Old Absinthe House
New Orleans
At a glance
The Old Absinthe House is a historic bar located at 240 Bourbon Street in New Orleans, famous for its rich history and iconic cocktails. The venue became renowned for its signature drink, the Absinthe House Frappe, which adds a touch of New Orleans charm to its offerings. The establishment sits in the bustling French Quarter, surrounded by the vibrant life and energy of Bourbon Street.
Originally a French Quarter commission house and grocery, the building's transformation into a saloon gave rise to the Absinthe Room. Here, mixologist Cayetano Ferrer crafted the drink that would become synonymous with the venue. The atmosphere retains a sense of the storied past, reflected through its historic architecture and decor.
Visitors to the Old Absinthe House can enjoy an array of absinthe-infused cocktails, each carefully crafted to provide a unique taste experience. Besides the famous Frappe, the menu includes a selection like the All Saints’ Margarita, Crowley's Concoction, and Deadly at Dusk. Each drink is a nod to the venue's tradition of innovative mixology and attracts cocktail enthusiasts seeking an authentic flavor of New Orleans.
The bar has welcomed many notable figures throughout its history, serving as a meeting place for writers, artists, and politicians. Its colorful past is echoed in the legend of its secret rooms, which add an air of mystery to the ambiance. The decor features references to its storied history, with elements reminding patrons of the pirates, poets, and playwrights who once graced its rooms.
The Old Absinthe House is suitable for history buffs, cocktail lovers, and those eager to experience a piece of New Orleans' cultural tapestry. Its unique proposition lies in its preservation of tradition and history, making it a staple in the local nightlife scene.
Reviews
Such a unique small bar. Fast service and a very chill atmosphere if you need to hide away from bourbon street for a quick minute.
The bar is 200 years old! I know that's a baby bar for most of Europe, but on this side of the pond that bar is one of the OG's. If you haven't had absinthe and think you want to try it, order at your own peril. They serve it the classic way. It involves sugar cubes, fire, a special tool, black magic and cold water. It is fantastic but I knew what I was getting into. Watching ppl order it and have immediate regret was delightful.
This place was great. Our server and her bar back were both fantastic. We tried 2 absinthes, a Swiss one and a French one. I enjoyed them both, though it was a little strong for my wife. I will be going back before our trip is over for sure.
So I was really excited about trying absinthe for the first time, and the absinthe margarita that I had was pretty good, but having it hear just about ruined the entire experience. This is truly a dive bar (which I love a good dive bar), but first of all, it’s super small! The only sitting area is around the bar. Next, the bartenders seem to congregate around the area where the majority of the customers are, near the front door, which I understand (to an extent), but the rest of us who weren’t sitting in that area were totally ignored! It took 15 minutes before I finally got a bartender, and then she acted like I was bothering her! I wouldn’t come back here again, and I would advise finding somewhere else to have an absinthe experience!
It has been a long time since I had Absinthe, particularly prepared the correct way by someone who knows what they’re doing, and during Mardi Gras we wandered into… or perhaps stumbled is more accurate 😂, the Old Absinthe House on Bourbon Street. Our bartender (Heather) was super knowledgeable about Absinthe in general, and the different flavor profiles of the ones they had in stock. We settled for the French brand Pernod, which was an excellent choice. This is not the sort of beverage you are probably going to drink every day, but it is a lot of fun for a special treat, and I always admire artistry when making drinks.
