09/01/2026
Southern Decadence
It's almost that time!
As a 30 year FQ resident and 15 biz owner, let me add a few of my own tips in no particular order.
First and foremost "s*x trafficking" in all communities,straight and q***r, exists in many cities. Bourbon Pride is a safe haven for anyone seeking help. Our staff will help you. Just ask.
Ok. GAY MEN.
YES, The French Quarter is at a 60 year crime low. It began before the national guard with our newest Police Chief. With that in mind....
Street hustlers from the fake monks to punks to everyone in between,
Just say " no thank you". Do not engage. If you throw anything at the Jesus Freaks, you could be arrested.
Canal Street at night. Iffy at best.
Water is your friend. Water, say it with me. Water. An alcohol drink, then a bottle of water. Noone likes a mean nasty drunk.
Please stay away from those tacky green sugar drinks. New Orleans has some of the best bartenders in the country, don't get a drink out of a slime machine. Exception ( say it with a French accent) Exception " The Purple Drank".
Make reservations now if you haven't for those fancy spots.
I'm not here to bash any places, except over priced slurpy drinks, and I appreciate if you keep your comments NICE.
Seafood.. Deanies is the freshest with medium price points that will not break you. They serve Real Louisiana Seafood. Their service is always great. Sit at the bar if you like.
Automobiles. If you are flying, please don't rent a car. You'll end up paying a lot of money for nothing. If you see another gay man on your flight and they look non serial ki**er', maybe share a ride. Maybe not. If you must drive, do not park on the street. Trust me. Where'd my car go? It's under the Claiborne bridge in car jail. Good freaking luck..Many streets will be closed to parking and our residents need what's left.
Please do not buy W**D from anyone or any place but Nola Cannabis.
Poppers are illegal to possess, inhale, use or sell in Louisiana and you could be arrested at the airport or any place else if caught with them . Up to a year in jail. Our Governor only uses them when he blows the orange one. Allegedly. Sure Jan.
Stay off your phone while walking alone. If you are staying outside of the Quarter take a ride share. But... but nothing.
Be nice or leave. Don't test the patience of a service staff member during SD. But, I know the owner (that's not a flex). Most employees hate their owners. Lol
Locals that only come out during SD, we love you, but service staff is too busy to hold a reunion with you. Might we suggest an average Tuesday to shoot the s**t. We are all coming off the worst summer due to The P**o and most of us are just trying to do the best job for everyone and make a few coins.
Look for stores like ours and a few others in the Quarter that are Q***r friendly all year long, not just at Pride and Decadence. SUPPORT BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT US ALL YEAR LONG.
Shop unique stores that design their own merchandise. Bourbon Pride. 😊 FLEURTY GIRL IS GREAT AS WELL.
Bathrooms. If you find yourself doing the I'm fixin to sh*t myself walk, tuck into a big brand name hotel. You never know when that bowl of spicy gumbo will hit ya! Most have bathrooms in the lobby. Some require wristbands though. Keep that in mind. P*e where you eat and drink even if you don't have to.
It's always hot. Keep yourself clean. Dear Lord. We ain't in kindergarten.
Health codes: Most retail stores will not allow you to try on undergarments. Also, we can't resale items that people who are stinky try on. Please help small businesses from throwing out products. Arguing and saying " I'll go somewhere else then" while sweat is dripping down your crack will not change our mind. Now, there are places where people love that. Rawhide.
Privacy act: adult stores are a no picture and video zone. Someone may not want to be on your socials while shopping for crings. Be respectful.
Speaker phone. Noone cares about your conversation, and I mean noone. Leave the "Dalitude" at home. This is New Orleans, nothing impresses us but kindness and laughter. And big ass tips. You were thinking something else weren't you?
Quarter Grocery has great hang-over food. Go to the back and order from the kiosk.
Costco and Aldi (doordash) deliver and you'll find it much much cheaper than Rouses in The Quarter. You can place an order for when you arrive. Just don't forget to enjoy our great eateries. It's what we are known for.
Any part of your body that you show on the street will end up on phones everywhere and often magnets at our store. Just a warning.
Clover Grill is 24 hours and nothing beats their burgers.
There's enough 🐓 for everyone. Please don't fight over a piece of meat. Free condoms are available everywhere. Don't take an unwanted souvenir home.
Flip flops and sandals are for women named Tamara from Alabama, it's a no. Old ass broken down athletic shoes you can toss out the window as you exit our beautiful city is all you need for your day and nightly street walking. There's only one reason people are looking down and it's not at your knock off TJMax LVs. Omg, I LOVE TJMAX.
Ambush Mag is available at all fine establishments and a few dodgy AF places. Bourbon Pride has the Gayborhood map. Two great tools to use.
New Orleans is an amazing city full of love. We are here to make your visit fun and hopefully add some safety to it. There's so many wonderful things to do, great tours, ( Cajun Queen is my personal fav), Gambling at Ceasars, night stroll along the river, our Aquarium is unmatched, The French Market early on sat and sun is a fun place.
I'm more honest than most because I care about you and our community. I want you to come pass a great time with us. Put your phones away, dance, drink, eat and enjoy our beautiful architecture. You paid a lot of money to come here, please don't miss it to screen time. Make a million beautiful memories while your here. If you're here alone, meet new friends and just enjoy yourself.
I hope the humor helped soften some of the seriousness.
Love to you all. Safe travels.
