Our first visit was mid-afternoon during the week. It was a steaming hot day, and the cool dark interior was just what we needed. The place was pretty quiet, save for a table of 4 who inexplicably ordered Cokes in the oldest bar in the land. We had a couple of Abita Ambers, savoring the feel of the establishment's history in the exposed brick walls, the ancient floorboards, the fireplace where we guess the blacksmithing was performed. Next time was nighttime after growing tired of the never-ending swirl of the other, nuttier end of Bourbon Street. The jukebox was indeed too loud, and competed rudely with the somewhat sad piano player (2 requests she took: ""Tiny Dancer"" & ""Hey Jude""--not really what we were craving in New Orleans). The waiter was quick and polite, the beer cold, the place lit by candles on the tables--something in all our bar-tours we've yet to see anywhere else. It's got atmosphere, it's historic, it's a must, even if just to brag that you've been to the oldest bar in the USA! And if you get hungry, the Clover Grill is practically across the street, open 24 hours, breakfast all day and night, and a real diner with counter service even!
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