Pirate's Alley Cafe

There are a few bars where you can get absinthe and absinthe cocktails in the French Quarter. For some reason, this is the one I keep coming back to. This is a small bar located on-surprise!-Pirates Alley, right next to the former house of William Faulkner, which is now a bookstore. I get the Absente (see pic for absinthe selections), and once prepared, it's delicious-very mild, smooth, and leaves you with a happy buzz. Bar is cash only. There's an ATM on premises.

Although I have lived in Nola for 24 years, I think I have only been here one other time, which is a shame. Cute little place with traditional absinthe service. Cash only! Plenty of outdoor seating and the restroom was very clean. Service wasn't the friendliest, but it was prompt.

Saturday night in the French Quarter in NOLA. What else do we need but a Pirate's slot to drink and be merry??? We had a great time drinking good beverages with great service. They have no food though, so we had to go to the dive burger joint across the alley. (That was a pretty damn good burger.) The bar is definitely a dive bar, and the karaoke was hilarious. It was loud, but not too loud to talk and laugh. And they have clean bathrooms! Sorry folks, no photos of the shenanigans.

I love this little hole in the wall corner bar, but they only take cash which I did not have. So, I used the restroom and headed on out. If you're going to NOLA though, I would recommend hitting this up. Try Absinthe. You won't be disappointed. But, if you are........you won't remember it.

Tony Sevilles Pirates Alley Cafe is a Great little bar located in the heart of the French Quarter. Keep in mind this is a CASH ONLY BAR. The family stopped in to use the restroom and while waiting, ended up making some new friends and ordering drinks. Only one bartender was on duty and that girl was slammed; regardless, she served everyone with a smile. I couldn't help but notice they serve a variety of Absinthe the traditional way here, so I had to try the Absinthe French 110 proof ($12); it was delicious! Although we were here a short time I could definitely see myself returning to this bar again. This place has so much character and good vibes I'll have to go at least once more before this trip is over.

We were on the search for something unique with a fairly large group and found exactly that at Pirates Alley in the French Quarter. We visited in a Sunday evening and were surprised to see it fairly empty but, it is tucked down an alley so a bit off the beaten path. This bar serves a great variety of absinthe and the bartender was helpful in making our selections. However, if you're looking for any other type of cocktail more complicated than a shit and a mixer, you might want go elsewhere. Two in our group ordered manhattans and the bartender had to look up how to make them and we were told later that they not very good. I would say if you need a break from Bourbon street and looking for something simple, or want to try absinthe, this is a good option.

Perfect little hideaway next to the church! Super easy to miss! However, if you find it, it will be one of your favorites too! Totally a hidden gem! I highly recommend to the Lucid if you have never had Absinthe! The other drinks are cheap and poured well, but the show is the green fairy! 5 STARS

Cheap drinks in the French quarter. They only take cash but there is an ATM inside. Bartenders are great and so much fun. There are a couple tables inside but mainly seating is outside. I didn't see any food menu here, just drinks. It's out-of-the-way so might not be as busy as some of the other places on bourbon street.

I needed to go to the bathroom and Pirates Alley Café was my saving grace. The bartender was super nice and of course I bought a drink after I came out the prices are fantastic and my drink was pretty strong for the price. It's a small bar so if you're looking for seating with the big group, you might have to stand a while until something opens up. Also it's cash only!

Must stop when in NOLA Have to try Absinthe!! Cute bar with tons of character and history Tucked away in an alley (hence the name) Drinks are good Reasonably priced Cash only ATM inside Indoor/outdoor seating So glad we got to check this place out

We first heard about this place during a ghost tour but during that particular NOLA trip we were running out of time and liver cells and decided to postpone to our next visit. We were killing time before a dinner reservation at Muriel's and I put "please seat us at the ghost table" in the comments so pregaming with absinthe before our supernatural plans seemed like the most appropriate course of action. I had just found out that there is a specific way of consuming abinsthe which involves an antique looking water container with spouts, a sugar cube, and a strainer and they do not cut corners with their absinthe service here. It was a really cool experience and scratched the absinthe itch. They also have multiple different absinthe's from which to choose on their menu. If you are not feeling absinthe exclusively but rather as a supporting role, they offer many absinthe cocktails. We tried the one with sparkling wine. GF enjoyed this while I preferred absinthe by itself. The indoors part is pretty small but interestingly decorated. The outdoor seating is plentiful for a small bar and the sights and sounds of the FQ provide ample entertainment.

