4. Restaurants

Old Absinthe House

240 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA, 70130
  • (504) 523-3181
  • Store is closed

Old Absinthe House Menu

  • Bar Menu Special

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  • Bar Menu Special

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  • Yolie C.

    I had this on my to do list while in Nola, I read the bad reviews but decided to come anyways to form my own opinion. I get in and and sit at the bar and wait patiently to be acknowledged. Five minutes go by and nothing. The two female bartender's there are busy with a large group of obnoxious older men. A bartender finally comes over to me only to make some more drinks for the other guys. Mind you it's going on about ten minutes now and not a single hello or water is sent my way. A new guy joins the group and I'm right next to them still waiting patiently, and the bartender immediately goes up to this new guy and gets him a drink! I know you gotta make that money but my bf and I were planning on ordering absinthes and sazeracs so we were looking to spend. But what would they know? They'd rather flirt with gross loud men in the middle of their mid life crises then serve us. On to another place that wants our business.

    (1)

  • Lisa K.

    Not surprisingly, this bar was a little nasty. When I went in with another woman (and a couple of men), we immediately doubled the female population, despite the fact that it was pretty crowded. I found it difficult to order.

    (2)

  • Mark T.

    Earlier I stopped at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop for a Hurricane and spent much of the afternoon slowly making my way down various bars along the street when I noticed Jean Lafitte's Old Absinthe House. I have always wanted to try absinthe, but have never had the opportunity. I wasn't sure exactly what I was getting into when I asked the bartender for absinthe. I didn't realize it would be a menu of items and multiple varieties. Most ranged $18-$22 for a drink and 136-138 proof. I was torn between Nouvelle Orleans and the Pernod Absinthe. I ultimately chose the Pernod because the description said it was one of the most popular absinthe before the 1912 ban. Briefly I entertained the thought of having both, but a few sips in I realized it would be a big feat.. It was exactly like I expected it to be - very licorice (or fennel flavor) and I felt a slight tingling from the wormwood. Perhaps if I did have 2 (or maybe 3) I would have been flying like the witches used to after drinking it. I did note also in the men's room there was a pee trough filled with ice. I believe that is how bars produce Bud Light. This bar was a cool hangout, I enjoyed the drink, and the servers were very nice. I would definitely come back.

    (5)

  • Paige O.

    Jean laffite's blacksmith shop is one of our favorite places in New Orleans, due to the affiliation we decided to try the Old Absinthe house-- biggest waste of time and money. The service was among the worst we have ever experienced and the drinks surely did not have the accurate alcohol amount. The lady behind the bar was nearly insulting she was so rude; She put a splash of alcohol in the mixed drinks; all while complaining about wanting to leave and get off as early as possible. Worst New Orleans experience ever.

    (1)

  • Joel M.

    I love this place...especially at night when it's so damn dark!!!! This is a must stop on anybody's trip to NOLA...character, that's what it's got!!! And as my granpappy used to say...Character counts in horses, dogs, women and bars!!! From the crowded cramped atmosphere, the circular bar, the football helmets hanging from the ceiling (not the fancy schamnsy helmets of today but those we used to get when I was a kid back in the 70's) this place exudes character...and usually has a few characters sitting at the bar too!!! Was in mid-Decemberish with a group from up in north Louisiana and once we finished a great meal at Desire Oyster Bar thought I'd show 'em this place for a nice post meal drink...unfortunately my group just outa the thickets of north Louisiana didn't quite connect with the charm of this place...that's when I knew I was gonna be in for a bad evening on Bourbon Street of hitting every touristy joint from Bourbon Cowboy to the Cat's Meow...THE HORROR!!!! So please have your mind right when you stop in, slow down and appreciate this place...cause it is one of the best...but that's just my opinion, I could be wrong!!! But I'm not!!!

    (4)

  • Zoe D.

    I used to get the Absinthe Frappes here "back in the day". The 1st time I walked out of this place the green fairy was on my shoulder and I dreamily pronounced "I understand everything". I haven't been to NoLA in a loooong time. Absinthe has not only become popular, but legal. I sat down and ordered the Absinthe Frappe and the bartender asked if I wanted real absinthe, then presented me with a menu of selections! I've died and gone to heaven! The bartenders went through the entire absinthe ritual and lit the sugar cubes on fire and let me take pictures every single time. I made my way through the entire menu during the trip. They tolerated all my drunken exuberance. Yea, it's on Bourbon street, yea it's a dirty dive bar. They have Absinthe & History!

    (5)

  • Laila C.

    Our stay in NOLA also included a delightful night of drinking at The Old Absinthe House. It's pretty dirty and divey but they have delicious absinthe so it was worth it. I LOVE that they actually have the prices of the absinthe available. So many places in Chicago never show you the price of your liquor unless you ask, and then you end the night with a $200 tab and you're like how'd that happen, I'm not even blacked out! The free popcorn here's pretty good too, actually has a spicy kick! Not that I needed any more to eat after our giant meal at Acme Oyster House. It's a fun place to drink and people watch, I liked it a lot!

    (4)

  • Smelly C.

    Hole in the wall bar with a fireplace and popcorn machine right on the corner of Bourbon and Bienville. It has been said that this bar has been visited by many a historic persons like Mark Twain, Franklin Roosevelt, Oscar Wilde.. Yet, I'm thinking it's not quite THEE same or even quite the same location it once was.. Fun, nonetheless. There's sports memorabilia all over.. business cards covering a wall.. The thing that stood out the most for me was when we were sitting at the bar, you're sitting low. Like, usually you can sit at a bar and rest your forearm comfortably and grip your beverage but here-- the bar was near my head. The stools sit low. That was different. But they have hooks to hang your bag on the bar! Woot. Good stop. Try a signature cocktail.

    (3)

  • Steve B.

    One of the top two or three bars I went to when I was in NOLA. Awesome atmosphere that seems to exist outside of the chaos of Bourbon, despite being right in the heart of it. Like all the bars on Bourbon, it's open laaaate. Found myself tipping a night cap with my buddy and chewing the fat with a couple people we met there at about 3AM; a cornerstone memory of my visit. Will definitely be back when I get back down to the French Quarter.

    (4)

  • John T.

    I'd give less stars if possible. Came for the experience and rude bartender couldn't even light the sugar cubes.Way overpriced for such horrible service. Would only recommend to worst enemies.

    (1)

  • Dawn A.

    Lovely lovely place. Melody is the one to see. Trust her suggestions. She will lead you gently down the path to total Absinthe enrapturement. Truly a great place with my me great music playing and bartenders who want to give you a 1st class experience.

    (5)

  • C s.

    Worst service. I am a local and I understand it can be taxing serving tourists all day but note to servers..... if you resent your job that much quit.

    (1)

  • Peckish Raven D.

    This was fun. Absinthe done well. A quick, worthwhile experience as we hung out in the back near the big fireplace. The bartender was knowledgable of Absinthe (as one would hope) and there were a few iterations to try. I think I was still tasting the anise the next day.

    (3)

  • Amy T.

    I don't remember a great deal about my time at the Old Absinthe House, nor did I sample its namesake. I do, however, recall the phenomenal popcorn that we had there. Spicy and a lovely accompaniment to our beer!

    (3)

  • jonathan s.

    3.5 first bar in nola that we went to. dive. real cool stuff on the wall. bartenders not very friendly. saw a good amount of locals there. worth a drink if in the area.

    (4)

  • Marina M.

    Yes, the absinthe is expensive ($16 for a glass). It is quite a show, however, for those who have never had absinthe before. The original absinthe drips date back to the late 1700s. We were told those are no longer in use because the piping is made of lead. Big modern no-no. Those are definitely worth a look. The back room is gorgeous with a great atmosphere. They were able to accommodate a large group of us with ease. It is a nice alternative for groups in lieu of the very busy and cramped front room. A nice little place worth a stop among all the Bourbon street craziness.

    (4)

  • AJ D.

    Horrible Service. Watered down absinthe. I expected more. This was on my to do list. Sat by the bar for 10 mins til I was acknowledged. Ordered absinthe and granted It had no effect. Waste of time and money! Please avoid...

    (1)

  • Liz D.

    Went to old absinthe as a stop during our 'bourbon st day'. It was well worth it! Besides being basically a historic landmark, everyone was super nice and the drinks were made to our order! It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, and we actually didn't order any absinthe drinks but we still enjoyed our brief stop.

    (4)

  • Chris L.

    This place is really amazing. We finished dinner and walked into this bar. It seemed to have lots of character and history. There are zounds of business cards pinned to the wall. The bartender here was really knowledgeable and was able to help us pick out some absinthe. The drink is a bit pricey but worth a try. Definitely stop here if you're visiting New Orleans.

    (4)

  • Branden W.

    Absinthe is a bit of an obsession of mine. The Old Absinthe House is a historical landmark within the rich history of the emerald muse. It is here in New Orleans where absinthe took off in 1869, when the Aleix brothers opened a bar named the "Old Absinthe House" at the corner of Bourbon and Bienville streets in the Vieux Carre Quarter. The Old Absinthe House attracted an impressive list of visitors, including presidents William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain, Walt Whitman, Aaron Burr, William Thackeray, Jenny Lind and Oscar Wilde. In 1918, Aleister Crowley, the British magician, proclaimed: "Art is the soul of life and the Old Absinthe House is the heart and soul of the old quarter of New Orleans." Indeed, this is the bar where the cocktail was said to have been invented. In 1916, while sitting at the Old Absinthe House and waiting for a woman friend, Crowley wrote his famous essay, "The Green Goddess"-- adorning its main theme, the emerald muse, with the philosophical reflections suggested by absinthe with descriptions of the inn, its guests, and the city. First published in The International, the essay extols the inspirational virtues of the hazy green liqueur, while speaking out against the rising tide of prohibitionism that was sweeping the country as the first U.S. "war on drugs" began. So for the absinthe connoisseur, the Old Absinthe House is a special place to stop-- most preferably at l'heure verte ("the green hour")-- while taking in its history and colorful past. As an absinthe connoisseur, you're not going to find the best brands of absinthe here, but the Old Absinthe House is more about the history & lore than it is about the absinthe specifically these days. Public service announcement: just please, do not burn your absinthe. The sugar cube is not meant to be burned. For a good authentic absinthe louche, ask the bartender to slowly pour cold water over the spoon. As for sugar, that is specifically up to the drinker. Personally, I take sugar with my absinthe. Therefore it is absolutely horrifying for me to witness a bartender burning the sugar cube. I once saw this at Pirate's Alley, however whether or not this is on their agenda on a daily basis, I am unsure. When you order your absinthe, just kindly let the bartender know how you want your absinthe served. I also recommend a good absinthe frappé to be ordered on a hot summer day!

    (4)

  • John M.

    It's a neat dive bar to see. If you want to see serious drinkers falling down you have come to the right place. They know how to make good drinks.

    (4)

  • Gordon C.

    My first, last, most frequented venue in New Orleans. There's a certain charm to the Old Absinthe House: maybe it's the absolute best Bloody Mary you will ever put to your lips (smooth and spicy). Perhaps the barkeeps, Jessica and Diane, are the most welcoming and down-to-earth darlings (thanks for the breakfast suggestion!). Or maybe you just want to escape the craziness that is Bourbon street and still be in the middle of it all. During our first visit, a few of us tried the absinthe. It's certainly not for everyone, but we can appreciate that it was prepared and served properly. The absinthe water fountain located at the bar's front-left corner used to be functional, but had to be turned off because drunkos kept messing with it. Drinks are Bourbon-Street-Priced but definitely not Bourbon-Street-Watered-Down. Great kick to everything. Make sure you tip the staff well, world-class!

    (5)

  • Brenda D.

    Attending a vendor party on the second floor of this quaint place. Food was superb. We had a spicy shrimp pasta, some meatballs and spinach dip. I loved the view down to Bourban Street. There's no better place to people watch than from above! Will be sure to visit Absinthe House again when in NOLA.

    (4)

  • Trish B.

    Just a dive bar with some nice TVs if you are looking to watch a game. There is always so much hype around Absinthe. It is really glorified Sambuca in my opinion. And it's not cheap. So, if you have never tried it and you want to - this is the place to go. It's on Bourbon Street so it's nice and easy to find.

    (3)

  • Dave P.

    Good selection of absinthes, and I like the way the prepared it properly. However it seems that the 'sports bar' theme has overridden the 'crazy amazing old bar' theme and some idiot put jerseys and plasma tvs everywhere. The bartender was very nice and if you look up you'll see some really old original stuff, just a shame it seems to be catering more to the Bourbon street crowd these days.

    (4)

  • Holly S.

    Boooo Old Absinthe...you brought me in with your history and for hopes of a nice Pimm's Cup. Instead I got some history on the walls with crappy service and a "Pimp's Cup" made with sweet and sour mix??? WTF? I know, it's called the Absinthe House because they serve Absinthe, but I'm not Edgar Allen Poe and can't stomach the stuff enough for a full jigger's worth. I hoped I could get another classic spirit to wet my whistle and was totally disappointed. I did enjoy perusing some of the art/graffiti on the walls but otherwise, this stop was a bust.

    (2)

  • Matt K.

    It's been said before, but it's worth saying again: the drinks are very expensive. The atmosphere is unique and makes it a good must see, but I don't know that I would hang out here for very long. The absinthe is $19 a pop. I didn't try a bloody mary, but I watched them mix several of them. Looked pretty good. Pickled green bean for garnish!

    (3)

  • Phil C.

    We went a month before mardi gras season so it wasn't packed and had a great time at this stop. This is a fun bar to check out... and enjoy some cool new and familiar drinks. Known for the absinthe drinks which tasted pretty good. If you've never tried absinthe, think of a strong black licorice flavor. My friends weren't all that thrilled with them. :P I really enjoyed them tho. * Absinthe Frappe - strong and sweet. simple ingredients to let the absinthe remain the hero. * Irish Coffee - had to get one... bold and refreshing, nicely prep'd except for the added cherry on top. * Had this one drink that had egg white in it that my friend got, that thing was really good... looked interesting when they mixed it. I'll try and remember the name. * Sazerac - strong. whiskey and absinthe with a little bitters and sweetener added You'll also find yourself with a wandering eye, the dense decor is local, nostalgia french feel. I kept looking around the room in case i missed anything. I'm sure I did. Service is friendly and pretty fast. Bartenders were cute to. Prices are a little high, but was fine. On vacation, a couple bucks more ain't gonna hurt. Bathrooms aren't that great, small and kinda stinky. Hold your breath! The "pee-trough" is filled with ice (which i saw a lot in places along Bourbon St)... pretty funny.

    (4)

  • Nicole W.

    its like being transported to the past. Old fashion cocktails, the bartenders dress the part. Kind of a mixed crowed; southern bells with their escorts, maybe a transient, maybe the mayor, tourists. I loved it and frequented it while i was visiting. I will be back.

    (4)

  • S K.

