Lafitte's
Gay bar · French Quarter ·
Oldest gay bar in US, open 24/7, karaoke, dance parties
Oldest gay bar in US, open 24/7, karaoke, dance parties
"A proud anchor of Bourbon Street’s “Fruit Loop,” Café Lafitte in Exile’s claim to fame is that it is the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the country, with the ghosts of past patrons occasionally visiting. Beware of the spectre Mr. Bubbly, who has been known to get grabby and pinch butts. The upstairs bar and balcony hosts weekly events, including karaoke and dance parties, while the downstairs has a welcoming bar with cheap drinks and views of Bourbon Street — ideal for people-watching. The bar hosts the ever-popular “Walking with the Gay Ghosts of New Orleans” all Pride weekend; reserve your spot here." - Beth D’Addono
"A proud anchor of Bourbon Street’s “Fruit Loop,” Café Lafitte in Exile’s claim to fame is that it is the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the country, with the ghosts of past patrons occasionally visiting. The upstairs bar and balcony hosts weekly events, including karaoke and dance parties, while the downstairs has a welcoming bar with cheap drinks and views of Bourbon Street — ideal for people-watching." - Eater Staff
"Café Lafitte in Exile’s claim to fame is that it is the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the country — though it likely wouldn’t have been called such in the 1930s when it was first founded. It gets its name because it originally occupied the space home to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, moving to its current location in the ’50s, hence the “exile.” Said to be haunted by luminaries like Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams, downstairs has a welcoming bar with cheap drinks and views of Bourbon Street ideal for people-watching, and the upstairs bar with a wraparound balcony hosts weekly events, including karaoke and dance parties." - Beth D’Addono
"I’d put Lafitte’s in Exile at the center of Pride weekend: the self‑proclaimed oldest gay bar in the U.S. hosts an opening ceremony on Thursday, June 10 followed by an upstairs Underwear Party at 6 p.m. (admission $5 or free if you check your pants), and on Saturday, June 12 at 11 a.m. they’re holding an outdoor dance party/hangover brunch where they’ll also unveil their new “King’s Courtyard.”" - Clair Lorell
"In the French Quarter, this neighborhood favorite is open and operating a takeout window." - Clair Lorell