Gay Bars, Hotels & Venues in New Orleans, LA — 152 LGBTQ+ Spots

Balcony doors open onto Bourbon Street, pumping dance music into the French Quarter night. This two-level staple has anchored NOLA's gay nightlife since 1973, with a downstairs video bar, an upstairs dance floor, and go-go dancers keeping energy high. It's one of the city's largest gay venues and stays open until 5am on weekends. Expect a mixed crowd spanning 20s to 40s, with happy hour specials daily. The balcony is a favorite spot to people-watch or cool down between sets. Weekends draw the biggest crowds, and the vibe leans more social and chatty than a pure dance club.

The crowd here leans toward the 20s and 30s, mostly out for a rowdy night on Bourbon Street. Oz won GAA Dance Club & Show Bar of the Year 2022 and Y'at Magazine's Best Gay Bar of 2022, so it's got credentials to back up the energy. DJs, drag shows, and go-go dancers keep the place moving until 4 AM on weekends. There's a pool table and a smoking area if you need a breather from the dance floor. Happy hour draws a crowd, and the after-hours vibe means you can stay late. If you're starting on Bourbon, The Saint Bar & Lounge is another local spot worth checking out nearby.

In the French Quarter near St Ann Street, Rawhide Lounge is a leather bar that's been open since the 1970s. The crowd is mostly 30s and 40s, with a healthy mix of bears and country-western regulars. Drinks are cheap and strong, and there's a pool table in the front room. The back half of the bar stays very dark, and the bathrooms even darker. If cruising is your interest, that's where things happen. The vibe is laid back but no-nonsense: it's not for prudes. Happy hour draws a steady crowd, and later it can get packed, especially during Southern Decadence or Mardi Gras. Keep your belongings close. For a more dance-focused night, Oz is just around the corner.

Anyone who wants to drink at a piece of LGBTQ+ history heads here. Cafe Lafitte in Exile, opened in 1933, claims the title of oldest gay bar in the US and holds court at Bourbon and Dumaine. Downstairs is a video bar with a fire pit by the door and go-go dancers for special events; upstairs is a nonsmoking balcony lounge with handcrafted cocktails and sweeping views of the Quarter. The crowd mixes locals and tourists of all ages, and the bar sees everyone from 20-somethings to bears and leather folks. Sunday afternoons bring the famous Napkin Toss at 4pm—John Paul Young's "Love Is In The Air" triggers a storm of thrown cocktail napkins. The place runs 24/7, so there's always a reason to stop in. Go-go boys and strippers pop up on themed nights, and the pool table upstairs stays busy. Bartenders like Aletha keep regulars coming back, and the balcony is prime real estate during Mardi Gras and Southern Decadence.

The Phoenix is open 24 hours a day, every day, making it a reliable stop at any point during a New Orleans night out. This leather and bear institution has been around since 1983, and it's the command center for local clubs like the Lords of Leather and the Cavaliers Motorcycle Club. There's no cover charge ever, and drinks are strong and cheap. They claim the largest beer selection of any gay bar in the city, with 16 taps and 50 bottles. Downstairs it's a casual neighborhood bar with pool tables, outdoor seating, and a smoking area. Upstairs is the Eagle, a dimly lit play space that draws a more adventurous crowd after dark. The in-house store COK sells gear and underwear seven days a week. Regulars know the block parties during Southern Decadence are legendary. Marigny location puts it a walk from Bourbon but off the main tourist drag -- it's worth the trip.

You'll find a pool table and shuffleboard downstairs, cheap drinks, and a mix of ages from 20s to 50s. This casual multi-level bar is open 24 hours, so you can wander in at any hour. The upstairs Queens Head Pub offers a classier vibe with a balcony perfect for people-watching. On some nights, go-go dancers perform upstairs. The staff can be hit-or-miss according to reviews, but regulars appreciate the lack of drama and friendly crowd. It's a local's hang in the French Quarter, good for a late-night drink or a game of pool. If you want a quieter spot, grab a table on the balcony.

The sizzle of burgers pressed under a metal hubcap fills the air at Clover Grill, a 24-hour diner that's been a French Quarter fixture since 1939. This LGBTQ-owned spot on Bourbon Street draws a mixed crowd of locals and late-night revelers with its cheap, greasy comfort food and unpretentious vibe. The retro interior looks much as it did when it opened, with white-washed walls and a lively, no-holds-barred atmosphere that feels pure New Orleans. You'll find burgers, breakfast served anytime, and just enough sass from the staff to keep things interesting. It's dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your pup along for the outdoor seating. The best time to go is after midnight when the quarter is winding down and the grittiest, most genuine moments happen. Reviews call it a must for anyone who's serious about absorbing a night out in the Quarter.

