[Image Courtesy of Good Friends' Facebook]

The Best Gay Bars in New Orleans: LGBTQ+ Nightlife Spots

09:49 June 08, 2026
By: Avery Wicker

Gay Bars New Orleans

Support your local LGBTQ+ establishments by visiting one (or many!) of these New Orleans bars and pubs! Many of them are open 24/7, so you can have a good time anytime, especially during Pride in New Orleans.

For your next pre-dinner drinks or night out on the town, check out these 10 businesses. With their parties, events, and community, your fun is guaranteed.

1. Golden Lantern

1239 Royal St., (504) 529-2860

thegoldenlanternneworleans.com

[Image Courtesy of The Golden Lantern, Website]

Open 24 hours a day seven days a week, The Golden Lantern is the perfect place to gather with friends for a night out. The Golden Lantern offers daily specials on jello shots, well drinks, and call drinks. They also offer "Liquid Brunch" with deals on Bloody Marys, mimosas, champagne, and wines. Since 1964, The Golden Lantern has been an inclusive and lively venue right in the heart of the French Quarter.

2. Good Friends

740 Dauphine St., (504) 566-7191

goodfriendsbar.com

As its name suggests, Good Friends is all about community and having a good time. If you like to sit and chat, visit their 292 square foot mahogany bar, where flat screen TVs broadcast the latest sports games. If you're more of a gaming type, try your luck at pool with friends old and new. Good Friends is open 24 hours Wednesday through Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Monday, and from 1 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Tuesday.

3. The Phoenix

941 Elysian Fields Ave., (504) 945-9264

phoenixbarnola.com

The Phoenix Bar is the perfect place to socialize any night of the week. The bar regular posts updates about special events on their social media pages, so be sure to follow them and see what fun things are coming up on their calendar. If you're feeling a little low, visit on Sundays for $5 Bloody Marys and $4 Korbel Mimosas from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up. The Phoenix Bar is open 24/7, 365 days a year.

4. Bourbon Pub & Parade

801 Bourbon St., (504) 529-2107

bourbonpub.com

Bourbon Pub & Parade is a lively LGBTQ+ bar that offers the perfect atmosphere for your next night out. Located on Bourbon Street, the pub's central location makes it a great place to stop as you make the rounds of your favorite bars! Bourbon Pub & Parade also puts on drag shows regularly. Reservations for drag shows and birthdays are required.

5. The Country Club

634 Louisa St., (504) 945-0742

thecountryclubneworleans.com

The Country Club is a great spot to go for a drink on a night out or to lounge poolside during the day. The Country Club's relaxed vibe and poolside drink service makes it a wonderful place to kick back and chill out. Also visit The Country Club for their iconic drag brunch. Make sure to reserve a spot in advance because they fill up fast!

6. Oz

800 Bourbon St., (504) 593-9491

ozneworleans.com

Oz is one of New Orleans' premier LGBTQ+ dance clubs. There are events every night of the week with drag performers and DJs playing all night! So hit the stage for karaoke, put yourself out there on Open Talent night, or laugh until your belly hurts during comedy night! Oz is open from 6 p.m. 'til from Monday through Wednesday and from 1 p.m. 'til from Thursday through Sunday.

7. Rawhide Lounge

740 Burgundy St., (504) 525-8106

rawhidenola.com

A warm and cozy dive bar, Rawhide Lounge is all about socializing and challenging one another to a friendly round of pool. Head over to the jukebox, put on your favorite song, and sip on a crisp drink while you flex your pool skills. Also, don't forget to hit the dance floor! Rawhide is open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. everyday.

8. Corner Pocket

940 St. Louis St., (504) 568-9829

cornerpocket.net

The Corner Pocket calls itself the place "where the boys are dancin' nightly on the bar!" If that doesn't give you an idea of what the atmosphere is like, you may just have to go see for yourself. Who knows? Maybe you'll be find yourself dancin' up there, too! The Corner Pocket is open from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. everyday.

9. Cafe Lafitte in Exile

901 Bourbon St., (504) 569-8582

lafittes.com

The oldest still operating gay bar in the U.S., Cafe Lafitte in Exile has been a New Orleans staple since 1933. A favorite spot for famous men such as Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote, Cafe Lafitte is a good time all the time. Even if you're not famous, their good drinks and history-filled atmosphere might just make you feel like you are. The bar is open 24 hours a day.

10. Crossing

901 St. Louis St., (504) 523-4517

crossing-nola.com

Crossing serves up delicious drinks and food daily from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., except for Thursday and Friday when they're open from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Its casual neighborhood vibe and frequent themed parties make Crossing a great place to meet new people, whether you're stopping in for lunch or going there on a night out. Crossing also offers happy hour prices from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily! This way, you can have a cheaper meal or drink earlier in the day or get your night out started right with some deals!

Fun NOLA LGBTQ+ Bars

When you're on a night out in New Orleans, it's hard to not have fun, especially at venues as lively and upbeat as these. From historic favorites to up-and-coming places, there's a spot on this list for everyone!

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