Discover the rich history and famous visitors of the old absinthe house, a New Orleans landmark since the 1800s. Explore the absinthe culture and iconic building design.
The Old Absinthe House, a beloved fixture of the New Orleans bar scene since the 1800s, holds a timeless allure that transcends generations. Originally a coffeehouse, this iconic establishment quickly became a haven for absinthe enthusiasts in the 1900s. Today, it proudly stands as a cherished landmark in the heart of the French Quarter, steeped in a rich history that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
A Testament to New Orleans Architecture
The Old Absinthe House is a living testament to the architectural beauty that defines New Orleans. Constructed in 1806, it showcases the classic design elements that are synonymous with the French Quarter: wrought iron balconies, a charming courtyard, and a second-floor balcony offering breathtaking views. Through the years, the building has undergone several renovations, including the addition of a bar and the removal of the original coffeehouse counter.
One of its most distinctive features is the imposing clock that overlooks the bar. This historic timepiece has remained a cherished fixture since the 1890s and is rumored to have been a gift from the owner of the New Orleans Opera House. Stepping inside, you’ll also encounter antique absinthe fountains and glasses, further enhancing the allure of this timeless space.
Unveiling the Absinthe Culture
Absinthe has a storied history in New Orleans, dating back to the 1800s when it first graced the city’s vibrant streets. This emerald elixir quickly gained popularity among the artistic souls who believed it to be a muse for their creative endeavors. The Old Absinthe House served as the epicenter of the absinthe culture in the 1900s, attracting luminaries such as Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain.
The bar became a melting pot for the literary and artistic communities of New Orleans, offering a space where painters would capture the essence of the absinthe culture on their canvases. Today, The Old Absinthe House continues to pay homage to this rich tradition, serving a variety of absinthe cocktails and hosting events like absinthe tastings and painting classes.
Throughout the years, The Old Absinthe House has been graced by the presence of many famous individuals. From renowned writers and artists to influential politicians and musicians, it has been a destination cherished by people from all walks of life. Let’s take a closer look at a few notable guests who were captivated by The Old Absinthe House’s allure:
Oscar Wilde
During his 1882 tour of America, the illustrious Irish writer Oscar Wilde found solace within the walls of The Old Absinthe House. Spending hours immersed in stimulating conversations with locals while savoring absinthe, he was so inspired by the experience that he penned a poem titled “In the Green Room at the Old Absinthe House.”
Mark Twain
The esteemed American writer Mark Twain was a frequent patron of The Old Absinthe House. Situated in the enchanting courtyard, he would quietly observe the world around him, his pipe in hand. Twain developed a deep fondness for the bar’s exquisite absinthe, describing it as “a tonic of the gods.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt
In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt graced The Old Absinthe House with his presence during a visit to New Orleans. Delighting in the bar’s offerings, he left behind a letter that now stands as a testament to his visit, proudly displayed within the bar.
Other notable visitors include Truman Capote, Walt Disney, and Robert Mitchum. Today, The Old Absinthe House continues to enchant visitors from across the globe, sharing with them a piece of New Orleans history that leaves an indelible mark.
Tracing the Roots of the Absinthe Culture
The absinthe culture in New Orleans traces its roots back to the 1800s, when this alluring beverage first graced the city’s elixir-filled glasses. The allure of absinthe quickly captivated the artistic souls, writers, and intellectuals who saw it as a wellspring of inspiration. Simultaneously, absinthe provided solace for the working class, offering a temporary escape from the challenges of everyday life.
The Old Absinthe House played an integral role in nurturing and cultivating the absinthe culture of New Orleans. Being one of the few establishments in the city where absinthe was regularly available, it became a cherished gathering place for enthusiasts. Its close association with the artistic community further solidified its place in the rich tapestry of New Orleans history.
