Rawhide 2010

A word of caution. Not about this place. I mean that there will be many many words of caution about this place. For sure. Soon. For now, a word of caution about Classification of places here in NOLA. Like for example — Lounges, for this one. I mean I would bet anything and everything I have (hypothetical + exaggeration) to try to prove that the place is anything but a lounge. You wanna challenge me? Go for it and let me know what you find. Better still, my pointers below will make it crystal clear for you to decide whether you really wanna go to this «lounge» or not.
So tourists visiting NOLA for the first time — word of caution. Don’t go by classification of businesses as they appear. If some business is classified under «Lounges» — make sure you do your research if it really is or not. If some bar claims to be a «Sports Bar» — validate that. Etc etc etc…
Now, coming to this place, why does it get 1 star and manages to join the very privileged List I have which very few, privileged businesses have the luck to enter? Here we go…
— It is NOT a Lounge
— It is a Dark, dingy, untidy, un-​kept, dirty, kinda spooky place that has been kept that way for a very definitive purpose
— The staff here; the one that I came across at least, someone who was totally absconding from the bar when I made the mistake of going there, because he was smoking outside and one of the patrons inside told me that he will be back soon and actually went outside to let him know there is a customer waiting at the bar (me questioning self — why did I even wait!!?) — one of the rudest bartenders I have come across in a long, long time.
— Still talking about the bartender: made up rules on the go. (just like MLB these days; even in the middle of the playoffs for crying out loud!)
— Did not give me a moment to think what drink I was really in the mood for when I realized the only option for draft that I had was the beer I detest the most — Bud Light. «No, you have to order something right away to stay here!» — REALLY!!!
That I did order because I am NOT a rude person like the ‘awesome’, ‘cool’, ‘fabulous’ bartender who had just literally threatened me — despite us being almost equals; he slightly more skinnier than me, [and if we ever got in a physical fight (hypothetical — I don’t get into physical altercations of any kind; am a follower of Gandhi — again, Hypothetical situation within another hypothetical situation — you do the math) — I am pretty sure I will come out winner in 2.5 rounds] — despite that, he threatened a customer with a MLB like made up rule.
Now one bartender cannot make me judge a place and give it the very awesome 1 shiny star review. They have to have done something really awesome to earn that status. Here we go, bullet points continue:
— I make the mistake of going here without reading any Unilocal reviews — BIG MISTAKE! (always trust Unilocal)
— This place earns 5 stars from people because it does serve a purpose indeed. That I wasn’t seeking that purpose and I mistakenly got exposed to it because I read the classification «Lounges» — is really no ones fault (man, it’s coming down to the dang classification again!)
— So even if it did not turn out to be a real lounge, i was OK to give it a try — for another time, despite the very ‘awesome’, ‘cool’, ‘fabulous’, almost as skinny as me bartender who would loose to me in a hypothetical fight, there has to be something more to this place for that 1 star. Yes
— It is super dirty
— has only one beer on draft; Bud light
— Serves Corona in a can = «Lounge» (for real!)
— has an ‘awesome’ bar tender who makes rules on the go, just like MLB (you can see how big a sore point it was for me!)
— I got the pleasure of being served by the very same ‘awesome’, ‘cool’, ‘fabulous’ bartender again!
— Is perfect for not so light of heart, and absolutely not for Gandhi followers (hypothetical followers or not) at least because of all the filthy back rooms one gets the displeasure of witnessing (not just the dirty action), but seriously the dirty everything — smell, dirt, dust everywhere, etc etc etc…
So, I think, if you are into dirt and filth, and into doing dirty things in dirt and filth, and you are not a violent person who does not get offended by semi skinny bar tenders who make up rules on the go, and hypothetically don’t feel like punching them in their face for making rules on the go — this could be a 5 star ‘lounge’ for you. Go for it!

I went late one night last week on a week night. The bar was practically empty, but that didn’t stop them from charging an $ 8 cover, and once inside, $ 9 per drink. I had just come from a similar place quite a few blocks away with no cover, & $ 6 for the same drink. That bar was 3 times the size, MUCH nicer (in the same dive-​y kind of way), and the staff was much friendlier. I complained to the staff at Rawhide about all of this, & they just said it was out of their control. So… I am warning fellow tourists… this is the type of place the tour books warn you about. They are out to gouge the tourist!!! Do your research & take your $$$ elsewhere. There is a better time to be had out there!

