History of Bourbon Street New Orleans

Bourbon Street Historic Hotel Bourbon Street History Bourbon Street Bars Bourbon Street Restaurants

The nightlife mecca of New Orleans, world-famous Bourbon Street keeps the French Quarter action alive and kicking! Lined with hundreds of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, music venues, shops and galleries, Bourbon Street is a year-round festival of fun, food and festivity in the French Quarter. Considered the birthplace of jazz, Bourbon Street is the ultimate New Orleans street party!

Bourbon Street History -

Extending 13 blocks from Canal St. to Esplanade Avenue, Bourbon Street is the historic heart of the French Quarter with all its legends and iconic buildings. Although this historic street has a sordid reputation with its burlesque clubs and all-night partying, Bourbon Street is steeped in history, lore and legend that date back to 1718 when New Orleans was founded by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville.

A colorful destination full of mystery and magic, Bourbon Street was named in honor of the House of Bourbon, the ruling French Royal Family at the time of New Orleans' founding. One of the most historic landmarks on Bourbon Street is Jean Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, a bar/restaurant in a 1772 Creole cottage with walls full of tales of old New Orleans. The Old Absinthe House building - erected in 1806 - is another historic pub.

Bourbon Street Bars -

Stroll down Bourbon Street and feel the party vibe at the many bars, clubs and music venues that stay open until the wee morning hours. Stop at every corner and hear live music and the hottest New Orleans jazz blow out onto Rue Bourbon. Swing by famous Bourbon Street bars like Johnny White's, The Famous Door, and Razzoo. Sip a hurricane at Pat O'Brien's, sing Karaoke at Cat's Meow, dance till dawn at Bourbon Street Blues and hear the hottest blues at the Funky Pirate - Bourbon Street's premier blues club.

The heart of New Orleans' thriving gay community, Bourbon Street is home to New Orleans' largest gay nightclub, The Bourbon Pub, Oz, and Lafitte-In-Exile, the oldest gay bar in the country and favorite watering hole of Tennessee Williams. Over Labor Day, the intersection of Bourbon Street and St. Ann Street is the site of Southern Decadence - the "Gay Mardi Gras".

Bourbon Street Restaurants - A Taste of New Orleans -

Take a culinary journey down Bourbon Street, a foodie's utopia with hundreds of fabulous restaurants and celebrated chefs. One of the oldest and most popular restaurants on Bourbon Street, Galatoire's has served French/Creole cuisine since 1905. Legendary Bourbon Street eateries include Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House, Desire Oyster Bar, La Bayou Restaurant, Remoulade, Café Beignet, and Red Fish Grill.