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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 night with friends. The city 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 city, most places are mixed, so LGBTQ+ spaces welcome allies and you can find a sizeable queer crowd wherever you go. The best-known bars are in the French Quarter, right next door to the lively Bourbon Street.
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Bar and Club Suggestions
Mag's 940
Drag
This gay bar unusually doubles as a guest house, making it the perfect destination if you want to immerse yourself in the New Orleans gay scene. It's a dive bar and performance space that represents the dingy and more traditional side of the Marigny neighbourhood, hosting fabulous drag shows and offering the biggest liquor selection in town. For some good old-fashioned fun and stiff drinks, this is the place to be.
Good Friends Bar
Cosy
Good Friends Bar is located in the lively French Quarter, surrounded by other gay bars and in the heart of the scene. This traditional yet quirky venue is designed for a quieter night out, serving classic drinks at unbeatable prices in a charmingly old-fashioned space. Downstairs there is a solid mahogany bar, brick fireplace, pool tables, and a host of unique decor, while upstairs you'll find the Queen's Head Pub offering an intimate Victorian atmosphere.
Crossing
Sports
Crossing in a friendly neighbourhood video bar in the historic French Quarter. The equally historic building has recently been renovated to create a truly unique space that remains high on the list of go-to destinations on the gay scene. The decor combines steampunk with a Victorian twist and an air of true New Orleans culture, resulting in a quirky hangout spot that suits anyone. Crowds regularly gather to watch the game on huge TVs around the bar.
The Four Seasons Bar
Drag, Outdoor Seating
Hidden away in Metairie away from the central gay scene, Four Seasons is a reliable hangout spot for the local queer community. It's something of a hidden gem, off the beaten path but always up for a party. Parties here attract a fun and friendly crowd, and the bar also hosts regular drag revues that are especially popular. To explore a different part of the city get a taste of a smaller gay hideaway, this is the place to go.
Phoenix Bar
Bear, Older Crowd, Fetish
Phoenix is the premier destination for the local bear, pup, and leather communities. Home to the New Orleans Eagle nights, huge parties during Southern Decadence, and events throughout the week. There's never a cover charge so you're free to visit for a pint with some very masculine men whenever you like. Regular events include pet friendly Mondays, jock days, and gameshow nights, and there's even a leather and underwear shop on site.
GrandPre's
Drag, Cocktails
Priding itself on true Southern hospitality, GrandPre's is an all inclusive gay bar. The friendly local crowd that gathers here does not care who you are, they are sure to welcome you in for a drink and to enjoy the entertainment. Tucked away in a corner of the French Quarter, GrandPre's offers good clean fun with none of the big city attitude or prices. Classic cocktails coupled with drag shows make for an enjoyable night.
Oz New Orleans
Drag, Dancing, Dancers
Oz is the number one gay dance club and show bar in New Orleans. Located in the lively French Quarter, this two-level club experience attracts a variety of people. Explore a huge dance floor, complete with cute dancers, or hang out the balcony to watch what's going on below. Drag shows are hosted regularly and feature local legend Persana Shoulders, while other events range from bingo to burlesque so everyone can find a bit of fun.
Rawhide Lounge
Bear, Older Crowd, Fetish, Cruising
Rawhide Lounge is a down to earth leather bar known for its daily happy hours, pool tournaments, and karaoke. Everyone is welcome but the focus is definitely on a cruisey leather crowd. Adult videos play on TVs throughout the venue, strong drinks flow till late, and there are frequent events throughout the week to keep you entertained. You're sure to meet plenty of hot guys to chat with, mostly leather-clad bears who enjoy a no-frills approach to a night out.
The Page Bar
Cocktails
The Page is the number one Black owned gay bar in New Orleans, providing a truly inclusive atmosphere. This is the perfect place to hang out after work and stay late into the night for strong drinks and daily happy hours. The bar attracts a welcoming crowd of locals who come here for reliably good music and delicious craft cocktails, so if you want a true taste of diverse New Orleans culture, The Page is the place to go.
The Corner Pocket
Cocktails, Dancers, Dancing
This is a place where boys dance nightly on the bar, but it's also a classic neighbourhood bar with a down-to-earth attitude. The bar has an 80s and 90s vibe so you can get lost in nostalgia, especially at daily happy hour with great value vodka cocktails and your other favourite drinks. Crowds gather every night to enjoy the views of the dancers, and every Friday is New Meat Night where new and attractive guys dance for a jackpot.
Golden Lantern
Cocktails, Cash Only
Established in 1964, The Golden Lantern maintains a reputation as one of the best neighbourhood bars in the French Quarter. It has historically been central to the LGBTQ+ community, as a traditional yet inclusive space and home to the legendary Southern Decadence event. Inside you'll find a cosy bar area with exposed brick walls, creating a no-frills atmosphere where anyone can be themselves. Enjoy draught beers or classy cocktails and watch the world go by.
Lafitte's
Sports, Outdoor Seating
Opened in 1953, Cafe Lafitte is the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the United States. It's open 24/7, providing a fun hangout space in the popular Bourbon Street. You'll find a characterful wraparound balcony, perfect for people watching and enjoying the atmosphere of the city. Both upstairs and downstairs areas have full bars and outdoor seating, and in the upstairs space you can enjoy a game of pool, an intimate conversation, and views over the French Quarter.
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 night, hang out in the video lounge or on the wraparound balcony.
QiQi
Cosy, Outdoor Seating
QiQi is a tiny but super cosy gay bar in Uptown New Orleans, offering a dive bar experience unlike any other you'll find in the city. The decor is rustic and a little hipster, adding to the personality of the place and making it feel like home. They serve all your favourite bar snacks and great value drinks, plus daily specials to take advantage of. QiQi prides itself on sarcastic bartenders and a friendly crowd that makes everyone welcome.
Gay friendly hotels in New Orleans
For LGBTQ+ nightlife, the French Quarter is hard to beat in New Orleans. Much of the gay scene is concentrated around Bourbon Street and the surrounding blocks, while the French Quarter also puts the city’s famous restaurants, music and historic streets right outside your door. Nearby Marigny offers a slightly more neighbourhood feel while remaining close to the action. GayMapper’s recommended gay-friendly hotels include characterful historic properties, great-value choices and luxurious stays – some close enough that getting home after Bourbon Street barely counts as a journey.
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