10 Best Haunted Bars in NOLA You Can Actually Drink In
New Orleans is famous for its "haunted" reputation. From ghosts and creatures to the eerie above-ground cemeteries, there are plenty of haunted spots to check out in the city. On this list, you'll find 10 of the best haunted bars to explore in NOLA.
1. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
941 Bourbon St., (504) 593-9761
The oldest structure used as a bar in the United States, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop is believed to have been used by the Lafitte Brothers for their Barataria smuggling operation. It is famously dim, candlelit, and has no electrical lighting inside. The legend goes that Jean Lafitte is still lingering in the shadows of the bar.
2. Old Absinthe House
240 Bourbon St., (504) 524-0113
ruebourbon.com/old-absinthe-house
The Old Absinthe House is a historic French Quarter bar known for its role in absinthe culture and legendary patrons. It dates back to the early 1800s and carries a heavy Old World atmosphere. People have reported cold spots and objects moving unexpectedly. It remains one of the most iconic haunted drinking spots in the city.
3. Muriel's Jackson Square
801 Chartres St., (504) 568-1885
This restaurant and bar is known for its resident ghost "Pierre," who is said to still occupy Muriel's upstairs rooms. Staff reportedly set a table nightly in his honor. The building itself dates back to the 1700s and feels deeply historic. Many visitors come Muriel's Jackson Square for the ghost story and stay for the delicious food and drinks.
4. Napoleon House
500 Chartres St., (504) 524-9752
The building that the Napoleon House resides in was built in 1794 and has a faded, historic charm. Local legend says it was originally meant as a refuge for Napoleon Bonaparte. Guests often mention hearing strange noises and feeling a quiet, lingering presence. It is also a popular place for cocktails and muffulettas.
5. Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone
214 Royal St., (504) 523-3341
hotelmonteleone.com/experiences
The Carousel Bar, located inside Hotel Monteleone, is a famous bar rotates slowly like a carousel. The hotel itself is known for ghost stories and strange sightings. Guests sometimes report unusual feelings or encounters in the building. It is both fun and slightly eerie, making it a fun location for cocktails and live jazz.
6. Sylvain's
625 Chartres St., (504) 265-8123
Sylvain is a small French Quarter bar in a restored 19th-century carriage house. It has a moody, quiet atmosphere that feels slightly haunted. Staff and guests have reported odd activity upstairs. It is more subtle in its spooky feel than other locations, so see if you can notice anything supernatural over an order of Champagne and fries.
7. May Bailey's Place
415 Dauphine St. #3405, (504) 586-1800
May Bailey's Place, located in the Dauphine Orleans Hotel, was once part of a Storyville-era brothel in the early 1900s. It still carries a hidden, old-fashioned atmosphere from that time. People say they feel strange or ghostly presence inside. It is one of the more openly eerie bars in the city.
8. The Dungeon
738 Toulouse St., (504) 523-5530
thedungeonneworleans.com/the-dungeon
The Dungeon is designed to feel creepy and underground with its dark, gothic-style bar and strong vampire theme. Many visitors report strange or unsettling experiences late at night while. It is one of the most intense atmosphere bars in the Quarter with heavy metal and classic rock music often being played.
9. The Court of Two Sisters Carriageway Bar
613 Royal St., (504) 522-7261
This historic courtyard bar sits inside one of the oldest properties in the French Quarter. The Court of Two Sisters garden setting is beautiful but also quiet and slightly eerie at night. Guests have reported ghost-like sensations and unexplained feelings. It is very atmospheric and calm with jazz quartets often playing and the fountain flowing in the courtyard.
10. Pirates Alley Cafe
622 Pirates Alley, (504) 524-9932
This small bar is tucked beside St. Louis Cathedral in a narrow historic alley called Pirates Alley. It has strong pirate-era and literary associations, which add to its mystique. While not heavily documented as haunted, Pirate's Alley Cafe's location gives it a spooky feel. It is a quiet, hidden place for a refreshing drink.
