You’re walking down Bourbon Street. The air smells like a chaotic mix of spilled beer, heavy humidity, and fried sugar. It’s loud. It’s overwhelming. Most of the bars you pass feel like carbon copies of each other—neon signs, cheap plastic cups, and the same playlist on loop. Then you see it. The green awning. The gas lanterns. The place that Channing Tatum built. Honestly, Saints and Sinners Pub shouldn't work as well as it does, but it’s become a legitimate cornerstone of the French Quarter since it opened its doors in 2012.
People usually show up for the celebrity name. They stay for the vibe. It’s a bit of a contradiction, really. The name itself plays on that classic New Orleans duality: the pious and the decadent. You’ve got the red velvet, the dark wood, and the feel of a high-end Victorian bordello, but without the stuffiness you’d find at some of the older, "fancier" establishments nearby. It feels lived-in. It feels like New Orleans.
What Most People Get Wrong About Saints and Sinners Pub
There’s this common misconception that it’s just a "tourist trap" because of the Hollywood connection. That’s a bit of a reach. While Channing Tatum and Keith Kurtz designed it to pay homage to the city's history, the place actually functions as a fundraiser in disguise. A huge chunk of the proceeds supports various charities, including those helping with global disaster relief and children's causes. So, yeah, you’re drinking a "Sinners" cocktail, but you’re technically doing something saintly. Sorta.
It’s not just a bar. It’s a restaurant. It’s a venue.
The menu isn't your standard pub fare, either. We’re talking about fried alligator tail that actually tastes fresh, not like rubbery chicken. They do a Crawfish Étouffée that holds its own against some of the more "authentic" spots around the corner. If you’re coming here expecting just burgers and fries, you’re missing the point. The kitchen leans heavily into the Creole-Cajun identity, serving up things like slow-cooked jambalaya and seafood platters that remind you you’re in Louisiana, not a strip mall in Ohio.
The Atmosphere Is the Real Seller
Walk inside. It’s dark. Even at noon, it feels like midnight. That’s by design. The decor is "bordello chic," a direct nod to the Storyville era of New Orleans. Think ornate mirrors, plush seating, and lighting that makes everyone look ten times better than they probably feel after three days on Bourbon Street.
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- The First Floor: This is where the energy is. High-top tables, a long bar, and usually a crowd that’s ready to party but isn't quite as rowdy as the "hand grenade" swilling masses outside.
- The Balcony: If you can snag a spot here, do it. It’s arguably one of the best people-watching perches in the entire city. Looking down at the madness of Bourbon while sipping a cold drink is a rite of passage.
The music varies. Sometimes it’s a DJ spinning top 40; other times, it’s a live band that actually knows how to play brass. It’s a gamble, but usually, it’s a win.
The Menu: What to Actually Order
Don't just order a Bud Light. Please.
You’re at Saints and Sinners Pub, so lean into the specialty drinks. Their signature cocktails are sweet—very sweet—but that’s the New Orleans way. The "Saints and Sinners" signature punch packs a punch that will have you reconsidering your life choices by the second round.
- The Fried Gator: Seriously, try it. It’s seasoned with a spicy remoulade that cuts through the grease perfectly.
- Oysters: Depending on the season, their raw or charbroiled oysters are surprisingly top-tier for a "celebrity" pub.
- The Po-Boys: They don’t skimp on the shrimp. It’s dressed properly (lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickles) on bread that has that essential New Orleans crunch-to-soft ratio.
The service is hit or miss, to be perfectly honest. It depends on how busy they are. On a Tuesday afternoon? The staff will chat your ear off about local history. During Mardi Gras or a Saints home game? You’re lucky if you get a nod. But that’s the reality of the service industry in a high-traffic zone. It’s fast-paced, loud, and sometimes a little bit frantic.
Why the Location Matters (629 Bourbon St)
Location is everything. Being right in the 600 block means you’re in the thick of it, but just slightly removed from the absolute densest part of the "Lower Bourbon" chaos. It’s a good home base. You can start your night here, get some solid food in your stomach, and then descend further into the madness.
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Most people don’t realize that the building itself has a history that predates the pub by decades. The architecture is classic French Quarter—narrow footprint, high ceilings, and that iconic balcony. The renovations kept the soul of the building intact while adding that stylized, seductive layer of red and gold.
A Note on the Crowd
You’ll see a bit of everyone. Bachelorette parties? Check. Locals who just wanted a decent plate of wings? Yep. Fans of "Magic Mike" hoping for a sighting? Daily. (Though, let’s be real, Channing isn't there scrubbing the bar mats every night). It’s an egalitarian space. Nobody cares what you’re wearing as long as you’re having a good time and not being a jerk to the staff.
The Reality of Celebrity Bars
Let's talk about the "celebrity" aspect for a second. Usually, when a star opens a bar, it’s a vanity project that closes in two years. Saints and Sinners Pub has beat the odds. Why? Because it doesn't lean on the celebrity name as its only trick. It feels like a bar that happens to be owned by a famous person, rather than a museum dedicated to them. You won't find movie posters on every wall. It’s subtle.
It’s also important to acknowledge that the bar scene in New Orleans is hyper-competitive. If you aren't bringing something unique to the table, the city will eat you alive. The fact that this place has survived over a decade—through hurricanes, a pandemic, and shifting tourism trends—speaks to its management. They’ve managed to create a brand that feels authentic to the city's "naughty but nice" reputation.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
If you're planning to head over, keep a few things in mind. First, the weekends are a zoo. If you want a table, especially on the balcony, you need to get there early or be prepared to wait. Second, check the weather. That balcony is glorious, but in July, you’ll melt into your chair without a breeze.
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- Happy Hour: They usually have some decent deals during the week. It’s the best time to experience the decor without the elbow-to-elbow crowds.
- Merch: They have a small shop. The shirts are actually pretty cool, avoiding the tacky "I stayed on Bourbon Street" look.
- Safety: Like anywhere on Bourbon, keep your wits about you. Don't leave your drink unattended, and keep your wallet in your front pocket.
The pricing is "Bourbon Street pricing." You’re going to pay a bit more than you would at a dive bar in Mid-City, but you’re paying for the prime real estate and the atmosphere. Expect to drop about $15-$20 for a specialty cocktail and similar for an entree.
Final Verdict on Saints and Sinners Pub
Is it the most "authentic" dive bar in New Orleans? No. If you want that, go to the Abbey or Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. But is it a fun, well-executed, and high-energy spot that captures the spirit of the French Quarter? Absolutely.
It’s the kind of place where you can feel a little bit like a sinner while knowing your tab is doing a little bit of saintly work for charity. It’s flashy, it’s loud, and it’s unapologetically New Orleans.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Event Calendar: Before you go, see if there are any private events or Saints games scheduled, as this heavily impacts the crowd density.
- Target the Balcony: Aim for a 4:00 PM arrival if you want a balcony seat for the transition from afternoon to night—it’s the best way to watch the street transform.
- Order the Signature Punch: Just one. Trust me. It’s part of the experience, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
- Support the Mission: Ask the staff which charity the monthly specials are supporting; it adds a nice layer of meaning to your night out.
Go for the name, stay for the gator, and enjoy the view from the balcony. That’s the secret to doing Saints and Sinners Pub the right way.