Situated on the corner of Bourbon Street and Bienville in the famous French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, the Old Absinthe House is a legendary bar and restaurant well-known for its significant historical charm and rich cultural legacy. With over 200 years of history under its roof, the Old Absinthe House beckons locals and tourists alike, promising an experience steeped in New Orleans's rich past. This place compels its guests not just with the allure of trying the mythical green spirit - Absinthe, but also with its prolific reputation as a former meeting place of renowned icons including Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, and General Andrew Jackson.
The Old Absinthe House was officially established in 1807, fully embodying two centuries’ worth of fascinating stories, notable patrons, and unique historical events. The bar did not get its current name until 1874, when mixologist Cayetano Ferrer set up the Absinthe Room and introduced New Orleans to the famous Absinthe Frappe. The building's intricate wrought ironwork and the legendary Absinthe Fountain at its bar are legacies of that era. Even during the period of Prohibition, from 1918 to 1933, when absinthe was banned in the United States, the bar continued its operation under the name "The Absinthe Room," serving non-alcoholic beverages and food.
The highlights of this point of interest extend beyond the tales of its notable clientele and infamous absinthe cocktails. This establishment houses an impressive collection of memorabilia, from business cards and Mardi Gras doubloons to military decorations and police badges, all pinned to the ceiling and covering the walls, lending an eclectic and inviting atmosphere, only amplified by the distinctive classic cocktail menu and traditional New Orleans fare. Another intriguing feature is Jean Lafitte's secret room on the second floor, which purportedly served as a meeting place for the notorious pirate and his brother.
Above all, the Old Absinthe House is a vibrant witness to New Orleans's vivid past and lively present. With its enchanting blend of cultural heritage, legendary patina, and intriguing artifacts, it offers a unique experience of New Orleans hospitality, one steeped in rich stories and historical intrigue. The unforgettable ambiance, captivating history, and sensation of stepping back in time, all signified by savoring the mythic green spirit in one of the oldest bars of America, make Old Absinthe House an absolute must-visit for any intrepid traveler keen on plunging into the depths of New Orleans's multifaceted heritage.
