If/when you're walking through Bourbon Street and don't know where to stop, the answer is Lafitte's. This spot is the perfect place for great drinks and great ambiance. Not only is it the oldest bar in the US, the vintage decor makes this the most charming bar in NOLA. Make sure to try the Frozen Voodoo Juice (purple slushy drink) while you're here.
Review Source:My favorite bar on bourbon st!!! The oldest bar in the country built in the 1700's.
Reason why I love this place:
- has history
- look and feel is way different from the other bars we've been to in nola
- nice bartenders
- piano with a singer and people lounging on the piano singing along to old classic songs
-stiff drinks
Don't recommend:
- peeing in there unless you can bring a friend to hold the broken door.
This was my absolute favorite place in New Orleans, and my #1 favorite bar anywhere.
The Hurricanes are really great. Fresh squeezed fruit juices, perfectly balanced, and enough of the hard stuff to make ya take back stuff you never stole.
The bar hasn't been wired for lights. The building dates back to pirate times, and the candlelight really harkens back to those dangerous days.
The only thing were weren't impressed with was the jukebox. It's a kitchey, touristy bar, and they had tired, old pop music on the jukebox. Why not go all the way and have period correct or at least interesting music on the box? Janice Joplin and Alan Jackson are so "common." We would have loved to hear more appropriate music for the oldest bar in the USA.
There's some very old (1700's?) French graffiti scrawled into the wall, it reads translated 'Love makes time fly; time makes love fly.' This trip was my wife and my 15th anniversary vacation, and we thought that was just perfect. Like it was written for us.
Uh oh....I think they changed the hurricane recipe :-(
Had it twice since fathers day and where it used to be a lil more red and tasty, seems like the last two, Â weeks apart, both looking the same too, Â have lost something. It still good and strong but doesn't have that nice flavor. Â With them being the same is telling me its deliberate. Â If I am able to catch the owner next time I will definitely air my opinion.
The epitome of Confederate state ballads, "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," welcomed us as we walked in to this incredibly well known bar, unaware of its fame and thinking we'd made our own special discovery. The dark, candlelit, low-ceilinged atmosphere was so cozy and welcoming and the live music just classically South. It felt goood being in there and I didn't want to leave.
Review Source:*Warning* The following review is based off of data collected while under the influence of various purple and green concoctions and as a result may be deemed useless.
Wandered into this watering hole after wandering the wondrous street that is Bourbon and fell in love instantly. Immediately upon entrance I felt as though I had stepped into another time in another place. The images of beads, boobs, and beggars escaped my mind quickly as I roamed this very open, yet quaint and eerie place. I followed the candle lit pathway and alluring piano music back into a dark corner where I settled with a few familiar faces. We were enjoying our drinks and taking in the atmosphere when suddenly I realized it had been live music that we were swaying along to. It was so dark (or my vision is sooo bad) that I didn't even realize there had been a real life person playing within feet of me. Even after discovering that was the case it was difficult for me to make out the musician's face, but it didn't even matter because it just added more mystery and romance to the ambiance that I had already quite enjoyed. Â
It wasn't until the next day that I realized we had been hanging out in what may be the oldest, coolest, potentially haunted? history rich bar in America. After discovering this we decided to head back at the end of the night the following night, and again it did not disappoint. This time we sat up front where it was a little more lively, with a little more light, and A LOT more entertainment from passers by. Two completely different experiences, both of which were wonderful.
I love a place with a good story, regardless of whether or not it's 100% true, but I also loved this place before I even knew it had one. Will most certainly be wandering my way back on future rendezvous.
Everybody has an opinion as to where in Nola has the best Hurricane. Â
Lafitte's is it. Â They warn you, if you've never had it before, to drink from the straw. Â The drink gradually gets stronger and stronger. Â
Not only is the drink amazing the building itself is so historic too, there is a bar inside and also one in the garden/courtyard area. Â It wasn't super packed for a Friday night, we were able to grab seats after getting our Hurricanes. Â
Will be back for sure next time in town.
Just wasn't as into this place as everyone else. Â Maybe have outgrown the dive bar scene. Â Had a few decent beers and piano player on the night that we went was just OK. Â The general drunkenness of the place outweighed my fun factor. Â Â There are other bars on Burbon St. that were just more fun, but equally as cheesy. :)
Review Source:As one of the oldest bars in the US of A I would suggest coming here. I don't come here on a regular basis but it is always fun to bring friends from out of town (tourists) here,
Make sure to try the purple drink and grab a seat by the piano. Â Keep your eyes peeled for a ghost because rumor has it this place is haunted. With the lights so low (they just have candles) you may not know if you are talking to a person or to a spirit!
