This was a bucket list item on our trip to NOLA, and I'm glad we made it. Reading other reviews, I can totally get feeling ripped off by paying a $20 cover charge. I had a different experience as we went before 7 pm, so no cover charge and we did not have any of the issues with bad service. The drinks were ok, and I agree, a little overpriced. The Atelier Vie Rouge was a nice drink, but I left without feeling any effects, so perhaps also on the lower end of ABV. I also agree that the plastic drink cups could use some enhancement. Surely, there are plastic or perhaps even some eco-friendly materials that are shaped more in line with the atmosphere However, the inside is the attraction here, and it was a relaxed, goth-cool vibe. Great music, fun projected images, artwork, and even some shrines. read more

Good Vamp atmosphere lounge. Came here one evening on the trip at NOLA. Unfortunately no pictures were allowed to be taken. To begin with , its very tricky to find, as you have to ask someone in black outside a bar the instructions, instructed to you, its def fun if/when you're tipsy.. Wonder why their is a cover charge, when you have end up buying drinks seperately inside. There also is a very persistant tarot reader which puts off the entire mood, especially when you're continously asked to have your tarot read... i must give it to the drinks, I tried 2 and they were amazing, the Love Potion comes with a souvinier glass mini bottle, to take home and the bottles def are amazing. The couches are very mystic and the decorations have an vampy aura around it, which is pretty awesome.. Minus the tarot reader and the non pic policy and the cover charge, its pretty awesome... read more

When we first visited the Apothecary on our last trip, we were given these cards to explore the Potions Lounge, which was apparently located nearby in the back courtyard of Fritzel's European Jazz Pub. It was supposed to be this hidden speakeasy that you needed to give the aforementioned card to someone who would appear and ask for a password, and then you would enter another world that had more of the exquisite cocktails that we were having at Apothecary. They just didn't tell you about the $20 entrance fee, per person, once you actually find the doorman. The $20 entrance can be a deterrent, but I can understand using that to moderate the number of people that actually find the place and come inside. Still for what the Potions Lounge is, a slightly elevated and exclusive cocktail lounge with heightened vampire vibes a la author Anne Rice, I don't think the $20 entrance is justified. Still, the Potions Lounge is solid. And if you remember to go between 5 PM and 7 PM, there is no entrance. The challenge at first is finding the entrance. You have to enter through Fritzel's and walk to the back before exiting through the door into the courtyard. The actual entrance took a minute to figure out. In fact, no one, not in my party or another party of people that came in after us could figure out where the entrance was. There were no hidden buttons or doorway handles concealed within the brick walls of the courtyard. There weren't any camouflaged doors in the narrow hallway that looked only for staff working at Fritzel's or in the restroom area with either of the separate bathrooms -- one of which looked like it needed to be cleaned as much as the toilet shown in the 1995 movie, "Desperado," that looked like someone had a bad case of Montezuma's Revenge. We finally figured out that the speakeasy wasn't on the ground floor or somehow underground, it was upstairs on the second floor. To access, there is a wooden fence-like door, not far from the door that you take to exit Fritzel's in the back. You wouldn't notice at night since it blends into the darkness that consumes the hallway before entering the actual courtyard. Someone from the other part actually knocked on that door and doormen opened it. You give the card you received from the Apothecary and say the password, and then they tell you it's $20 a person. I probably would have balked at the price 10 years ago, but I was already spending money, so I decided what the hell. Again, the lounge shouldn't need an entrance fee since no one with any clear common sense can figure out where you access it, since they leave the instructions vague. Once upstairs, you enter the lounge on the right and it is a really nice, darkly lit lounge with at least two rooms to chill out on the luxurious and gorgeous furniture as you nurse cocktails. There's also a balcony overlooking Bourbon Street. The music they play is a combination of goth and alternative rock, such as Depeche Mode. There is a one-drink minimum, which doesn't make much sense when you've already paid $20 to enter, but I wasn't worried about meeting the minimum and neither was my wife. The cocktail menu is dominated by those made with absinthe, which I enjoy that liqueur so that wasn't an issue. The Love Potion #9 was excellent and came in a small blue-colored bottle from which you drank. And you can take bottle home with you... which I did. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Fairy Blood cocktail as we spent our sweet time in the lounge after spending an eternity trying to find and enter it. read more

