I had a very concerning experience with a security guard at your establishment. The guard--an African American man with gold teeth--approached my group in a way that felt targeted and discriminatory. He left his assigned position at the corner to come directly to us and told us we could not enter, without providing a clear or reasonable explanation. This interaction left me confused and uncomfortable, as there was no apparent reason for us to be singled out. The manner in which it was handled felt unprofessional and, frankly, came across as discriminatory toward my group. I spoke with Curtis, and he was very nonchalant about the situation. Essentially, he indicated that they don't care about what's going on at the bar. It's clearly a liability and not a good situation. It's not a safe environment to be in to be honest !! read more

Great neighborhood bar... Big drinks at a great price. Glad we ran across this place, full of friendly locals read more

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Super dark inside with a cool, laid-back vibe. The beer was ice cold, the place was very clean, and the bartender was great--friendly and attentive. A solid spot to grab a drink. read more

I was visiting this location I'm from out of town Chicago, our party was not allowed in because the security guard had a very nasty attitude and a personal issue with the host of the bar crawl this was the last stop on the tour and I must say the other bar locations show us nothing but love we spent money with them. It's sad that the security guard at the John made the owner's miss out on so much money I hope the owner's look into that guy he giving the John a very bad name. The John was the only horrible experience I had while being in New Orleans. read more

Six dollars for a miller lite for a neighborhood bar seems much if you ask me. The bartender was friendly

One of my favorite bars in all of New Orleans. If you like a strong cheap drink and you're over the age of 30. This is your bar. Within walking distance of French Street. read more

A great dive bar. The security is serious and cards everyone. No card, no entry. Be aware this bar is cash only. I looked to come here to get a strong drink. You're better off just ordering your drink straight lol. You can get a mixed drink if you want but it will have a lot of kicks. The bartenders here have a heavy hand and I love it. There's a ping pong table and a pacman arcade games in the back. There is also a TouchTones juke box so the music is always good. read more

The John - the entrance to the john restaurant - Dive Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

My boyfriend and I were wandering around the area early one morning while visiting New Orleans (and by early, I mean like 10 am. People don't get up early in NOLA!). I ended up having to use a restroom and The John was basically the only place that was open that early (they're open 24/7). We stopped in for a drink (hey, it was vacation, in New Orleans) so I could use the bathroom. We ended up staying far longer than I had expected, chatting with an awesome bartender! He was super friendly and kind, and told us all about living in the area and how the city has changed over the years. He gave us some great recommendations for fun local spots to check out for our next visit. It was really nice to just sit and talk and hear about his experiences living in such a vibrant and joyful city. We even got to chat with the owner of the bar for a bit. The bar is large and has a ping pong table. They have an age minimum of 25 years old which I thought was interesting. Since we were the only people there, it didn't matter! The restroom was a bit dingy and not the best but it got the job done. I would definitely come back to this bar in the future to see what it's like at night. read more

The John - The John - Dive Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Outside crowd not going to the bar can be sketchy at night. The patrons of the bar are very nice.

Love a good dive bar and who wouldn't want to be sipping a drink while literally on a toilet. Not only does it make for a great photo op, but the prices are cheap and the pours are strong. Don't overlook The John, because your night won't be clogged up and is rather a place where you want to flush your dollars! This space is quite massive btw, so plenty of room to enjoy the night. read more

The John is a place I've enjoyed with friends, sent tourists too because of the Good drinks that are reasonably priced. However, I will never return! See this establishment didnt choose to post that disclaimer to explain or hope you understood their reasoning why.... they simply DID NOT CARE! They said GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! They knew how it would be perceived and they give zero F%*$!! Go where we are celebrated, not tolerated! Keep in mind, the security and safety of the staff and neighborhood did not constitute a change in hours for any holiday or event prior to essence, nor will it be that way after our people leave the city! Smh #racism #aliveandwell #fuckThejohn #ourblackisbeautiful read more

The John - Go somewhere else! Got it - Dive Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Nice Dive atmosphere. Drinks were strong and worth the price. Place could really push into the name harder with more toilets around the joint. read more

The John - Inside - Dive Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Awesome dive bar off Frenchmen Street. The bartender was extremely friendly and fun to talk to. Great music was playing. Prices are cheap and the hard liquor pours are very strong. We ordered two bud lights and a Tito's and soda water and the tab was only $14. I'll definitely return next time I'm in town. read more

The John - Cheap drink prices - Dive Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Great R&B. Old school and today. Great vibe. Good people just chilling. Serving gumbo and food for purchase tonight. We should have eaten here versus Gus. read more

It was so crowded that I was uncomfortable. I'm sure the fire marshal would've shut the place down if they were called. The place is cash only. It's 2022, come on. I used to come to The John in college and it was always a chill, relaxed place. It was never overcrowded. I'm not sure when the dynamics changed. I'm sure I won't be back. read more

