Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop

When you go to New Orleans, and you’re done with all the tourist hoo-ha, head to the corner of Bourbon Street and St. Phillip Street. Built before 1772, this building is one of the few remaining original "French architecture" structures found in the French Quarter.

The legend is that the Lafitte brothers (including the famous/infamous hero of the Battle of New Orleans, Jean Lafitte) operated this blacksmith shop as a front for their pirating ways. Today, it operates as a cool, dark, funky bar with a good local draw.

During the Tales of the Cocktail July 2008, I spent some pleasant hours draining multiple Pimm’s Cups (in the heat, hydration is a must, right?) as well as doing a bit of mixology with a pisco distillery rep. You can be unnoticed by the very nice staff if you’re in a dark or out-of-the-way corner, so don’t be shy.

This is one of the oldest bars in North America, so you have to put it on your ‘must’ list. The bar selection isn’t large, but an icon doesn’t have to be perfect. Go. Relax. Soak up the history with a cool beverage, and feel this bar’s history and atmosphere.

There’s many a business which did not survive Hurricane Katrina. Old New Orleans Rum Distillery was dealt an eight-foot flooding, yet survived it and is thankfully thriving under the leadership of General Manager Ben Gersh. More on their products in the very near future under my ‘Featured Spirits’ tab.

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