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I finally made it to potions vampire speakeasy! I was pleasantly surprised. It's a bit tricky to find, which is the point. There is a fun vampire bouncer at the entrance. Bring your invitation or you're not getting in. They have a tarot reader inside too. I had the Bloody Mary blood bag, it was a lot of fun! read more

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Finding the Potions speakeasy and having a couple drinks there was a delightful experience. My fiancé and I were thrilled when we got the invite from a local shop. Make sure you don't accidentally leave your invite at your hotel though (like we did) because you'll most likely be turned away (like we did). No biggie, following the instructions and giving the code phrase is part of the fun. We tried again the next day and got in. The speakeasy itself was delightfully gothic, cozy, and much less rowdy than other local bars. The drinks were unique and delicious and the bartender was very kind. She showed us how she made our absinthe drink and was very informative. Loved seeing the cat napping on the couch also. read more

Potions was the first time I felt like a real VIP and had hidden access to a speakeasy. The inside is with theme with dim lights which fits the New Orleans vibes. It also has a nice balcony which is the perfect spot for people watching. The drinks are also themed. I went with the Fangria. I'm not a wine drinker but it came in a blood bag so of course I had to try it. I was surprised with how good it was. Of course the drink was expensive but I expected that. If you want access to Potions, just stop at a certain restaurant themed after a certain mythical creature ;) read more

I really enjoyed my time here! But I would definitely not pay a cover to enter; there doesn't seem to be any reason to charge such a high cover for a place with no live music or anything. The pub that it's in has no cover and has awesome live music. Also, many people are posting the password in the comments, but the vampires won't let you in without a formal invitation. They're vampires, what do you expect? ;) However from 4-7 it was free so that's when we visited. We went at 4pm sharp on a saturday and there was a long line to get in because they limit the amount of people in there at once. I respect that because it helps keep the experience better for the patrons inside. The bar is simply a renovated apartment with cute spooky decor and lots of seating. The drinks were decently tasty and there was a nice balcony. I just thought it was a nice place to get away from the noise for a little while in the quarter and rest before returning to the fray. read more

What is the $20 cover charge for? No band. No food. Mediocre drinks. If you're looking for a hangout spot that is boring, with dull lighting and personality. This place is the right place for you. I'm all for animals, bc ppl suck anyways. But who wants to be in a bar that smells like a giant liter box. Not to mention the cat feces that was so kindly left as we made our way up the stairs. Only saving grace, an outdoor patio. Biggest bummer for the last night of our trip. I would never recommend this to anyone. read more

AWFUL! I don't NOT recommend. The second you walk up the stairs, the smell of cat urine and feces OVERWHELMS you! After paying $20 A PERSON! for what?! Not sure, because after hearing upstairs the atmosphere is completely UNDERWHELMING. to spend $60 to come up to a bar with what.. no live band, no vampire acting employees .. just some strange background music and the linger smell of cat pee. I was beyond excited to hear that there was a balcony for FRESH AIR! Not to mention, the skimpy 6oz if you even call it drink was $16 after we paid to get in. Yes, the concept of a "speakeasy" might be exciting to some, but to have so much hype for it to be this lack luster. EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING! Wouldn't recommend. read more

The concept is great, but the execution was lacking. Either be campy or be noir, because the mix of the two in decor and service is just underwhelming. I'm glad we went before the $20/person cover charge took effect. Also: if you are allergic to cats, as I am, you might want to pass. Although the cat was downstairs when we visited, the overwhelming smell and the sneezing attack I had after just 10 minutes inside make this warning necessary. read more

We thought this place would be amazing from how you have to ask for a password and find where the speakeasy is then the secret password. We were highly disappointed. Plastic cups, terrible drinks, and there was no dress code to match the ambiance. Why such top secrecy of a place where no photos can be taken with college frat drinks, dirty floors, and a bathroom door we constantly had to shut so we didn't stare at a toilet. Do not go. $15, $20, plus for drinks in small plastic cups! Give me a break! This establishment has such potential. We ordered 1 drink and left. Not to mention if you go after 7pm they charge you $20 entrance! This place needs a potion to disappear or get better management. We were so let down. read more

