Landmark saloon serving unique absinthe cocktails in historic building with quirky atmosphere.
Scott Sweetow
It has been a long time since I had Absinthe, particularly prepared the correct way by someone who knows what they’re doing, and during Mardi Gras we wandered into… or perhaps stumbled is more accurate , the Old Absinthe House on Bourbon Street.
Our bartender (Heather) was super knowledgeable about Absinthe in general, and the different flavor profiles of the ones they had in stock. We settled for the French brand Pernod, which was an excellent choice.
This is not the sort of beverage you are probably going to drink every day, but it is a lot of fun for a special treat, and I always admire artistry when making drinks.
… moreJoe Turner
So I was really excited about trying absinthe for the first time, and the absinthe margarita that I had was pretty good, but having it hear just about ruined the entire experience. This is truly a dive bar (which I love a good dive bar), but first of all, it’s super small! The only sitting area is around the bar. Next, the bartenders seem to congregate around the area where the majority of the customers are, near the front door, which I understand (to an extent), but the rest of us who weren’t sitting in that area were totally ignored! It took 15 minutes before I finally got a bartender, and then she acted like I was bothering her! I wouldn’t come back here again, and I would advise finding somewhere else to have an absinthe experience!
… moreMarc Milrod
Fairly quiet spot on a corner, on Bourbon Street. Vintage helmets, etc hanging from the ceiling do get dusted at least monthly per NOLA sanitation protocols.
Despite the outer bar going 3 people deep at times, there is a comfy, large back room.
If for one moment you think you will get faster service by any method, or adding onto your initial order, spare yourselves, the Bar Staff, and Patrons your personal mini-drama. No one wants novices making a scene.
Outside drink cups are readily on offee. Outside drinks are not welcome, finish them first.
I highly recommena a Sazerac.
… moreFunny Bunny
Whenever I travel to the French Quater this place is always my first stop. Okay I lied, my first stop is Drago’s but but this watering hole is definitely my 2nd. IYKYK.
Erin is a phenomenal lady of elixir’s. Her recommendations are on point.
… moreryan johnson
This is a real piece of history, and a very welcoming environment. Our bartender Carina was the absolute best. Very attentive and gave a fun and concise history lesson about the history of not only The Old Absinthe House, but the spirit itself. Made great recommendations on not only a brand of absinthe, but the best ways to have it served for your palate. 10/10.
… moreJordan Jopling
Corina is amazing! So sweet and personable. Amos was great too. He was wearing a super cool Absinthe House shirt but they were out—what a bummerrrrrrr
… moreAndy Lipscomb
I had my first legal drink here in 1970. It hasn’t changed much since then. Supposedly, Andrew Jackson and Jean Lafitte met in a room above the bar to plan the defense of the city in the war of 1812. I doubt it’s changed much since then,either. I like to go back whenever I am in New Orleans. It’s a quirky place. There are almost no overhead lights, so the interior is quite dark. It’s small and, since it’s on Bourbon street, may be filled with a raucus crowd at any moment. Apparently, they serve food at times (I heard someone ask about it) but there was none in evidence on my latest visit. It’s mainly about drinking. Stop in and have an absinthe drip or absinthe frappe to feel like you’re in a different century.
… moreMalcolm Earhart
I really liked this bar. The bartender both times was fun. Atmosphere befitting an old dive in the quarter. Not too touristy. It’s a small bar though, thankfully we were able to squeeze in for a rest and a beer.
… moreCherry Anthropy
Visited here while travelling Solo, popped in for a single drink and ended up staying for hours.
Awesome drink selection and Jill and Kyle were amazing bartenders. Super professional, friendly and polite woth great local knowledge and good chat! Defo one of the best bars I visited while in New Orleans.
Cannot praise Jill and Kyle enough, they really did the business proud!
Can’t wait to come back!
… moreMichael Owen
One of the oldest bars on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The walls ate adorned with thousands of business cards and a old world feel. No food available but great craft drinks and many made with absinthe. I tried the “Deadly at Dusk” which was a combination of absinthe, cream de violet, sparkling wine and a squeeze of lemon. The drink was a hazy purple with a combination of flavors. I choose the green absinthe at 136 proof. One was perfect and more than that I would have been deadly. Easily accessible right on Bourbon Street, you will see the sign.
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