Come by for a beer or cocktail and good conversation on a sleepy afternoon, or for a night cap after an evening out. Friendly Bar in the Marigny has been a welcoming spot and serving drinks to members of the LGBTQ community for decades. Sure, they may not be the most lively or fancy, but they’re a fun way to see how locals experience the city. We’re huge fans of experiencing neighborhood bars while traveling.
They open as early 10 a.m., so get there early to claim your lounge chair. These days the Country Club is enjoying a bit more mainstream attention, but it will always be an LGBTQ place at its core. We personally find it incredible that you can pay something like $10 to spend an entire day sunbathing and knocking back margaritas. The Country Club is a historically LGBTQ space that’s part bar and part, well, country club. This little paradise doesn’t even really need an introduction, because it’s got a whole legacy behind it. We’re definitely no strangers to the oyster game, so please believe us when we say Seaworthy is absolutely killing it, which is not to even mention their awesome wine list or the rest of their delicious, seafood-heavy menu. It’s part of the Ace Hotel, so you can be sure the ambience is going to be on point: romantic lighting, leather seating, and a super friendly staff. Seaworthy has everything you could hope for in a great date restaurant. While most people just grab coffee to go, there are a couple of stools and a small counter if you’re more of a sit-down-and-enjoy kind of coffee lover. This small and tidy cafe is located in the heart of the French Quarter, and carries some of our favorite coffee in the city served up by a few super friendly baristas. If you’re looking for a cup of high-quality coffee or tea to get you ready for a day out in the city, stop by Spitfire for a cup on the go. New Orleans has a long and often overlooked history of intense coffee culture and appreciation. This place makes the perfect his & his shopping outing before dinner or a night out!
Friend always carries a diverse selection of casual and resort-inspired clothing, which we’re totally in love with because we’re pretty sure that if you always dress like you’re on vacation, you’ll basically always be on vacation. The selection here is truly great, with clothing that’s unique but never obnoxiously bold. Owner Parker Hutchinson has curated a collection of smart, modern men’s clothing at his shop in the Ace Hotel, Friend. Plus, it’s one of the most stunning and upscale getaways in New Orleans with a beautiful pool area, an opulent lobby, and adorable, bi-level suites. The hotel is just one block from one of the major centers of LGBTQ nightlife, the corner of Bourbon and St. In the heart of the French Quarter, it’s within walking distance of some of the best galleries, bars, restaurants, and historic sights you won’t want to miss. The Bourbon Orleans Hotel is in a prime location for pretty much anything you’ll want to do while you’re in town. Check these guys out before a day spent strolling around the streets of the French Quarter, hopefully with a cocktail in hand. This place has long been a gay haven, and up-and-coming Chef John Bell is hands down our favorite LGBTQ chef in the city at the moment. Meauxbar is one of our favorite spots to go on a weekend morning for refined brunch items and all of the mimosas our bodies can handle. How could we make a guide to gay New Orleans without including a brunch spot? We couldn’t, obviously. The bar sits just a couple blocks away from the madness of Bourbon Street, making it a great place to go for good conversation and people-watching, not to mention some of the most affordable drinks in the Quarter. There are few things more delightful than sitting on a balcony above the gorgeous architecture of the French Quarter while sipping on a cocktail and enjoying a warm summer breeze. We’ve listed some of our personal favorite spots to visit during your trip to New Orleans, all of which are either owned and operated by members of the LGBTQ community, or have proven to be warm and welcoming. If our Instagram is any indication, New Orleans is the perfect backdrop for being out and proud. Their work is evident in the visibility of the gay community today - from the rainbow flag studded streets of the French Quarter to the couples strolling hand-in-hand around the Marigny to the burgeoning community of young gay and queer folks making a space for art and culture in the Bywater neighborhood. Every corner of the city has been shaped in some way by LGBTQ folks who’ve worked to make this small, liberal city in the South a place for all with open-armed acceptance. New Orleans has long been a haven for those who live life colorfully and enjoy having a good time.