Gay Bars & LGBTQ+ Venues in New Orleans, LA — Page 3

Uptown's Louisiana Pizza Kitchen offers a relaxed, wood-fired pizza joint that's been LGBTQ-owned since 1998. The dining room is larger than its French Quarter sibling, with a casual vibe that draws a mixed crowd. Beyond the pizzas and pastas, there's a full bar and weekly drink specials. You'll find the owner often working in the kitchen, taking feedback seriously. The Tuesday fundraising events support local organizations or individuals in need, making it a community staple. The patio is dog friendly, and the place shows Saints, LSU, and Tulane games with drink specials. Local art hangs on the walls, all for sale with proceeds going directly to the artists. It's a no-fuss spot where the wine flows and the staff is genuinely warm.

The crowd here is laid-back and eclectic, drawn to a Bourbon Street guest house that marches to its own beat. Rooms feature antique furniture and a courtyard that regulars call home. The vibe is relaxed, with outdoor seating and a price tier that's moderate for the French Quarter. Check-in and payment happen next door at a separate business, so don't expect a typical hotel lobby. The rooms are in an old structure, so adjust expectations for quirks like shared water pressure. If you want more conventional amenities, Hotel Monteleone is nearby.

This hotel is open 24 hours, ideal for guests who want flexibility during their French Quarter stay. It occupies an 18th-century mansion and has an outdoor pool in a courtyard with fountains and statuary. The Patio Bar offers evening cocktails. A family of employees has served guests here for over 20 years. Reviews note clean rooms and a lovely courtyard. The hotel sits several blocks from Bourbon Street, making it a quieter base during Mardi Gras. Rooms are described as nice and reasonable. It's near St. Philip Street. The property has a modest 2.8-star Yelp rating, so keep expectations measured. If you want a more polished stay, the nearby Bourbon Orleans Hotel is a polished option.

The smell of hickory hits you first: Red Fish Grill's signature wood-burning grill is the heart of this polished-casual seafood spot on the first block of Bourbon Street. Owned by Ralph Brennan, a third-generation New Orleans restaurateur, it's been a local staple since 1997. The menu focuses on fresh Gulf fish, oysters, and Cajun-Creole classics like BBQ Oysters and Alligator Sausage & Seafood Gumbo. The vibe is lively but relaxed, with an expansive bar and colorful decor that welcomes both Bourbon Street revelers and serious diners. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. Happy hour is a solid draw for locals, and the full bar means you can grab a drink even if you're just stopping in for oysters at the raw bar. It's a reliable option for seafood in the French Quarter, especially if you want something more substantial than the tourist spots further down Bourbon.

The crowd at Bennachin is a mix of locals and visitors, all drawn by the scent of West African spices. This French Quarter dive serves comfort food from Gambia and Cameroon, earning a 4/5 rating on Yelp from over 500 reviews. The staff are known for their warmth, making you feel welcome as soon as you walk in. It's a casual, dog-friendly spot where you can grab lunch or dinner. Hours vary: Wednesday through Thursday until 8pm, Friday through Sunday until 9pm. The space is small, so you might find yourself sharing a table. If you're exploring the Quarter, you could also walk to nearby Cafe du Monde for beignets after your meal.

If you're looking for a lively seafood spot on Bourbon Street, this is it. Desire Bistro & Oyster Bar is one of the most photographed restaurants in the world, with doors that open right onto the French Quarter action. The vibe matches the neighborhood: energetic and unpretentious. Expect Cajun-Creole seafood, oysters, and coffee at a standard price tier. It's open daily from 7 am to 10 pm, with later hours on weekends. The French Quarter location makes it an easy stop between other spots. For classic New Orleans fare, you might also check out nearby Cafe du Monde.

Walking through the front door of this 1890s Eastlake-style shotgun double feels like stepping back in time. Original 12-foot ceilings, plaster medallions, and pocket doors are everywhere, alongside eight non-working coal-burning fireplaces. The four-room B&B is gay-owned and operated by Carl Smith, a retired physics teacher and New Orleans native. It sits in the Marigny neighborhood, an 8-minute walk to Washington Square and close to French Quarter gay venues. The backyard spa is a draw, though weather affects its use. Rooms are clean and spacious (the Blue Room is a guest favorite), with private baths and free WiFi. Breakfast is provided and guests often gather in the parlor or dining room. Carl communicates well before arrival and shares local tips. The area is walkable, and while some taxi drivers warn of safety, guests report no trouble day or night.

