Gay Nightlife in New Orleans
New Orleans has a well-deserved reputation as a "party town". Much of the reason for that is the laid back "live and let live" atmosphere of its residents. As a result, the city has attracted a great diversity of people and enjoys an openness not found in many other southern American cities. Most of the gay bars are in the French Quarter within easy walking distance of one another. Whether you want to dance, sip cocktails or just hang out and meet new friends, head over to Bourbon Street and enjoy the night.

Cafe Lafitte In Exile, the oldest gay bar in the United States, features the best video bar in the Quarter and is a favorite meeting place. Upstairs is a chic and sleek game room with pinball machines, pool tables and Internet access. Bourbon Pub and its Parade Bar is considered the epicenter of gay nightlife, the best meeting place and the most popular gay bar in the historic French Quarter. Thursday night's drag shows are a real favorite at Oz. Thursday and Friday afternoons "Drag Queen Bingo" with Bianca Del Rio is not to be missed. Friday and Saturday feature late night dancing and the most popular place to be in the Quarter. The Sunday afternoon piano bar is quite popular at Queen's Head Pub, a great place for pre-dinner drinks, or quiet conversations with friends. You'll find the only Leather/Levi bar at the Rawhide 2010 Lounge. Finally, Voodoo is a local bar located on the outskirts of the French Quarter. The club is full of Voodoo dolls and other art associated with the ritual. Its Library Room in the rear of the club has some great titles, but the friendly staff will warn you about reading them.

That's just a quick sampling of the many gay bars, restaurants and clubs you will find throughout New Orleans.