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    The Golden Lantern

    4.0 (183 reviews)
    InexpensiveGay Bars
    Open Open 24 hours

    The Golden Lantern Photos

    Business Info

    THE GOLDEN LANTERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Loud
    Juke Box

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    Recommended Reviews - The Golden Lantern

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    Sara C.

    The Golden Lantern was right by where we were staying in New Orleans, and the vibes were IMMACULATE. The music was great for this 90s/00s loving girl, the bartender was so nice and helpful, and the drinks were cheap and plentiful. Like many other bars and shops in New Orleans, they are cash only, but they have an ATM right in the bar, so don't worry too much about that. It's definitely a little bit divey, in the size and age of the place, but that doesn't hurt the atmosphere at all. Everyone is there to have a great time, and we definitely did when we visited!

    Sandy D.

    Omg. DIVE Bar at its finest!!! Yes. Yes. Yes!! Vibe is wonderful and chill. We took our lunch in and ate while sipping a cocktail. People are here to chill, make a friend and have fun. Definitely a place to come because you will leave with an uplifted heart and a smile on your face.

    Who Dat Golden Ale and a .......
    Paul R.

    I accidently discovered this wonderful dive bar as I was wandering down Royal. It started to rain so I made the tactical decision to pop in for a drink or two. The sign at the entrance pretty much tells you it's going be a real interesting experience but to leave your drama at the doorway. Well, I walked into Cheers the New Orleans version. The regulars were all bellied up to the bar and not being very bashful regarding their afternoon drinking. After a few minutes I was involved in conversations with the barkeep and customers. I even got to meet and exchange pleasentries with a patron who said everyone knows him as the gay Norm.... For those who don't know Norm was the regualar in the Cheers Sitcom and was always greeted with a hearty NORM!!! Drinks are strong and inexpensive. This is a must stop if you are in the area or on your way to Frenchmen St.

    Tabitha C.

    Stopped in because we saw they had Bloody Marys, and I just have to say YUM! Definitely the best I had during this visit. And one wasn't enough--the rich flavor along with pickled green beans and okra and those salty olives had us craving another the next morning.

    Bloody Mary
    Eddie C.

    One of the Best Bloody Mary's in the Quarter!!! Great flavor and nice heat on the backend. I enjoy the picking flavor that goes along with it. The addition of pickled green beans, okra and olives can't be beat! And one of the best things you can take it with you and explore this beautiful section of a wonderful city!

    Jell-O shots!
    Dora M.

    Liza is absolutely amazing! Not only did she craft the best drinks, but she truly took incredible care of us. She's friendly, genuine, caring, and hands down the best bartender in all of New Orleans. Can't recommend her enough!!! We come back every year just for her!

    The best Bloody Mary
    Alicia W.

    We stopped in here to grab drinks to go after reading about their bloody marys online. People said they were very good and they are. It's a little bit on the outskirts of the quarter but I felt it was worth the walk. The bartender who helped us was very friendly and while we didn't hang out, I did like the music they played while we were there. It seemed like it would be a fun spot to hang out for a while.

    Jell-O shots for all!
    Tim H.

    Omg. The best place ever!. One of the first gay bars. Lots of fun open 24/7. Can't say enough. Go there such a gem that is local and fun!

    Bloody Mary
    Billie Jo M.

    So...my husband and I just happened to park near this place to go somewhere else. Upon returning to the car I decided to go see if I could get a virgin bloody mary. At first the bartender was very nice and accommodating but then became very vulgar. I took my drink and got out quickly. My drink was very tasty though. I realize it's a bar and all but still have some respect for your customers. I couldn't tell you about the atmosphere or decor or anything because I was in and out.

    Little girl's room
    Erin H.

    We had hoped to stop in for some of the live performances, but never got our timing right. However, we enjoyed grabbing some drinks and hanging out outside on their sidewalk table/chairs. Inside was a little too dark for our taste, but there was plenty of space and seating. Ok variety of beers and drinks and you don't have to wait long for service. Staff was friendly and fast. Made two bonus stars that made me bump the rating up a full star -- they have an old-fashioned cigarette vending machine AND the cleanest and roomiest bathroom I've found in any bar in New Orleans!

    Nikki B.

    Whenever I'm in town I have every intention of checking out the Sunday Drag Show at Golden Lantern and for one reason or another it doesn't happen. (Last time I fell and broke my arm the day of the show and took a last-minute flight out so I could go to the E.R. in Los Angeles.) This time it finally worked out. Golden Lantern is a LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood hangout. Everyone is welcome here - even your pup. It is the birthplace of Southern Decadence, and the starting location for the official Southern Decadence Grand Marshall Parade. The drinks are strong and cheap (cash only) and Happy Hour is from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The Sunday Drag show starts at 5 p.m. and by the time we arrived the place was packed. We found seats at the bar, but I apologize that it wasn't the best spot to take photos. However, I was still able to see the show. The performers were great as were the tunes they were lip-singing to. Everyone in the crowd was having a good time. I will definitely be sure to come earlier next time so I can grab a better seat. If you are looking for a fun place to hang out, Golden Lantern is the spot. There is something going on every night and never a cover charge for entertainment. Check their website for a schedule of events.