Likely the best speakeasy I've ever been to. We got turned away the first night that we tried to get in because we hadn't done the research to get a proper invitation. And the vampire doorman wasn't about to let us simply smile and slide in. There's plenty of info online about where you'll need to go in order to get an invite. Simply lookup local vampire bars and befriend a bartender. Once you get inside the atmosphere and the drinks will make the work worth it. The room is covered in vampire/witch/voodoo decor, and the drinks are equally inspired. You'll have to suffer bourbon street to find it, but once up there you'll appreciate the location. read more

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I am very much into supernatural stuff so obviously when you come to NOLA you have a lot of great experiences to choose from. This was a fun spot located inside a restaurant. You have to go to a nearby shop and get the password then present it to an employee in the courtyard. He then unlocked the a hidden door and instructed us to go up the stairway. It's a rather small space upstairs, but it just guaranteed a very charming and intimate experience. There is a tarot card reader and a few small seating areas. Equivalent to the size of a couple living rooms. The balcony was awesome though. It was a gorgeous view of the city and great fun people watching. We grabbed a couple of drinks and enjoyed the interesting scenery. read more

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I feel like this is the most legit speakeasy I've been to! It actually takes some investigation to figure out how to gain entrance, I tried going straight to the Google location with the password I'd found online, but the doorkeeper was unimpressed and turned me away! The only clues I'll give you, so as to not ruin your fun, is that you need an actual invitation from the vampire to enter Potions. The physical invite is obtained from another vampire themed shop nearby. Once you obtain it, go through the restaurant to the courtyard and you will inevitably notice that no matter what people are wearing (we were here during Mardi Gras so costumes abound) there is going to be one bloke looking just a little bit seedier than the rest. He will take your name and invitation. Since the vampire's bar is very small, expect a wait and a cover. Up the stairs you go and into the richly decorated rooms with a purple velvet couch, candles, and general Gothic decor. The bartenders smile at you with pointed teeth and the potions and brews you have to choose from continue to set the scene. I loved that our entrance fee permitted us to come and go all day. There was a balcony to look off of and watch the Bourbon street craze, and best yet.. the vampire owns the sweetest ginger cat. We were lucky that the vampire's cat was out and about tonight, though as one can expect, he almost always had an entourage of admirers. We got some good time on the couch with Peppa; and being cat people, I gotta say this is the chillest cat ever. Noise, people, rowdiness, nothing bothered him. Every time we visit NOLA from now on, we will certainly go visit our friend the vampire.. mostly so we can pet his undead feline. read more

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It is a cool spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street. We were told about it from the Apothecary, and I knew there was a reason to go early, but I forgot it until too late: there is no cover 4-7. After 7 the cover was $20 per person, which seems a bit high, especially since there is a drink minimum. I was not feeling like having alcohol at that time, so I paid $15 for pretty basic mocktail, but the ambiance went a long way to make up for the outrageous price tag. I loved the music they played, and the decor was up my alley as well. Everyone working there was going the extra goth mile, so respect for that. I found it interesting that it was a "speakeasy" that gives off the illusion of being exclusive, but really drunk, really loud Midwestern tourists with fanny packs get in just as easily as everyone else for the cover charge. read more

This is one of my favorite places in New Orleans hands down. I'm a huge Vampire/Anne Rice geek, so any chance to go to Potions, I will make it a point to visit the Vampire Cafe on Royal and get an invite (if one is available). I love the entire set-up - from the speakeasy aspect to the drinks and taking in the view from the balcony. The ambiance gives off that creepy vampire vibes and lets you image for a few moments that you are lost somewhere in Anne Rice's world, waiting for Lestat to step out of the shadows. read more

The doorman is the WORST! He was not obviously at all the one to ask the password, so when I very politely asked him about the speakeasy (looking for the right guy to give the password) he BARKED at me "STAND IN FRONT OF THE TABLE ", said "if you tried reading the invitation???!", barked at me again for not being in front of him enough still apparently and was an all around jerk in general. The bartender upstairs was a delight and made up for a lot but it still dampened my excitement about the experience. Also- no more cats there :(( read more

My friend had heard all the tales of this "amazing, super secret" speakeasy and made our group of 5 go. First off, it's $20 cover each which should've been the first red flag but nevertheless, we made it upstairs and order our (pretty pricey tbh) what we thought were drinks. Why do our drinks come in (I wish i was kidding) a 8 FL OZ bottle LOL!! It wasn't even enough for a shot. There were huge cockroaches on the wall too, which fit perfectly with the atmosphere up there. We didn't stay long at all. We made fun of our friend the rest of the trip for taking us to essentially be robbed. Have to give two stars bc I respect the swindling. Honestly this was our bad falling into the hype so I can only respect their hustle. Please don't be deceived like us and keep your coin!! read more

