Bet you didn’t know that the famous Pat O’Briens actually started as a speakeasy. During Prohibition, it was Mr. O’Brien’s Club Tipperary. The password was “storm’s brewin’.”
Now, standing here at 718 St. Peter Street, we’re at the heart of New Orleans nightlife. This is the legendary Pat O’Briens. It’s been operating since 1933. But this building has stories that go back even further.
The building itself has a fascinating past. Some say it was built in 1791. Others claim 1817. Originally, it may have been a theater. Some say it was the first Spanish-speaking theater. Others say it was the first French-speaking one. What we do know is that whatever stood here burned down in 1816. John Garnier bought the property. He built this building as a residential complex.
Pat O’Brien came to New Orleans in the early 1930s. He fell in love with the city and opened his speakeasy. After Prohibition ended, he made it official. In 1942, he moved Pat O’Briens to this larger location.
But Pat O’Briens is more than just history. It’s also the home of the Hurricane. This iconic cocktail was born out of necessity. During World War II, whiskey was scarce. Bar owners had to buy 50 cases of rum to get one case of whiskey. So, Pat O’Brien’s bartenders created a rum-based drink. They mixed it with passion fruit. They served it in a glass shaped like a hurricane lamp. And the Hurricane was born.
Don’t forget the dueling pianos. Pat O’Briens is famous for them. The concept dates back to the 1890s. Two pianists battle for the crowd’s attention and tips. Pat O’Briens tweaked the format. They encouraged audience participation through song requests. The Piano Lounge is still a must-do in New Orleans.
Today, Pat O’Briens has expanded to Orlando and San Antonio. But this original location has something special. Some say it’s haunted. Employees have reported strange occurrences. Footsteps when no one is there. Pianos playing single notes. Even a ghostly gentleman in the ladies’ restroom.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, Pat O’Briens oozes history. It offers good times, good drinks, and maybe a paranormal encounter. So grab a Hurricane. Enjoy the dueling pianos. And soak in the atmosphere of this New Orleans landmark. But be careful. Those Hurricanes are sneaky strong.