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    4 months ago

    this place was a hoot! If you want a fun neighborhood gay dive bar, look no further. The Golden Lantern is a treat!

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    1 year ago

    Now open again 24/7! Great bar in the quarter! Drag shows Friday and Sunday! Fun staff! Inexpensive draaaanks.

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    2 years ago

    Great bartender. She was so friendly and very chill. We were able to bring in food and eat it. Great prices for beer, etc.

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - The Golden Lantern

    Review Highlights - The Golden Lantern

    I highly recommend settling into the best Bloody Mary's in town with spicy pickled green beans.

    Mentioned in 33 reviews

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    Good Friends Bar

    Good Friends Bar

    4.1(168 reviews)
    0.4 miFrench Quarter
    $

    I have to admit Jamie W and I were expecting a more convivial atmosphere given the name, but it…read morejust wasn't meant to be. The bartenders were young, and the only business we saw consisted of drunk women who looked like they made a wrong turn off Bourbon Street. 8PM may have been too early to expect a congregation of social sisters.. No Espresso Martinis to be found here, so we went with our standby, the $12 Tequila Sunrises (Photo 5). They were satisfying enough. Not much interaction with the bartenders who preferred socializing with each other. Ah, youth. We'll give it another try the next time we're in Nawlins, but The Golden Lantern was a friendlier spot. DRINKS - 3.5 stars...potent enough at a good Happy Hour price AMBIANCE - 3 stars...pretty vacant when we were here SERVICE - 2.5 stars...preoccupied...with each other TOTAL - 3 stars...good friends? RELATED - Exploring New Orleans? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/kqhd8zS441

    Dubbed the Cheers of the New Orleans gay bar scene, this 24-hour watering hole is a place where…read moregood friends gather to converse over cocktails. Whenever I pass by there are always locals sitting at a table outside chatting it up - even early in the morning. I was in town for Southern Decadence and decided to finally check it out. I was surprised by how spacious it is inside. There is even an upstairs area with a bar (Queens Head Pub) and balcony views. Downstairs there is a pool table, gambling machines, and plenty of room to dance. The bartender was very friendly. I asked if they had a signature drink and he told me that The Separator has been a favorite for over 20 years. I decided to try it. It was a boozy milkshake that made me feel like a kid again. I can see why they call it The Separator because if you drink enough of it, you'll get separated from your friends. LOL! I came back later that evening and the place was buzzin' with a fun & lively crew. I enjoyed the music and was happy I stopped by.

    Photos
    Good Friends Bar - Photo 1: Montage of images from Good Friends Bar

    Photo 1: Montage of images from Good Friends Bar

    Good Friends Bar
    Good Friends Bar

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    The Carousel Bar & Lounge - Weeee!

    The Carousel Bar & Lounge

    4.2(1.9k reviews)
    0.7 miFrench Quarter
    $$

    I have heard that this place can be impossible to get onto but either were able to get in no…read moreproblem. We stopped in in the evening and it was slightly busy but not out of control. W were able to snag two lovely seats near tge carousel where we could people watch the the carousel and the rest of the bar. Our drinks were lovely. I had a Candied hibiscus flower which was lovely and my hubs had a Ferrari (which was AWEFUL!), and then had a Campari on ice which he enjoyed very much (me: yuk!! ) Or server, Felicia, was AMAZING!!! We had a wonderful time, and I'm SO glad we had the chance to stop in on this spot. Highly recommend!!

    Carousel Bar was such a fun experience and definitely lived up to the hype. I had the Brandon…read moreBramble, which is a must if you enjoy Hennessy. It was made with Hennessy, lemon juice, simple syrup, crème de cassis, St-Germain, and ginger ale, garnished with a dried lemon wheel and "Filthy" cherries -- smooth, refreshing, and perfectly balanced. My date had the Royal Street Heat, crafted by Sean Holcomb, made with St. George Chile Pepper Vodka, agave nectar, peach purée, Hellfire bitters, ginger beer, and a Tajin rim. It had the perfect mix of sweet heat and flavor. Both drinks were so good we ended up ordering two rounds while sitting at the rotating bar listening to a live jazz band. Watching the bartenders work while slowly moving around the bar made the whole experience unique and entertaining. Definitely a must-visit spot in New Orleans.

    Photos
    The Carousel Bar & Lounge - The Sazarac

    The Sazarac

    The Carousel Bar & Lounge - Second bar

    Second bar

    The Carousel Bar & Lounge - Lemon drop martini and old fashioned

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    Lemon drop martini and old fashioned

    The Golden Lantern - gaybars - Updated May 2026

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