Word has come to us that our good mates Thais & Tony are being besieged in their small craft by a troublesome Kraken (of Red Tape & Semantics) regarding the seemingly moot point o’ their licensing from “Restaurant” to “Bar”. In all seriousness, Pirates Alley Café & Olde Absinthe House has not only been a destination for many visitors over the years to meet new mates for a friendly drink, sample Absinthe in the old way, or simply relax after a busy day – but is also a cornerstone on some very important New Orleans/US history!

Our annual gathering known as NOLA Pyrate Week has been meeting at Pirates Alley Café these past 8+ years as a central location (easy to find, quiet and historically important) for our visitors and volunteers. As it happens, both the QM & I are related to historical Pyrates – including my ancestor Bartholomé Lafon (the “Architect of New Orleans” as well as one of Jean Laffite’s most trusted companions). Both Thais and another close mate of ours (born in New Orleans, now living in Alaska), are related to Renato Beluche, Laffite’s Lieutenant and along with Dominique Youx, responsible for leading the Baratarians & their Cannons at Chalmette! Our gathering brings thousands of dollars into Louisiana, supporting local businesses (like this one), raising awareness of community and Gulf Coast issues, volunteering time & resources to rebuilding & education – and generally acting as Ambassadors for the history & culture of communities across New Orleans and Louisiana.

Thais & Tony have been tremendous supporters of our efforts to share history and culture, while encouraging folk to support local organizations concerned with the reparation and uplifting of both communities and wetlands. Visitors have joined our gathering (both Pyrates and non) from around the globe – France, Holland, Australia, Canada…and across the US. Pirates Alley Café & Olde Absinthe House is prominently mentioned on our website, all our press, social media…thousands of views every month. In fact, as thanks for their continued support, we gifted them with a new and improved website (soon to be fully implemented) allowing them greater access and interaction with their global audience.

The Bar (or “The Pub” – for that is how we have always known and referred to it – despite it’s official title) is literally an historical cornerstone – hiding the last vestiges of the Calabozo where many of Laffite’s men were released so they could fight bravely to save the young US from a British invasion. Without them, as we know, things in New Orleans would be quite a bit different!

The Bar is such a central meeting place for Pyrate history, that the Mayor of the Town of Jean Lafitte is not only a frequent customer, but has become our good mate singularly due to being introduced to us by Thais & Tony! We now have a standing invitation to personally visit Mayor Tim and every year are invited to speak at Fisher Middle-High School about the history of Pyrates and their part in the Battle of New Orleans.

We are but humble Pyrates (even benevolent, some say) and we ask in the name of the brothers Laffite, Renato Beluche, Dominque Youx, Bartholomé Lafon, the many spirits that abide in that alley – and everyone who appreciates the true history & culture of New Orleans. To quote President James Madison, in his pardon of the Baratarians (aka Procalmation 19), we “have abandoned the prosecution of the worse cause for the support of the best, and particularly that they have exhibited in the defense of New Orleans unequivocal traits of courage and fidelity.” Please see your way to facilitating a smooth and painless transition for Bar du Théatre, Inc. / DBA, Pirates Alley Café & Olde Absinthe House to be “officially” recognized as the Bar it’s always been…and an historical plaque wouldn’t be amiss to honour the location for it’s value!

Fair winds, following seas & full tankards,

Capt. John Swallow
QM Seika Hellbound