    Just slightly off the main strip of Bourbon, The Man and I casually walked in here for a mid afternoon drink. The Man being from Virginia still gets a lil starstruck when he recognizes an actor or actress. I think it's rather cute. Anyway... he noticed the guy sitting across from us was the dude from 3rd Rock From the Sun. Not John Lithgow or the youngest dude that played Robin in the latest Batman flick, but the other guy. Ya.. you know which one I'm talking about. The quirky one. Anyway, I noticed the bartender pouring a Jack into a water glass almost to the rim with a splash of coke. I looked at her in awe as she said to me, "It's a double" and handed it to quirky actor guy. He ended up drinking a couple of these and still managed to walk out checking his twitter feed. Much respect for quirky actor guy. Needless to say, my man had 2 drinks and was plastered. This is not an easy feat. He's a professional drunk. Go to this bar.

    (4)

  • Fred G.

    Had the top shelf absinthe there... The ritual of making it is phenomenal. Will be back... Very licoricey...

    (5)

  • Travis M.

    This place definitely has a mixed, off-beat vibe, but that's not why you come here. No, you come here for the classic NoLa cocktails (sazerac, old fashioned, Ramos Gin Fizz). Watching the bartender mix the gin fizz was an experience in itself -- it's quite intricate but the final result is almost like a milkshake consistency. Prices are a bit higher than the "norm" for New Orleans, but the drinks are strong and made to order with high-quality ingredients. Also, don't miss the jukebox. It's one of the best I've seen anywhere. I would go back just to sip on a cocktail, watch the crowds walk past on Bourbon St and spin some classic rock deep cuts.

    (4)

  • Caro D.

    My experience at the Old Absinthe Bar was unique in that the bar was DESSERTED. My mom and I popped in for, what else, some Absinthe, during the Sugar Bowl. With all the Virginia Tech and Michigan fans that had flooded the city during the day busy at the superdome, we had the bar, literally, to ourselves. We were shown all the absinthe options and given a little explanation of each one by our very knowledgable bartender, Jessica. A second bartender even made sure I knew the correct Sazerac technique after noting the "sazerac kit" I put together from Vieux Carre Liquors earlier that night (herbsaint rinse, rye whiskey, 3 dashes peychaud's, 2 dashes angostura, mix with ice, drain into glass with lemon rind). What really stood out was the tour we took. Having read the yelp reviews and seeing someone had suggested to take a tour, we immediately asked our bartenders if that was an option. Jessica quickly went to make sure Jason, the resident tour-giver, was around and available - and lucky for us, not only was he around, he was very bored (again, Sugar Bowl, the place was dead). Jason is studying to be a history professor and it shows - not only did he tell us tales of the Laffite brothers, Andrew Jackson, Napoleon etc etc, but he did it with such gusto! Truly fascinating. Even my mother, who not an hour before was begging me to go back to the hotel to sleep, was completely absorbed in the story. Very very cool, and HIGHLY recommended. Next time I'm in New Orleans, I'll be sure to try and grab a drink in the back bar, it's separated from Bourbon street with a massive slab of wall (brick?), so it's isolated from the noise and bustle and features the original bar, ove 200 years old. It's where you would expect mob bosses to meet and make deals (probably also were the DID meet and make deals). Very cool, very quiet, very refined.

    (5)

  • Tim B.

    I know...Total tourist trap. I can't help it, I go here several times a year and always have a great time. It's fun, unusual (compared to New England joints) and the people who work here are absolute professionals. You might overpay a bit for drinks, you might end up in an argument over which adult entertainer has the highest IQ, you might never realize you stayed here for 8 hours without eating! It's just a great spot in a city with a surplus of great spots. I don't miss a chance to spend a day/night here and you shouldn't either!

    (4)

  • Robert S.

    Had the Absynthe, which is presented with full show and history lesson. Fairly accurate and very entertaining. Not to be missed if you've ever fancied a try at the rage of 1890's France.

    (5)

  • Vince S.

    It's a kinda dirty bar with beer and friendly staff. My biggest question is WHY WOTH THE BUSINESS CARDS EVERYWHERE? Take them down. It's gross and tacky, not cool.

    (3)

  • Vanessa B.

    Great bar! We stopped here for bloody Mary's and Pimm's cups 2 days in a row and really enjoyed it. Bar staff was friendly and the place looks awesome, you can tell its been around forever. Definitely not some fancy hotel bar, just a cool place to have a good drink, enjoy some people watching and cool off. Will definitely be back next time we're in town!

    (5)

  • Jessica H.

    Wasn't really for me. Kind of a tourist trap and drinks are pricey as hell, especially for how dirty this place is. This is a good place for a stiff drink If you can't venture away from Bourbon street. For us it just wasn't worth the price tag.

    (2)

  • Patricia M.

    I'm not a very huge drinker but in New Orleans, it is so ingrained in the culture, and like the saying goes, When in Rome !!!!!! The French Quarter is so alive all the time and full of these bars with character to spare!!! I found NoLA to be like the anti-Vegas---less sleazy, scoring low on the douche/skank factor, ridiculously cool, and bursting with genuine culture. My friend got an absinthe drink (that contraption with the spoon and sugar cube was enough reason to order the drink) while I enjoyed the light and refreshingly cool Pimm's Cup, recommended by the bartender. Drop by this funky pirate's den for a good drink and a break from the crowd. Thumbs way up for the surprisingly clean bathroom.

    (5)

  • Christina S.

    Was quiet on Thursday afternoon. Popped in for an Absinthe drip $22. Interesting to watch. They put a spoon with a sugar cube over a glass, poor licorice tasting Absinthe and set on fire. Absinthe used to be illegal because it was said to give hallucinations. We enjoyed the uniqueness of the place and drink, but realistically, we did not like e taste of the drink and kept trying to make the other finish the drink. The bar was also very dirty and run down with papers stuck to the walls. Of course, this is part of the ambiance, but definitely wasn't interested in staying there long.

    (2)

  • Falan V.

    This place was the second stop on Bourbon while visiting New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Me and my friends took the bartender suggestion for the type of drink we should try. The bartender was very nice and helpful even with a crowd.

    (5)

  • Isabelle K.

    I came here for one reason and one reason only: the Ramos Gin Fizz. A highly respected cocktail connoisseur I know recommended this place specifically for that drink. So in our trip to NOLA, we popped in. The atmosphere isn't great, though I thought the makeshift business card wall paper was pretty cool. My boyfriend ordered an absinthe frappe, and a Ramos gin fizz for myself. The drinks were good and strong, but a little pricey. Overall, the drinks were definitely worth the trip. It's a pretty cool joint but in a city of so many great spots, it was a bit more expensive than I'd expect for a dive. Their absinthe selection did seem pretty good, so if that's your thing, it's a good place to start. I do like the fireplace and popcorn machine. We actually walked by on the windy, chilly afternoon of our flight home, and if we had more time, we would have certainly popped in for a nice drink by the fire!!

    (4)

  • Kate G.

    i come here every time i come to new orleans, i love absinthe. also, the bar is just cool looking/fun to be in. it's right on the corner, usually open air, tons of memorabilia on the walls, as well as business cards and random things patrons have stapled up. (fun fact- my husband and i honeymooned in new orleans a few years back and stapled a napkin up with our anniversary date written on it. just went back a few weeks ago, still up! kinda neat) over 13 years of on and off visiting new orleans, and coming to this bar, i've noticed that generally- the bartenders usually aren't that nice. however, they're on bourbon street- i get it. they probably have to deal with a dozen a-holes a day. once in awhile you'll get someone who's fairly outgoing and doesn't automatically treat you like you're a creep. i've been there a few times during an "off" time of day, so it's been just like me and 2 other people, and would hear the bartenders openly gossiping. just really mean, spiteful stuff. like,..do you have to talk about so and so to your co-worker RIGHT in front of me?can it wait? can you just go out back and talk for a sec? It's happened multiple times. Kinda spoils the experience when you feel tension. the only other thing about the bar though is that with all the kitchy stuff comes more places for dust to settle, and lets just say....it has. im a girl who really loves her dive bars- this is less of a "old wood/spilled alcohol/slight cigarette smell/patrons with B.O./sticky tables- dirty, and more of a moldy/dusty/what a huge room at a legitimate hoarders house would be like- dirty. so, in summary. the good:the location, real absinthe, neat decor and open air the not so good: staff's attitudes and the general cleanliness of the place if the last 2 things are to change, this would be bumped up to a 4-5 star, but as it says on the boxes, this place is just "A-OK"

    (3)

  • Gail B.

    Actually very nice bartenders. Pretty good Planter's Punch (which is a HUGE step up from the sicky sweet Hurricanes), which cost $10 ea for a good size cup. Good for a drink and then walk on.

    (3)

  • Mary Grace T.

    I wish I wasn't so drunk that I couldn't enjoy a glass of the weakest absinthe available. I had about half of it then I couldn't take it any more lol It did leave for a pretty photo-op of the flaming cubes!

    (5)

  • Sarah G.

    They don't allow dogs anymore :(

    (3)

  • Janah V.

    Great local pub amidst the madness of Bourbon street. Cajun spiced popcorn to munch on while enjoying sazeracs and gin fizzes. All of the bartenders are great and the juke box is fun.

    (4)

  • Jackie G.

    Drinks were nothing special, but I loved sitting at the table next to the fireplace.

    (3)

  • Melissa A.

    I had so much fun here! Loved the Pimm's cup and the Absinthe service put on quite a show. Tons of random chatty folks at the bar to provide great stories in the future. The bartenders were very attentive considering how packed the bar was. Definitely an experience worth trying.

    (4)

  • Juno P.

    What an odd atmosphere. They have dozens of football helmets hanging from the ceilings, thousands of business cards on the walls (across decades), and really great, pricey absinthe cocktails (if you get the right bartender). Getting to the bartender, I recommend you watch them in action first. The first one forgot an ingredient in the drink and actually came back to add it to our drink after we started drinking. Then we saw the people next to us at the bar order two absinthe drinks (with the sugar cube you light on fire). There's just something magical about watching a bartender play with the fire on an absinthe drowned sugar cube... I just wish it didn't taste like anise...(sorry if you like that taste). It's worth a trip inside, but if you're not drinking lit up absinthe, I'd give it a miss.

    (2)

  • Ayanna F.

    Let's get this straight: YOU WILL NEVER TASTE ANOTHER BLOODY MARY LIKE THIS IN YOUR ENTIRE LIFE. The quality of this drink was on par with a Michelin Star restaurant's best dish. The pickled vegetables were a dream, offering the perfect complement to your drink. Add in the top shelf liquor, and it's a steal- I believe mine was $11. DO get the Bloody Mary and remember it until your dying day. DO look up at the antique football helmets and ask the waitresses for their history. DO put your business card on the wall, as tradition dictates. It's known for being a business man's bar, and this is a rite of passage of sorts. DON'T complain about the lack of modernity. It's old, it's charming, and if you want modern go to one of the terrible corner bars with their margarita slushee machines churning out sugary nightmares. DO offer up a quiet thank you to me as you relax with your drink. You're welcome.

    (5)

  • Mike C.

    I dont mind a good diver bar and didnt have high expectations. You are on Bourbon St - so pretty much everything is a dive bar. What I couldnt tolerate was how dirty the place was. Everything in the bar is caked in dust and dirt. There are lots of memorabilia hanging from the ceiling that has dirt and mold all over it - hanging right over where you sit and over your drinks on the bar. Where do you think that stuff is falling? Its ok to have a dive bar - but you do have to clean once in a while. I just couldnt overlook how dirty and grimy the place was. Of all the bars I went to in New Orleans - this was the dirtiest. Suggestion - its free to clean your own bar.

    (1)

  • David C.

    Rude server, weak, pricey drinks. Go to Laffite's blacksmith shop instead-- better ambiance, stronger drinks, friendlier crowd. #YOLO

    (1)

  • Adam S.

    Absinthe...eh... Go for the history.

    (2)

  • A. B.

    Felt like an imposition from the second I walked in the door. Bartender was more interested in chatting with her friends than interacting with anyone wanting a drink. Place needs a good cleaning too. I'd avoid this place. Plenty of other spots for an absinthe drink.

    (1)

  • Jeff L.

    I went to New Orleans with a couple of friends over the first weekend of November 2013. They had both been to New Orleans on family vacations previously, and their wives said they could go to New Orleans on a "just guys" trip if I was along to be the designated good influence, which was a bizarre concept, but we went with it. A visit to the Old Absinthe House was #1 on my list of things to do, and we went there on Friday afternoon, right after returning from the airboat ride through the bayou. (That was fun too) I have long been intrigued by the whole absinthe ritual. Unfortunately, the absinthe fountains at the Old Absinthe House no longer function, and they light the sugar cube on fire with is a showy touch but apparently a modern affection. Still, I ordered Absinthe for my compadres and I. Absinthe isn't something I could have all the time, but we enjoyed the adventure. We returned every afternoon (the bar is small and gets crowded quickly in the evening) for another drink before continuing on down Bourbon Street. (I kept on with the Absinthe). Our last stop in New Orleans before going to the airport was to go to the Old Absinthe House for a mint julep. Unexpectedly, the bar is NOT particularly fancy inside but I do appreciate it's history.

    (5)

  • Paul B.

    Great place to grab a drink away from the insanity on Bourbon st. The servers are friendly, and will remember you after just a few visits. The drinks are reasonable (for Bourbon St), and there's a CD jukebox with lots of oldies. Unless you love black licorice, stay away from the absinthe, and try one of the house specialties like a bloody mary with okra and string beans, a De La Lousianne or a Ramos Fizz. Great place, I always spend at least a few hours hear each trip.

    (4)

  • Sherri K.

    What I loved about this bar was the absinthe drinks and the fireplace. The bartender was odd. The end. It is in a great location, but is so filthy inside I was sure dust bunnies would jump from all the helmets and football paraphernalia and catch fire at the fireplace where I was sitting. The crowd was dead. Boring and possibly dead. I would advise one drink and move on.

    (3)

  • Mike L.

    Stopped in while in NOLA and wandering the French Quarter. It certainly has a lot of character. After chatting with the barkeep, I decided on the top shelf absinthe prepared classically with flaming sugar cubes and all. Although this has great production value - I couldn't finish the drink. And I worked at it for an hour. Ultimately I gave it to a friend. Turns out no matter how expensive the cocktail, I don't like the black licorice flavor. So, I'll go back next time I'm in town - but I think I'll have a bloody Mary! Cheers :)

    (3)

  • Raja C.

    Heard from my bartender: We open around 8am. When you're hurtin, just come over to the Absinthe and we'll take care of you. God love 'em!

    (5)

  • Jules W.

    Strong drinks. Check. On Bourbon Street. Check. Barflys. Check. Great staff. Check Check! A friend suggested I check it out - glad she did. It was fun. No ghost sightings (friend said there might be), but fun still. Had a hurricane and a Pimms. Worth the trip!

    (4)

  • Gregg M.

