The Golden Lantern

I accidently discovered this wonderful dive bar as I was wandering down Royal. It started to rain so I made the tactical decision to pop in for a drink or two.The sign at the entrance pretty much tells you it's going be a real interesting experience but to leave your drama at the doorway. Well, I walked into Cheers the New Orleans version. The regulars were all bellied up to the bar and not being very bashful regarding their afternoon drinking. After a few minutes I was involved in conversations with the barkeep and customers. I even got to meet and exchange pleasentries with a patron who said everyone knows him as the gay Norm.... For those who don't know Norm was the regualar in the Cheers Sitcom and was always greeted with a hearty NORM!!!Drinks are strong and inexpensive.This is a must stop if you are in the area or on your way to Frenchmen St.

Omg. The best place ever!. One of the first gay bars. Lots of fun open 24/7. Can't say enough. Go there such a gem that is local and fun!

We stopped in here to grab drinks to go after reading about their bloody marys online. People said they were very good and they are. It's a little bit on the outskirts of the quarter but I felt it was worth the walk. The bartender who helped us was very friendly and while we didn't hang out, I did like the music they played while we were there. It seemed like it would be a fun spot to hang out for a while.

This is a total neighborhood vibe dive kind of bar. Cannot beat the prices on drinks and entertainment is fun. Bartenders are a little cranky but not in a rude way kind of a dry way lol.

So...my husband and I just happened to park near this place to go somewhere else. Upon returning to the car I decided to go see if I could get a virgin bloody mary. At first the bartender was very nice and accommodating but then became very vulgar. I took my drink and got out quickly. My drink was very tasty though. I realize it's a bar and all but still have some respect for your customers. I couldn't tell you about the atmosphere or decor or anything because I was in and out.

Now open again 24/7! Great bar in the quarter! Drag shows Friday and Sunday! Fun staff! Inexpensive draaaanks.

Golden Lantern, where have you been all my life? Tucked in the lower quarter on Royal Street, I've walked on by for years, loving the crowd that gathers outside. Anytime I've popped in, it was so crowded, I couldn't even make it to the bar.I had the perfect Halloween night here with a small group of friends in town who smartly suggested it. I was like, "no way, we'll never get in," but I was wrong. It was the perfect amount of people and a friendly festive crowd at that. We braved the chill outside for a bit, then found a table to stand at inside. The DJ was playing the best music (think: singalong or dance vibes), the bartenders are really nice and the drinks were cheap. They have bubbly by the split! Hello, new favorite quarter bar!

Great service! Such a fun place to feel a part of the New Orleans scene without being in the middle of craziness.

Was so excited to take my friend to a drag bar, and built up the Golden Lantern based on a previous employee of the bar. Unfortunately the bartender was extremely rude to us!! He was in a sour mood from the moment we ordered our 1st drink. We stayed for another round, and my friend asked when the drag show started. The bartender looked at her with a scowl, and said "Not tonight!" and walked away. I was so embarrassed, because I had bragged for years about how friendly and inclusive drag bars are. This was such a disappointment, DO NOT waste your time or money!! Shame on you Golden Lantern, for misrepresenting such a wonderful community!!

Don't go to this bar. I was in town with my coworkers and we went to this bar on Saturday night (feb 22) based on a recommendation. It was pretty slow when we walked in and we ordered drinks at the bar. Within 10 minutes of arriving, one of my guests started walking out and told me she was kicked out by the bartender. Turns out she didn't realize there was a no vaping rule and the bartender warned her and then winked as if to suggest he didn't really mean it. When she used her vape again, she was rudely asked to leave. I was very disappointed by this unnecessarily dramatic treatment. I asked to speak with the manager to understand the situation and the bartender said he's the manager with a sour attitude. I asked how come you asked my friend to leave and he snarkily said he did that because of her disorderly and disruptive behavior. I said I understand the rules but she thought you were joking. If you asked her nicely, she would have stopped. He said I don't care. I told him he just lost all of our business and he mockingly waved at me while making a face. This type of rude behavior is not appropriate for a gay bar where everyone should be welcome. Shame on you. Grow up.