Old Absinthe House
4.4(2.4K)google
3.6(650)yelp
History
Overview
The Old Absinthe House is a historic building on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimePhenomenal year-round, with late afternoons (4:00 PM - 6:30 PM) on weekends being the supreme slot. Operating since 1806 as one of America's oldest saloons, legendary historical figures once drank here. Visiting before the rowdy late-night party crowd arrives allows you to secure a seat at the antique marble-topped copper bar to sip an authentic Absinthe Frappé.
Getting TherePerfectly positioned on the most famous corner of the Quarter at 240 Bourbon Street at the Bienville Street crossing. The block is pedestrian-only with zero vehicle access. Take the Canal Street Streetcar to the Canal at Bourbon station, walk northeast down Bourbon Street for exactly 2 blocks (approx. 3 minutes); the historic green-shuttered tavern entrance sits on your left.
Travel Tips
- Operating since 1806, the tavern strictly enforces the 21+ age limit; minors are legally banned from stepping past the bar threshold even with parents.
- This high-volume historic tavern runs heavily on small cash bills; using $100 notes is highly discouraged due to strict validation delays or zero change bills.
- Located at the volatile epicenter of Bourbon Street; extreme intoxication vectors surround the exit doors late at night, making group departures crucial.
Reviews
Positive
- Dating back to 1806, this tavern exudes deep history, preserving the marble water fountains where Gen. Andrew Jackson met pirate Jean Lafitte; historical romance is loaded.
- Their signature Absinthe Frappé is mixed with expert traditional flare, dripping spirits over sugar cubes and crushed ice to release botanical aromas for an amazing cocktail experience.
- The interior ceilings and wooden posts are pinned thick with centuries of business cards, dollar bills, and antique tokens from world travelers, weaving a highly unique visual aesthetic.
- Flawless location right on the bustling corner of Bourbon Street in the French Quarter; running extensive hours with witty, fast bartenders, it's NOLA's staple watering hole.
Heads up
- Given its immense fame in the party core, late nights turn the compact wooden tavern into a wall-to-wall gridlock with zero standing room, reeking heavily of alcohol and heavy smoke.
- The exclusive specialty absinthe drinks carry steep tourist markups; compared to casual Uptown local pubs, cocktails are heavily priced, making your wallet shrink rapidly.
- Preserving an authentic 19th-century layout, the pub is extremely dimly lit with near-zero ADA access; the restrooms are tiny and dated, getting slick and messy during peak rush hours.
- The entrance sidewalk gets rowdy and chaotic after dark with heavily intoxicated crowds and pickpockets; travelers should remain vigilant and avoid street parking nearby.