Today, The Old Absinthe House proudly continues to celebrate the absinthe culture, offering an extensive selection of tantalizing absinthe cocktails. The bar also hosts events such as absinthe tastings and painting classes, actively preserving and honoring this unique facet of New Orleans culture. It is this unwavering commitment that has endeared The Old Absinthe House to both locals and tourists alike.
Fabled Visitors and Their Tales
Over the years, The Old Absinthe House has welcomed a plethora of famous visitors who have contributed to its legendary status. In addition to the likes of Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, numerous other notable individuals have added their own stories to the bar’s compelling narrative. Allow us to share a few more legendary tales:
Aleister Crowley
In the early 1900s, the esteemed British occultist Aleister Crowley graced The Old Absinthe House with his enigmatic presence. Deeply intrigued by absinthe, he was rumored to have brought his own absinthe spoon to complement the bar’s offerings. Crowley’s visit represents just one instance of the bar’s reputation as a haven for those with unique interests and unconventional lifestyles.
Prohibition-Era Visitors
Even during the era of Prohibition, The Old Absinthe House defiantly continued to operate as a speakeasy, clandestinely serving absinthe and other illicit libations to its patrons. Notable visitors during this period included notorious gangsters like Al Capone and astute politicians like Huey Long, who would often frequent the bar incognito.
The Rolling Stones
In 1994, The Rolling Stones left an indelible mark on The Old Absinthe House during their Voodoo Lounge tour. The band indulged in the bar’s offerings, immersing themselves in its mystical atmosphere. As a testament to this memorable visit, they even signed a few bottles of absinthe that adorn the bar’s collection to this day.
These are merely glimpses into the rich tapestry of famous visitors who have graced The Old Absinthe House with their presence. Their visits serve as a testament to the enduring allure and historical importance of this cherished bar within the cultural fabric of New Orleans.
Unveiling the Haunted History
As with many historic establishments, The Old Absinthe House has earned its fair share of ghost stories and haunting tales. Visitors and staff members alike have reported strange occurrences, fueling the belief that the spirits of the past still linger within its hallowed walls. Here are a few of the most captivating legends:
The Ghost of Jean Lafitte
Legend has it that the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte frequented The Old Absinthe House. Some say his restless spirit still resides within, occasionally revealing itself to patrons and staff members. Eerie sightings of a ghostly figure in the courtyard and unexplained noises emanating from the bar have further solidified this haunting tale.
The Ghost of a Woman in White
Another haunting legend revolves around the ghost of a woman in a white dress. According to the story, she met a tragic end within the bar’s walls in the 1800s, and her spectral presence still lingers. Witnesses have reported sightings of her ethereal form, either sitting pensively in the courtyard or gracefully traversing through the bar.
Rational Perspectives on the Hauntings
While these ghost stories undoubtedly pique the imagination, it is essential to consider more rational explanations. The Old Absinthe House’s age surpassing two centuries introduces the possibility that some reported phenomena are attributable to aging infrastructure, such as creaking floorboards or antiquated plumbing systems. Furthermore, situated in the vibrant heart of the French Quarter, renowned for its lively nightlife, exuberant imaginations and an occasional overindulgence in spirits can contribute to reported sightings.
Cherishing a Cultural Icon
The Old Absinthe House transcends its role as a mere bar, emerging as a cultural icon that has indelibly shaped the history of New Orleans. From its humble origins as a coffeehouse to its current stature as a cherished destination for artists, writers, and politicians, this timeless establishment has witnessed the ebb and flow of countless stories. Its famous visitors and captivating history have solidified its status as an emblem of the French Quarter, garnering unwavering adoration from both locals and tourists.
While whispers of hauntings and tales of the past echo through its halls, The Old Absinthe House remains an enduring symbol of New Orleans’ resilient spirit. As TooLacks, we proudly celebrate this iconic bar and its profound influence on our city’s cultural landscape. If your journey ever leads you to New Orleans, consider raising a glass at The Old Absinthe House—a testament to the timeless charm and spirit of our beloved city.
