Golden Lanternsimilar businesses >
1239 Royal St
New Orleans, LA 70116
(15 Ratings)
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Find this business under: Cocktail Lounges
At first glance, the Golden Lantern is an unassuming spot, indistinguishable from countless other neighborhood bars in a city defined by its neighborhood provinciality. However, the drag queen totems on the wall indicate the storied history of this tiny little gay bar, the second oldest in the city -- for 35 years this watering hole has served as the spiritual home of Southern Decadence, now one of the planet's largest gay outings. Although it's considered one of the ''grandma'' drag bars in the city, it actually sports quite a varied clientele the rest of the year; leather, Levi's, businessmen, transgendered, you name it. Though Southern Decadence actually began at a home down the street, it soon moved to the more convivial public atmosphere of the Lantern, and since the mid-'70s the Lantern has been the starting point for the (in)famous drag parade that tops off the SD festivities. Like other neighborhood bars in the Crescent City, however, it never loses its low-key charm. -- Robert Fontenot, Jr.
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15 Ratings and Reviews
what a real gay bar is all about
Ranchhandz - 08/03/2008what a great time we had on a resent visit......a very friendly place with a great old time New Orleans charm....make sure it is on your list of stops when there
Add CommentBest Cocktail In New Orleans
bkcmar - 07/04/2008I forgot to sign my review
Byron "Marleeka" Craige- Golden lantern - 06/29/2008
Fort Myers Guys
Ft Myers Man - 06/29/2008
Just had to go to New Orleans to check out the new bar. Great place, some of the same great videos as Tubbys and lots of fun people singing and dancing like their on a reality show. The later it gets, the show gets better. The bartenders were very helpful as I needed directions to my hotel and they were more than accomodating. Had a real good time. Thanks will be back soon
Great Fun Place
Inntimate1 - 06/29/2008I lived in N.O. before the storm and just recently returned for a week and was so surprised to find the Lantern has new owners and a clean bar, with exciting, and fun crowd. So some changes are for the good. I cant wait to get back and be one of the regulars at this great bar. Thanks guys
Tubby,s Golden Lantern
Tubbysbar - 06/29/2008The new owners are from Tubbys in Fort Myers, we are looking forward to the new exciting changes for "The Lantern" We have already gotten very positive feedback from the locals and tourist alike. Thanks for the good ratings from those who have already been, and we sincerely look forward to seeing lots of new friends in the future.
The Florida Boys - Owners - Are Great
Cookie111051 - 06/20/2008The eclectic crowd of mostly locals -regulars - such as myself really get along very well with each other and the stray tourists who occasionally walk in to see the dive bar regulars. New Orleans is a sleepy Southern town that only comes alive during special yearly events such as Southern Decadence, MArdi Gras, French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest. The demure decadence of New Orleans is best experienced at this local dive bar.
Nice quiet friendly place
Bootifulloser77 - 06/12/2008Now this is a place to relax get some social interaction in and enjoy yourself. Love the free roasted peanuts in the toilet bowl by the door. Throw the shells on the floor!
Home of Southern Decadence
Rsurfbar - 05/25/2008Great place new owners making many improvements without taking any of the ambiance of this well known watering hole. Home of Southern Decadence and a very welcoming place.
- GuyFriday4U - 05/24/2008