Jean LaFitte's Old Absinthe House

Jean LaFitte's Old Absinthe House is a historical landmark that is located on the corner of Bourbon Street and Bienville Streets in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana.  Established in 1807, The Old Absinthe House is the oldest continuously operating bar in the United States, and has just celebrated its bi-centennial anniversary this summer.  The Old Absinthe House is a small place with thousands of business cards taped, thumb tacked, wedged, and stapled to the walls in the bar.  The only entertainment is a juke box.  I would classify this place as your basic watering hole.  They offer beer on tap including Heineken.  Draft Heineken is always a plus with me.  A 16 oz Heineken costs $5.50 in the Old Absinthe House.  They also serve Abita Amber Ale, a locally brewed beer.

There is a lot of history with the Old Absinthe House.  It is named Jean Lafitte's Old Absinthe House for the famous meeting that took place between Pirate Jean LaFitte and General Andrew Jackson as they planned for the victory of the Battle of New Orleans.  This meeting allegedly occurred on the second floor of this Bourbon Street building which is now John LaFitte's Bistro.

A visit to the French Quarter would not be complete with out a drink in The Old Absinthe House.