The Gay & Lesbian Scene

The gay and lesbian community is quite strong and visible in New Orleans, and the gay bars are some of the most bustling places in town -- full of action nearly 24 hours a day. Though there are no strictly lesbian clubs in New Orleans, all gay bars are lesbian-friendly.

For more information, you can check Ambush, 828-A Bourbon St. (tel. 504/522-8047; www.ambushmag.com), a great source for the gay community in New Orleans and for visitors. Once you're in New Orleans, you can call the office or pick up a copy at Faubourg Marigny Art and Books (600 Frenchmen St.; tel. 504/947-3700) or at any gay bar in the Quarter.

Bars - You might also try the Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St. (tel. 504/529-2860), a nice neighborhood spot where the bartender knows the patrons by name. It's the second-oldest gay bar in town, and one longtime patron said that "it used to look like one half of Noah's Ark -- with one of everything, one drag queen, one leather boy, one guy in a suit." If Levi's and leather is your scene, then Rawhide 2010, 740 Burgundy St. (tel. 504/525-8106; www.rawhide2010.com), is your best bet; during Mardi Gras, it hosts a great gay costume contest that's not to be missed. The rest of the year, it's a hustler bar.