Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop
(504) 522-9377
941 Bourbon St
New Orleans,
LA
70116
29.9607
-90.064
Neighborhoods: French Quarter, French Quarter - CBD
What People Are Saying About Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Legend has it that the pirate brothers Jean and Pierre Lafitte used this location as a blacksmith shop, which served as a front for more lucrative, extra-legal pursuits (including the trafficking of slaves). It's also rumored to be the oldest building still standing in the entire Mississippi Valley. Since the '40s, however, it's served as a watering hole for locals, tourists and celebrities such as Tennessee Williams.
The Draw
Sparsely decorated and lit--just barely--by candles, Lafitte's is a small, dark and cozy cavern, a place where many local nightcrawlers like to wind up an evening of bar hopping. Traces of its old identity remain, most notably in the form of the central fireplace. It also has something of a reputation as a place where locals lose their inhibitions; many a late-night hookup has occurred between these historic walls.
User Reviews
sandeesf
February 09, 2009
This is a fun old bar with tons of atmosphere. It is really great No lights just candle lit. It has a great piano bar in the back of the bar. Its a ways to walk off of Bourbon Street but worth the walk give it a try!!!
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KYSHARON
January 13, 2009
I had a wonderful birthday celebration here, Does anyone know who the piano player was on Sat 12/27? He was great and so much fun- will make this a regular stop when in town
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kikki5577
January 09, 2009
I wish I hadn?t taken so long to pay my respects to this New Orleans institution. My husband and I have many vivid memories of New Orleans, most of them filled with personalities, liquor and great music. Our night a La Fifitte?s is one of our most vivid. After a great dinner and several stops at other bars down Bourbon and Royal we made it Lafitte?s. We had no tourists? aspirations, we just a happened on the candlelit bar. After a few beers the bartender pointed us towards Jean?s table where we drank with the local ghost and listened while the piano player took requests. As we sat near at table near the window a stately woman in an evening gown walk past us on the sidewalk outside. She entered the bar and walked to piano. After a, brief, whispered conversation with the piano man, he started into the classic notes of Stormy Monday. She sang what was the most poignant, memorable version of that song I have ever hear, kissed her musical companion on the cheek and walked out of the bar, headed for her next venue. For us, this has become a defining moment; the instant when we felt the roots of New Orleans and it found its place in our hearts. For those who can get past the rough interior, there is magic here. Make friends with ghosts and they will repay your with your own piece of New Orleans history.
read full reviewThe Details on Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop
Know Before You Go:
Don't get caught in the dark: There are few lights inside the bar, it's mostly lit by candlelight.
Category:
Nightclubs, Piano Bars, Bars & Clubs, Bars & Pubs
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard
Bar & Club Special Features:
After Hours, Romantic Nightlife, Live Music, Smoking Permitted
Smoking Permitted:
Yes