Strong drinks. Large shots. You have to be either 25 or 30 to enter, depending on the night and there is an armed security guard outside frisking all the males for weapons. No other bar in the neighborhood does this. This should tell you all you need to know. The bar does not fit in the otherwise quiet, respectable neighborhood. On weekends patrons smoke weed all night long out in the open and they drag race every Sunday night with the rap music blaring so loudly it shakes the pictures on my living room walls. On the plus side, they clean up the sidewalks reasonably well and like I said, strong, cheap and large drinks. read more

This spot used to be a go to low key spot but not anymore! Lol Let this be your FIRST stop before you hit Frenchman! It's in my top 3 pre-game bars before jumping into a night out! Heavy pours and inexpensive!! It's known for it seats as toilets, hence the name! It's a dim and good music is played from a modern day hike box. Not much seating available, so if it's packed, it's standing room only. There's a ping pong table in the back that people play. As far as service goes, theres one regular bar tender who could be a bit more friendly. I like bartenders who engage their patrons! She barely cracks a smile.. You may find your self just waiting to be served... Other than that, I love The John. read more

Let me just say this...I'm definitely coming back. The drinks are really really great and very very affordable. The music is cool too. There's a television and surprisingly a spot for a Band to play on the floor shockingly! The high tables are toilet seat toppers a d there's also some toilets to sit on while vibin with the environment. Very dark and laid back. Its a nice little bar to chill at. read more

This is the we never close spot. Drinks are reasonable. Park in this area, get yourself a couple of drinks and walk less than five blocks and you are on Frenchman. read more

I came here to sit on a John while having a drink and I did. This is a Cash only bar but there is an ATM inside if you don't have cash. Also, there isn't any specialty drink because it's a Dive bar. I recommend for the New Orleans interesting places to and/or if you just into seating on a John instead of a seat/chair! read more

The John - a bar with a table, chairs, and a bicycle - Dive Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

After leaving a nearby restaurant. We anted to grab something quick to sip, while walking. The bartender or owner was super welcoming and poured us the biggest shot. Lol. This is the place to stop for a drink. You get your money's worth. read more

This hidden gym was a remarkable find. It doesn't get more low key than this and while I was there the bartender played a special tune selection for me. Off the path of the nearby hustle and bustle, spacious and a very unique venue vibe. read more

The John - Dive Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Strong and nicely priced drinks. Calm relaxing afternoons. Busier at night. Curtis was in Belize, but we will find him next visit. 30plus to enter lol. read more

If a restaurant or bar adjusts its hours during a Black festival weekend, then they aren't deserving of your dollars or patronage any other time of the year. Support businesses that are welcoming and inclusive of the entire city and its tourists; not those who weaponize "safety" as a reason to modify hours during a festival weekend that brings Black communities to the city. FYI crowds are bigger during Jazz Fest, French Quarter Feat than Essence, but somehow safety is an issue when Black people are trying to live their life in peace and joy. read more

The John - The John standing by its racist decision to modify its hours during the Essence Festival - Dive Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

The only place I visited twice this trip. Cool crowd and cheap drinks. Curtis knows how to make a cocktail. Stop by and have a Ferrari with him sometime. You won't be disappointed. read more

For a long time, I avoided this place because it looked scary and I heard rumors about groups of crackheads congregating here. Fortunately, however, I eventually wound up inside and discovered that they have a PING PONG TABLE. In fact, they have a separate room dedicated to a ping pong table. Unlike most bars with a ping pong table, this one is well-maintained and looked after by the staff. Only once out of the many times I've been here was there a problem with the table--over the course of Mardi Gras someone had broken the net. It was replaced within a few days, though, and there hasn't been a problem since. An added bonus, The John serves super-cheap drinks (in a mason jar!) and it's open 24/7. It's never crowded, the bartenders are friendly, and it's usually not hard to get the ping pong table. It's a great place to meet up with a group of friends for a few games. Until everyone's too drunk to hit the ball. At which point you can wander down Frenchmen Street to listen to music and dance. When you sober up, go back for more ping pong! This is a great place any night of the week. read more

The John - it's a ping pong table, I swear. my phone needs a flash! - Dive Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Strong drinks for a great price . Loved this local bar ! They have a game room as well with ping pong and other arcade games

Great local / neighborhood bar. Discovered by accident, touring the area on a very hot & very humid July Tuesday. Walked in & it was quite cool & dark, just what we were looking for. Met Curtis (bartender) & he proceeded to serve ice cold beers & give a brief, yet detailed, history of the establishment and the Marigny neighborhood / section of New Orleans. Planned on having one & stayed for four (downpour helped). Positive visit & highly recommend. read more