The first time I experienced Lafitte's I was handed a "purple drank" and fell in love. Now it's a must on any bar crawl through the Quarter. During the day you can sit outside and take a break from whatever festival you're marathoning, or get lost in the dark corners at night. It's a great chill bar for either grabbing a drink to go or just hanging out with friends. Love Lafitte's :)
Review Source:Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop is the primordial dive bar. It's the granddaddy. It's the dive bar that all the others that have come after it aspire to be.
So, you think your local watering hole is super-cool, 5 star, as good as it gets? Learn some history, son. Lafitte's has been around for probably centuries longer your favorite "dive."
What? Your favorite bar was once a Prohibition speakeasy? Not bad. But was it ever a pirate's den? Yeah, seriously, pirates, real pirates. & this was their smuggling base of operations.
Now some may contend that the whole past as a reputed pirate's den is merely legend. But even if that is the case, how many legends are there for your preferred drinking establishment?
No matter how you cut it, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop is just plain cooler than whatever dive bar you mistakenly thought was the coolest. It is an absolute must to have a drink here if you're in town.
Yeah, it's on Bourbon St. But even if you hate the drunken slobbering tourist horde atmosphere of Bourbon, it's far enough down the street to steer clear of the worst of the madding crowds.
The girlfriend & I stopped in for a Bloody Mary on a Sunday morning. In addition to our Bloody Marys, we drunk in the aged ambiance of this joint. If the walls could talk, what dastardly deeds would they tell?
You can feel it. There's something there. A real history. & that's what makes Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop the coolest dive bar.
Ok.. So this place is the oldest bar in America. Â Wheres the proof? Â This may be true, but it doesnt make it good. Â It was surprisingly dark as far as bars go. Â Nothing special. Â For some reason, they had live music and recorded music playing at the same time. Â It didnt make sense for such a small place and it made it incredibly difficult to hear anything.
I wouldnt rush out to go to this bar. Â There were many better places in NOLA.
Dark and mysterious, makesyou wonder what kind of men drank and maybe even died in some bar brawl here. This claims to be the oldest bar in the U.S. The drinks were great, and the atmosphere was casual and fun. I really enjoyed it there. I recommend you try the Hurricane here and not further down at the more touristy Bourbon Street bars.
Review Source:On my flight over on my most recent trip, I overheard a very interesting conversation between a pair of buddies on their way to New Orleans for a bachelor party convinced they'd 'be in bed to watch the news every night' and a fun, local woman who was trying to do her best to convince them otherwise. Â
When she suggested that the best hurricanes in New Orleans were at Pat O's, I simply had to interject. Â "I believe you are thinking of Lafitte's, and you should definitely go there. Â It is a great bar." Â
On that weekend trip to New Orleans, I went to Lafitte's no fewer than three times. Â From what I remember.
How many of us have a favorite bar in New Orleans? Â I have about 20 but if I had to chose an absolute favorite, Lafitte's would be in the top 3 I would consider. Â The atmosphere is unbeatable. Â You feel like you're in a colonial era tavern and it kind of looks like it possibly could have been a blacksmith's shop at some point. Â The beer is cold, the service is friendly, there's a constant turnover of customers so the opportunity to watch people and talk to interesting folks is as good as it gets if you like that sort of thing. Â The location is just far enough down Bourbon to be away from the real crazy folks but you'll see a few of them here as well. Â This is a must visit stop when you're in NOLA so don't miss it!
Review Source:Great old bar. Â We got stuck here during a thunder storm - not a bad place to spend an hour or so. Â
It's dark, the lighting is either natural or candles and it's old. Â Get a table by the window and enjoy some great cocktails or a cold beer. Â
I think you'll either appreciate this place for what it is: Â The Oldest Bar in America - or maybe not so much. Â I really liked it.
This was my favorite bar that we went to in New Orleans. All 9 of us girls were able to secure the big round table in the center of the seating area in front of the fireplace and it was so so much fun!
The bar is really dimly lit and I liked that. As we got a bit more rowdy and sauced we blew out the candles at our table...big mistake!! We couldn't see each other. The bar waiter who was walking around was so nice and understanding of us loud, drunk, girls and kindly relit the candle. Then he sweetly said, "Let's just try not to burn down the oldest bar in America please"
I had the typical New Orleans drink, the one that came in the Lafitte's plastic cup and garnished with an orange slice and Maraschino cherry. Some said they use 151 in there version and that would not surprise me because this was the only drink of the weekend that after one, I was feeling like a tipsy tipsy lady.