    If the Sazerac is the official cocktail of New Orleans, then absinthe is the official spirit. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that there would be an Old Absinthe House somewhere in town! The Old Absinthe House is perfectly situated on Bourbon Street with big doors that are opened up to allow the high decibel din and smell of booze, sweat, cheap perfume, urine, vomit, and horse shit that permeate Bourbon Street to waft through the bar. True to its name, the Old Absinthe House does serve absinthe. However, on my visit, I chose to have a Sazerac. The Old Absinthe House and it's attractive all-female bar staff makes a good one...not as good, too be sure, as the ones found at the Sazerac Bar, Lüke or Pravda...and definitely more expensive than all of those bars! Chalk up the higher price to the "Bourbon Street Premium". Still, I can't hate on the place since it's a good, surprisingly laid back, dive bar. It's definitely worth your time if you're making your way along Bourbon Street.

    (3)

  • Emmy M.

    Stopped here for our last drinks in New Orleans before heading to bed for an early flight home. I got the absinthe frappe, which was decent, my family stuck to traditional absinthe. They let the street artists wander around inside looking for a quick buck, and my mother had this guy draw her picture. It was just weird to me that they let them do that, but hey when in rome I suppose. They also have a jukebox with typical new orleans themed songs and more popular summertime hits. I apologize to everyone in the bar that night because my mother played that Kid Rock all summer long song about 10 times in an hour.

    (3)

  • Chris B.

    Pretty fun dive bar with some interesting history behind it. Fair selection of absinthe and all the usual drinks are on hand as well. Can be a bit expensive (even the cheapest absinthe was over 20 bucks), but if you're going for just a drink or two, the Old Absinthe House is definitely worth it.

    (3)

  • Brad P.

    Hahahahahha! 19 dollars for a weak absinthe drink that was mixed so poorly that I got a different booze ratio in each sip. This was given to me by a bartender who really didn't seem to want my business. The dive-y, football helmet decor was kinda clever.

    (2)

  • Vince W.

    Nice place on bourbon. Definitely a dive. Cool atmosphere and the fireplace is a nice touch especially when it's chilly like my visit.

    (4)

  • Morris R.

    Such a cool little place! An oasis on Bourbon street. The inside actually seems classy and old-world-style! Love the copper bar and stone floor. Bartenders are great, really know how to make their drinks. I had the best sazerac there.

    (4)

  • Karen S.

    Have been here many times. I don't really get the appeal outside of some super tasty bloody mary's (which are $9 each). It is a dusty, dank, dive bar of sorts. Old football helmets hanging from the ceiling. They do give free popcorn that is actually good. I have had good service (and this is based a bit on new orleans service expectations which is not good) here - but haven't been when it's been packed or past maybe 10 pm. I have seen people come in and order absinthe - not sure why.

    (3)

  • Amy D.

    I'm never disappointed at this local staple. One of my first stops whenever I roll into NOLA. The best bloody mary in a town that prizes itself on the world's best cocktails. Staff is always wonderful as is the atmosphere. It's a must if you're in NOLA.

    (5)

  • Brian A.

    The ambiance is stellar, the price tags...for real? I had to do it, but $25 for a single Absinthe drink was asinine! The patrons were mostly tourists...duh...it's the French Quarter, but they were of a hipster variety. We had some fun discussions with those around us...and left after the table next to us started talking politics. As much as I love talking politics, everyone in the entire US of A knows we don't discuss politics or religion in a bar. The service was good and they had a public restroom...which is always nice in the Quarter. I would give this place a star or two more if it weren't for the price tags on their drinks.

    (3)

  • Harry T.

    The place to go and meet someone you know for a good New Orleans afternoon in the Quarter. A great place to people watch those in the bar and the passing traffic on Bourbon St. The best plan of action with some buddies would be lunch at Galatoire's, selecting a hand rolled cigar across the street, and then beers and socializing at the Old Absinthe House until the sun goes down or beyond.

    (3)

  • Andrew B.

    We stopped in because my buddy wanted to buy me a powerful drink for my bachelor party. The drink set him back $18. Sure Absinthe is a specialty drink but we both felt that was a little steep. Beyond the prices, the music they played was decent (but seriously, shouldn't they have LIVE music anywhere on Bourbon Street? I think that should be the rule going forward, who's on board?), the bartenders were pleasant, and the decor was pretty nice. We really just stopped in to grab a few drinks and say we drank at the Old Absinthe House. Worth the visit but I would not say it's a place to frequent while in NOLA. Cheers!

    (3)

  • Laurence K.

    ehh a tourist trap better places to drink

    (2)

  • Danielle R.

    Great bloody marys, very friendly and attentive staff. On cold days they have a full fire going in the fireplace ! This bar has a lot of character.

    (5)

  • Stephanie K.

    Really . . $20 for an Abita beer and shot of Jameson?! If we had been in an upscale lounge I might have been able to attempt to justify it, but Absinthe House is a total dive. Also, it was filthy inside, as in six inches of black dust and dirt covering everything from the ceiling down. I don't ask or expect much from dive bars but this place is just plain bad.

    (1)

  • Lyndsi W.

    Come here for a shot of authentically prepared absinthe if you dare! It's kinda a bucket list thing even if you just watch a friend do it which is what I did in my case!

    (4)

  • JenniLani S.

    The girls at the Absenthe House are nothing short of amazing! Dawn, Erin, Carolyn, Julie, Lizzy, and Tasha are without a doubt a force to be reckoned with in the local cocktail community! And look out for Erin... she's got jokes too! Be sure to check out the food too! Dine up stairs, on the courtyard, or right at the bar.

    (5)

  • Collette E.

    Great place to escape from the craziness of Bourbon street. The decor is all over the place, and you'll likely find yourself staring at the business-card covered walls for a good portion of your evening. The absinthe list is great. My husband tried a couple of the cocktails (ranging from $18-$22) and had a great time. I stuck to my usual Jack & diet, and found it to be 99% Jack and ice with a little spritz of diet coke. Nice, heavy pours = getting your money's worth. I love the old feel of the place, and the friendliness of the bar staff. Couple that with the entertainment of an absinthe cocktail being made, and I'm sold.

    (4)

  • Kelly H.

    Stopped by on a Friday in September around 4 or 5pm. The place was pretty busy even though it was early. The staff was extremely friendly and spent a good deal of time just chatting with us. The absinthe was expensive ($22/glass) but I really liked the pernod. We would definitely go back.

    (4)

  • Carol W.

    I've been to this place numerous times. This time visiting NO was no exception. Its right on the corner, it talks about absinthe so you would expect them to really play that piece up right? Not so here - they do have it, but you have to ask for it. The bartenders will make pretty much anything you want, but for the most part they get a good portion of the beer drinking tourists here. I know Gregg will speak on the Sazerac so I won't go there. I will say I asked for my usual ginger ale and Captain drink. They had to "fake" the ginger ale; I have to say - they did an excellent job. My drink was very good, albeit maybe a tad on the high side, but we were on Bourbon and I think that is to be expected. I'm sure the next time I go to NO, I will go here; the staff is friendly and honestly the bar reminds me a lot of one of our old stand-by dive bars we used to go to. I always do like memories!

    (3)

  • Linda G.

    Last time I was in New Orleans, absinthe was illegal and we had to make do with Jagermeister -- This time I had a properly prepared absinth cocktail at The Olde Absinthe House. The bartender did the whole thing with lighting the sugar cube on fire quite spectacular and cost $16. from there we moved on to sazeracs... plantar's punch and I'm not sure what happened after that.

    (5)

  • Katie M.

    I tried the absinthe drink. It taste like licorice, which I hate, but the bartender added coke or pepsi and after that it tasted like root beer, which I love! The pirate theme is entertaining. I rate the experience 5 stars!

    (5)

  • Valerie N.

    Loved the location, the building, the scene. A fantastic place to enjoy a happy hour!!! Hated the absinthe, planter's punch, and all other mixed drinks on the menu (bless that bartender for trying over and over again to make me something I liked!). I stuck with rum and coke here! The women's restroom is a disaster - has to be the tiniest toilet ever! ha!

    (3)

  • Misha T.

    Cool bar with cool decor. My buddy had a sazerac which was a pretty hefty 12 bucks. For that price I had 3 abitas. Advantage me. Also the bartender was nice and gave us food advice. yayyyy

    (4)

  • Matt M.

    $7? For a 12 ounce draft? Come on now. That's worse than getting a beer at a MLB game. The place is cool inside, but it in no way justifies the prices. Head to the Chart Room.

    (2)

  • Jeff S.

    They really do the Green Fairy justice here. We had 2 glasses served the traditional style, with the spoon and sugar, and all that jazz. They also light the sugar cube, which looks cool and is sure to get the beer drinkers looking your way. Our bartender was extremely helpful and friendly. Of course it didn't hurt that the Quarter was empty that night as it was only 35 degrees out.

    (4)

  • Jesse K.

    Had a delicious and extremely strong breakfast hurricane here, it was a cool old place to kill a little time in the morning before bourbon street crowded.

    (4)

  • Shannon S.

    This is where everyone local seems to meet up after a nice looong lunch in the Quarter and it is an especially crowded epicenter around the Friday before Christmas and around Mardi Gras time. It is always generally full and there always seems to be some interesting people in there. The prices have seemed to be getting way ridiculous over the years and many people have just resorted to grabbing three for one drinks at the Bourbon Cowboy across the street and bringing them over. They take credit cards but when they are busy it usually is much better to use cash here or you might be waiting awhile. The bartenders are usually very efficient and get to you rather quickly all things considered when it gets crowded.

    (3)

  • Ryan F.

    The character is in the walls here, not in the service that we experienced. There's an innate history and cool vibe, but its been overwhelmed by catering to the tourist trap that is Bourbon street. Drinks are remarkably overpriced and use cheap liquor that you wouldn't even think twice about picking up at the store. The Planter's Punch was less traditional and more sugary, sub-well liquor mess. Couldn't finish it if I wanted to...

    (2)

  • David V.

    Good drinks (love the Bloody Mary) Kathy has that New Orleans personality. Always a stop when in the Quarter.

    (4)

  • Anna B.

    The craziest mix of sports bar and old time tavern. LOVE.

    (5)

  • Anne A.

    The oldest bar in Louisiana and my favorite bar in touristy Bourbon Street. I'd recommend the Hurricane, Pimm's Cup, and absinthe served the traditional style by pouring water over a sugar cube over the cup. Oh and the get the sazerac as it is the drink to get in Lousiana.

    (5)

  • Jim C.

    We visited twice to sample different kinds of absinthe. There are 100, 106 and 136 proof varieties, we tried the 100 and 136. Both are prepared the French Traditional way, except the sugar cube is ignited for show. (It's doused before being put in the cup). Cost for the 100-proof is $19.50 while the 160-proof is $21. The bartenders were okay but didn't really interact with us much once our orders were made (even casual banter would have been appreciated). We found it best to have a club soda between swigs of the absinthe. The music (from satellite radio) is classic rock, but really, really loud and often cuts out for no apparent reason. The bathroom, shared with the Italian restaurant next door, needs to be decontaminated. Overall, a nice experience. However, we later discovered the daiquiri place across the street makes an awesome absinthe mojito for half the price, and you can take it with you while touring Bourbon Street.

    (3)

  • Rene C.

    Leblon cachaca, lime, simple syrup and ice and you've got yourself a party. I and a few coworkers stopped in here for a few preparty drinks. I loved the fact they carry Leblon which is my favorite brand of cachaca.....I say it better when I'm a little trashed, CA-SHA-SHA. Which ironically is how it's supposed to be pronounced. The bartenders are super friendly and were very patient as I tried my best to explain how to make my drink of choice. They even took the time to taste their work which I like to think as quality control. Free popcorn and not as crazy as the other bars on Bourbon, but I we would somehow find the crazy spots soon after. I've been told there are photographs. Oh my!

    (4)

  • Fernando R.

    This place is fun and has a very interesting vibe. The bartenders are really nice and they take the time to explain the drinks. The absinthe is interesting as it is hard to find in other places but is a little pricey.

    (4)

  • Cameron Y.

    This is pretty touristy and can get very crowded, but it is still a must see. Great history and great dive bar.

    (4)

  • Maria W.

    We had just left Pat O'Briens when we stumbled across this place, and I do mean stumbled. We each ordered the Absinthe Frappe, which is something of a large anisette slushy with ass kicking ju ju. That may also have been the combination of everything else we'd already had for the afternoon. Either way, the green fairy was in the house and dancing. Catch a seat by the fireplace. We were there the first weekend in December. Yeah, it's the South. But it get's cold down there too. The fireplace spot was a welcome respite from the windy day and the drinks kept things beyond festive.

    (5)

  • Sarah T.

    My dad and I were passing through NOLA on our way to Texas and we decided to walk down Bourbon Street. It was raining and hot, and we were grumpy after a long drive. We were trying to find a place to eat when we came to this place. We were reviewing their posted menu when a man in a suit approached us and said "I have dry menus inside, come have a look. We have delicious Italian food. We're famous for our Alfredo." We were surprised at his audacity but followed the man inside. We were pleasantly surprised to find an interesting, old and weary looking restaurant with clean white linens, low lighting, and a bustling kitchen. We reviewed the menu and figured we'd give it a shot. Our server Henry walked us through the menu, gave us warm bread and olive oil, and talked us into giving the southern style menu a try. Even though they were pushing Italian, we decided to stick to their southern specials. I had the crawfish paradise and Dad had the creole sampler (a stew, a large fried filet of catfish, and rice and beans). Everything was delicious and Henry was excellent (he gave us a brief history of the building and even talked with us about our native Philadelphia!). After being slightly overwhelmed by the bustle of Bourbon Street, this place was a great, quiet place to stop, recharge our batteries, and venture back into the crazy awesomeness of the French quarter. I would highly recommend this place if you find yourself in NOLA!

    (5)

  • Chris S.

    15$ Absinthe House Frappe. I understand the liquor and the mysticism and everything behind it. I understand the necessity to over charge tourists on things they may not get anywhere else. But seriously? Ew. Get drunk somewhere else, and swing in to have one beer and enjoy the atmosphere.

    (3)

  • Cliff D.

    I went there back in April during Jazzfest, me and a few buddies just went bar hopping in Bourbon Street. The atmosphere is amazing! This is the oldest bar in New Orleans and is quite historic. Being old fashioned I heart this place more than the other bars I crashed in. I tried the Old Fashioned and the hurricane drink and whoa! it was definitely a new experience for me . It's expensive but I will soon return for part 2!!

    (5)

  • Bill B.

    Almost $20 for a glass of absinthe!? WTF? Pirates Alley Cafe is half the price and far more entertaining!

    (1)

  • Diane R.

    Probably my favorite stop on the haunted bars app we had. Maybe it was the history... maybe it was the fun crowd that wasn't all tourists... maybe it was the excellent bloody marys and ramos gin fizzes we had. I'm not a big fan of Bourbon Street, but if you're there this is the bar to hit.

    (4)

  • Todd B.

