French quarter gay bars
gay guide to NOLA
March 13, 2008 9:17 PM Subscribe
I'm staying with a friend for the next ten days in New Orleans. I'm gay and she's not, so she's not a great source of info about the gay bars in her city. She lives in the Marigny, which I know is near quite a several bars, and I could just try going into them and seeing what there is to watch. But maybe you guys will have some insight about a little-known bar, or a night when a particular bar is really fun, or something like that.
I'm a 24 year old guy. I've been to NOLA before but haven't done much in the way of gay while I was there. I appreciate laid-back, more neighborhood-y bars. I also like bear bars. Not a massive fan of clubs.
Thanks in advance!
New Orleans Gay Bars
The gay scene of New Orleans is centred on its bars and clubs, where people from across the community can come together and enjoy a blackout with friends. The metropolis is home to a legendary live music scene as well so you can expect loud gigs and wild dancefloors alongside more traditional watering holes. In keeping with the spirit of the urban area, most places are mixed, so LGBTQ+ spaces welcome allies and you can find a sizeable queer crowd wherever you travel. The best-known bars are in the French Quarter, right next door to the lively Bourbon Street.
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Bourbon Pub Parade
Dancing, Outdoor Seating
Voted Best Gay Bar in New Orleans & French Quarter, Bourbon Pub Parade has been around for over 45 years. A central location in the heart of the French Quarter brings all sorts of people flock to this bi-level club every night of the week. Award winning drag shows are hosted here regularly, and there's always a great energy on the dance floor. For a more relaxing bedtime, hang out in the video lounge or on the wraparound
New Orleans is a urban area that knows how to celebrate life, and its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene is a testament to that spirit. From the lively streets of the French Quarter to the welcoming corners of the Marigny, the city offers a plethora of gay bars that cater to every taste and vibe. Whether you're looking to boogie the night away, appreciate a laid-back drink with friends, or catch a fabulous drag show, Modern Orleans has something for everyone. The unique blend of history, culture, and nightlife creates an atmosphere that invites you to explore and indulge in the local scene.
At Wanderlog, we’re passionate about uncovering the best spots to unwind and connect with others. The gay bars in New Orleans are not just places to grab a drink; they are vibrant hubs of community and creativity. From the iconic Good Friends Bar with its charming Victorian-style pub to the energetic dance floors of Oz, each venue offers its own distinct flavor. So, grab your friends and get ready to dive into the heart of New Orleans' LGBTQ+ nightlife—there's no better hour to explore these fantastic bars!
Traveling Back to 1988 and 1971
Ambush readers of a certain age may retain blueboy. From 1974 to 2007, this glossy magazine featured pictures and centerfolds of naked men. Some people even read the articles. A friend of mine recently dug out his April 1988 issue and showed me an article about New Orleans entitled “New Orleans: Last American Refuge.”
I eagerly examine the article and while it was mostly fluff, it did provide some insight into the gay social scene of the French Quarter in the late 1980s. The article, written by Timothy Dougal, is accompanied by a photograph of The Excellent American Refuge, a concise -lived gay bar located at the corner of Royal and Ursulines Streets in the French Quarter.
Several gay bars are mentioned, some of which will be familiar to current Quarterites (Café Lafitte in Exile, Corner Pocket, Golden Lantern, Bourbon Pub). Other bars may not be familiar to younger or newer residents: Le Roundup, Gregory’s (now the Double Play), Paw Paw’s (now the 700 Club), the Hairy Dog, Lucille’s, Changes, Hooters, Wolfendale’s (now Grand Pre’s), the Mint, Jewel’s T