Cheap drinks Friendly bartender Toilet chairs My only complaints are that the whole bathroom toilet theme was not strongly represented. Half of the bar followed it and the other half just looked like a regular old dive bar. This place also seems to be a locals only type of place. My girlfriend and I were so uncomfortable from all the looks and stares we were receiving that we felt like we had to leave after just one drink. I will probably never return, I did not feel safe there. read more

Morbid curiosity is what brought me here. I had passed this place tons of times and constantly wondered what it was all about. I had definitely asked myself more than once, "Why would a bar choose to have a toilet theme?" Well, I still don't know the answer to that question, but I finally made it here. The place is a lot bigger than I expected and on this particular night the place was packed. Even though there were a ton of people here, the bartender was fast and friendly. There's a large space so there were people dancing and others just sitting at the bar chatting. This is a cool little chill spot. I don't know if I'll be back. I feel like my question has been answered about this place, but I'm glad that I went once. read more

The John - Wall of fame - Dive Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Chhheeeaaapppp drinks lol. LOL yea, cheap drinks. This is my first time at this bar. I've heard of this place before but I have never been here. The drinks are cheap and they are drowned in liquor. There is a pinhg pong table but other then that, it's just drinks. The spot has limited seating but it's a large area. read more

The John - Firefly and Sprite - Dive Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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This bar is a must stop in Nola!!' Drinks are cheap and with heavy pours! Be prepared to feel the buzz fast. The bartender Vanish was very friendly and an awesome bartender. Thanks for the local tips, great conversation and delicious drinks! read more

This place is awesome nice mellow dive bar. Big reason that is is because it 25 years or older. Will always come here. You can tell by the under 25 persons post on this page why they are better off with the over 25 rule. Love this place read more

Amazing dive bar close to our rental home. Totally worth the visit. Great pours and cheap prices. Must visit if you're in the area!

Dan is the man! The concept of a bar being called The John is funny in itself but once inside and you use the creative use toilet bowls you'll giggle. Cash Only but hey they two ATM machines. Totally dive bar, full of locals, random conversation, and great cocktails = a winner to me! read more

I first heard of this bar a couple of weeks before my trip to New Orleans via a post and photo on divebarshirt.com. I saw the photos of the gold toilets in the bar area and since I was going to town anyway I thought I needed to try it. Parking is challenging. There isn't a lot so you need to find a place on the street. I found one right up front and went inside. The bar is very dark. Everyone was gathered around the bar and it was not too crowded. It seemed that everyone there were regulars as the bartender knew everyone and stopped to talk to each of them. I looked at the beer options and not much stood out. The bartender told me most people generally get a PBR. It's $2. I asked what others they had and she pointed me to a small collection of bottles down at the other end of the bar. She said that's what we have - some of them I can't even pronounce! I returned to my seat and had the PBR. I checked out the restroom and it was a bit scary. Beside the sink was a cup of pink runny liquid (see photo). I didn't know if that was soap or if someone left their drink. I saw a large ping-pong table in the other room, but it was too dark to take a photo. I did like the albums handing from the wall above the toilets in the bar area. It was a descent experience. The regulars all seemed to love it and the bartender enjoyed talking to each of them. It was a bit chilly and dark in there, but that's maybe part of the charm. I wish I would have taken a picture of myself there... read more

The John - soap? or a drink? - Dive Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Cheap drinks! Nice open space and a great location. There is a ping pong table in the rear of the spot and limit chairs. The bar has lots of choices and the bartender is great. The place was empty at 6pm but at 10pm the crowd came. read more

The John - Crown and Cranberry - Dive Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Very weird vibe neighborhood dive bar that has since been taken over by my brothers and sisters especially on the weekend. What is the attraction I do not know, its really a big space that has a big long bar and juke box music. The place would be a great dance bar with all the space but they play little dance music atleast on the nights that I have been there. The drink prices are fair but I found the place pretty boring with no vibe. read more

You gotta love a bar that doesn't close. And then it's got a bathroom theme. I have a nice, chill, laid back time every time i visit the John and when you think about it.... Shouldn't every visit to the john be enjoyable? My friends seem to like the golden toilets though i prefer to sit at the bar. I think my favorite thing about this place (aside from the low cost and the heavy pouring) is that they're open when i get off work. Whenever i get off work. In their defense, I've never been to a dive bar with an acceptably clean restroom. This is a thing I've unfortunately come to terms with as part of the dive bar experience. Is not ok, but is the way it happens. Anywho. They're just far enough off the beaten path that you can't really ask people on the street if you're walking in the right direction. 3 different ppl directed us to bathrooms in other bars. We managed to make it anyway. read more

The drinks are cheap . It is a Chill spot to hang with friends. The bartender are super friendly and helpful if have any questions about any of the drinks. There are good at remembering your drink of choice for the night. read more