What a great Speakeasy!!! This is a hidden bar and it's a great best kept secret. The atmosphere is great...comfy couches and chairs. Lots of drinks to chose from and games to play. Bartender was great as well. You can also go out on the balcony. Try to come before 7. After 7 there is a cover charge. Just remember...the vampire sent you. Thank me later. read more

Potions Lounge - Speakeasies Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Great speakeasy. Drinks are nice! Service is great! We had a great time!' Music is wonderful! Jazz and more jazz! read more

Way too expensive and the cocktails are served in tiny plastic cups. $20 cover drives it over the edge

We love Potions! It's always such a fun experience! From getting the invite, to getting in, to the ambience and the balcony, it's amazing all around! read more

This fucking place is fucking bullshit. Lame tourist trap. Now the the drinks aren't bad if you're super drunk. But overall if youreblooking for a real vamp or goth experience it isn't it read more

Cool vibe and it's super fun figuring out how to get in. $20 cover charge on a Sunday evening is insane. Especially due to the fact it smells like cat pee. The cats are a cool vibe but get the dudes a litter box please. read more

I received an invitation to visit this vampire-theme speakeasy from The Apothecary down the road. If you do get an invitation, follow exactly what the card tells you. I don't normally drink alcohol, so I asked the bartender for a recommendation who made the Forbidden Fruit. It is all liqueurs and was delicious!!! I went to the balcony to people-watch the folks on Bourbon St. Overall, it was a good experience. FYI: there is a cat roaming in the speakeasy. read more

Potions Lounge - Forbidden Fruit, all liqueurs. - Speakeasies Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Got here at 4 pm when they opened. Absolutely loved it. The vibes were amazing. felt like I was hanging out in a vampires apartment. I got the potion shot, which was really good and I got to keep the vial! There was also the cutest cat! Balcony was nice to sit. It is very small so I can imagine it gets crowded. Service was fantastic, the bartender was very nice read more

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My bachelorette party and I were invited to this speakeasy. We were so lucky, it was a great experience, the person at the door definitely went with the vibe, loved it! The drinks were good, the ambiance was also great! Much calmer than outside. read more

We got an invitation to the speakeasy after getting some drinks from the Vampire Cafe down the block! The speakeasy is hidden behind another bar which a worker had helped us find after standing outside in confusion for a bit! After finding the entrance in we were lead up by a very nice vampire and his cat! The aura of the speakeasy is so cool! It had dim lighting and very nice decor that was in the theme of spooky and vintage. The drinks there were all potion themed which I loved! There is also a really nice balcony which you can see everyone from the street. Really cool vibe and would defiantly go again! read more

Potions Lounge - View from the balcony seating - Speakeasies Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

This was the spot we were most excited to try out on this trip. My fiancé and I love speakeasies and absinthe (we have an absinthe dripper at home!) Unfortunately Potions was an extremely disappointing experience. I will start off with a compliment- the vampire host in the courtyard was on point and absolutely on brand, very spooky and cool. However, it's laughable for a niche and highly curated cocktail bar to serve absinthe, chartreuse, and martinis in the cheapest plastic cups, especially considering the (fun and valid) rigmarole of getting an invite and the password. They aren't serving $5 shots or frozen daiquiris and people are coming for an experience. After waiting in line to get a drink (no visible open seats) we asked the bartender if all of the drinks came in plastic cups or if we could please request a glass, all of which were behind her. She very rudely snapped "not today! We're too busy to use glasses!" Okay... maybe reduce the capacity considering it's not a place people can just walk into anyway. It comes off as greedy and lazy because they know people will blindly go anywhere they see on social media. We ended up turning around and deciding to leave. There was a less than 0 chance I was going to pay $20 for a martini + tip to stand around and drink the martini out of a mouthwash cup. I hope management can take these criticisms constructively because the idea is really cool and this is a business we would have loved to patronize. It felt like false advertising after seeing cocktails being served in actual glasses online, and a letdown/money grab being overcrowded. read more

