Caf� Lafitte in Exile-The Balcony Bar

One of the oldest haunts in the Quarter, and the oldest continuously running gay bar in the entire country, this two-story landmark is also one of the friendliest. Just ask the lingering ghost of Tennessee Williams, who frequented this place back in the day. Throw some beads at the boys below from the balcony during Mardi-Gras, but only if they show you the family jewels.

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Lafitte's features two floors of music and video. Downstairs you'll find the main bar. Upstairs you'll find a pool table and the balcony! During Carnival, because the gay crowd dominates this part of Bourbon Street, people tend to be a little more "adventurous" in their pursuit of beads and the balcony at Lafitte's can be quite "entertaining." Lafitte's is popular all year round and is open 24 hours a day.