Old Absinthe House
(504) 523-3181
240 Bourbon St
New Orleans,
LA
70130
29.955
-90.0688
Neighborhoods: French Quarter, French Quarter - CBD
What People Are Saying About Old Absinthe House
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
The bar in this historic building should not be confused with the Absinthe Bar, a once-popular but now-defunct Bourbon Street music joint currently reincarnated as a daiquiri shop. This bar shares its name with the building itself, a landmark built in the early 1800s that also houses two Italian restaurants. There's a real historic feel here: William Makepeace Thackeray, Oscar Wilde, Sarah Bernhardt and Walt Whitman have passed through these doors.
The Draw
The site of a speakeasy during the Prohibition era, this is a popular tourist attraction and local watering hole. Don't come here expecting to order the namesake drink, however; it's illegal, as it's known to cause blindness and madness. Sip the signature Absinthe Frappe instead. It's made with Herbsaint, annisette--which tastes similar to Absinthe (or so we're told)--and soda water.
User Reviews
sphynxella
November 26, 2007
Great bar - and the bartenders can not be beat! Over 200 years old, so lots of atmosphere - definitely a place to check out the next time you go to NOLA!
read full reviewrachelhawk71
October 14, 2002
Service was great - we went early and it wasn't very crowded. Friendly bartenders. Pretty coppertop(?) bar. Ignore my food rating - we didn't eat.
read full reviewNOLALover
July 29, 2002
The moto of this place is "Everyone always ends up at the Old Absinthe House" and you will! We did! It was very cozy and the bartenders were great. I loved them calling everyone "baby" or "sweetie". The fire is very nice on a cold day. Don't forget to staple your card up on the wall.
read full reviewThe Details on Old Absinthe House
What to Drink:
Try another Louisiana classic: Ramos Gin Fizz, which consist of one egg white, gin, orange flower water, lemon juice, powdered sugar, cream and club soda. 1 tsp. powdered sugar 1/2 ounce cream, half and half or milk splash of club soda ice mix under a drink mixer, in a blender or with a hand-held blender strain into a tall glass and enjoy!
Smoking Permitted:
Yes