Open since 1862, Cafe du Monde is a New Orleans original serving beignets and cafe-au-lait. This French Quarter institution keeps things simple: three freshly made beignets per plate, plus coffee and other drinks. The outdoor seating lets you watch the street scene while you eat. The line looks long but moves fast, locals say. It's a budget-friendly spot, with late hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Grab extra napkins before you dig into that powdered sugar.

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.

Mag's 940 operates with flexible hours, often as an after-hours spot that fits late into the night. This bar is part of a bed and breakfast guesthouse, so expect a mix of hospitality and adult entertainment: drag shows, circus acts, karaoke, and dancing keep the energy high. The crowd leans toward bears and the 30s-40s set, with a country-western vibe that sets it apart from the Quarter's standard gay bars. There's a pool table and a smoking area outside. Nearby venues like The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret offer additional options for a longer night.

Walking into this cottage, you'll notice the pool area is clothing-optional. It's a mixed-gay-straight crowd, with a backroom and piano bar. The Country Club has been LGBTQ-owned since 1977, offering French cuisine, a full bar, and outdoor seating. The vibe is relaxed but watchful. You can swim, soak, or enjoy a gourmet meal in the dining room. Cocktail lounges, pool tables, and a smoking area fill the space. Sunday brunch draws a loyal crowd, with bottomless mimosas and a cabana bar. Expect 20-somethings to 50-somethings and some bears. Admission to the pool is $15. Cameras operate throughout, and guards enforce rules—so don't expect any private fun.

You might expect a smoke-filled dive in the French Quarter, but Napoleon's Itch offers something different. This exclusive, upscale lounge is non-smoking, with a chic decor and a piano bar alongside video screens. The crowd skews young (20s and 30s) and the bartenders are known for being both handsome and approachable. Open from 2pm to 2am overnight (noon on weekends), it's a comfortable spot for a drink and conversation without the haze. The 'style required, not desired' tagline sets the tone, but regulars say the vibe is welcoming, not pretentious. Note: Yelp currently lists this venue as possibly permanently closed, so check before heading over.

You'll find a mixed crowd of all ages at the Court of Two Sisters, especially older diners drawn to its classic Southern charm. This historic French Quarter restaurant has been family-owned since 1963 and serves traditional New Orleans recipes in a romantic courtyard shaded by wisteria and cooled by fountains. It offers a daily jazz brunch buffet and dinner service, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The full bar means you can start with a Sazerac. Reservations are recommended, particularly for patio seating. The dinner menu is harder to get into without one. Locals know to ask for sweet tea and leave room for bananas foster. If you want classic Creole cooking in a serene garden setting, this is the place.

Trans-friendly and low-pressure, this steampunk-themed video bar in the French Quarter offers a chill alternative to the Bourbon Street frenzy. Regulars include working boys and trans women, but the staff actively ensures no one feels forced into anything. The jukebox gets steady play, and the pool table draws a mixed-age crowd of 20-somethings to 40-somethings. Stop in for a drink before heading to Oz for dancing.

Unlike other French Quarter hotels, Bourbon Orleans has its own gay bar on site called Napoleon's Itch and sits directly across from the two main gay bars in New Orleans: Bourbon Pub and OZ. This historic hotel once hosted the Quadroon Ball, adding a layer of local lore. Expect classic Southern charm with French-inspired details, including a grand lobby with crystal chandeliers and marble columns. The hotel is mixed gay-straight and family-friendly, with outdoor seating and a pool. Room sizes vary significantly, so check before booking. The pool is locked at night with spotlights to prevent after-hours access, and an assistant manager patrols the halls after dark. Some guests find this restrictive, but for most, the unbeatable location makes it a minor issue. The two-story loft suites with balconies come highly recommended. Free wifi is included.

You'll find a mix of locals and tourists at Mona Lisa, a cozy Italian spot in the French Quarter that's been LGBTQ-owned since it opened. The vibe is casual and laid-back, with a menu of classic pastas and pizzas that reviewers consistently praise as delicious. Beer and wine only, and dogs are welcome on the patio. Hours are limited to dinner, Thursday through Monday, so plan accordingly. The lasagna and pizza come highly recommended by regulars, and the prices are reasonable for the Quarter. It's a bit off the main tourist path, near Barracks and Governor Nicholls, in a quieter residential stretch worth exploring.