I recommend that you stop by this place, its really fun to sit around and just get rowdy with your friends.
Oldest bar in America.. and the horse carriage tours all stop here. Inside, I couldn't see a damn thing and they only have four kinds of beer on tap, 2 of them Abita variations. I ordered a Pimm's cup and it tasted horrible. However, the bartenders are nice and very attentive even on a busy night.
I ended up sitting outside with all the termites. There's also a creepy, semi-hidden statue lying down in the grass / bush. A big plus is that it's away from all the smellyness of Bourbon Street, but for a place that should have so much history and character, my experience was slightly underwhelming.
Who knew the oldest bar in America sat in the streets in New Orleans. I surely did not...not until me and a friend stumbled in last Monday night. The place looked interesting so we decided to grab a drink, which turned into three since we loved the vibe and didn't want to leave. This place is so "cool" inside and the bartenders are awesome! I would highly recommend stopping in for a quick drink or two or three :-)
Review Source:Oldest bar in America.... check!
Darkest bar in America... check! Â
Nothing really wrong with this place except it was just too damn dark at night... oh that and hearing both live music from outside fighting the radio music inside.
Other than those complaints it was a pretty straightforward, divey, semi-touristy bar that was fine but nothing special outside its' history.
I'm going to miss this place. A Â darkened, candle-lit space on the quiet side of Bourbon. Â A table was available for my husband and I to sit and enjoy each other's company while enjoying the songs the piano player chose to showcase his talents. "Love in Vain" brought a tender feeling to the atmosphere, while "Light My Fire" in honor of Ray Manzarek's passing that day drew a big gigantic tear to my eye.
There was a gaggle of other tourists waiting for service at the other end of the bar, looking as though they were searching for their own ass with out any luck. (They had no idea they were even on Bourbon Street.) I thought this was going to take FOREVER. So I head toward the other end of the bar where the bartender tended to my request of a White Russian, both swiftly and enthusiastically. Â
Candle light is my favorite light. Â Dark spaces do not creep me out, but instead make me feel happy and cozy. Old buildings with significant history only make it all the better. I am glad it was not overcrowded, and we were able to spend some time at a table enjoying our surroundings. Â I look forward to the day we come again!
Nice and relaxing
Historial
Really Freakin' Cool!
Wait, you ask. A bar on Bourbon street that is RELAXING. surely you Kid!
I do not. It is on the far end, away from the French Quarter down near the Market. Still easy to get to, and easy to find - but away from the constant onslaught.
Historical? Heck yeah. I love history. They claim to be the oldest bar in the country... but come visit Boston and we will give you a run for your money at Bunch of Grapes and others. Really cool though lots of original details from when it used to be a Blacksmith shop - including the fireplace inside.
Inside isnt that big, and has been 'updated' ( daiquiri machines, TV's, etc). I woudl have loved to see it stay nice and quiet and 'old school', but I understand why they had to make the changes.
We were there late afternoon, with the sun still out, and stayed outside at a table in the back garden. nice and relaxing,great outdoor space and a second bar if you are there at night.
Definitely worth checking out - and Get the 'purple drink'!
I always begin my stay in the Big Easy with a visit to Lafitte's.
The two years I lived in the City, I would always bring visitors as well.
It has become a tradition to stop in and feel the chill and energy of the city as it eminates from this place...ground zero for the character, mystery and vibe  like no other city in the world.
Had it not been for Jean and his brother Pierre and their aide to Andrew Jackson during the Battle of New Orleans we might all might be under the Union Jack,
So go there and raise a glass to Lafitte, Jackson and Old Glory.
What a great bar, with an interesting history! Gets packed at night, no electricity outside of the bar area and bathrooms--candlelight at night.
We sampled several Hurricanes during our stay in New Orleans, and definitely thought these were the best! Service is good and the drinks are strong...what more could you ask for?
Didn't sample any of the food or other drinks, but would definitely return if I ever make it back!
Lafitte's is one of the best bars in New Orleans. Â I don't think there is really much I can say that hasn't been said by all of the other reviewers. Â This is one of the oldest bars in the county and you definitely feel that way when you are inside.
Not much in the way of lights --- they keep this place dark ....
