Old Absinthe House — Restaurant in New Orleans

The low rating is for the door staff and bartenders. The actual building is VERY cool and I recommend checking THAT out. That being said, I went to this place on a couple occasions during my trip and it was the least pleasant experience I had while in the French Quarter or even on Bourbon st. First, the bar was basically empty on my first visit (it was a Tuesday night) and the bartender didn’t pay any attention whatsoever. When I finally got her attention, she seemed irritated that I had the audacity to ask about tequila. That was consistent for both my visits inside this place.

The other, much more concerning issue was the behavior of a member of the door staff, who I am hesitant to call “security.” As I was in New Orleans for several nights-during Mardi Gras- I took several trips down to the quarter and briefly to Bourbon Street. In doing this, I saw a number of door staff repeatedly and I smile at people as a matter of course. On my last night, which was a Saturday, I was walking past this place and the doorman gave a seemingly friendly wave and smile, so I walked over and said hello. He asked me for my number and I said no, I explained I was married, and tried to go along my way. At this point, he grabbed my arm, not hard enough to hurt me or anything but firm enough that I didn’t feel comfortable with it- I generally don’t appreciate people grabbing me anyhow. As I was not comfortable with that and the situation was quickly deteriorating, I pulled my arm away and tried backing away so as to say “I am done with this conversation,” but every step I took backward he took two toward me and was uncomfortably close to me. He was not a small person, and his aggressive behavior after being told no-that I wasn’t interested-made me deeply uncomfortable, feel generally unsafe, and was intimidating. This behavior is not acceptable. While I’ve had issues with drunk patrons who struggle with boundaries because they lack cognitive clarity, I have NEVER had a sober staff member, meant to provide “security,” behave in this way. Not only is this unprofessional but it is harassment. The door guy needs to learn what NO means because he seems to struggle with that. I’m unsure what the door man’s name was, he told me but I was more focused on trying to get away from him than remembering his name. Not a good look for the business. I wanted to like this place too because it has such a storied history. Set your expectations VERY very very low for the staff though…you’ll probably be fine if...

Horrible experience!! Will never come back. The bartender was extremelY unprofessional and rude. My cousins and I were in town for the first time for a trip over Halloween. My one cousin was extremely intoxicated and never should have been served. The female bartender continued to serve my cousin who could barely walk as it was.. her date was practically holding her up. We all had placed orders. I had only ordered one beer and had hardly drank anything that night. The bartender not only continued serving my cousin but she gave my beer to my cousins date. I kept trying to get the bartenders attention but she would ignore. When she finally acknowledged me this is what she said: “Ma’am you need to calm the fu*k down! I’ll replace your damn drink!!” I have been in customer service and hr for over 25 years and NEVER do you speak to customers like this. The bouncer overheard her and admitted that she was out of line. I would fire anyone that treated clients in such a manner not to mention the fact she continued to serve an already CLEARLY inebriated person. What a horrible experience for a first visit to NOLA. We will definitely be frequenting other...

Cool decor but the energy from the staff definitely was off.

3pm, Tuesday, bar had 10-12 customers all with drinks. My fiancé and i sat down, never greeted and waited 5-6 minutes for a man with shaggy hair asking if we needed a drink menu and once we got it, waited another 6-7 minutes only for him to ask “has she (bartender with thick black glasses and red hair) helped us,” we replied not yet. Another 5 minutes passed and the two get together and what looked to be them conversing while giving us the side eye. Very odd but whatever, it’s a beautiful day and we’re on vacation so my fiancé and I were just chilling. We were sat between two white men, they got serviced and had their beers refilled quickly while we still didn’t get our drink orders taken. Once we ordered our drinks, she made them quick, placed them down and walked away. No smile, no acknowledgment. Again very weird. Based off my observation, we were the only two non white customers and I’m not saying it’s anything but it felt like it was something so we paid cash, $31 + $4 tip and left.

Never felt unwanted at any establishment until today. Will not be returning and don’t...