Expect a mix of Financial District regulars and hotel guests at Herbsaint, where the kitchen blends French technique with South Louisiana roots. The name itself nods to a local liqueur, an herbal cousin of Pernod, and the menu follows that fusion spirit. Chef Donald Link, also behind Cochon Restaurant nearby, turns out what many call the best french fries in town—worth ordering as a side even if you normally skip them. Outdoor seating is available when weather cooperates, and the dressy-casual crowd matches the polished but unfussy vibe. Reservations are a good idea, especially for dinner. Lunch draws the work crowd, while evenings bring visitors from nearby hotels. The full bar and confirmed outdoor seating add flexibility, and the atmosphere suits a relaxed business lunch or a date night that doesn't feel stiff. If you're staying downtown, it's an easy walk from most hotels.

In the Bywater district, near the Naval Base and Marigny neighborhood, Jack Dempsey's is a down-home seafood shack where Fats Domino is a regular. The jukebox plays his music, and you'll hear authentic New Orleans accents from the mixed-gay-straight crowd of military guys and locals. This is a no-frills spot serving Cajun-Creole surf 'n' turf, with an emphasis on seafood. Go for lunch or early dinner, as they close by 8pm on most weekdays (and stop serving 15-30 minutes before). The almost all-you-can-eat steamed Dungeness crab for under $20 is a standout. It's casual, has a full bar, and outdoor seating. Reservations are accepted.

If you're looking for a no-fuss, down-to-earth spot that feels more like Asheville than the French Quarter, Elizabeth's in the Bywater is for you. This local institution is famous for its "hangover cure" and oversized portions of Southern comfort food, drawing a mixed crowd of tattooed waiters, neighborhood regulars, and hungover brunchers. The food leans country Southern with nods to New Orleans cooking, and the vibe is extremely laid-back. The full bar and outdoor seating make it a natural for lazy weekend afternoons. Elizabeth's serves breakfast and lunch only, closing at 2:30 pm daily. It's a real favorite with locals, so expect a wait on weekends — but the generous plates and casual atmosphere are worth it.

Just two blocks from Frenchmen Street's live music clubs and four blocks from the French Quarter, this small gay-owned B&B has been a fixture in Faubourg Marigny since 1994. The colorful old house offers high ceilings, four-poster beds, and an outdoor patio garden. It's a laid-back spot with free Wi-Fi, a piano room, and a library. The hosts are well-traveled and knowledgeable. The preferred minimum stay is three nights, and advance reservations are required. Continental breakfast and cable TV are included. For a pool day, the clothing optional Country Club is about eight blocks away. It's a quiet alternative to the busier French Quarter hotels.

This guest house sits on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, between Cafe Lafitte and The Bourbon Club. Built in 1833, the historic town house offers New Orleans-style accommodations and free wifi. It's a short walk to world-class entertainment, restaurants, and attractions. The property has outdoor seating and a smoking area. Hours are 9am to 5pm daily. You'll find it near Dumaine Street. For a classic French Quarter stay, the nearby Royal Sonesta New Orleans is another option.

The Frenchmen Hotel sits between the French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny, blending historical touches from both neighborhoods. It features casual, cozy rooms and a courtyard pool at its center. Free WiFi is available. Yelp rates it 3.6 out of 5 from 126 reviews, though guest experiences vary. One reviewer called it a "Fawlty Towers experience" citing maintenance issues like broken furniture and burnt-out bulbs. The pool is small and unheated; the hot tub is lukewarm. Another former staffer recalled it as cute with a nice pool and breakfasts with local flair. It's a short walk to Frenchmen Street live music venues.

Walking into the JW Marriott New Orleans, you're greeted by a blend of district class and old-world charm in the French Quarter. This renovated hotel offers a rooftop pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and on-site Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse. The property also houses the I Club, where you can catch legendary New Orleans music. It's an A-list choice for both style and location. Executive-level rooms come with a game lounge and free breakfast. The hotel is near Bourbon Street and the Superdome, making it a solid base for exploring. For a classic French Quarter stay, the nearby Hotel Monteleone is another iconic option.