If you are looking for absinthe, tucked away down an alley is this hidden gem. The bar area is quit small, but there is plenty of room outside to sit and enjoy your drink. When we were there, the stereo was broken so it was a very quiet, peaceful, relaxing experience..a nice break from the typical French quarter bars. With our group, we tried the Jade 1901, the Butterfly, and the Lucid. They were all very different. I also ordered a Manhattan prior to looking at the drink menu. This is definitely not the place to order an item that is not listed on the menu. The Manhattan was heavy on cherry juice and light on rye/bourbon. Overall, I would definitely return if looking for absinthe. It is cash only, but they do have an ATM.

It was a fun little touristy place. Made me feel good. Servers were quite happy and enthusiastic.

This little spot is off the beaten path so my friend and I find ourselves here when walking through the Quarter. It is a breeze to grab a drink and either keep walking it sit for a bit and take a pleasant break. Servers are always nice and prices are what you'd expect for the area.

Super cool spot that specializes in Absinthe. Two of us split one drink because they are potent! When we went it was crowded but we found seating in the alley outside without any problem. The bathroom lines were ridiculous as I found a lot of these spots don't have enough restrooms to handle the crowds.

We stumbled across this corner of Paradise while on our way to visit the Basilica in Jackson Square. Absinthe, absinthe, absinthe! Delighted in the refreshing Obituary Cocktail and visited six times within four days. Truly one of the best experiences I've ever had in an alley!

They made me take off my romper in front of men. Stopped in here because it looked so cute and welcoming. Ordered 2 drinks for a few of us because we had never tried it. Unfortunately, as soon as we ordered, we knew we shouldn't have. They scammed us out of a real absinthe experience "because it's Mardi Gras." Im sure they're a great bar normally, but last night wasn't it. There were no sugar cubes. No slotted spoons and probably the worst customer service I've ever had. My SIL followed me to the bathroom so she could unzip my romper and approximately every bartender in the entire bar started SCREAMING. No--not nicely. They screamed at me and her. I had no idea doing c*ke was such a big deal (sorry, sheltered girl I guess) that they had to shout at normal people. They then proceeded to watch me get undressed in front of everyone at the bar. I cried. It was probably one of the worst and most violating experiences of my life. Just don't go here. The absinthe was mediocre but I sure will have memories to take home with me. Disgusting behavior by women at women.

Drink up me hearties ... cause legend and lore mingle with absinthe and ambiance at this bar cloaked in quirky kitsch. Pirate gear and attitudes are not required, but a little "aaarrrghhh" never hurt nobody. Do temper expectations. The historic location (near Jackson Square) and fun theme are the bounty more than the surly service, sugary grog, and hornswaggle prices ... all creatively prepped to pillage and plunder your coffers. Yo ho, yo ho, a Pirate's Alley Cafe for me ... and other buccaneers on vacation ... as well a few local landlubbers, scallywags, wenches, and privateers with doubloons to spare.

Yo ho ho and a bottle of Absinthe! Well a maybe a glass considering how strong it is. Pirates Alley is small and dark and it should be because hey they didn't have electricity back in the swashbuckling days of yore. Belly up to the bar or grab a table. They have an absinthe menu with the different flavor descriptions and potencies. My husband loves absinthe and chose the Pernod type. I settled on a Sazarac (my favorite NO drink). We came late and we're the only ones in here but it seemed the perfect place for a nightcap after dinner and walking the French Quarter.

This is one of my husband's favorite bars to hit when we visit New Orleans. It is located down Pirate's Alley between St Louis Cathedral & the old jail, so you can literally feel the history. Outside on the patio is really nice and relaxing, you catch the breezes coming off the river between the buildings. This bar is Cash Only, like many places in NOLA. It is open much earlier in the day then other bars in the French Quarter.

If you are looking for a great Absinthe drink, this is the place to go and totally skip the one on Bourbon Street with Absinthe in their name. I loved the presentation and service and taste much better here.

Pirates Alley Cafe is behind Jackson Square, and because it is literally nestled into an alleyway, feels quiet and out of the way. There are ghost tours that meet and pass through here, so you may overhear some history. The drinks are also pretty good, particularly if you like or want to try absinthe. In the age of Covid you're not able to actually go inside, but there is plenty of outdoor seating.

Cute alley cafe just a block from Jackson square. Fun pirate theme and strong absinthe drinks galore. A must visit while in the French quarter.

Best Hurricane in my opinion, even better than Pat O'brians! Chill place with outdoor tables. Nice to sit and chill with a great drink. Also VERY clean bar, and restrooms!! BIG PLUS in French Quarter!

Atmosphere was great! Sat outside & enjoyed their amazing Pirate's Punch! Bartender was nice & wish I was able to go back there again before leaving New Orleans!

It's a Nola Staple. Stop here and get an absinthe drink. We tried the newest drink to their menu which was an absinthe, peach schnapps and lemon drink. It comes hot and cold! Very refreshing on a hot day. Just remember this is a CASH ONLY establishment.