    This place is in a good location and the traditional French preparation of the absinthe is fun to watch (absinthe spoons, flame the cube, the whole works) and that about ends the good points. Pricing is just horrible. A small jack and coke in a plastic cup was running $12 which is just shy of NYC club prices. The bartender was kind of dumb, but in a sweet way - plus she was cute. Still, Jack Daniels and Captain Morgan are not the same thing when mixed with coke and the wrong drinks were poured several times. Stop in, get the absinthe, choke it down and move on.

    (2)

  • Scott S.

    This is such a great place! Easily my favorite drinking establishment directly on Bourbon. Plus, it employs the hottest bartender on Bourbon... hi Stephanie! *blatant wink* Old Absinthe House is completely unassuming, devoid of plastic cups and table-dancing (not always a bad thing of course, in fact I'm doing it as I type this), and even has a real fireplace. It's like Cheers moved to New Orleans and replaced Diane Chambers with a Maxim cover girl, and Norm and Cliff with absinthe and popcorn (you get free popcorn here). I even heard the ghost of Orville Redenbacher puts a curse of infertility on those who don't finish their bowl. (I've actually never heard that ever, but now you can say you have once.) It's great on chillier evenings to be able to grab a seat by the fire with your companion of choice (or if you're drinking heavily enough, no companion at all) to share some drinks and soak in the environment as well as the alcohol. Due to the design of the bar and the laid back atmosphere, I've always been able to find a seat, even on Mardi Gras, which I love. They did recently raise the rates on their absinthe, which was already a bit steep, to a now even more steep $17, which I don't love. You can't find absinthe everywhere despite it being legal now, but when you do, you'll usually find it closer to $10. You can also order a Ramos Gin Fizz (or New Orleans Fizz) here, which is a drink I haven't been able to find in many places. So that's something to keep in mind. To me it tastes kind of like a Yoo-Hoo, without the Hoo or the hyphen. So I guess it tastes like a Yoo? How would I know that? And why do I sound like an 8-bit Italian plumber saying it? If you visit Bourbon Street, definitely stop by here. And if you meet Steph, tell her Scott sent you. And when she looks at you like you're crazy, order a drink and curse at me under your breath.

    (4)

  • Perrey L.

    I do not go to the quarter without stopping at the Old Absinthe house. It's a good thing I don't go to the quarter often, though, because I would be even more drunk/hungover/broke than I am normally. I was first introduced to the Old Absinthe house as a summer law clerk for a couple of the downtown firms a few summers ago. On any given Friday afternoon, the place is crawling with attorneys, but on Friday afternoons between May and mid-August, the law-people population is easily quadrupled. Plan accordingly. All that aside, the Absinthe House is a great, friendly, airy place that is only moderately crowded during the daylight hours. As the sun sets, it gets much more busy, but the size of the crowd depends on what else is going on in the quarter and what day of the week it is. If you walk in and there is no place to sit, chances are that is not going to change for you. The bartenders are great. They get busy, but as soon as you make friends with one, you are in good shape. They know how to make ANYTHING. Try the brandy milk punch or an absinthe cocktail for a great New Orleans experience. If I you are not interested in remembering anything for the rest of the night or in finding your way home, the planters punch is usually a(n un-)safe bet. Yum! Also, unless you are popping in for one drink, be prepared to spend some money. I don't think I have ever spent less than $50 on any visits that have lasted over an hour or so. Of course, that is not true for those wonderful times I have been the guest of a law firm...

    (4)

  • Jarrod M.

    Touristy and divey. Yeah, it is that. But Old Absinthe House had something that I was sorely seeking: air conditioning. You see, I had messed up. I had tried to walk from the French Quarter to the trolley to get to the Garden District, leading my hapless band this way and that way. As my friends know, however, i am hopeless when it comes to directions. Enter Old Absinthe House. We were hot, tired, and thirsty. I had already tried to go to Napoleon and Arnaud, but both were closed when we arrived. I was getting desperate, and was on the verge of just dousing my face with a hand grenade. Seeing as how that is a horrible idea, I'm glad I found Old Absinthe House. Inside, it is dark and cool. Business cards line the wall, and the place has the feel of age about it. There were a decent amount of people milling about, and our group was able to snag a table in the corner. My friend and I ordered two Sazeracs. The grand total? $24. The taste? Robitussin. Fortunately, I wasn't in Old Absinthe House for a tasty drink, I was there to take a load off. For that purpose, it was much better than the other random pizza joints and tourist bars that litter Bourbon Street and other parts of the French Quarter. So, if you're looking for a relaxing place (during the day) on Bourbon Street with expensive drinks that taste mediocre, Old Absinthe House should fit the bill.

    (3)

  • Dave C.

    Cool place to hang out and drink. Bartenders were pretty cool and the prices very reasonable

    (4)

  • Jay C.

    This place is my jam, the history alone is mindboggling (ask for a tour of the entire facility it's amazing). Great spot to belly up and grab a cocktail, ask the bartenders for classic drinks and they will amaze you with their concoction capabilities. The Sazarac was the star of the show although their old fashioned was great as well. Thanks again to the fella who gave us the tour, truly amazing historic knowledge my friend!

    (5)

  • Jessica C.

    I didnt get any absinthe so this rating is for the bar aspect of this place. It didnt really have any distinguishing features (obviously other than the absinthe) that made it special. I will skip this place next time.

    (3)

  • Michele P.

    This bar was WAY overpriced for what you get. Drinks were terrible, bar is filthy, even for bourbon street! We paid $10 a piece for mixed drinks. We had the same exact deinks at The Carousel Bar for $8 and they were better quality, better service and better bar experience. Do yourself a favor and skip absinthe house.

    (1)

  • Mark B.

    One of the most over rated bars in the French Quarter. The corner in front is always busy. Drinks cost too much and the bartenders have bad attitudes. I know two people who's credit cards were compromised after using their cards there. The ONLY thing this place has going for it is its location.

    (2)

  • Nicole S.

    This place gets 5 Stars for the best bartender and the best bloody mary I have ever had. During out Sept 2007 visit to NOLA we stumbled upon this place based upon the suggestion from another shop owner. To the annoying shop owner.... THANK YOU!! Although we were in New Orlenas for a short period of time we went here daily, if not twice a day for the blood mary's that Dawn made. Dawn was so nice and helpful when it came to pointing us to places aorund the French Quarter while we sat and enjoyed our drinks. The Bloody Mary's are to die for! Made with tomato juice, pickled string bean juice, picked okra juice, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and of course, vodka. This delish beverage was garnished with pickled okra and some string beans. Yes, we watched Dawn do her magic and asked for the recipe. While we cant exactly make the bloody mary's the same as the Old Absinthe House we have tried to the best of our abilites. We have had pickled okra brought back from friends in the Carolinas and have purchased Mean Beans (by Ricks Picks), all resulting in a pretty mean bloody mary. But I am telling you, you have to go there and get a bloody mary, or a few.

    (5)

  • Patrick S.

    Generations of grit await you, nice casual dive bar right off Bourbon street. Beer and crowd were fine. Did not try the Absinthe, might come back if I'm nearby again.

    (3)

  • Darrin D.

    Great bar and service.

    (3)

  • Aaron S.

    Best Sazerac in town. Service is wonderful. A must-visit if you're in the Quarter. The popcorn was delicious (and needed). Great for people watching or even hiding from the Bourbon blur. I'll be back as soon as I can!

    (5)

  • James A.

    Our favorite bar on Bourbon Street.

    (4)

  • Lala M.

    My favorite place in the world to get a Bloody Mary. Eeeextra dark w/extra olives & pickled okra. That's all i've ever had here, so i can't speak for anything else, but the Bloody Mary has always been 5star worthy.

    (5)

  • Dan R.

    Um. What to say. Well, on the up side, it's in the French Quarter. On the down side, the woman behind the bar was not a people person, nor did it appear she was overly happy about being there.

    (2)

  • John G.

    The drinks are good and the beer is cold. It is a great place to people watch. Try to get a seat near the doors on Bourbon street.

    (4)

  • Bryan S.

    The Old Absinthe House is a dive with pricey drinks. This would be ok if the quality of the drinks was consistent. In the afternoon, I had a very good Ramos Gin Fizz but the next evening it was horrible. The thing to keep in mind is that if you standing at the intersection where Old Absinthe is, there are much bars a short walk in any direction. I'd skip this one.

    (2)

  • Allen H.

    A little dirty, a little old, everything you want in a bar in NOLA. However, this of right on Bourbon st and is usually filled with local businessmen instead of the insane tourist crowd usually associated with the quarter. The absolute must have from here is the BloodyMary...best I have ever had...may be the best drink I have ever had. I have drove the 300 miles just to have one, and an sure that I will again soon.

    (5)

  • Johnny L.

    Place is ok, cool place to pop in and check out for a drink. Pretty pricey as it is in tourist trap hell. Also a duster wouldn't hurt, never seen more dust on the walls. Bartenders are very friendly, we were there during the afternoon.

    (3)

  • Leah V.

    this place is great, even though the recommended absinthe drink was $19. i ended up getting a free beer, so maybe it evens out. the bartenders were very nice and quick to refill.

    (5)

  • Andrew L.

    Ever since watching the movie Euro Trip in 2004 I've been wanting to party with the Green Fairy. Now... (dramatic pause)... I've finally gotten that chance I walk into this place and sit down on the stool. "What do you want?" "I know you guys don't really have absinthe because it's illegal in the states so..." "Whoa, yea we do!" *gasp* (a grin slowly emerges on my face). "I'll have some of that then" "Traditional or..." I've done my homework so I cut her off, "Yea, traditional" Cue the spade with the slits in it, an ice cube, and hot fiya! I take a swig, sit back and bask in the experience of having something in New Orleans that is illegal anywhere else in the country. Sure it tasted like licorice (I hate licorice); sure it cost $16; but an experience like that was priceless.

    (5)

  • Blue R.

    I like absinthe but I didn't get one here because it was so expensive. Like $19-23 for a glass of absinthe. I ended up getting a $10 absinthe in Pirate's Alley later. The place is horrible on the inside. So much history, yet it is now too much of a low end sports bar. I wish it could be classier. It is packed through. Someone must be doing something right. But you can buy a bottle of absinthe for $50, so the $23 price tag for something you can get at Bevmo is a bit much! I guess they light sugar cubes on fire too...what an amateur hour.

    (2)

  • M R.

    I do love the green fairy, far to much. Fortunately the cost prevents me from indulging all that often. However on my last trip to NOLA to visit my daughter, my girl and I stopped into this place after dinner and more hurricanes than is comfortable to mention :-). We sat (as best we could at that point) and partook of their best Absinth, the bar tenders are great and know the history of their house speciality. It was a great last stop for the night and I would go back again in a heart beat. Now while mixing Absinth with the sheer amount of hurricane we'd ingested prior to that was an INTENSELY bad idea, our night cap at the Old Absinthe House was still an excellent experience and highly recommended.

    (4)

  • Brittany N.

    One more place of the list of "must go to" of NOLA. The walls are filled with interesting write-ups full of history and TONS of business cards- you'll see! I tried one of their many classic/specialty drinks, The Pimm's Cup and it was fantastic! The bartenders were very knowledgeable and precise at making fantastic concoctions!

    (4)

  • Plaid B.

    CRAZY overpriced, slow bartenders, and the worst part is that they don't even live up to their name. Actually, the worst part is how badly they take advantage of their customers. Ordered an Absinthe Frappe, their "specialty," and for the low price of $19 I got a really crappy drink that was made incorrectly. They only had 2 kinds of absinthe (more like a shack than a house...) so I chose the better of the two. Bartender poured about an ounce of that, then added at least another ounce of anisette on top, totally destroying all of the delicious absinthe flavors with cheap flavored corn syrup crap. Then she added way too much simple syrup. She got the club soda and shaved ice right, but that was about it. Overall, I would recommend to walk in here for a photo but don't go in here for a drink.

    (1)

  • Allyson P.

    Lots of locals warned us not to bother with Old Absinthe House; they said it was touristy, overpriced, and that there were better places to get absinthe cocktails. However, at 10 AM on Sunday, they seemed to be the only bar open, so we ended up going in. I have to agree that the drinks were a bit overpriced, and not the best cocktails I had in New Orleans, but they were still fairly good. The bar had a surprising number of people in it, considering how early it was, and a chill, laid-back vibe, though I'm guessing it's less chill and laid-back later in the day. The sazaracs were a bit too sweet, but otherwise pretty good. At $10 though, they were on the more expensive end of the price spectrum, and this was the diviest bar we had them at, so definitely a bit overpriced.

    (3)

  • Beth W.

    The only thing that keeps this from being a five-star review is the prices. I didn't indulge in the absinthe, but I paid an arm and a leg and a kidney and a kneecap for the Jim Beam I imbibed all night long beneath the awesome football helmets and warm, warm fire. Other than the exorbitant drinks prices ($9 for a Beam and diet; $6 for a Corona in a plastic cup), The Olde Absinthe House was a hit, both for me and for the rest of our large party which, in addition to most of us Chicagoans (who, in fairness, are more than used to pumped-up prices), included several locals who openly acknowledged they only come here on special occasions because they want to be able to send their unborn children to college one day. In short: ridonkulous prices and a nasty bathroom (it *is* Bourbon Street, I guess), but the atmosphere and location are fab, and the barstaff was attentive and cool. And honestly, we were vacationing in New Orleans; we didn't come for cheap boozing. On a semi-related note, you might want to avoid the adjoining restaurant viewable through the French doors by the fireplace. One member of our party watched a rat scurry past while the staff was cleaning up. Gross, sure, but I'm not reviewing the restaurant.

    (4)

  • Ryan W.

    First, the Bad: The place is touristy, the beer selection isn't good, the liquor selection is passable, and the prices are high. Now, the Good: The Absinthe. They serve it with a flashy twist on the traditional style: they light it on fire. Hard core absinthe conisuers will snub their nosess at this, but it does nothing bad to the absinthe, but is does make for a fun experience.

    (4)

  • Gretchen A.

    The bartenders should know the drinks! I ordered a mint julep, but ended up with bourbon over ice with some squished mint leaves in it (even their menu stated it would have simple syrup in it, but nope absolutly nothing sweet or good about this drink) after a failed attempt to get it fixed I decided to try my husbands drink, he got the Absinthe Suissesse which after waiting 5 min to get (bartender claimed in the 3 years she worked there she had never made it, um 1. shouldn't you know how to make the drinks on your menu and 2 no wonder my mint julep was so yucky) the drink was really good (hence the 2 stars) WARNING if you do not like the taste of black licorice do not order this drink

    (2)

  • Kirun M.

    I had to review this place even though I only tried a sip of my friend's absinthe. The bartender recommended one that wasn't pictured on the menu and I think she steered us in the right direction. I really enjoyed the anise/licorice flavor but my friend had a harder time getting it down. Too bad I had to work early the next morning and had cut myself off for the night! Overall, I like the vibe of this bar as compared with other bars on Bourbon. Even on the night of Mardi Gras the clients seemed respectable. I think I enjoyed the refuge from the mob outside. I'll be back to try their bloody Mary.

