Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop
New Orleans, Louisiana
No, it's not really a blacksmith shop. Instead, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop is one of the oldest bars in the country. Built between 1722 and 1732, this shop is named for the pirate and hero of the Battle Of New Orleans Jean Lafitte, who used purportedly used the location as a base for a smuggling operation run by Jean and his brother. Now, it serves up potent drinks to Bourbon St. revelers, looking much the same as it did in olden times, and serves as one of the only National Historic Landmarks where it's entirely okay to drink way too much.
Photos: Gary J Wood
