Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar — Restaurant in New Orleans

Please do NOT come here if you are a singer or hoping to sing at a piano bar!

I am first soprano from nyc and I was so excited to come to this piano bar.

I first asked a security guard outside a few nights ago just to check if anyone could sing if they tip and what genres are typically done etc-- he said anyone can sing any genre!

So I came here on a Sunday night and ordered 2 drinks ($19- tipped $6 so $25 total).

First the waiter was a little rude to me. I had a few like 2-3 questions and he was like "another question?!" And I'm like "sorry do u not like them?!" He was like, "I'm pretty busy." I shrugged it off- whatever! I asked again what genres are played here, he said any!

Then I went to the piano bar. I tipped $5 to sing one song. I was a bit indecisive to choose a song. When I finally did, the pianist thought he would be singing it. I said no, I'd like to sing! He informed me if I wanted to sing I'd have to tip $20 at minimum. I was shocked! As someone who sings almost every week in nyc piano bars I'd never heard of this!! How could a singer sing 4-5 songs in a night? Would they have to pay like $100 for songs PLUS like $100+ for 3-4 drinks?!

I mean I had spent $25 on two drinks and tipped over 20 percent to the bartender already... I find it really strange and unfair that I'd be charged $15 extra to sing. I mean I'm actually asking the pianist to do LESS than I would be if I were asking him to both sing and play!

I mean essentially, it's a form of elitism- the bar employees are assuming customers will be terrible singers or deemed unworthy of singing for a fair price so they want to dissuade people from singing so they're setting a higher price- 4x the price of the pianist singing the exact same song. I mean don't call yourself a piano bar that lets customers sing then...

If $20 is the minimum to sing, they need to communicate that and have their bartenders and security and all staff know! I wasted $25 buying two drinks hoping to sing and being let down. Also IF you set a minimum price to sing, it's not a "tip". A tip is an extra amount that is typically decided on by the customer.

Great singers and especially singers of color (like myself) are probably going to be excluded from singing here due to this ridiculous price gouging.

The pianist said $20 was very reasonable and other bars have it as "$100 to sing a song" in New Orleans... I doubt that but if that's the case everyone please sing in nyc- where you can afford to buy drinks, tip bartenders, sing a...

This was my favorite place. Came multiple nights and watched and waited for the seats by the fireplace to be open. Came one night and waited for three hours as the place was so packed you could barely move. When the seat by the fireplace finally became available, the bar was empty except for a few people. I grabbed the spot I had been eyeing other people sitting at all night- the table by the fire. Scooted my seat back a few inches to take a photo and got yelled at by the bartender for blocking a non-existent walkway to take a photo by the fire. Then watched dozens more patrons come in and block all the walkways fully and completely without getting bothered at all. So I’m wondering why everyone else can stand wherever they want and get treated well yet I sit by the fire, something I watched dozens of people do for nights, solely to take a photo, and get yelled at for blocking a walkway when I do it despite being one of three people in an open bar with any pathway open the bartender wanted. He just wanted to be rude to me because I was an easy target. So I guess I won’t be coming back here. I hate watching all the clientele be treated well and able to stand and sit anywhere the want, yet I choose one spot many had before me and get called out for being “In the way” in an empty- yes- EMPTY- bar at that point.

Photos below of the bar after I got yelled at- where people are blocking all the walkways yet it’s fine. This is the same walkway I got chastised for blocking when the...

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Bar, nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, is a legendary establishment that holds the title of the oldest bar in New Orleans. With a rich history dating back to the early 18th century, this charming tavern exudes an authentic New Orleans vibe that is both inviting and intriguing.

As you step inside Lafitte’s, you are immediately transported to a bygone era. The dim lighting, exposed beams, and rustic decor create a warm and cozy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding with friends or soaking in the local culture. The bar’s namesake, Jean Lafitte, a notorious pirate and privateer, adds to its allure, as tales of his exploits echo through its walls.

The drink menu at Lafitte’s is impressive, featuring a wide selection of cocktails, beers, and the iconic Sazerac. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable, often sharing stories about the bar's storied past. Enjoying a drink in the courtyard, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of live music, is a quintessential New Orleans experience.

One standout feature is the bar’s commitment to preserving its historical significance while offering modern comforts. Whether you're a history buff, a cocktail enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique spot to relax, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Bar should be on your must-visit list. It’s more than just a bar; it’s a piece of New Orleans history that continues to captivate locals and...