The line moves fast, but don't hold it up. You'll see longshoremen in boots rubbing elbows with visitors, veterans, and politicians. Mother's has been serving authentic New Orleans home-style cooking since 1938. The menu is huge: jambalaya, shrimp Creole, red beans and rice, and the famous Ferdi Special po-boy packed with debris. Jerry Amato, the current owner, doubled the menu size but kept the working-class spirit. Nobody gets treated better or worse here. You order at the counter, no substitutions. Stick to the menu and you'll eat well. The 20 photos show a no-frills dining room. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily from 7am to 10pm. The seafood gumbo is a top pick, and the bread pudding is a must. If you want a taste of authentic New Orleans, this is it. Just order right and you won't get yelled at.

GrandPre's feels like a hidden oasis across from Armstrong Park. The stunning brick courtyard draws you in, perfect for sunny afternoons or evening drinks. Inside, it's a divey show bar with drag shows several times a week, karaoke, and a pool table. It's also a hangout for many of the city's Gay Mardi Gras Krewes. The crowd is a friendly mix of locals and visitors, mostly 40s and 50s. The place is budget-friendly with a happy hour and an after-work crowd. A heads up: it's been through management changes recently, so some reviews mention inconsistent service. But the drag queens are a delight, and the laid-back vibe keeps regulars coming back.

In the Marigny, a former cowboy bar now runs as a woman-owned burlesque and cabaret spot. The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret pulls in a mixed gay/straight crowd with drag shows, go-go boys, local music, and dance parties. It's casual and divey, with cheap drinks and a full bar. Performances run nightly from 6pm (4pm on weekends) until 2am. The crowd leans adventurous and friendly, and the patio is open when weather cooperates. Check their schedule for burlesque, bingo, or esoterotica nights.

You'll find a mix of rainbow gear and adult-focused items at this queer-owned shop on Bourbon Street. Bourbon Pride carries clothing, accessories, gifts, and adult toys, with a selection that includes Andrew Christian underwear. It's two floors of shopping, with postcards and swimsuits near the front and more risqué items further back. The vibe is casual and unpretentious, exactly what you'd expect from a store in the French Quarter. Open late most nights, it's a convenient stop before or after a night out. The owners are known to be friendly and helpful. If you're looking for souvenirs that aren't just magnets and T-shirts, this place delivers.

You won't find a dance floor or a twink-heavy crowd here. Big Daddy's is a 24-hour neighborhood dive in the Marigny that does the opposite of what most gay bars in New Orleans do: it stays quiet, dark, and cheap. Cash only at the bar and the arcade games, with bartenders who pour strong drinks for low prices. The regulars tend toward bears and guys in their 40s and 50s, but anyone looking to escape the Quarter's light shows is welcome. Smokers can use the outdoor area, and there's a pool table if you want something to do. Being open 24 hours means you can show up at 3am on a Sunday and still get a drink. It's a bar built around conversation, not spectacle. Frankly, that's the point.

Hotel Monteleone is best suited for history buffs and literary fans who want a quintessential French Quarter stay. Opened in 1886, this opulent hotel features a rooftop pool and bar, an on-site spa, and plenty of ghosts. The Carousel Bar, a favorite of writers like Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams, is a must-visit even if you're not a guest. The hotel is dog friendly, so you can bring your pup along. It's expensive, but you get a mix of 20-somethings and 30-somethings, plus families. The pool area offers outdoor seating, and the gym is available for workouts. For the best experience, stop by the Carousel Bar on Fat Tuesdays to feel the soul of NOLA. The hotel's location on Bourbon Street puts you right in the action, yet the rooms are quiet enough to rest. If you're looking for another historic option nearby, consider the Bourbon Orleans Hotel.

This restaurant is best suited for travelers who want a formal, old-school New Orleans dining experience with a side of culinary history. Commander's Palace has earned 7 James Beard Foundation Awards and is where chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme once defined Haute Creole cuisine. The dress code requires a jacket, and the vibe is elegant but not unwelcoming. Reviews from gay diners note that groups are treated warmly. The menu leans into Cajun-Creole and seafood, with Sunday brunch being a draw. Make reservations: they're required here. The restaurant splits its hours across lunch and dinner on most days, so plan accordingly. You'll find it on a tree-lined street in the Garden District. Consider a trolley ride beforehand, or grab a po-boy at Parkway Bakery and Tavern for a more casual New Orleans bite. Best nights per Yelp: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday.