Oh rawhide the only place where you can trip and slip on someones. d$!# and its a good thing. unfortunately prices fluctuated for decadence where i was use to the normal cheap price for beers, but hey gotta make that money. Thank you guys for a great time and i met some of the coolest people!

This bar is the shit!!! I spent the last week in New Orleans a good portion of that time being spent at rawhide. The staff is awesome especially Bradley he’s a cutie!!! The drinks are cheap and strong and the locals that frequent this place are among the friendliest anywhere. All that being said this place is not for the faint of heart there is gay porn playing constantly and the dark half of the bar where the bathrooms are… Let’s just say things are crazy over there

Not sure where to start with Rawhide. This was another bar my friends and I spent a good portion of our time in during the week stay we had in New Orleans. Drinks are cheap compared to most places and stronger than most places. Considering I was here during Mardi Gras I’m sure it was a bit more crowded than usual but there was always a nice size crowd in the bar including the wed after Mardi Gras ended. half the bar is dimly lit the other half is barely lit and for good reason. Much fun is had in the dark. This place is not for prudes or people easily offended by sexual situations. Just going to the bathroom here will have you venturing into the dark a little and there is no telling what you’ll see, feel, or taste along the way.

Oh rawhide, you never fail me. I think they have made some great changes over the past few months. Music is different, new additions to the back room and a few new faces. Im glad they decided to hire a few younger guys. Bradley is an awesome bartender, super fun and cute. Drinks are cheap, and the bar is cleaner than i remember it being. Its definitely a must visit in a city with lots of other options, you probably wont leave.

Rawhide is quite the experience. This is easily the «dirtiest» bar we visited on our trip, and I mean that in the nicest way possible. It’s extremely dark, and using the restroom is an adventure (like a haunted house where you never know what’s going to jump out at you in the dark)! Everyone was friendly, drinks were reasonable, and we had some enjoyable conversations. I’m sure this place gets very interesting in the early AM.

I was scared at first but my partner and I went back everyday of our trip. Cheap drinks and beer. Bartenders are nice and talkative. Cool place to meet people. You might be scared with all the umm… activities going on in the side room bur you get used to it. Porn also plays on the tv’s.

I wandered in one evening while here on business, and all I have to say is… oh my!
This gay bar is definitely not for the faint of heart. If the porn videos on the TVs isn’t any indication, then the extracurricular activities that take place on the premises definitely will. (Use your wildest imagination.)
Besides all of that, the drinks served here are inexpensive and strong. You’ll definitely have a good time here.

Leather and Daddies and Bears … Oh My!
Full Disclosure: I can’t tell you what Rawhide 2010 is like during any other time but Southern Decadence on Labor Day weekend, so I’m not sure how helpful this review will be if you’re going to N’awlins any other time.
I –can– tell you that this place absolutely rocks during during Decadence. And by «rocks» I mean it is a gathering place for Men. If you’re looking for the «pretty boys» head on down to Oz’s Bourbon Itch (or something like that). The patrons at the Rawhide 2010 are much more down-​to-​earth, older, friendlier and furrier.
The drinks are potent and the theme nights /​parties are a lot of fun even if you’re just playing the part of a spectator.
It was also refreshing to hear –rock– music in a gay bar! I heard some Led Zeppelin! I heard Black Crowes! I was about ready to hold a lighter up and scream «Play some Skynyrd!»
I am definitely a fan of Rawhide 2010 and it will be another «must-​visit» spot on my next trip to N’awlins.

Great bartending staff, particularly the kind and handsome John, that made this out-​of-​towner feel at home. Looking for a gay bar with less cologne and glitter? You found it. Real, jeans ‘n tee type guys, a slightly naughty atmosphere, and fair prices. Helps that the staff is good to look at and environment is not so noisy. Cheers.

