LOCATION: corner of Bourbon and St. Phillip
LIVE MUSIC: Piano favorites
DRINK PRICES: Moderate
Legend has it that the pirate brothers Lafitte, Jean and Pierre, used this location as a blacksmith shop, which served as a front for more lucrative, illegal 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.
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.Many of the French Quarter's ghost tours meet here for departure and return for post tour libations. There is LIVE sing-a-long piano music in the back which is usually top notch. There is also a garden patio which is very cozy. The corner of Bourbon and St. Phillip is a great place to people watch but far enough away from the sleazy part of Bourbon St. to feel comfortable. Bottom line? Great drinks, great people watching, great music and old-world charm. Not the cheapest prices in the Quarter but well worth it for the atmosphere...check it out!
Mike Hood playing at "The Blacksmith Shop" every Mon Tues Thurs and Sat nights starting at 9pm!
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