bar?

Dress Code: Its so dark at night, no one could probably tell if you were naked! (Not recommended, though!)

This building dates to 1772 and legend has it that it was once owned by the pirate, Jean Laffite. The rumor is that he and his cronies ran a blacksmith shop out of the building as a front for other illegal operations. Today, it's simply a good drinking hole with a lot of history,

Dress Code: Come as you are.

One of the oldest bars in the USA. Former hang out of Andrew Jackson. The bar is candle-lit and really makes you feel like you are going back in time. The voodoo dacquiries are superb. The piano player in the back of the bar is a fantastic entertainer. People join in the songs and have a blast every time he is playing. Sometimes he'll go on for many, many hours, putting on a great show.

Dress Code: Pretty much any type of clothing.

There are so many places to go out in New Orleans that its hard to know where to begin. My favorite is Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop (on Bourbon street but waaaay down on the residential side, just keep walking and its on the left). Lafitte's (which currently ranks as my #1 favorite bar in the world so far - please see my home page for the others) is said to be the hangout of the Pirates Jean and Pierre Lafitte (and others say its haunted) and the bar itself is very small and dark (the only lights are above the cash register at the bar and again at the piano, everthing else is candles). The piano section of the bar is always fun - go there and hang out and make requests while singing along with the featured player - Johnny Gordon.

Supposedly, this is America's oldest Bar. It's also rumored to be the Pirate Jean LaFitte's(?sp) Blacksmith Shoppe.