I debated whether or not I should review this place considering I never went in, BUT I got a pretty descriptive picture painted by my friend who did and figured I’d pass along his words of wisdom.
Gay bar with lots of open umm, how shall we say, extracurricular activities. While there is no ban prohibiting women from entering, and you may enter at your own risk — I was told that the patrons, would certainly not make you feel particularly welcome (especially in the evening) due to the previously mentioned activities afoot.
With that description, I was happy to let him have his fun while I did a bit of shopping.
He did happen to love the place… go figure. :)

Boyfriend and I wandered in around 2 in the afternoon on a Saturday, not realizing it was a gay bar. While the tap handles and music kinda gave it away — we somehow missed the giant tvs of porn for at least the first hour we were there. Our bartender Rich, made the best hurricanes we found in New Orleans — we had a killer time. The place was low-​key and just filled with a few regulars and tourists. Vibe in the afternoon is apparently much different than the night (so I hear).
Wasted (which I think cost all of $ 34 for two people) and hungry, we took all the local food recommendations and ate like kings all weekend. Our trip would have been very different if we hadn’t of stopped into Rawhide — the staff is amazing.

Great bartenders, hot guys, lots of cruising, and a big «back area» to boot. If you like bears, leather and a little (well, okay… A LOT of) raunchiness, this the place to be. The bartenders and staff that I encountered were all nice and cordial and the drinks were cheap and strong (even though I imagine a lot of guys aren’t coming here to drink). Just about all of the gay bars in the French Quarter are good, but this bar and the Phoenix should be your main event for any night out in New Orleans. I’m definitely looking forward to returning for Decadence this year!
But fair warning, guys: 1) Leave your Drag and Lady friends at Oz or Bourbon Pub or some other «neutral» bar, and 2) Don’t pull out your cell phone… that’s a good way to make a normally nice staff somewhat unpleasant.

Nicest staff in all of New Orleans! The whole crew was just amazing and so friendly. Definitely make this place a stop on your list!

Came here a couple of times on our trip to NOLA. It was alright. There WAS alot going on, but it just wasn’t the right kind of stuff going on! Maybe our definition of bear is different from the NOLA definition. But, it was still fun. We had to leave several times to go to the bathroom lol

This is a sleazy French Quarter bar with cheap drinks and heavy-​duty cruising in the «back area». So, of course, I love it :)
This bar is of the same genre of the Phoenix Bar: same sorts of men, same sorts of «gaming» and same sorts of drunkin’ revelry.
Total fun, complete lunacy, and they’ll serve you until you’re crawling out the door on your knees. Hopefully, though, you’ll be putting your knees to better use…

Keep coming back. Late. No, late. No, later.
Supposedly all the fun happens in the bathroom (which is VERY dark).
Friendly bartenders, good drinks, and a man with one nipple playing pool. Okaaaayyy, then.

I’ll start by saying what Rawhide is NOT. Not Brittney and Gaga blaring. Not twinks. Not hype, pressure, or fashionistas. It IS great place for friendly staff and customers, a place that is quiet enough to have a chat but loud enough to be rocking. Sure there’s porn (ish) videos playing, and one of the restrooms is busier than the other, but if you want to meet local and visiting men in a no-​attitude cruisey space (as the bartender said, «drinks are half-​price if you take your shirt off) then this is the place.
You can get sleazier (the Phoenix) and prettier, but the Rawhide is a great starting/​ending/​middle point just a block off Bourbon.

There were three musts I had for my trip to New Orleans. 1) Have my first Mint Julep 2) Sit on a veranda 3) Being pleasured.
The third occurred here.
Being from Chicago I am familiar with Touché, Chicago Eagle and The Hole (basement of Jackhammer) so I was curious to see New Orleans take on a seedy/​backroom/​leather bar. I did not see that much leather, but it was a Sunday night. The beers were 2.50 a bottle, a steal compared to what I usually pay.
It was your typical cruising bar. The front part of the bar is where you order your drinks and play pool. The back area (not back room) is where the «fun» occurs. It is an open space with benches against the one wall for people to stand or sit. People ogle, touch, what have you. Mostly it was a bunch of guys standing around doing their own business.
Previous reviews are correct. If you have to use the bathroom I am sorry. The one bathroom, approximately 7×7 room, had about twenty guys inside trying to have «fun.» When I needed to use the washroom I was S.O.L. I can’t believe no one suffocated in there with the lack of air.
If you are looking for a quick easy release I would recommend this bar. If sleaze scares you slightly then I would just walk past.