Pat O’Brien’s – Famous for Hurricanes and Parades

Where every day feels like a celebration.

In the heart of the French Quarter, at the corner of St. Peter and Bourbon Streets, stands a New Orleans icon that’s been fueling good times for nearly a century—Pat O’Brien’s. Known worldwide for inventing the Hurricane cocktail, this legendary bar is more than just a place to drink—it’s a cornerstone of the city’s nightlife, hospitality, and party culture.

From Speakeasy to Street Corner Legend

Pat O’Brien’s began in 1933 as a speakeasy, opening legally after the end of Prohibition. What started as a tucked-away watering hole quickly grew into a bustling, multi-room venue featuring an indoor piano bar, a main bar with its famous flaming fountain, and a lush courtyard perfect for sipping under the stars.

The Hurricane: A New Orleans Classic

The story of the Hurricane begins in the 1940s, when wartime whiskey shortages led to an overstock of rum. Pat O’Brien’s bartenders created a fruity, boozy concoction to help move the product—mixing passion fruit syrup, lemon juice, and plenty of rum into a tall, curved glass shaped like a hurricane lamp. The result? A drink that packs a punch and instantly became a French Quarter favorite.

Today, the Hurricane is as synonymous with New Orleans as the beignet or the po-boy, served in its signature glass and topped with an iconic cherry-orange garnish. Locals and visitors alike stop in to sip one, snap a photo, and feel the city’s festive pulse.

A Bar Built for Celebration

From dueling piano sing-alongs to courtyard gatherings, Pat O’Brien’s is about more than cocktails—it’s about community. The bar’s motto, “Have Fun!”, isn’t just painted on the wall; it’s lived out by every guest who walks through the door. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, dancing with strangers, or toasting the night away, it’s a place where memories are made.

On the Parade Route

In 2026, Pat O’Brien’s spirit will take to the streets as a proud sponsor of Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler. Their float will embody the Hurricane in all its glory—towering cocktail glasses, swirling red and orange details, and music that makes you want to dance. Riders will toss themed throws that pay homage to the drink and the bar’s long-standing place in New Orleans history.

Raising a Glass to Tradition

Pat O’Brien’s isn’t just a bar—it’s a piece of New Orleans’ cultural fabric. From its Prohibition roots to its parade-day presence, it has always been about fun, flavor, and festivity. As it rolls with the Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler, it brings with it the same joyful energy that’s made it a French Quarter legend for generations.