HUSTLER Hollywood is probably the only place on Bourbon Street where you can buy a t-shirt and a sex toy under the same neon sign. This two-story adult boutique stocks everything from trendy clothes and novelty gifts to a vast selection of DVDs, toys, and lubricants. The vibe is clean and straightforward, erasing any shame about sexual wellness. It's mixed gay straight crowd, so you'll see couples, bachelorette parties, and solo shoppers all browsing the same aisles. Prices here are notably fair. One regular mentions that some smaller shops charge more for the same items. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, happy to answer questions without judgment. Weekends stay open until midnight. If you're exploring the French Quarter, you can easily pop in after visiting nearby Southern Candymakers for a sweet then naughty combo.

In the French Quarter near Bienville St, the New Orleans Athletic Club has been operating since 1872. It's the second oldest health club in the country, and its historic charm is unmistakable. The club includes amenities you won't find at a typical gym: a bar, library, indoor pool, sauna, steam room, basketball court, and racquetball courts. It also offers over 45 group exercise classes per week, including yoga, spinning, and pilates. The vibe is mixed gay and straight, and the old-world decor makes sweating feel a bit more stylish. Parking is included, and there's outdoor seating. You can grab a drink at the bar after a workout or relax in the library. Hours run 5:30am to 9pm weekdays and 8am to 6pm weekends. It's a unique spot where you can exercise, swim, and socialize without leaving the building. If you're downtown, Ochsner Fitness Center - Downtown is another option but lacks the history and amenities here.

Where else can you walk in at 2:30 pm and find a man in school girl drag, another in a green leaf hat with 'GO GREEN' on her butt, and a third in a leather kilt with a blue mohawk? That's a typical afternoon at Voodoo Lounge, a small LGBTQ+-owned dive bar in the French Quarter. Open 24 hours a day, it pulls a mixed-age crowd from 18 up to forty-somethings, with a relaxed, social vibe that makes everyone feel at home. Happy hour is a draw, and the full bar keeps regulars coming back. Friday through Sunday are the busiest nights. The smoking area out back is where conversations drift into the absurd. You'll never be bored, but you'll always be welcome.

Locals and tourists mix here over all-day breakfast and inventive New Orleans fare. Stanley, by chef Scott Boswell (of the acclaimed Stella!), serves classic dishes with a twist. Think Eggs Benedict Poor Boy on French bread or fried oysters with your eggs. The dining room overlooks Jackson Square, so you get a view of the cathedral and the lively square. It's a casual spot with a friendly, youthful staff. Come early to beat the brunch rush; they're open 8 am to 3 or 4 pm depending on the day. Homemade ice cream makes a great any-time treat. The crowd is mostly gay-friendly mixed, so it's comfortable for everyone. If you're in the mood for more traditional Creole, Mother's is a short walk away.

You'll find a mix of locals and travelers here, drawn by the faded elegance and classical music that fill this 200-year-old French Quarter landmark. Originally meant as a refuge for Napoleon Bonaparte, the Napoleon House now serves Creole classics like muffulettas and jambalaya in a courtyard shaded by palm fronds. The bar is known for its signature Pimm's Cup, and the uneven tile floors and hollowed wooden bar speak to decades of use. It's casual, historic, and unpretentious. Best time to go is late afternoon on a weekday, when the courtyard is quieter. You can play chess at a corner table or just soak in the atmosphere. The food is good but not fancy; try the muffuletta with its housemade olive salad. It's open daily from 11 am to 10 pm, and weekend nights are busiest.

The crowd here is a mix of locals and tourists, quiet but engaged, wandering through 46 galleries. It's New Orleans' oldest fine arts institution, founded in 1910, with over 30,000 objects spanning 4,000 years. The collection includes French and American art, photography, glass, and African and Japanese works. The five-acre Besthoff Sculpture Garden is free and open daily, featuring over 60 sculptures among live oaks and lagoons. Go on Wednesday for extended hours until 7pm. The museum is fully accessible, with wheelchairs available at the front desk. It's also dog friendly, so you can bring your pup to the sculpture garden. For a nearby stop, check out the New Orleans African American Museum.

This French Quarter dive keeps a low profile, with most patrons settling in for pool, the jukebox, and unhurried drinks. The jukebox leans on classic soul and R&B, and the crowd is mostly Black, spanning twenties to forties. A smoking area and pool table add to the unpretentious feel. The bar opens as early as 3pm on weekends and stays open until 3am every night, making it a reliable after-hours stop. Regulars appreciate that it isn't a loud dance club, just a cozy pub-tavern where you can talk without shouting. It's LGBTQ-owned and draws a diverse, relaxed mix.