We went to the vampire boutique because I was recommended it as the witch shop used for one of my guilty pleasure shows, and they sell a lot of witchy vibe stuff, so I love it. While there Francise was telling us about their amazing owner and all the other locations (which we, of course, had to visit), they have the vampire cafe, the apothecary, and then Potions. We got Potions around 9, Cory was the door security, and he was super nice. It seems like everyone at their various locations are friends, and all speak so highly of each other and their owner!! I was surprised when we got up there on top of a loud jazz bar. It was a nice chill atmosphere. Tobey was our bartender, and she was wonderful. Our drinks were delicious. When we wanted to check out the balcony she anticipated and got us plastic cups for our drinks! We tried Conjure, the Holy Water & the Forbidden Fruit Peppa the cat was lounging peacefully while we all relaxed and talked. read more

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The experience of getting into this bar was so fun. We went to the vampire boutique first and after shopping around asked if we could have an invitation. We followed the directions and found the doorkeeper for the bar. He could not have been more perfect for this job! Don't look him in the eyes for too long! The bar itself was small but worth a stop in for a drink and peruse. When we were leaving back out the secret entrance there were a bunch of tourists in flip flops and tshirts trying to get in without an invitation. If you're going to a vampire speakeasy in New Orleans I feel like you should dress appropriately but they probably would have been let in regardless if they had an invitation. Since they didn't, the vampire door guy warned us not to let them in by staring us dead in the eyes and shaking his head back and forth, no. Like I said, he was so perfect for his role and very persuasive so we did not let them pass. read more

Potions Lounge - Vampire's pets at the top of the stairs - Speakeasies Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Great, very secret feeling speakeasy. Decor and vibe lend to a very authentic vintage New Orleans experience

The bar back upstairs was beyond rude and demoralizing. I felt very unsafe there as a woman. He was physically in my space and I was told "we don't have the time or energy to dirty up a glass for you" when I asked if I could exchange my plastic cup for a real glass champagne flute. Women please be aware of this man working at this establishment. Bring someone with you or go in a group if you decide to go. You also won't need to pay the $20 cover before 7pm. Password is "the vampire sent me" and you can pick up the card to enter at either of the two locations. Let me save you some time though and only visit the other locations. Potions is a major tourist trap with verbally abusive male staff who harasses women. Very unsafe. read more

Drinks were great, and the entire place had a unique theme. Can't beat the balcony right on bourbon street?

This place is a scam. $20 cover and they don't serve you drinks. I waited in line for over twenty minutes for the one bartender to serve three drinks ahead of me. Slow as shit and when it was my turn, she helped people who cut the line to another window. Left without a drink, $40 poorer. Absolute trash people in a trash bar. Don't buy into the hype, this place is a waste of your time, money and energy. And the doorman downstairs is a clown. He had zero class and is just there to take your money. It's all a scam. read more

Neat, small hidden Speakeasy. The vampire like feel makes it a must do if you can get in. The drinks were very unique and different. The cover charge was a little steep for what it was, but it was the experience that was what made it cool. read more

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This was my favorite bar in NOLA. You need a password to get into it (which you get from the vampire store near by). If you go before 7, there's no cover. We went early in the evening and it wasn't packed. It's a small, quaint spot with eclectic decor. It was very unique with a creative menu to theme. Kim was our bartender and was super welcoming and helpful. They also have a nice balcony to enjoy the scenery of the French quarter. I highly recommend! read more

Potions Lounge - Speakeasies Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I was in town from New York on business. I wanted to have a cocktail here after seeing the speakeasy vibe online. - I was told first to go to another bar and order a drink there to get a referral card - so far so good. I went to the Potions lounge with the card and password to be met by a gentleman dressed as a vampire. Still pretty good. Except after buying the drink at the sister bar and telling him the password he was only allowing me to enter with a $20 cover. I wasn't game , $20 cover to order a cocktail and bring alone was a bit much. He didn't bend so I never made it inside. Headed up to Frenchman street and sipped drinks and watched music at the Maison and the Spotted Cat. Love NOLA. read more

I disagree with the negative reviews. I love my membership now granted it's new but I can easily just relax after work. The staff is friendly and spooky welcoming. read more

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Not really that great, unless you're a diehard vampire culture fan. The drinks were good, but the $20 cover was excessive. We spent $50 on a couple of cocktails and 20 minutes on the balcony overlooking Bourbon Street with maybe five other people. The decorations inside were interesting, but the vibe was still not worth $20+drinks. read more