    (4)

  • Joe D.

    This place was an interesting dive but not worth the price of the drinks IMO. The Ramos Gin Fizz was super-weak and the absinthe was way overpriced. You can buy absinthe in any liquor store these days, people, no need to get it here. 3 stars mainly for the old-timey dive feel and the no-nonsense bartenders.

    (3)

  • Rita M.

    This place looked cool from the outside and the inside, but was ultimately a rip off. I didn't try any of their "specialty drinks," but I must say $7 for a pint of Blue Moon is preposterous! Especially when there are plenty of cheaper bars within a one block radius of this place. On the upside, there were plenty of good TVs, and it is a good place to watch a game. I would recommend you sneak in there with your own drink and snag some of their free popcorn.

    (2)

  • Roselle E.

    BF and I made this place our first bar stop after dinner. This place had red lighting and a round bar where you can find many stools. It's also open all around so you get a lot of air and can also smoke inside. This is how it wend down at the bar: BT: What can I get for you folks? BF: hmmmm..... something green and good (wink) BT: it's $17 a shot (she seemed to have picked up the wink fast) BF: give me two! Now did I dance with the green fairy? Nah! but the drink sure was strong! I've tried Absinthe w/ champagne at The Edison in LA before but the one at this bar was more like the real stuff and also tasted much better!

    (4)

  • Paul R.

    Yayy! My first review of a bar on Bourbon St! I don't spend a lot of time on Bourbon St. because it's quite touristy, crowded and I kinda' have to go out of my way to get deep into it. I actually like this place, though. There are a couple of cute girls that work the bar often (which is a plus - could be a creepy one eyed troll in a stained undershirt, which isn't a far throw considering that we're talking about Bourbon St.) and on a cool day, they have a working fireplace. They also have a large assortment of Absinthe which the bartenders are all too eager to tell you about with incredible detail. History lesson: If you're a tourist in New Orleans or visiting Bourbon St. for the first time, if for nothing else but nostalgia, check out this place. It was built in 1807 and is one of the oldest buildings down here. Originally, it started out as an importing firm but then was converted into a corner grocery store and even later, a coffee house. In 1874, a mixologist concocted a drink using Absinthe, which resulted in the coffee house being re-named 'Absinthe Room', thus the birth of the New Orleans staple that it is today. It gets busy pretty quick in here, especially on the weekends. Go figure, right? I mean, it's Bourbon St. The joint is also very, very small and thus, it gets incredibly loud in here. I had to shout often for my party to hear me. On a side note, why are people always throwing up outside this place?? As a matter of fact, I happened to simply be passing by the joint when two girls suddenly rushed outside and dumped their stomachs on the pavement faster than a sea cucumber. I was startled and I guess I happened to stop for a minute because of the abrupt shock. I suppose this garnered the attention of one of the bar's employees because an older woman stepped out, shot me a chilling glance and yelled "you're cleaning that up!!" I was like "I don't even know these people!" and I ran down another block and out of sight. This has happened quite often, though. I was also down here during a friend's party before his wedding. As we walked up, a man just outside the entrance had his arm over a girl who was leaning, headfirst, against the bar and throwing up profusely. It was like a water fountain in the park. Personally, I've never gotten so sick on partaking of the green fairy but if it's your first time, I guess it's worth mentioning to take your time. It's potency sneaks up on you. One night, I was in here smashing Kubler shots until 2 AM. $200 later, I headed home. I don't remember how or when I got home. What I do remember is waking up on the floor in the middle of my living room, bare a** naked, with my clothes all over the house; one shoe by the front door, the other in the kitchen, shirt in the bathroom, pants upstairs. I DID come home alone that night so I'm not sure what kind of night I had when I got home. Maybe I walked in, turned the lights down low and I was all over myself like a cheap suit. I was upstairs, I was downstairs! Might have been the best night of my life and I don't remember any of it! Just saying, take your time with the stuff! It's a bar on Bourbon St. and if you're new in the area, you'll be making many, many stops through the French Quarter. This won't be your first or your last so I'm not going to spend too much time on this review. Just stop by and check it out!

    (3)

  • Ed W.

    This is another french quarter price with lots of history and character that is therefore worth checking out - so long as you know going in that it is 2/3 of the way to being a full-out tourist trap. The ramos gin fizz I had was pretty tasty, although not quite top notch. I didn't mind the $12 cost, but I guess I should have specified that I didn't want my $12 cocktail in a plastic cup? The bartenders, while competent, didn't seem quite to the professional level that I would expect at a place serving cocktails like this. It's too bad, because even with bourbon st. how it is, this place could still be really great with a little effort. But it seems they've taken the easy way out and are largely coasting on their history. Still, worth checking out.

    (3)

  • Curtis G.

    Went here for a last single drink with a friend, his dad, and party before he got married in the quarter. The place was nice and calm (2pm on a Saturday). Interesting history...

    (3)

  • Kayla G.

    This Bar is officially the first bar I went to in New Orleans.. many more followed it. At first I thought the bartender was kind of snotty. I think at first he thought I was a tad on the ditzy side, but shit, give me a break- I'm on vacation.. and the clock had just struck midnight on Septmeber 17th! Meaning.. it was officially my birthday! After a few drinks, we really warmed up to the bartender.. and I excused myself for a minute. Upon my return, I see the bartender with a large glass of a light green looking liquid with a sugar cube on top. Lighting it on fire. Uhhhh... My beau whispers to me "this is the real stuff..." The bartender put this Absinthe Frappe in front of me and says "HAPPY EFFING BIRTHDAY" (censored). After boyfriend and I shared that one drink, we were giggling and dancing like no one's business. It was so fun! As we were having a great time, we looked outside and saw a man getting a DUI right outside the bar on Bourbon Street. It was a Saint's game day.. so things were pretty rowdy. GREAT entertainment!

    (5)

  • Helen C.

    Not a bad bar for being in the Quarter. Call me a hater (it's OK, actually, because I've come to terms with my being one) but I didn't particularly like the French Quarter. It reeked - literally and figuratively - of immature excess, i.e., think Girls Gone Wild insecurity + frat and former frat type dudes + excess consumption of all sorts of alcohol = not my scene. Sure, it was interesting to see but I'm way past the age of drinking just to get lit. This place was more my speed; you can sit and drink, shoot the shit, and not have to watch youngins' grinding up against everyone and everything.

    (3)

  • Jeff H.

    Dirty and overpriced. Somehow I'm still drawn to it. No food available, but I have brought food in and they didn't seem to mind.

    (3)

  • Shemp H.

    Great place to hang out. Don't bother getting any absinthe - I was warned away from what passes as the green fairy there by the bartender herself and opted for Irish whisky instead. Still a great place, and one of the most convenient for those "I'm strolling through the French Quarter and need a bloody mary to go" stops. Met a few characters there, including one guy who had one of those unique Louisiana first names, like Everett, or Beauchamps or Atticus or something, who said, "I've had 24 girlfriends and I have two kids and I'm not gay." Not that I'd asked or anything... He said it five times, at least, while buying my drinks and staggering around with his own, and with the four top buttons of his shirt undone. Despite this dishevelment he was a gentleman. And I was not accosted. Another thing - I forgot my debit card there (well, you know, it was a long night and I needed to head over to a jazz club across town with a photographer I'd met from Getty and I'd had a few whiskies and ....) and picked it up the next morning, paranoid that someone had used it while it was out of my hands. Not to worry - it was safe.

    (5)

  • Tommy L.

    This is a cool place. We drank here every night while in NO, which was 4 nights. It has a casual, laidback vibe. The place is adorn with football helmets hanging from the ceiling and people's business cards from around the world on the walls. It's right on the street, so it's cool to people watch or in&out from the sidewalk for a quick smoke. It had a nice crowd for happy hour that was a good mix of visitors and locals with their seersuckers. Like Helen C. said it's not full of young, frat boys. But the young professional crowd, lots of lawyers at happy hour. The weekend, a nice place to hang out and chill. The bartender even remembered the GF from last year. Which means she got too rowdy there. Cool place to get your drink on in the Quarter.

    (4)

  • Elizabeth W.

    The description says wheelchair accessible, but it should be noted that if you are a woman and in a wheelchair you will not be able to access the bathrooms as they are on the second floor. Men, however, have two restrooms on the first floor.

    (3)

  • David K.

    Great bar on bourbon for hanging out with the locals.

    (4)

  • J C.

    k, so I saw this on another reviewer's reviews & had to put my 2 cents in. Like a fellow reviewer this place was a love/hate place that YES you must visit when going to the Quarter. The place is classic but the prices are insane. I bought an Absinthe drink for me & my friend & walked out of there w/a $60+ tab (WHAT!!!! I better start seening some crazy sh@*t soon!!!!). The bartender was cool & friendly but due to the drink rates we had to go elsewhere. At least we could say we had the Absinthe while we were there & got light headed when I saw my tab hahahahahaha

    (4)

  • P S.

    This is a good ol' dive bar that locals go to. Tons of ambiance. Good, strong drinks and great Bloody Marys.

    (3)

  • samanta v.

    Fun little place, although I like the Pirates Alley a little better. I am an absinthe nut. I love love love the stuff. We were drinking 2 or 1 beers here that day with the absinthe. Needless to say, there are parts of the eveing that I do not recall. They also serve chartruse, which to some is disgusting, but I dig it. I'll totally go back, especially for the beers at happy hour.

    (3)

  • Bradley C.

    I've only been to New Orleans a half dozen times... That being said, with all of the hundred or so pubs in and around the French Quarter, I seem to spend a lot of time here... I am not sure why. Maybe because it is not quite as crazy as a lot of other places... Not as crowded. It is a good place to get a few drinks and catch your breath... Then on to the next pub!

    (3)

  • Rhea B.

    A great old joint in the French Quarter. Jess was a great bartender. Had the absinthe. Our first time!

    (4)

  • Ashley D.

    Bourbon Street and their crackheads.. I love it.

    (3)

  • Eric E.

    This place is under new ownership and prices have skyrocketed. Locals are defecting to more friendly and reasonable places. I still find myself here on the Friday before Mardi Gras but always get my drinks on the street. Another Bourbon Street landmark goes to the dogs. Chart Room on Chartres is a good substitute if you're looking for a cheap dive. Also Erin Rose and Molly's.

    (1)

  • Will C.

    I wanted to try Absinthe while was visiting New Orleans. The Old Absinthe House got the job done well enough. The bartender was attentive but not overly helpful. She informed me that they had two varieties of absinthe available (Lucid and Kubler), and that both were $19. I opted for the Lucid. The bartender prepared it with little fanfare, though she did opt to light the sugar cube on fire (which I've read is actually something of a party-foul when it comes to serving absinthe). The drink was good, though the atmosphere did nothing to contribute to the experience. If you just want to try absinthe, the Old Absinthe House has it. If you're planning to drink anything else, you can find better places to drink.

    (3)

  • Helen F.

    I had no desire to try the absinthe...but gleefully watched as 4 frat-ish boys winced in pain as they downed their $16 shots. The lighting of the sugar = very cool. We were on Bourbon street during, perhaps, a slower week. However, admist the strip clubs & bad coverband/karoake bars where you can't converse worth a damn...this place was a lovely refuge thanks to it's airy feel (lots of open doors/windows looking out onto the street).

    (4)

  • Spen B.

    Not worth the hype. The bartenders here need a major attitude adjustment. On a recent not very busy Sunday afternoon, I made a simple and polite request for one of these amazing bloody marys...based on her attitude and reaction to my order, you would have thought that I asked the bartender for the naming rights of her first born child. There are too many great places in the French Quarter to waste your time or $ here.

    (1)

  • Ashley S.

    Visited this bar with a group of friends. I didn't purchase anything but my friends did and the bouncer refused to let me use the restroom. He was very rude about it. No music and very boring...Unless you're interested in absinthe, there's no reason to visit this bar.

    (2)

  • jenn w.

    This bar was the last stop for my night of drinking. I don't remember much but I remember there were lots of football helmets hanging from the cieling. But the most enjoyable part of this bar visit was watching the bartenders prepare the absinthe. Alcohol and fire are probably my two favorite things.

    (4)

  • James P.

    On our first night in NOLA we decided to stroll along Bourbon on a Sunday night. For Bourbon it was pretty mellow overall and we did not want to get an alcoholic slurpy. Looking for a place a little different, so when we spotted the Absinthe House we decided to partake in their namesake drink. I live in LA and $15 for a drink is not uncommon, but for NOLA that is definitely on the high side. The overall place was alright but the bartenders were pretty aloof. Of course I really don't blame them. If I had to deal with obnoxious drunk frat boys all night long, I would be a little pissy as well.

    (3)

  • Brooks ..

    The Old Absinthe House is a beautiful and historical building. But....... There's nothing traditional about lighting the sugar cube -- a stunt dating back to 1990s Prague. Not surprisingly, the stunt scores points with Bourbon Street frat-boys. If you want be traditional, say "No fire, please -- just water." For more info: The Wormwood Society tinyurl.com/3e4hy4 Cheers!

    (3)

  • Paul B.

    My kind of dive bar. Loved the ambiance. I'd say this is a must stop on Bourbon.

    (5)

  • K S.

    While absinthe is not something you'd drink (or should) drink on a regular basis, this place was a total gem and cute find during our recent stay in New Orleans. Our cocktail tour brought us here as our last stop and we enjoyed learning about absinthe and seeing the bartender (who was an absolute doll) make the concoctions. It was a little too strong for our liking so she poured it over ice and added some root beer. The outdoor shaded seating was also an added bonus on a VERY hot and humid day.

    (4)

  • Mark M.

    Madcrazy overpriced. Filled with typical Bourbon Street nimrods.

    (2)

  • Hamilton B.

    I winced when I saw how much Worcestershire the young lady added to my plastic cup. I should have relaxed: She knew what she was doing! Nice Bloody Mary! Although she did agree that sinus-clearing horseradish would have been a good addition, the kitchen didn't have any. Not a bad way to start your day walking the streets of the French Quarter!

    (4)

  • Arnaud H.

    The place has a long history and is directly on Bourbon Street. The atmosphere is lively and the staff is friendly, but don't let the name of the place fool you into believing this is the right place to try absinthe for the first time: although they have a decent selection of the stuff, they BURN theirs when serving it, which any absinthe lover or self-respecting New Orleans bartender will tell you is blasphemy. It's just for show, and it kills a lot of the product's taste. For $14 to $20 the absinthe frappée, you'd think they'd know better. No wonder some previous reviewers were not impressed - trying an absinthe at the Old Absinthe House is like having your first taste of Mexican cuisine at Taco Bell. Then again, many American palates don't necessarily enjoy the black liquorice and anise flavors, so the Old House, like other Bourbon Street joints catering to the frat boys crowd, is also featuring Le Tourment Vert, an awful, artficially colored so-called absinthe that tastes like Scope. Stay away from that one at all costs. If you're looking to try an authentic absinthe frappé, try the bar at Mr. B's, and skip this tourist trap.

