Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop
New Orleans, LA 70116-3120
Phone: (504) 522-9377
- Best of Citysearch:
- Romantic Bar 2007, Romantic Bar 2006
- Hours:
- Daily 11am-close
Editorial Review for Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop – by Kevin Forest Moreau
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.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoDon't get caught in the dark: There are few lights inside the bar, it's mostly lit by candlelight.
User Reviews for Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop
05/23/2008 Posted by missjeebie
Our first visit was mid-afternoon during the week. It was a steaming hot day, and the cool dark interior was just what we needed. The place was pretty quiet, save for a table of 4 who inexplicably ordered Cokes in the oldest bar in the land. We had a couple of Abita Ambers, savoring the feel of the establishment's history in the exposed brick walls, the ancient floorboards, the fireplace where we guess the blacksmithing was performed. Next time was nighttime after growing tired of the never-ending swirl of the other, nuttier end of Bourbon Street. The jukebox was indeed too loud, and competed rudely with the somewhat sad piano player (2 requests she took: "Tiny Dancer" & "Hey Jude"--not really what we were craving in New Orleans). The waiter was quick and polite, the beer cold, the place lit by candles on the tables--something in all our bar-tours we've yet to see anywhere else. It's got atmosphere, it's historic, it's a must, even if just to brag that you've been to the oldest bar in the USA! And if you get hungry, the Clover Grill is practically across the street, open 24 hours, breakfast all day and night, and a real diner with counter service even!
03/14/2008 Posted by Eternallyhere
The fact that it is mainly lit by candelight just adds the ambience and the history of the place. I think it was my favorite bar on Bourbon Street. Inexpensive, the drinks are GREAT and Chris the Bartender serves as some great eyecandy....;)
Pros: Ambience, Great Place to meet people, Laidback...Loved it!
Cons: There are none
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