Highlights are the piano player in the back room. Â Its always fun to grab a drink and watch as they play a few tunes.
I had an Abita Strawberry, and my husband had some purple frozen concoction that apparently, Lafitte's is famous for. Â It was strange, walking into an old blacksmith shop, and seeing frozen drink machines behind the bar. Â I like the dark, woody, barn atmosphere, but the frozen drink just makes me think Lafitte's isn't cutting it with their other offerings.
Regardless, the place was quite busy for a weekday afternoon. Â As for the frozen purple drink, it wasn't that great. Â It kind of tasted like frozen grape Kool-Aid. Â I'd recommend this for a quick visit and a beer, snap your pictures, and take your business elsewhere.
We walked past this bar later that night, and the street was crowded with people, vans, and giant lights. Â It looked like they were filming a movie, so that was cool to see.
My first trip to New Orleans was for a convention. On our last evening in town we ventured down to Bourbon street. Everyone we met in town told us we had to check out Lafitte's and they weren't wrong. Â
The building is old, like pre-revolutionary war old and just has a great feel to it. Â I would suggest going at night to see it in all its candle lit splendor. The old school brick walls and blazing fireplace are awesome. The other high point for me was the Piano bar. They guy was good, real good.
Lafitte's stands out from many of the other bars on Bourbon Street. For starters it's way down on Bourbon Street. Which means some of the idiots will be too drunk to stumble this far and the bad kind of tourist will be too scared to come that far. If you aren't scared or too drunk you should come by the oldest bar in the country.
The place has candle light and is dimly lit. They have an old charm that the oldest bar would naturally have. They had a more easy going piano player who was mellowed out as opposed to most of the other piano players on Bourbon.
We had a great time partying till the end of the night and this should be a great option when trying to avoid the overwhelming aspects of Bourbon street.
The oldest structure to be used at as a bar in the US, built between 1722 and 1732. I have been a repeat customer here for over twenty years, on my visits down to my beloved NOLA. This is a place best enjoyed on off times not when it is super packed, but I suppose that can be hard to manage as it is such a popular spot. Â
It sits on the quiet end of Bourbon St. and remains one of the few places actually on Bourbon St. that I frequent when visiting. Since it is a bit off the beaten path you typically won't run into the frat boy d-bag element of the rest of the Bourbon St. bars.
Once used in smuggling operations by the Lafitte brothers, and now thousands flock here to drink by candlelight and listen to a fabulous piano player, Mike, that plays in the back.
Easily one of my favorite bars in the country. Â It always feels like home when I am here. This is potentially a great date place because you can sometimes get lucky and find a quiet corner table to chat. Â But on the weekends it get's really packed, and the fact that the ladies only has a single stall makes things less than ideal. Â
But still, I really love this place and always will. Â If you go here and do not like it we probably can't be friends.
Just go here, order a hurricane, then sit back and take in the crazy ambiance of this place.
Who doesn't want to hang out where pirates were? There's this quality that you just can't articulate about this place. Â Certainly it's much more interesting at night when the tables are lit by candles and the fireplace is roaring.
Just go...
On a side note, when you do a carriage ride with Robin (see my review), she was able to get curbside service...yeah, it was awesome.
If you come to New Orleans without paying a visit to Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, you just wasted a trip to the Big Easy. Â Antiquated and divey but with limitless character and great crowds, this dark and mysterious booze hall will have you looking for other school subjects with which to mix The Sauce other than History. Â
At night it's crowded, jovial and at times almost medieval, but their staff is laid-back and patient, so everyone's usually having a good time.
I have stopped by here on two different trips to New Orleans. It is always a cool place to hang out and take in the atmosphere. It is dark and you get an understanding why ghost shows come there. It is in a haunted city and it is the oldest building with a bar, its roots go back to Jean Lafitte and possibly used as a base for smuggling operations according to the bar's web site. Â It is a small bar, but I found no trouble grabbing a spot on a Saturday morning. A large fireplace sits in the middle and around the dark corner in the pack is a large piano. A pee trough awaits men in the bathroom.
It was just beginning to rain and was a nice place to duck in and stay warm & dry by the fire. Spend $8 and get the hurricane. They say its the best in New Orleans and they use real juice & fruit. It was tasty and I came away with a plastic souvenir cup.
Given the history of New Orleans, the atmosphere, and the frequent rain (at least every time I have been to New Orleans), Lafitte's is a nice place to sit and soak it all in for a few drinks. I definitely recommend it.
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