    (2)

  • Kelly K.

    Really cool bar. Did not drink absinthe like my friends but enjoyed searching the walls of business cards. Found a few from current and recent employers. Stop in. Neat bar.

    (4)

  • Christina K.

    The bar has a good vibe. Old and new business cards cover the walls and (very dusty) football helmets hang above the bar. There is also a fireplace that is lit and great during the colder nights. The Absinthe will run you $18+ a glass. Very cool to watch them make, not so good to drink...but I'm not an Absinthe drinker. Food is ordered from a neighbouring restaurant which is good, just not what you'd expect. A definite must visit.

    (3)

  • Rox P.

    We ordered the Absinthe - good presentation from the bartender with the lit sugar cubes. The bartender was not friendly at all she seemed put off that we ordered the Absinthe and we asked her questions about the drink. Very pricey drinks - I'll not go back again.

    (1)

  • Annie C.

    Hard to rate cloudy memories from the early 90s, but sometimes you only remember how an experience made you feel, minus the details. Wandered into the Ab-Sin-Th House one afternoon, looking for a dark place to duck in from the heat. Haven't been back to the city since. Drinks were cheapy cheap back then too. But the place has some hauntings, so if you're into that vibe, go & hang out for a spell. You'll end up there anyway, so just make a point & go.

    (3)

  • Steve M.

    went in with a group and walked out with twice as many of us. but - that could be that we had a few of their special absinthe concoctions. it's a fun stop on the street and you should have at least one to set your night up - or kick start if it's not going well yet.

    (4)

  • El G.

    I loved this place. We had several orders of different types of absinthe. That was interesting in itself, but what made the experience was our bartender taking the time to tell us how to properly serve and drink absinthe. She then gave us a history and the break down of types of absinthe. She was awesome. The bar was dark and and smelled like dust after a rainstorm. It was weird to look up and see so much sports memorabilia, but hey, I didn't care. I was drinking absinthe!

    (5)

  • Shelby C.

    Dark and dirty....with a cool vibe. The absinthe was very pricey....go to Pirates Alley instead!

    (2)

  • John O.

    This is a very good place. It is in the "Red-Light District" of Bourbon Street and is a much appreciated welcome sight to see than all those peep-show establishments. The bar is rather small. Actually, that is pretty much all that is in the room. There is a small bathroom in the back that is very dirty. Well, most bathrooms in the Quarter are dirty because people are usually to drunk and pee and let gravity take over. One good thing, and pretty smart in my opinion, is that they offer free popcorn. Makes you want to drink more. I am a big fan of mojitos now. Mostly because they taste good and have less calories than most other drinks. Something like 150 calories. The mojitos here are pretty good. They used a bit too much mint, but that was okay. The drink was very good and there is nothing like walking the historic French Quarter with a refreshing mojito in your hand.

    (4)

  • Christopher T.

    I stopped in for some refreshment as that southern sun was leaving me a bit parched. I sat down and ordered a margarita on the rocks with salt rim. The woman loved that I ordered a margarita for some reason, and for 8 bucks I was happy too. 2 Margaritas later and some lost dollars in the jukebox, I was happy. I figured you couldn't be called an alcoholic in NOLA at anytime of the day and I enjoyed that non judgement feel. The bartender was nice and it had a different atmosphere from the surrounding bars which I liked.

    (5)

  • Me R.

    Skip it. Out of ice in august? Bartenders beyond slow and unpleasant.

    (1)

  • N M.

    Great pub, casual no crazy dancing or crazy music. Nice place to grab a beer or two right on bourbon.

    (5)

  • Tom L.

    this place rocks..they're totally nice to the absinthe newbies great show with the sugar and the fire, it's whole production..yet another must do in new orleans

    (4)

  • Shane R.

    one of the only establishments worth seeing on bourbon street because it was one of the first, they have good drinks (ramos gin fizz), and the bar tenders are friendly. its not divey. there was no live music when i was there. total rip off tourist prices ($8 for a well shot). ok, now that you've seen old absinthe house, run away from bourbon street as fast as you can.

    (3)

  • Gina M.

    My review is only for the bar. OVERPRICED shot of Patron... $10? I walk a block down to the Jester (you know one of those places that sell pizza by the slice and have all the icee machines full of frozen alcohol)... and it's $4?!??? How the hell can the price be so different? Needless to say I spent my time drinking at the Jester.... Absinthe House looked pretty cool and the service was great but don't think I'll be back.

    (2)

  • Paula K.

    This place was our last stop and I wish we would have found it sooner. Great atmosphere and not busy. Of course I tried the absinthe and it was more fun watching the bartender make it than it was drinking it! It's not cheap, $17 for a glass. I wish I would have read some Yelp reviews before going to NOLA and this would have been a first stop for me.

    (4)

  • Raquel F.

    Lets just say this place is unassuming but completely off the hook! Our wedding party met up here and Old Absinthe House did not disappoint. Bartenders were friendly, the ambience was funky, and the crowd was cool. I didnt know what to expect because, afterall, it IS right off of Bourbon, but I can honestly say this place rocks. Great prices too ;)

    (5)

  • Tonya S.

    Nice and dark, with a decent clientele. They serve absinthe the old-fashioned way (also, the correct way) - with sugarcubes set on fire. I didn't want to leave.

    (5)

  • Kenneth P.

    Very cool place...chilled here after a Voodoo Tour. Limited seating inside, and a few tables outside. Great place to go to try absinthe and relax w friends. Although it is only 2 blocks from Bourbon Street, it feels miles away.

    (3)

  • Elaine S.

    Misleading - no absinthe, sorry...but you'll love the open atmosphere and good prices. A friend used to be the bartender - Tiffany. Ask for her next time you're there. She's a lot of fun.

    (4)

  • Kenny P.

    Fun bar. Good drinks. Nice ambiance. Well stocked bar of top shelf selections. My buddy likes their bloody marys. I had the absinthe on two occasions (they use Lucid brand). I enjoyed the presentation, pouring it onto the sugar cube and lighting it on fire. Friendly bartenders. Prices are so-so. Chopin is $8-9 and Lucid absinthe is $16 (yes, sixteen bucks).

    (4)

  • M S.

    we really liked this place and so did our friends. we went on the recommendation of a frequent visitor to NOLA and we had a good time. bartenders were friendly and nice. just a chill place to get drinks with friends.

    (4)

  • jennifer s.

    The first night we were in NOLA, we ended up eating at the Italian half of the restaurant and it was excellent! The service was great too, our waiter talked us into some of the best, richest tiramisu ever. He also talked up the absinthe so much that we came back the next night. This time, we sat at the bar and talked to the bartender about the absinthe while he made it. Highly recommend it, and lovely dark interior.

    (5)

  • Slevin S.

    This was fine for just any old bar, but I specifically went in looking for absinthe, so it was somewhat of a disappointment. After having gone to places like Pirate's Alley or Pravda where the bartenders can go into details about the different varieties and the history of the drink, it was annoying to go into a place named after absinthe and be given a drink with a shrug.

    (3)

  • Tamara C.

    I had a ball and a half at this place. Not as loud and bawdy as the other places on bourbon street (which suits me!) they serve you a good sazerac and the bar maids are spunky fun ladies. You even get given a bit of popcorn to eat while enjoying the jukebox tunes. Highly recommended!

    (4)

  • Seth T.

    Maybe I had high expectations, but this place wasn't as amazing as I had imagined. We're here on a cocktail tour and for being a famous cocktail bar I was a bit disappointed in paying $12 for a watery ramos fizz and $10 for a weak sugary sazerac, from a rather unfriendly bartender, may I add. The history behind the place is awesome, the atmosphere is really cool, but that's the last time I'll be visiting. P.s. lighting absinthe on fire should be a crime. HUGE disappointment.

    (2)

  • Peggy C.

    Stopped in for our last stop of day drinking and by now I have learnt - alcohol ain't cheap in NOLA. Just like any spots along Bourbon St, your guess is as good as mine as to how much drinks are. BUT it is vacation... or so I told myself. The place looks old (historic would be the nicer term) and probably has some history behind it (but no one told me any stories). Bartender lady came across as a no-nonsense type. I asked what's their signature drink and she pointed to a sign on the wall. Absinthe at 1pm on a Monday sounded like a bad idea, so I went with the Ramos Fizz. BF got a pint of cheap beer (in theory, not in price - I think it was $5) Here comes the fun - bartender cracked an egg, raw egg white went into a glass (MY glass to be specifi). Then more things went into the glass, including a few drops of I-don't-know-what-but-that's-a-white-vinegar-­shaped-bottle. All topped off with milk and she shook it all up and now I have myself a Ramos Fizz. All for a "bargain price" of $12! BF looked at me with a certain disgust on his face and said "you better like it because I'm NOT drinking that." Even I wondered what I have done. But NO WAY I'm wasting a $12 drink - so with a little reservation I took a sip, AND IT WAS GOOD! Not strong though, and for $12 I would have wanted more liquor. Overall it was a fun experience - rather pricey, but it was different. The place was unique, friendlier service would have helped (maybe tell me something about the joint?). If you do stop in, do give the Ramos Fizz a try!

    (3)

  • Marielle S.

    Stopped in here for a bit during French Quarter Fest. The bartender was really nice and I liked that all of the doors were open letting fresh air into the place. I didn't stay long, but they do seem to have a nice selection of absinthe and the bartender sounded like she knew what she was talking about when someone asked about them. The decor is a little grimy, but it's not terrible for a FQ spot.

    (3)

  • Kerry L.

    This is my second visit to the old ab house. The first time was definitely memorable...in a good way. The second was the exact opposite. I'm thinking the experience is dependent on the bartender and the bartender this time simply sucked. She said, "what do you want?" I had a few questions, she walked away. My husband tried too....nothing. We finally ordered a sezerac for me and a Mata Hari for him. The sezerac was way to heavy on the bitters and the mata hare was a big glass of yuck. We had the same drinks last time and they rocked--sorry the drinks and the service affect the experience so much.

    (1)

  • Daniel G.

    This place is a must for Absinthe...quite numbing is all I can say. Bartenders are nice and put on a good show. Right at the start of Bourbon Street.

    (5)

  • Martin H.

    Bar. A good dive bar for quick drinks. Their Bloody Mary is really tasty here. The bar is located right on bourbon street so there are many tourists in here. Waitresses are very friendly here. A bar I will be returning to because of good Bloody Marys and friendly service.

    (4)

  • Sara J.

    I have a hard time rating this establishment since the bartenders were great. Both the ladies knew what was up and down and really treated me like a person and engaged in conversation. Be warned, you have to present your receipt to the washroom 'keeper' in order to go. It's a bunch of bologna if you ask me. One drink = one restroom visit. The washrooms were disgusting! One stalls door didn't even close, the other had the toilet paper resting on the handicapped bar. Paper towels everywhere. The bartenders knew it was a crock of sh*t too. We met up with some other tourists and were chatting while standing close to the bar, perhaps blocking the walk way just a touch. Any normal person would say excuse me and pass by easily. Hell, you could barge right through and we wouldn't batt and eye (Canadian) but the bar bouncer obviously had it in for us when he told me to "Get the fuck out of the way!" and grabbed the stool and slammed it down away from our group. We left shortly after. I really hope the tips aren't tipped out because those servers deserve it all - F those bouncers. I wish I could rate this place with less stars. Not a good place for dancing, groups or cheap drinks. Sit, order a drink and drink quietly. Stay out of everyones way!

    (1)

  • Ben H.

    We stopped here to do a little day time drinking to help pass the time. Upon walking into the bar it is one of the few that has that this is really old and has a homey feeling to it. Maybe it was the fire that was crackling in the background or maybe it was the thousands of business cards on the wall, or the fact it was a older quieter crowd. Well I decided to order a bloody mary and I never quit ordering them until we left hours later. This is a good place that isn't just about getting hammered drunk like the tropical isle's in the quarter.

    (5)

  • Sophie C.

    Seem like a nice friendly place I didn't only had a drink a the front bar and it was early in the night so it was quiet but I would come back to have another shot

    (3)

  • Drew K.

    I would love this place if a few things changed but currently the cons outweigh the pros to me. Cons: Pricing is really high for simple cocktails, even wells. They bank on their history and their connection to serving absinthe to bring in Bourbon st. visitors. After buying a single round, I watched people look at their receipt and quickly leave. Also the bathroom receipt policy is obnoxious to me. I understand the necessity perhaps on Mardi Gras and other extremely crowded days, but to constantly police their bathroom access is overkill. For the uninitiated, you have to present a receipt of buying something to a bathroom guard to be allowed to use their restrooms. A receipt, regardless if it was a $150 tab or one drink, only gets you 3 bathroom visits. Pros: The bartenders have always been friendly and quick with their service. No hate on them whatsoever. By being pricier than "$5 big ass beers" kind of places, they keep a lot of the drink spilling elbow throwing bros out. You aren't wading through people and can actually escape the crowds of the quarter even on a busy day. If you're looking to wow a newcomer to NOLA while on Bourbon st. and trick him into trying absinthe (I'm not a big absinthe fan obviously lol) , this may be a fun stop for you. That being said, it doesn't have legs for me. You get one fancy absinthe service, go ooh and ahh, and move on because you like bathrooms without guards and drinks at reasonable prices.

    (2)

  • Eric B.

    Seemed like a classic Bourbon Street Haunt. They have an interesting absinthe menu - it's pricey but it wasn't any more expensive than anywhere else on Bourbon Street. I'm no an absinthe guy. But I was traveling with a buddy who had never imbibed in this delight. The cocktail he ordered weighted in at about 140 proof per the very able bartender. Part of the absinthe thing is the show that come with the preparation - caramelizing a sugar cube with an open flame over a alcohol - Oooh the risk - so edgy. Not sure if said buddy's cocktail was worth $22 even with the show... But hey Bourbon Street is like Disney World for people who hate Disney word - it comes with a price for that designed experience. Oh and apparently absinthe is an acquired taste... I've never acquired it. This said this place has good bones - you could easily Wallow away a night here... Reminds me of a place in Key West clef Captain Bills's.

    (4)

  • Kelly M.

    Melody is amazing!! Very knowledgable bartender with a great smile and awesome drink suggestions! Always kept my drink full

    (5)

  • Robert D.

    The Old Absinthe House is my favorite bar anywhere. It is the only bar that I have gone to every day that I have been in The French Quarter since 1999. The bartenders and the other patrons that I have made friends with are great. Come in. Stay awhile. Enjoy some authentic New Orleans history. You'll thank me.

    (5)

  • Joe L.

