Ditch the Bourbon Street neon for this candlelit 1700s cottage that’s basically held together by history and hauntings. You’re here for the signature Purple Voodoo daiquiri—it’s deceptively strong, so take it slow. Most ghost tours stop outside, but grab a drink and find a dark corner to soak in the eerie piano bar energy. Expect crowds after 10 PM; hitting it during a late afternoon crawl is the move for a seat by the fireplace.
Sitting at the corner of Bourbon Street and St. Philip Street, this structure functions less like a modern bar and more like a decaying, wood-framed survivor of the city's colonial era. While the exterior brickwork and cypress timber frame draw historians, the primary draw for most remains the Purple Voodoo daiquiri, a potent grape-flavored slushy that packs a noticeable punch. You are paying for the atmosphere of peeling paint, low ceilings, and flickering candlelight rather than polish. It is a raw, dimly lit experience that prioritizes lingering over a drink rather than rushing through high-energy nightlife scenes.
Visiting before sunset provides significantly more breathing room, as the primary crowds arrive after 10 PM. Afternoon hours allow you to examine the historic structural details without navigating packed rows of patrons.
The Purple Voodoo daiquiri is exclusively served as a frozen slushy from the machine. It is deceptively high in alcohol content, so pace your intake carefully to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the heat.
Snagging a seat near the old fireplace in the rear section provides the most authentic historical feel. Avoid the crowded doorway area if you want to hear the piano player clearly.
Entrance is free and open to the general public throughout the day and evening. You do not need to be part of a formal tour group to enter or purchase beverages here.
Expect limited seating and uneven flooring throughout the original cottage structure. Carry cash to expedite your bar service, as the small counter area often becomes congested during peak hours of operation.