Brick pathways wind through a lush courtyard where a heated pool gleams under the New Orleans sun. The Maison Dupuy Hotel, a boutique property stitched together from several townhouses, offers a quiet escape on the edge of the French Quarter. It opened in 1974 and holds the distinction of being the last hotel built in the historic district before the Vieux Carre Commission banned new hotel construction in 1975. Guest rooms come with some of the most comfortable beds you'll find, and the courtyard is a popular spot for an early café au lait or a pre-dinner cocktail. Bistreaux Restaurant and Bar serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks, with live entertainment Tuesday through Saturday starting at 7 pm. The hotel also has a complete fitness center, business center, and a Grab and Geaux Gift Shop. If you're looking for a French Quarter hotel with a pool and a laid-back vibe, this is a solid choice. Find hours and contact info.

You might expect a French Quarter hotel to be noisy, but Dauphine Orleans offers quiet privacy just one block from Bourbon Street. This historic inn has a salt-water pool and an annual Best Dressed Madame contest that honors May Baily, who ran a bordello here in the late 1800s. It's gay-friendly and mixed straight and gay. The hotel provides free WiFi. The pool is a key draw for lounging. Staff are known to be gracious and accommodating, even addressing guests by the correct pronoun. It's a serene spot close to the action.

Lion's Inn is a bed & breakfast in the Marigny with a pool right outside your room. Guest rooms overlook the lush landscaping and pool area, creating a relaxed, romantic setting. The property is just off the French Quarter, offering a quieter alternative to Bourbon Street. Daily happy hours let guests mingle over drinks, and the hearty breakfasts are a highlight. The owner's cousin Doug has been praised for his hospitality. It's a small B&B, so you'll get personal attention. If you want more nightlife, the Bourbon Orleans Hotel is a short walk away.

Frenchmen Art and Books is one of the quarter and Marigny's only bookstores, LGBTQ-owned since 2019. The shelves are packed with well-curated new and used books, art, and unusual gifts. You'll find a nice selection of signed copies and local vintage titles. The walls are covered with photos and art, so browse while you're there. It's a small spot with big variety. Hours are generous: open until midnight on weekends. Owner history notes a bookstore has run in this location since 1978, and the current shop keeps that neighborhood focus alive.

One guest's review sums up the split personality of the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel: the location is unbeatable, but the room was dirty with a "hurricane" cocktail stain on the wall and gum in the carpet. This is the only big New Orleans hotel that's part of IGLTA, and its corner of Bourbon and Canal Streets means you can't get lost stumbling back. Despite its size, something about it gives a boutique feel. The Financial District location puts you steps from Bourbon Street nightlife and close to the French Quarter's other draws. If you're looking for a convenient base and don't mind worn carpets, you'll find a helpful desk staff and a swimming pool. You might prefer the nearby Bourbon Orleans Hotel for a more polished French Quarter experience. Book with realistic expectations about room condition. The hotel offers outdoor seating and a pool, but check-in time and breakfast details aren't confirmed. Budget for the higher price tier, and know that Yelp data suggests it may not be the cleanest option in town.

Open daily from 7:30am-8pm (Sat-Sun from 8am), Creole Gardens Bed & Breakfast fits into a slow-paced New Orleans morning with its complimentary hot full Southern breakfast. The property is a mile from the French Quarter and a block from the St. Charles Avenue streetcar, putting you on the Mardi Gras parade route. It's a pet-friendly, gay-friendly B&B set across three antebellum houses around a shaded banana tree courtyard with cooling fountains. All 24 rooms are individually decorated in whimsical or traditional themes, each with a private bath. The owners have run the place since 2001, and regulars appreciate the anti-corporate vibe. You'll find it in the Lower Garden District, near the WWII Museum and the mansions of the Garden District.

Walking into The Orange Couch feels like stepping into a friend's living room if that friend had impeccable taste and free wifi. The warm, welcoming vibe attracts a younger crowd of locals and visitors, many with laptops in tow, creating a tech-savvy atmosphere that's both productive and social. Entertainment and readings happen some nights, and Friday brings Vietnamese lunches. This is a spot where you can linger over excellent coffee and snacks, or grab ice cream on a hot New Orleans afternoon. The handsome owner, Johnnie Sanders, moved here from San Francisco and chose the Marigny neighborhood specifically for its community feel. Hours are consistent: 7am to 6pm every day. If you're exploring the area, you might also stop by Mother's for a po' boy.

This guest house suits solo travelers or couples seeking a quiet, residential base with personal hospitality. Housed in a 19th-century Creole slave quarters building behind the owner's residence, the unit offers a living room, kitchenette, and a bedroom with balcony overlooking a plant-filled courtyard. The owner has lived in Faubourg Marigny for 30 years and provides tailored advice on local spots. Your stay includes free WiFi and a continental breakfast served in the courtyard. The rates are reasonable for the area, and the Marigny puts you a short walk from French Quarter jazz clubs and bars. The house has been licensed since 2002.