    Old Absinthe House is old. How old? A lot older than you or I. It's practically a booze museum. It's the kind of place that really transcends star ratings, but Yelp requires it, so I give it four. I suppose I could have given it only three. If you didn't know the history behind it, you wouldn't think that it was anything that special. They have a couple of decent brews on tap, but nothing outstanding. The space is pretty small (I can't imagine what this place gets like during Mardi Gras). The Sazerac cocktail that I ordered was A-OK. I could also give it five stars. It's a welcome respite from the madness of Bourbon Street, where you are probably going to end up sooner or later when you visit New Orleans. In fact, you can watch tourists stumble down the street from some of the seats at the bar. Old Absinthe House feels like one of the few constants in an ever-changing universe. A dive bar with many stories to tell. When was the last time you drank at an establishment that was over 200 years old? Certainly no visit to the French Quarter is complete without stopping by here. If you're only getting one, order an Absinthe House Frappe. Frank Sinatra drank here. So should you, baby!

    (4)

  • Serena G.

    Our bartender, though scary and not very friendly made wicked drinks! This place is old and awesome, lots to look at on the walls, great people watching, and the music was pretty great as well. We ordered a few of the classic cocktails on the menu and were not disappointed even if our bartender was cranky! They have some great Absinthe I would highly recommend trying one.

    (4)

  • Darcy W.

    Probably my favorite bar in the quarter... It's dark, dirty, fantastic jukebox, and great service! They serve absinthe the right way and you have got to try it! It's really cool to watch the bartenders make this drink. I put my business card on the wall 4 years ago and I still see it every time I visit. How I didn't fall placing it way up there??? Well that's another drunken story... Word to the ladies use the restroom somewhere else... LOL! The bar has character for sure!!

    (4)

  • Ashley L.

    Let me preface this review by stating that I hate Bourbon Street. It is loud and smelly and full of people who thinking being drunk at 8 a.m. is getting life right. With that being said, I think the Old Absinthe House is one of the best bars I have been to. Visiting New Orleans, I made sure to stay far away from the margarita shops and strip clubs but on our last night we remembered that the Old Absinthe House is one of the oldest bars in New Orleans (est. 1847). I mean, Mark Twain drank at this bar! Knowing this, it was my duty to brave the debauchery of bourbon to have at least one drink at the Old Absinthe House. The decor is a little silly and not what I was expecting. There are football helmets hung all around the bar area. But if you are a football fan, it is a lot of fun trying to find Steeler helmets from years past. The bartenders were amazing at this bar. Ours was a cute girl with a little pixie cut that definitely knew how to make a drink. While I know I should have gotten absinthe, I did realize I had never experienced a Sazerac, which is a New Orleans staple, so I had to try it. Rye whiskey is something I feel romantically attached to so it was spot on what I love in a good cocktail. My friends did try the absinthe and they were pleased as well. The Old Absinthe House was the best way to end a great trip in an amazing city.

    (4)

  • Meg H.

    I'm not sure if it's fair for me to be judging this bar on Bourbon; I should probably be judging myself for visiting in the first place. BUT I had friends in town and the Chart Room was packed, so we wandered in. It was $7 for a well whiskey soda, and it was under poured. The drink was the color of sand. Was the whiskey even there? (It was there...faintly. Something terrible that I don't even think was the calibre of Evan Williams Green Label). But yeah, again, what did I expect? I hand her a $20 and she hands me back $12. It's all cool, until she doesn't acknowledge me when I ask about the discrepancy and acts angry when she puts down the dollar. I dunno y'all - maybe people don't tip here because it's expensive so they just tip themselves? Maybe it was an honest mistake and she just hates her life because she works on Bourbon and didn't wanna talk to me? I told her to keep the dollar and moseyed to another bar and I'm sure we were both better off. They did have a nice fireplace!

    (2)

  • Augie R.

    I have visited Bourbon Street many times over the decades, and each time it gets less authentic and interesting as the old bars get bumped out of the way for louder, brighter, flashier establishments. The Old Absinthe House may be a bit of a dive, but this is what drinking and partying in the French Quarter should be like--not brightly-lit, neon daiquiri bars pumping out the latest dance club mix but an old-school, lived-in place with a great jukebox where you can mix with tourists and locals (and drunks) while enjoying a (relatively) cheap beer or classic cocktail. The place has dirt and dust older than I am and disgusting bathrooms--and I wish there were 20 more places like it still to be found on Bourbon Street!

    (4)

  • Amber G.

    The Old Absinthe House is a must stop spot just because of the history. And as its name foretells, they offer a list of various brands of absinthe. If you're an American with a taste for "the green fairy", then this is your place. It is also a nice bar to dip into to escape the craziness on the street. I love NOLA, but Bourbon is too much for me! However, the space is small, but it's not unlikely that you'll find a seat. This is more of a proper bar and not the rowdy atmosphere of other places on Bourbon. The decor is very NOLA, very Victorian low-brow. It's a lovely place to see, and it was well worth enduring the crowd of Bourbon Street to patron.

    (4)

  • Jeremy M.

    One of the regular hangouts on Bourbon Street. My friends and I came here thinking it would be a bar which specialized in absinthe...which was probably stupid of us haha. Anyways, a regular place to hang out if you wanted to get a drink right on Bourbon Street. However we didn't see much dancing or entertainment as with many of the other bars on Bourbon.

    (3)

  • Jen L.

    Yep. It's a bar on Bourbon, BUT it also can be a calm respite from the street. Yes there are still frat boys and wooo girls who patronize this bar. BUT the bar is spacious the drinks are affordable (beers, straight pours and basic mixed drinks only). The staff are on the ball and amazingly patient. I also like that the interior looks like it hasn't been renovated in decades...if you can discount the flat screen TVs that is. The bathrooms are a bit sketch. It definitely does have character.

    (3)

  • Tara P.

    It's crazy how steps away is the mess that is Bourbon Street, yet when you step in here it feels like another world. I had too many bloody Mary's to count and fed the jukebox dollar bills all night. I'm a huge fan. Bartender was sweet and accommodating. I'm going back to put my business card up tomorrow before I leave NOLA.

    (5)

  • Angela F.

    They charged my credit card twice. When I called multiple times they had the audacity to tell me to see if my bank could register this as a fraudulent charge because they didn't know how to reverse it. Spent a half an hour on the phone with the bank and they then had to cancel my debit card. HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!

    (1)

  • Shelley N.

    The variety of character in the diff establishments right in the middle of a major tourist area is what blows my mind most about Bourbon street. Across from Hustler club is a place like this, a true dive bar that is as real as they come. The waitresses here are friendly locals, ready to share a story or poke fun with ya at the drunk tourists. They were playing a Simpsons marathon when we went in, so we knew we had found a good place. When in Rome ... So I had to try the Absynthe. She handed me a menu with full descriptions and I chose Grande. She did the whole production. Sugar cube on fire, water mix. It was awesome. And the drink was very nice. We hung out here for over a hour just chilling with the ladies and enjoying our cocktails.

    (4)

  • Dennis S.

    Must follow tradition... Before our first dinner in New Orleans this visit, we went to Old Absinthe House for glasses of sazerac. Sazerac is not only the most famous New Orleans drink, it's reputed to be the first America cocktail. OK, so much for tradition - been there, done that, major contributor to hangover the next morning. It's an unimpressive place on Bourbon Street, home to many unimpressive drinking holes. Nice service, mostly empty at 7:30pm. But they do know how to make a sazerac.

    (3)

  • Greg T.

    As divey as it gets and with some fantastic drinks. Absinthe (obviously) is the signature preperation, both the traditional method and an offering of mixed drinks featuring Absinthe. We opted for a traditional Absinthe that, at $18, was pricey but HUGE. I shared it with a colleague who, by the time we finished, needed to sit on the curb outside since the Green Fairy kicked her ass and took her lunch money. A must stop on the Bourbon Street crawl.

    (4)

  • Cristie H.

    if not the oldest, one of the oldest bars in New Orleans! Such a cool experience to have had a drink where people from the 1700's once stood. The bar tender was down to earth and the drinks were great! Can't wait to go back and experience it all over again.

    (5)

  • Cody E.

    Ordered a sazerac. The atmosphere seemed chill but I was quickly put off after being required to present a receipt to enter the restroom. To make matters worse I was then told I only had "2 more uses for that receipt. " I would leave less stars if I could. Also it stank (cat piss).

    (1)

  • Patrick L.

    I'm a fan of good absinthe. I keep some top-shelf bottles at home, along with sugar cubes and a slotted spoon, so that I may louche one up as the mood strikes. There's nothing in imbibing culture quite like the absinthe ritual, and indeed, nothing like absinthe itself, a bracing, complex, refreshing strong distillate of Alpine herbs that somehow seems to promote a clear-headed feeling. It's the dream of many an absintheur to come have one at the Old Absinthe House. Unfortunately, dreams don't always mesh with reality. We walked by one night, and I poked my head in. I was instantly horrified, as the place looked (and smelled) like one of the worst dive bars in the country. There were football helmets hanging from the ceiling, and the place reeked of cigarette smoke. There was an old absinthe fountain perched at one of the bar's corners - cool, but only decorative. Pass. I'm not drinking here. On our last night in New Orleans, we walked by again. Conscience (and my wife's powers of persuasion) got the better of me. "Who knows when I'll be back in New Orleans," and all that. We went in and bellied up to the bar. We moved away from guy smoking a stinky pipe, and requested the absinthe menu. I saw Nouvelle-Orleans from Jade Liqueurs on offer, and I was sold. Now, this is the most expensive absinthe on the menu, but from my experience, easily the best and highest-quality....so there was no way I was going to do this halfway. Absinthe isn't like vodka, where only minor, nearly indistinct gradations in quality separate the best from the worst - there's a huge difference between the great and the mediocre. I made an excellent choice. Our bartender performed the ritual admirably, and soon enough, the fresh, clean aroma of an Alpine spring permeated our little corner of the bar, courtesy of the Holy Trinity of absinthe - anise, fennel, and wormwood. The whole experience wasn't quite like sitting outside at a cafe enjoying an absinthe during the Belle Epoque, but I doubt that any place in the world approaches that kind of feel these days...not even Paris. Tastes have changed. While interest in absinthe is indeed on the upswing, most people have lost the taste for the liquorice-like anise and fennel, not to mention the highly bitter herb wormwood. If this place attempted to do business as a true "absinthe bar," I might like the feel of the place a bit more, but I doubt it'd be able to stay in business. There's a reason why absinthe bars are few and far between in the world, even in places like New Orleans that have a historic, intimate relationship with the Green Fairy. If you have to cater to aging ex-frat boys and sell cheap macro-swill beer and well drinks in order to keep this ancient piece of bar culture in business, by all means do so. I understand. Despite my initial skepticism, it would have been a shame to not have had an absinthe here. Do it. I'm even willing to excuse the use of fire in burning the sugar cube, which, contrary to popular belief, is not, nor has ever been, the authentic way of preparing an absinthe. Regardless, I did enjoy the show.

    (4)

  • Rob W.

    This is an above average bar on Bourbon street if you are OK with the format. They do not have live music, or the large rowdy crowds that many places on the street attract. But if you want a bit quitter place where you can chill and carry on a conversation this place works well. Of course you can try some very over priced Absinthe here as well in addition to your normal drinks.

    (4)

  • Sean A.

    During a walkabout I was craving a good New Orleans original. I had heard good things about this place and wanted a Sazerac. Stopping here was the right choice. Has that perfect mix of dive and fun bar feel. Bartender was great and watched as the drink was prepared, well done, wasnt just a second thought, it was done with care to flavor not just throwing stuff in a glass. Very much appreciated and enjoyed it

    (4)

  • Brett B.

    if u wanna party the right way stop here 1st off plane get a couple absinthe shots in they sort of pricy but worth it, good way to start having a fun time

    (5)

  • Dale B.

    I stopped in thinking I would grab a nice dinner at a historic restaurant. I had the filet topped with shredded crab and two grilled shrimp. The sides were potatoes and grilled asparagus. Ok I was less than impressed with the meal. The steak had an odd flavor like it was freezer burnt. The asparagus was over cooked and stringy. For dessert I tried the creme brûlée. Don't do it. The texture is just not right and the taste was off as well. I have had this dessert in many many restaurants and this was not my favorite. All I'll say, I'll not visit this restaurant again. Maybe their drinks are better...not sure.

    (1)

  • Travis H.

    This is a very different type of bar and fun to go in and take a peek around. The drinks were high priced, and weren't strong at all. But we enjoyed the experience and the people watching. Went in when It was a little quiet out and was able to talk to the bartender who was really friendly.

    (3)

  • Krista S.

    I never tried absinthe. The great-dressed bartenders knew the product inside and out and recommended some to try based on my taste preferences. Great service, in an upscale dive with a variety of absinthe to try. Absinthe is about $20-$30 per glass. It's served in smaller wine-esque glasses with a sugar cube atop a strainer, lit on fire, then water is added to dissolve the cube and transform the clear-green liquid to an opaque potent concoction. Even the not-so-licoricey flavor tasted of licorice. My tongue became slightly numb after drinking it. I was feeling pretty good after this glass for a liquid lunch!

    (3)

  • Travis R.

    Great old school bar- always a stop when I go to town. Drinks are a good pour and the people are great to watch

    (4)

  • Roxanne I.

    If you like absinthe, this is a must visit! They have a menu of the different genuine absinthe they serve, complete with a little show in presentation! I always stop in when I'm in the mood for some good absinthe!

    (5)

  • Anna P.

    We came in here on a Thursday afternoon and the first thing we noticed is that the beer was completely tapped except for Blue Moon (wtf) and that it was cash only...then the bartender was rude. She pretty much looked at us like she wanted us the hell out of there because we were taking too long to order. I ordered a Ramos Gin Fizz and my date ordered a Sazerac. Neither drink was good and they were $11 each! Mine was weak, so it just was like drinking sugary egg white soda. The only good thing about this bar is the historic building that you sit in while having a bad drink as you are being completely ignored by the bartender.

    (1)

  • Danon H.

    Since I moved back to New Orleans I wanted to celebrate by hitting up the french quarter. This was my first stop on my way to getting stone cold drunk. Even though it is located next door to the Abysmal Tony Moran's Italian restaurant I strolled on in anyways. The first thing that I was surprised about was the customer service. Usually when you go to the french quarter you deal with a bartender that has a "time is money" or "go screw yourself" attitude. Not here though, the lady behind the counter was very nice. She was even appreciative when I gave her a tip. It was definitely a nice way to start my night. I will admit this place is pricey, but it is on bourbon street so I really wasn't surprised. For example I paid $6 for an Abita beer. It's still not the most I ever paid for a beer in the french quarter. The other thing that caught my eye were all the old business cards on the wall of the building. I assume that most of those businesses are long gone though. I am not sure why they have such a strange tradition but I guess it helps make this place unique. In short pricey beer and friendly service.

    (3)

  • Matt S.

