Golden Lantern

📍 Gay bars in New Orleans

7.1

The Golden Lantern stands out as a beloved gay dive bar in the French Quarter, blending a laid-back yet energetic atmosphere with genuine warmth. Known for its friendly service and welcoming crowd, it’s a spot where lively conversations and spontaneous connections thrive. The bar’s charm extends beyond its walls, with engaging events like drag performances and themed nights that draw in both locals and visitors.

A staple for decades, the Golden Lantern balances affordability with a rich, communal vibe—think bold cocktails, playful antics, and staff who make every visit memorable. Whether you’re here for the iconic Bloody Marys, the drag shows, or simply the buzz of the Quarter, its mix of history and hospitality ensures a night you won’t forget.

Features and services of Golden Lantern

Service options

  • Outdoor seating

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Live performances

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Happy-hour drinks
  • Spirits
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Outside food allowed
  • Seating

Amenities

  • Toilet

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cosy
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards

Golden Lantern is in position 8 out of 20 in gay bars in New Orleans

Customer Reviews

★★★★★
★★★★★

Golden Lantern has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on over 302 reviews on Google

Guy Davis

What a wonderfully fabulous place. We stumbled upon it in accident and ended up having the best day and evening here. Locals treated us as friends, we enjoyed a drag show, drank cheap and strong drinks, and bought shirts. Highly recommend!!!

Guy Davis ☆ 5/5
Kennette Crockett

The Golden Lantern is one of my absolute favorite spots in New Orleans. The energy is always welcoming, the people are genuine, and it’s the kind of place where you meet folks who quickly feel like friends. I met the owner, who is not only warm and welcoming but also a great conversationalist with a deep knowledge of New Orleans history — talking with him is an experience in itself. One of the bartenders even shared a local birthday tradition of pinning, which made me feel celebrated and completely at home. On top of that, I met so many wonderful people here and I’m still in touch with them — I love our conversations and the connections this bar helped create. The Golden Lantern truly has the heart and soul of the Quarter.

Kennette Crockett ☆ 5/5
Rey Colón

Gay dive bar in the French Quarter that is lively and welcoming. Good service, chill to wild atmosphere. Trans shows on Fridays, jello shots, and lots of interesting people. I've visited on three different trips with my lady, family and friends. It's always on the list of places to visit.

Rey Colón ☆ 5/5
Kirstie Schieffler

Greg is incredible. Best bar in NOLA hands down. Always a great time. Here for our bachelorette and after, never a disappoint. Best energy in the city!

Kirstie Schieffler ☆ 5/5
Malcolm Earhart

I've been coming here for years. One of my favorite bars in the quarter and the city. They have THE best bloodys. It's always an interesting time when I come, never know who I'm gonna meet. Lots of good drunken conversations, and was the same this time. That extends to the staff, be careful Greg's a flirt!

Malcolm Earhart ☆ 5/5
Theresa Helfrich

Mark was absolutely fabulous at taking care of us behind the bar.. special shout out to off duty bartender Josh and Stef for being so friendly also.. my favorite spot so far!!

Theresa Helfrich ☆ 5/5
Blade Leblanc

Stopped in on parade day for a quick beer. Staff was very friendly. Local dive bar, which we love

Blade Leblanc ☆ 5/5
View all reviews

Information about Golden Lantern

Address

Golden Lantern is located at 1239 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States

Phone

The phone number of Golden Lantern is +1 504-529-2860

Website

The website of Golden Lantern is: thegoldenlanternneworleans.com

Business Hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Contact Golden Lantern

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