Ask anyone in town and they'll assure you the most happening gay bar in the French Quarter is Bourbon Pub/Parade. The slash says it all; this establishment is two separate bars inside the same building. The bottom floor is called the Bourbon Pub, the massive disco at the top of the stairs is Parade. Unified by a devoted clientel, the resulting mega-bar boasts the title: the oldest continually operating gay bar in the United States.

Even though both bars are more or less the same establishment, each location has a different vibe. The Bourbon Pub is a cross between a neighborhood bar and a male strip club. It's see it's share of oddities: drag cabaret as well as star-sightings. Local resident John Goodman has been spied along with the wife enjoying the scene. Remarkably, the pub never closes.

Upstairs, Parade features ultra-high-tech laser-light disco theatrics, a state-of-the-art sound system, and regular DJs who spin the tunes all night long. Parade hosts a different theme party every night of the week. These change with some frequency but 'Two for Tuesday,' Friday night's 'Boys Night Out' and Sunday's tea dances have become a local tradition. Parade has twice been named 'National Nightclub of the Year' by Dance Music Authority magazine, and in 2004 received the coveted Zagat Nightlife Award of Excellence.

The building's two large balconies are always in use. On a slow night, the balcony is a great place to step outside for a breath of fresh air. On a busy night anything and everything has been known to happen on that little terrace overlooking Bourbon Street. This complex, while a gay mens' bar, is openly accepting of everybody, regardless of orientation. The sense of community is so pervasive, there's even a chat room on Bourbon Pub/Parade's excellent web site. It's especially useful in anticipation of their big annual parties: New Year's Eve, Southern Decadence, Pride Festival and Halloween. During Southern Decadence 2004, Bourbon Pub/Parade will host all the official events. If you plan to attend more than two of the parties, purchase a Weekend Pass ($70). It guarantees VIP admission to each of the nightly events. No one gets hassled here. -- Billy Patout

Categories: Cocktail Lounges, Bars

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