Walking into Material Life, you might spot a Kehinde Wiley print next to a Sheila Bridges home decor piece. This lesbian-owned gift shop in Treme is devoted to fine and decorative arts by Black artists and designers from around the world. The owner, a Los Angeles native turned New Orleanian, curated the collection from her own passion for collecting affordable art. You'll find books, apparel, and vintage items alongside works by heavy hitters like Mickalene Thomas and Hank Willis Thomas. It's a small space packed with discovery. The 'Encore' vintage section focuses on Black pop culture, from pulp fiction to celebrity dolls. The shop also stocks local New Orleans artists, adding jewelry and paintings to the mix. Because of limited hours (Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.), it's best to plan your visit. Note that Yelp lists this venue as potentially permanently closed, so confirming ahead is wise.

Switching to the Cornstalk Hotel after a bad experience elsewhere turned out to be a delight, according to one guest. This 1816 hotel in the French Quarter still carries its original Victorian style, with antiques and crystal chandeliers. It has been refurbished, but the authentic charm remains. Rooms are nicely appointed, and the staff is friendly. The hotel is temporarily closed at this time. It's a small, intimate property. Free wifi is available. If you're looking for alternatives nearby, the Bourbon Orleans Hotel is another option in the same neighborhood.

A Creole mansion dating back to 1849, Lafitte Hotel & Bar is a locally owned 14-room boutique hotel in the French Quarter. Owners Joe and Cherie are on-site daily to chat with guests. The bar opens at 10 AM every day and is open to the public. Dog friendly with free wifi. Reviews are mixed; one guest noted maintenance issues like termite damage and masking tape on windows. The hotel has a courtyard and balconies overlooking Bourbon Street. It's a short walk to nearby antique shops and museums.

Reviewers consistently praise the Bienville House Hotel's location right in the French Quarter, calling it a quiet retreat from Bourbon Street's noise. This two-story boutique hotel wraps historic charm around modern amenities like free WiFi and a swimming pool. Some rooms open onto balconies, and the staff earns frequent shout-outs for going above and beyond with recommendations. You'll find a 24-hour front desk, which means late check-ins are no problem. The courtyard pool is a welcome cool-down after exploring the Quarter. Dogs are allowed, so bring your pup.

Royal Barracks Guest House sits on Royal St in the French Quarter, offering themed rooms that lean into a romantic, home-like atmosphere. Features include free wifi and a 4/5 Yelp rating from 34 reviews. It's a quieter alternative to the big hotels nearby. You'll find the front desk staffed from 8am to 10pm daily. If you're looking for a classic French Quarter drink spot, Hotel Monteleone is a short walk away.

James Michalopoulos, voted Gambit's best local artist, paints French Quarter buildings as if they're on an acid trip. His whimsical style uses curvy lines and bold colors. This French Quarter gallery showcases his surreal visions of New Orleans architecture. The gallery is open daily, with late hours until 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays. It's a quick stop, but the art has a way of sticking with you. If you're exploring the quarter, it's near House of Blues New Orleans.

Guests describe hearing horses' hooves clicking outside their window at this French Quarter hotel. Lamothe House Hotel was built in 1839 as one of the city's first double townhouses, and its five Grand Antique Suites still feature original antique furniture and artwork. The property has hand-carved Corinthian columns, twin winding staircases with mahogany rails, and preserved rolled-glass window panes. A palm-filled courtyard with a garden pond and swimming pool offers a quiet escape from Bourbon Street crowds. Rooms are budget-friendly for the Quarter, with free wifi included. The hotel is open 24 hours, so late check-ins are no problem. Regulars often split their stay between a standard room and one of the antique suites for architecture without the splurge. If you're looking for a more luxe option nearby, the Hotel Monteleone is a block away on Royal Street.

Le Pavillon has been in operation since 1907, making it a century-old fixture in downtown New Orleans. It offers a family-friendly, mixed gay-straight atmosphere and is open 24 hours daily. The hotel is known for its late-night menu, which includes homemade peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and hot chocolate served every weekend. Located in the French Quarter near Baronne Street, Le Pavillon provides free wifi and is close to Bourbon Street. It's a solid choice for travelers who want an affordable, historic hotel with a quirky late-night food offering. You'll find a mix of vacationers and business guests here. If you're looking for something more upscale, the nearby Hotel Monteleone is a classic alternative.