Golden Lantern
Cocktail Lounge · Pub/Tavern · New Orleans, LA
About
Golden Lantern is the birthplace of Southern Decadence, operating as a 24-hour neighborhood gay bar in the French Quarter since 1964. No cover, ever, and happy hour runs from 8am to 8pm daily. The vibe is divey and casual, with pool tables, drag shows, a smoking area, and a crowd that spans 20-somethings to 50-somethings. It's mixed LGBTQ+ and straight-friendly, drawing locals and tourists alike.
The staff here are famously chatty when you want them to be, but they'll leave you alone if you'd rather nurse a cheap drink. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are the best nights for live music and entertainment. The French Quarter location means you can pop in on your way to Oz or The Saint Bar & Lounge .
Located on Barracks St in the French Quarter, away from the main Bourbon St crowds but an easy stop on your way through the Quarter.
Features
- ✓24 hours, 7 days a week
- ✓Happy Hour from 8am to 8pm
- ✓Drag shows and pool table
- ✓Mixed LGBTQ+ and straight-friendly crowd
- ✓Outdoor seating available
Good for
Practical
Best nights: Fri, Sat, Sun
What people say
Rated from 183 reviews. 44 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
Over a year ago
A visitor · Over a year ago
“Fun staff”
Reasonable prices for good drinks, and the staff is really friendly.
A guest · Over a year ago
“Great Place to Party Or Chillax”
Located in the French Quarter but apart from the straight crowd. You can stop by on your way to or from anywhere you want to go in the area. Open 24 hours. Inexpensive drinks and a great vibe. The bartenders are never too busy to chat if that's your thing, or they'll leave you alone. It can get a little cliquey after the locals get off work, but not if you're outgoing. Just say hello and they'll be happy to have a drink with you.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“This pic is not real”
This picture was posted by a very jealous person who is really good at photo editing. Come see for yourself... and we all shower. Not sure why after all this time some guys still feel better trying to make others feel bad, but really. Grow up. It actually made me smile, thought it was fun that you put your belly on me, had
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“very friendly neighborhood bar”
Very nice, I loved the bartender (I think his name was Josh), friendly and fun people. Just a nice place to hang out and have a drink.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cover charge? +
No, Golden Lantern never has a cover charge.
Is there a dress code? +
No dress code specified. The bar is casual and divey.
What are the best nights to go? +
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for live music and entertainment.
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