I felt like this is one of those bars that you only know about if you know. They have a lot of Absinthe on the menu and great bartenders behind the bar. The cocktails are strong and the space is small so come for a good time not a long time!

Beautiful setting. However understaffed. My friend and I waited 15 minutes before the bartender even took my order. We were there yesterday in the afternoon waiting on dinner reservations. Vickie(batender) was polite enough and her pirate costume was cute but she was clearly overwhelmed!! Maybe they should consider staffing properly. Would nor return during a busy event or season.

I got Pimm's Cup. It tasted really good, not strong. mostly tasted like ginger ale. The bar is a little small but there are seats outside. They only accept cash, but have an atm inside of you need to withdraw some money. The drink was a little small though, mostly ice. So that's my main complaint. It's a unique spot in the French Quarter!

My wife had heard about this hidden spot, so I made sure we went. This place was the SHIP!.. Thats my joke, so.. When you walk in, it looks like you stepped into a bar from the days of the pirates. There was an actual pirate bar tending & she was so much fun. She was working her butt off, & when it was our turn to order she was polite, for a pirate! To her credit, there were several walking tours there at the same time we were there & everyone wanted absinthe & theme drinks. So it took a minute, but while we waited we awwed at the design of this small but creative bar in the heart of Jackson Square. The line to the bathroom was straight comedy. There was only one & it was for everyone to share. I made a few friends while waiting & then the drinks kicked in. Oh boy, I had fun & then some. Make sure to bring...CASH ONLY BAR.

Stoped in and had an absence. Cool vibe I liked hanging out in Pirates Ali. When in New Orleans check it out.

Try the absinthe! We did, as part of our Airbnb Experience tour. We were nervous to try it, but we got a lesson about what it will and won't do, and felt more comfortable giving it a shot. They prepare it the old fashioned way, which is cool to watch.

A notable alley bar that is also the meeting point for a ghost tour! Pirate theme, no surprise there, I know. Service is friendly, there have been times when it hasn't been so kind but overall it's okay. Rest rooms are for patrons only.

I felt like I was in one of those secret areas of Nola where only the locals ever go. We stopped by on Monday night after arriving from a long drive from Houston. The place was empty and only offering seating outside. I mainly came here because I saw the various Absinthe options on Yelp and wanted to get a taste of the mysterious beverage. The bartender was super friendly, offered us his recommendation for the Butterfly Absinthe, and shortly brought us our drinks. My first taste of Absinthe wasn't bad... sort of a mixture between NyQuil and Rumplemintz. It was very strong but after a few sips I was feeling loose and relaxed sitting in the quiet alleyway like I owned the whole place. I can't wait to go back when I return to Nola again.

Got the absinthe and it was good. My wife got affordable well made cocktails. Honestly this was among the best bars in the Quarter. I highly recommend this place.

New Orleans local for 3+ years, this is my new favorite spot in the city!! It has the best cross breeze, so when I'm overheating heading home, I get to sit outside and relax for a while. It's the first and only place I've ever had absinthe, I get the absinthe iced tea (that Victoria the bartender I've always had, invented herself), which is delicious! Victoria is very kind and knowledgeable about the city (just now mid-review she came and unexpectedly gave me a cup of chexmix while I nurse my drink, during a busy time!), she seems to be here every Saturday when I'm out and about and is the best. I hope not too many people find out about this place because I love the port in the mid-day weekend storm, but it is amazing!

Little historical bar in an alley next to the cathedral (Jackson Square). They have a drink menu that includes absinthe drinks (green fairies!). I ordered the traditional. It was neat to see how it's poured. It tastes like licorice so if you're not a fan, you won't like it. Made my tongue a little numb. Definitely worth a try. No food served here. CASH ONLY!

Small bar that is CASH ONLY, but the drinks are good, the place is clean, and the service is fast. Great location! We popped in to rest a minute, get a drink, and use the restroom. I didn't see any food on the menu, which you might think being it is called a cafe, but I was there on the off season.

Wonderful experience and beautifully crafted cocktails. Will be back again soon for sure, highly recommend.

Located in New Orleans on Pirate's Alley (right behind the cathedral in Jackson Square), Pirates Alley Cafe is an unique spot everyone should visit while in Nola's French Quarter! Pirate's Alley Cafe is a pirate-themed bar, but what sets them apart from the other bars in the French Quarter is that they serve ABSINTHE!! Absinthe is traditionally made with wormwood and was banned in the U.S. in 1912 because it was believed to be hallucinogenic. But that hallucinogenic property came from improper manufacturing of the spirit. Ninety-five years later, a new formula was created, and Absinthe made with wormwood became legal again in 2007. The coolest part about the drink is watching the process in which its crafted. The absinthe is poured into glasses and an absinthe spoon is placed on top of the glass with one sugar cube. Water from an absinthe fountain drips onto the sugar cube, melting it into the drink. The final product is a green drink that tastes like black licorice, and its guaranteed to give you a nice buzz. Pirates Alley Cafe is always a spot we visit when in New Orleans, and you should too!

