Discover the Vampire Underworld in New Orleans
Table of Contents
- The Vampire Café
- The Secret Speakeasy
- Inside the Speakeasy
- Gift Shop Treasures
- Vampire and Ghouls Walking Tour
- Should you visit New Orleans?
I was ecstatic when I received the email that my next work trip would be to New Orleans. This city has been at the top of my travel list for ages, with its incredible food, rich culture and intriguing legends, I knew there would be so much to enjoy.
As many of you know, I’m a lover of vampire lore. While researching the Vampire Café in Tokyo, I often stumbled upon mentions of a restaurant of the same name in New Orleans. I wasn’t sure if I’d get the chance to visit, but I hoped for it, and lo and behold, I found myself right there.
I’m proud to say that, to my knowledge, I am the first person to loudly proclaim that that they’ve visited both of the world’s only Vampire Cafés. It’s truly a title I hold with honor. The New Orleans Vampire Café was not only fun but also led me to discover other vampire-themed spots in the city, including a vampire speakeasy and more!
I also learned that New Orleans is known not just for vampires but for pirates as well!
If Buffy, Twilight, or Interview with the Vampire are your cup of blood, then New Orleans is your ultimate destination. This city is renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture, but it also harbors a fascinatingly eerie side that will satisfy all your vampire cravings.
Come along and discover the vampire lore of New Orleans!
The Vampire Café
First on your list should be the legendary Vampire Café. This unique spot is said to be the favorite haunt of all the vampires in New Orleans. Intriguingly, there are only two Vampire Cafés in the entire world, making this a truly exclusive experience.
I ended up going to the spot twice, the first to get a break from the humidity and the second to grab their famous blood bag drink after my Vampires and Ghouls walking tour.
Sipping my “Blood Bag” drink (red wine, this time!), I watched a friendly guy and his crew slide in next to me at the bar. Turns out, he hadn’t even noticed this spooky cafe had these awesome themed drinks! We both struggled a bit with the epic IV bag packaging (who knew fake blood could be so secure?).
Sadly, the Tea Leaf readings were sold out, which totally gave me Professor Trelawny vibes from Harry Potter – all I could picture was Harry seeing a giant dog in the leaves! Before I left, the bartender (clearly in on the whole vampire theme) gave me a knowing wink and asked if I was familiar with “Potions.” I shook my head in confusion while she turned around to grab something.
She turns back, and hands me a small, purple card and says “Here, I think you’d like this place.”
801 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116 / 9am-11pm Daily
Blood Bags: $15 Vampire Vodka Lemonade or Fangria (Sangria), Order out available
The Secret Speakeasy
Score! I snagged the golden ticket – guess you could say I’m officially one of the cool vampire kids now . But that’s not all the magic that happened on this trip! I also got a super insightful birth chart reading and discovered I’m a total Scorpio Stellium (thanks, universe!).
I met the amazing @natalie.ivette_ while I was working, and we dove deep into my chart. It was seriously spooky how accurate it was – it totally explains my obsession with all things vampire! Having a talented astrologer break down my chart and answer all my burning questions was incredible.
Speaking of the universe, Natalie messaged me on Instagram after I posted about the invite, saying with my Scorpio Stellium, invitations to vampire places should be practically automatic Guess she wasn’t wrong! After overhearing the grumpy guy next to me mumble about not getting a card, I flipped mine over with a grin and followed the mysterious instructions. This is gonna be good…
Inside the Speakeasy
Once I cleared security, I was whisked away to a hidden lounge straight out of Interview with the Vampire! The vibe at the Vampire Café was chill and relaxed during my visit, but whispers swirled that nights might bring sightings of real Southern vampires.
Respecting the privacy of the other invite-only guests (and wanting to capture the full experience!), I kept my recordings minimal. But trust me, the photos are just a peek – you gotta experience this place for yourself!
On a side note, I couldn’t resist indulging in a Love Potion #9. It came in the cutest little bottle, which doubled as a souvenir – perfect for keeping the magic alive at home. Plus, the balcony offered stunning views over all of Bourbon Street. Talk about an unforgettable night!
Gift Shop Treasures
For more vampire fun, you can also visit the Vampire Café’s gift shop. You’ll find an array of spell books and other mystical items that will transport you deeper into the world of the supernatural. The even have Blood Bag take home gift boxes so you can have your own Vampire party.
Vampire and Ghouls Walking Tour
Craving a taste of New Orleans’ dark allure? Take a walk on the wild side with The New Orleans Ghost, Voodoo and Vampire Tour! This spooky adventure dives deep into the city’s chilling lore and eerie tales, guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.
But it’s not just about goosebumps. The tour also packs a powerful educational punch. You’ll learn about the arrival of enslaved people and their rich Voodoo traditions, tragically distorted and demonized by colonizers. The tour sheds light on the Museum of Pharmaceuticals, uncovering a horrifying truth – racist doctors performing unethical surgeries on enslaved women, leading to the discovery of the C-section. It’s a stark reminder of America’s dark past.
Not all chills and history lessons, though! The tour throws in some lighter moments too. Fans can recreate iconic scenes from shows like The Originals, American Horror Story: Coven, and Interview with the Vampire – even visiting the house that inspired Anne Rice’s masterpiece! This tour offers a well-rounded exploration of New Orleans’ dark side, perfect for history buffs and horror enthusiasts alike.
Should you visit New Orleans?
New Orleans offers a unique blend of the supernatural and the historic, making it an ideal destination for those with a taste for the unusual. Whether you’re a vampire enthusiast or just curious about the mystical things, the Vampire Café and its surrounding experiences promise an unforgettable adventure. So, pack your bags, bring your sense of wonder, and dive into the mystical world that awaits in New Orleans.