    Perhaps it's my age or my curmudgeonly demeanor, but on my most recent trip to Bourbon Street, I had the damnedest time finding a place I found tolerable. It's fun to watch all the craziness, but I don't need craziness smeared on my face and shoved into my ears. The Old Absinthe House is a like an island of calm and cool in this sea of craziness. My friend and I spent a couple hours there on a Saturday night while the crowd on Bourbon Street zombie-walked up and down. Watching it from our barstools was like watching TV. The crowd in the bar would ebb and flow, but was never oppressive or nearly as annoying as the crowds in other places. We went exploring for a while, but then decided it was better to just return to the OAH. Good decision -- we closed down the night there and were among the last to leave. Drink-wise, I think it's important to have at least one absinthe while you're here. There's a decent selection of beers on tap too. I was enthralled by our bartender. She dispatched her duties with a friendly disposition and robot-like efficiency. She had no down moments -- she processed receipts, cleaned glasses, cleared trash, did several patrons' taxes, wrote a well-received novel, provided strategic guidance to the President concerning the Gaza conflict, and poured a mean absinthe. If she handles the rest of her life the way she handles her job, she gets shit done. Loved the place. Will be back.

    (5)

  • Scott B.

    Is it old? Is it a dump, that looks as though the entire building could collapse, at any point. Yes, and this is why this place is so great. Tons of character here, and this place will be a must stop, each and every time we come to NOLA. Friendly bartenders, and most importantly, they serve absinthe- the real way. Expensive. Well, yeah, but what the hell do you expect being on Bourbon. At $19+ for the Grand Absinthe, it's not something you'd slam down like a shot. Sip it, and enjoy it. I mean at 134 proof, what moron would slam it. Ok, maybe I know a few that would... Overall, a really cool vibe. Unlike most bars on Bourbon, this place seems to be a more relaxed, older crowd. We chased the "Green Fairy," but unfortunately, I didn't experience any hallucinations. Maybe next time, I'll drink two, and see what fun evolves. Good times!

    (5)

  • Shreyas J.

    The main reason I wanted to check out this place was its ancient history. The place reminded me of bar in 'Hogsmeade' in Harry potter movies. Its old, dark and shabby. Not something you are used to. And thats exactly the reason why this place stands out from others. The bar is upstairs on the street level and the restaurant is in the basement. Food was delicious. They do serve the Absinthe and if you like alcohol, you should definitely give it a try. For this old and rundown atmosphere, its actually quite expensive place. But it is something like French quarter ritual. Its part of the whole experience. In short, a must visit place for your first visit but if you are a regular visitor of bourbon street, you have many better options.

    (3)

  • Tim C.

    We made a quick stop at the Old Absinthe House before dinner. The bar was well stocked and our bartender was friendly and helpful. We each had absinthe served in the traditional way. The bartender carefully prepared our drinks and seemed to care whether we enjoyed them. IMHO, this is what a good bar should be. They also had a full selection of the best cocktails of New Orlleans, including the Sazerac and the Ramos Gin Fizz.

    (5)

  • Hope C.

    A pretty standard bar off Bourbon Street, totally focused around showcasing its absinthe collection. Touted by many as hallucinogenic due to traces of the psychotrope thujone, the very word absinthe conjures thougths of American prohibition and images of the French people enjoying absinthe, immortalized by artists such as Degas. Made from the wormwood plant, Artemisia absinthium, absinthe tastes like anise (uh, licorice) with herbaceous and floral notes. It ranges from white to green and generally packs the punch of 2-3 shots per comparable volume. At the absinthe house, this stuff is about $16-20 a serving, depending on which kind you go with. I enjoyed my glass, my friend dumped hers into a Sprite and choked it down. To each their own! The bartender at this place was super friendly, but I thought the whole theme was off. An absinthe parlor would be neater -- something reminiscent of France in the late 1800s or the USA in pre-prohibition times. Something a little more formal or refined to go with the art of absinthe. This bar is set up with lots of kitchy paraphernalia and is mostly filled with people ordering Jack and Diet Coke. Kind of kills the absinthe theme. Still worth checking out.

    (3)

  • Ryan K.

    Not a bad stop for a drink before carrying on more in the quarter. The absinthe show seems to be just that - show over substance. Big plus they take credit cards - something that isn't the case at all stops in the quarter.

    (3)

  • Freda B.

    Really really snotty bartender. Complete with eye rolls when I asked questions ! I know they don't need our patronage but really ?!?

    (2)

  • AJ M.

    As you walk down Bourbon street, you will see alot of the same places. You got your Daiquiri/pizza places, some sports bars, Jazz bars, clubby spot, stripclubs, then you got this place. Old Absinthe House is different. I'm not going to lie the Absinthe drew me in. I have had it only once in my life before and wanted to try it again. Inside its a circular bar with only 2 bartenders, which is crazy because this spot will sporadically get really busy and its pretty small. It is most enjoyable when it is not, so you can sit down and enjoy a drink. I didnt't know much about absinthe so I told our very nice bartender let me have your most popular one. She poured the "Lucid" one, did the whole sugar and fire routine, and for $18 I had one of the strongest drinks of my life. I mean I enjoy the taste of absinthe (very bold licorice) but this is a sipping drink, as told by the bartender. I could tell early that after this I was gonna take it slow. I wish this place was bigger and had more servers but in the heart of buorbon street ill talke what i can get!

    (3)

  • Natalia M.

    Doesn't even have a real absinthe fountain, pouring water from a plastic container. Tourist trap. Overpriced. Other places in French quarter are way better away from Bourbon st.

    (1)

  • David I.

    Still awesome after all these years! It's in the WORST (or best, depending on what you're in to) part of Bourbon Street, this little gem is classy, quiet(ish) and the cocktails are some of the best in the city. Get a Frappe and enjoy the view of drunks outside. In the Top 20 bars in the world IMHO.

    (4)

  • Damien G.

    This place is great!!!!! I guess the bad reviews came from people looking for a 64 ounce 10 dollar drink and a place to be a douche. I went Halloween night it was busy but i still sat at the bar ordered a absinthe drink ( i dont recall the exact one) then preceded to sip on a adult drink chit chat with people and listen to great music. It was great

    (4)

  • Steve L.

    Really weak pour on a double. Wouldn't give me more do I had to stop the new girl from adding coke. No credit cards.

    (2)

  • Frank F.

    Typical Bourbon street dump. Lots of better choices even on Bourbon O, street. the smell was so bad couldn't get myself through the door.

    (1)

  • Justin L.

    This is the second oldest bar in New Orleans. Come in here for a Pimms Cup, and stay to have a Plantar's punch. If you really want to get rowdy, ask for an Absinthe cocktail...flames and all! This is one of my favorite bars right next to Lafitte's.

    (4)

  • Jessica A.

    While the prices are high, being able to try various absinthes is really worth it. For the Pernod, it seemed like the bartender put more than a shot's worth of the 'potion' and prepared it in an entertaining and (I am sure) traditional way. If I weren't on a grad school student's budget, I would definitely try other options on the absinthe list.

    (5)

  • Greg K.

    . I have been coming here for many years. I love absinthe and they have a good variety. I hate Bourbon Street but I like absinthe. 7 choices here and all good. They do know how to serve it. Study up before you arrive. I have had this with Belgian friends so I enjoy it. I have had such excellent service here every time I stop

    (4)

  • Frank F.

    I was there both last Friday and Saturday and would make this my bar on Bourbon Street. While every other bar I went in was very loud and noisy, in this one you could actually have a great conversation without screaming on a Saturday. The prices are great and they had a great selection of top shelf booze with a knowledgeable drink staff. Complements to Melody (I think that was her name???) from Galveston Texas who is one of your bar tenders. She is very good at what she does!

    (4)

  • Rob P.

    After rejecting a few bars on Bourbon for being a little too rowdy for our tastes, my friend and I settled on the Old Absinthe House. Resisting the urge to order an absinthe, we decided instead to indulge on Woodford Reserve. Our bartender gave us a healthy pour for our $12. I then noticed the bottle of Laphroaig behind the bar, and switched to it when I found out it was $10. Unfortunately, THAT bartender poured me about half the liquid that the first one does. Our next few drinks were ordered from her. I don't want to name names, but be aware that there's a big difference between bartenders here. The bar itself is nothing amazing, but did have an OK jukebox and free popcorn, so it was a cool spot to spend a couple hours on Bourbon.

    (4)

  • Nelson F.

    Old, old bar which was also owned at one time by Jean Lefitte, the original bad ass of the 1800s. When you walk in, it looks like just a musky old dive bar with a large circular bar in the middle. People nail or staple their business cards on the wall, so I guess there's that. The drinks are really pricey but they're unique to the place and I think they serve different types of Absinthe. Not sure if they sell the wormwood kind as I think it's illegal here in the states. The drinks are strong and tasty, but honestly I think it's more of a touristy thing to do and not all that special.

    (3)

  • Marisa L.

    Cool spot on Bourbon Street without being too "Bourbon Street-ish." (meaning no test tube shots, or fluorescent grenade tall cups) I might have come here twice during the same trip or at least contemplated it (who can remember the details of a trip to New Orleans?) even though I didn't enjoy the absinthe the first time. It's just a large overpriced shot, that tastes like Sambuca, although they had many varieties. It takes a while to prepare the drink, but hanging out at the bar is a pretty laid back, no nonsense experience. Is it a sports bar? Is it a dive bar? Crazy sports paraphernalia drape the walls and hang from the ceiling, TVs, but it's also pretty dark and dingy. The best of both worlds if you are fan. A good place to stop on your Bourbon Street bar crawl.

    (4)

  • Arkham R.

    Respectable, cozy (fireplace), good drinks and generally good service. A nice mix of locals and tourists, with an interesting variety of characters. An oasis on Bourbon Street.

    (4)

  • Mel M.

    Typical bar on Bourbon with a very impressive clientele. Presidents, famous authors and now Yelp's Mel M! I had to go in since it's a historical landmark and I had to meet the Green Fairy that lives within these walls. They serve Absinthe Frappe's! It's about $20 a glass

    (3)

  • Jeff C.

    Some reviews have used words like dirty, divey, and pricey to describe the Old Absinthe House, but you really have to say those with love. Sure it is all those things, but as lovers of Duck Dynasty would observe, "It's Bourbon Street, Jack!" And let's face it, if you're going to drink absinthe or sazerac, you really don't want everything to be pristine. No, you want a place with character and this spot is the perfect venue for such down and dirty libations. Oh, and as for the prices, those tend to keep out drunk college students and the hand grenade set (locals will understand this reference.) I am not a great lover of absinthe, but the Absinthe House's location, friendly staff, and awesome sazeracs makes this a great place from which to lead my annual assault on The French Quarter. And let's face it, any campaign on Bourbon Street can be daunting and this bar is the perfect headquarters to sip a drink and strategize your next plan of attack. On one such occasion, my friend had ignored my warnings about questionable appearance of her late night gyro snack the night before and was paying the price the next day. Yes, my friends, it was an afternoon filled drug stores and "I think I can make its" to "I'm dyings." We stopped into the Absinthe House for a break and the bartender cheerfully took our order, well my order actually: "A sazerac for myself and an ice water for this wounded soldier." Now, sometimes bartenders can get a little upset when someone orders just water, but our bartender understood that my companion had flown too close to Bourbon Street's light (well. actually I think it was the gyro, but we will let her hold on to her story). We spent the next several hours regrouping, me sipping a sazerac while my friend napped on the bar. (I've included a few pictures in this review). Finally, my friend stirred from her nap and our bartender kindly asked, "You feeling better, honey?" My friend simply replied, "I think it is Bloody Mary time." So we got a few to go and made our way out everything Bourbon had to offer. "You know, I think I could eat." "Really?" "Really."

    (4)

  • Rob W.

    Small corner bar. The walls are covered with business cards. Absinthe drinks are very expensive here, but it was interesting to see how they prepared it.

    (3)

  • Joe S.

    Old Absinthe House is a New Orleans icon, and I agree with other reviewers that it is a respite from Bourbon St. It's basically pretty low key - an old dive-type bar, serving drinks (not 4 for 1 daiquaris out of a machine). We stopped by for Sazeracs which were satisfactory, but the rating is more for atmosphere and people watching. Try to sit at the part of the bar nearest Bourbon St. for people watching. The "zombie walk" is quite amusing from here, and occasionally a reveler will stick their head in, and seeing the sedate atmosphere, immediately exit.

    (3)

  • Sonia C.

    This was the first bar I stepped foot in on Bourbon Street. The bartenders on 5/12 during the day shift were AMAZING girls. My dad and I are from Los Angeles, and we were interested in the Absinthe they had, and the bartenders were nice enough to move through the menu with us, despite a healthy bar. I plan on returning to NoLa, and when I do, i'm visiting these girls. (Apologies on not remembering your names, but i'm good with faces). They did a sazerac justice!

    (4)

  • Jennifer P.

    I really liked this place. It wasn't too loud any time we went. The absinthe is GREAT and the bartenders pour it well. On our second visit, we didn't get such great service, and one of the bartenders kind of ruined a mint julep for us, but we still drank it! Be warned, the absinthe is STRONG and EXPENSIVE, expect $15-20 a glass, but i promise it's worth it!

    (4)

  • Megan B.

    Our initial greeting by the bartender was so rude and the prices were so inflated, we didn't even bother ordering. You know your bar is bad when you scare the customer off within 30 seconds.

    (2)

  • The-Pizza-Nazi S.

    Great place to drop in and grab a drink. I've been coming here forever. Great place to catch a game!

    (4)

  • bryce g.

    I would consider this a must see bar in New Orleans. It is allegedly the oldest bar in the city and it def looks like it when you walk in. The seating is sparse and there is typically only one bartender so if it's busy it's not to easy to get drinks quickly. Our bartender was very old school and not the most experienced person I've ever made my drink seeing that we had to tell her our order 3 times before getting it right and she even forgot the water we asked for. One plus is that there is a cozy fire in the back of the bar so if it's cold out and you need to warm up, there are a few tables by the fire. The entire bar is plastered with people's business cards for whatever reason. I would suggest coming in here for one drink, two at the most but def don't plan your night around this place. It's boring real fast.

    (3)

  • Brittany L.

    They have specialty cocktails and it's Bourbon Street. I'm not sure where you can go wrong. The server was... not so smiley but knew her stuff. I'm sure she says it a million times of day. Cool insides- business cards everywhere, old football helmets, brick. It's cool.

    (3)

  • Kay P.

    We came in here for Ramos Gin Fizz after dining at a nearby popular NOLA restaurant. In fact we ordered 6 of them at once. Ramos Gin Fizz is probably more of a labor intensive cocktail (you've got to vigorously shake egg white for a while to really get the creamy/ frothy effect to make it right) so I admire the bartender on duty when she looked at us like "ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!" for only 2 seconds (that was funny) and proceeded to make all 6 of them perfect and delicious. As for the bar itself, it is dark and it sort of has grungy feel to it. Still, I'd happily go back whenever in the area for classic New Orleans cocktails.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :9:00 am - 4:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : No
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Late Night
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : No
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Divey
    Noise Level : Loud
    Music : Juke Box
    Good For Dancing : No
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : Yes
    Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
    Coat Check : No
    Smoking : Yes
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : Yes
    Dogs Allowed : Yes
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Old Absinthe House

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