My first time in NOLA and I wanted to try absinthe. I've never had this drink before and was so excited to have this experience! The bartender who served us was very kind and explained everything that the presentation of this drink entailed. It was a beautiful experience and we took our drink to go as we had rented a rickshaw for the afternoon. As a history buff, coming to this place and also learning about the history of it from the bartender was a huge plus! Please visit this tavern when you're in NOLA and experience absinthe-- or just have a drink and soak in the vibes and hospitality/history of Pirates Alley

Being a tourist in your city will take you to many places you would never set foot in. Some you will like, some you won't and some will just be "meh". This place is one of those "meh" places. To be honest there is not much to write. It's usually full of tourist because of its location the drinks are nothing special and prices are what you expect of a tourist trap. Bartenders are nice and you will meet some interesting visitors and locals and if you're into drinking Absinthe they have that.

Bored service. Came here as a part of a tour. Sure enough, your organizer and the waitress Emily seemed to know each other well. Emily was rude or tired or whatever it is one seems to feel in a busy tourist place, but didn't feel like staying another minute in that place.

Cash only. CASH ONLY. For the love of all that's holy, don't forget your cash. Their ATM will charge you out the wazoo (as does any entertainment establishment, so you should know that already), so make sure you bring your own cash. I promise you I can't over state this enough because any time I've come through here, I have never had cash and always pay that stupid fee. Future self: please stop forgetting cash! That being said, this place is small, but what it lacks in space it makes up for in personality. If you're looking for absinthe, you've come to the right place, and tucked in to Pirates Alley really means you get that old French Quarter atmosphere that you're looking for. Absinthe always comes at a cost, but it's the experience that makes it worth it. The staff here really cement your experience, and you will walk away a happy (but less funded) camper. If you're bringing a big group, well, don't. It's better as a more personal experience, but you can camp out in the alley to give yourself some space.

Hours are not accurate - extremely disappointing. Was looking forward to coming here. I tried twice on two separate nights to come. They claim to be open until 2 AM. On the first night we arrived around 1 AM to a completely closed bar. The next night I tried again & arrived around 11:30 PM and was turned away by staff. Update your hours or stay open until you advertise, this was the biggest letdown of my stay.

I have always enjoyed the ambiance at this bar and make a point to stop there when I'm in town. Tonight I ubered to the Quarter on my last night to make sure I didn't miss it. My husband I walk in and I politely stand at the bar waiting to be acknowledged as soon as the bartender finished chatting with the only other patrons there. Didn't happen- no hello, glance-nothing. A couple walks in and stands directly next to me...bartender says hello to them immediately, hands them a menu and pours them their drink, and waves as they leave. I don't protest, but reach over to grab the last couple's menu right in front of the bartender, which would make it impossible for her to miss me- still nothing. Another customer walks in and she looks past me and cheerfully says "want another drink?" And pours them their request...still not even so much of a glance at me, as I am standing with cash in hand. Seriously- WTF? As I put the menu back down and state that I'm out the door she still does not say anything until my husband points out that I had been standing there for 10 minutes- she looks at him and shrugs- no acknowledgment or even an attempt at an apology. So, in summary, no need to ever make a trip the the Quarter to visit this place again. Most other places in New Orleans appreciate business, especially when it's repeat business, so I will take my cash (still in hand) and go spend it there. Thanks for the sour ending to an otherwise great week in the city.

Cool spot, especially at night. Witty bartenders make it worth visiting. I'd stop by again.

We found this bar while on a walking tour with NOLA tour guide. Known as pirates alley this cafe also serves as a bar- and they have ABSINTHE! Our bartender was knowledged in her drinks, dressed in pirates attire and was fun, upbeat, and personable. She recommend that we try: a death in the afternoon, we also sampled between the three of us women in our party as we shared the drinks; the green pirate and traditional sazarac. This place was decently priced and perfect in their authenticity- super recommend this place. Super casual too.

This will probably be the shortest review I have done in awhile. My partner and I made a friend out here on our first night and he took us to so many places! Pirates alley Cafe was one of our stops. The drink of choice: real absinthe. From my understand this is the only place licensed to do real wormwood absinthe and it was worth it. The interior is pretty cool but what you would think a pirate bar would be. Divey and local vibe which was nice. Unfortunately we didn't stay long enough to enjoy the bar. Down the hatch and back to the streets for more fun. If you come out to new Orleans come by and check them out. Super fun.