Funky Pirate, New Orleans

I loved listening to Big Al and the band, they are wonderful! Big Al sang a "Happy Birthday" to me like I've never experienced before! This place is a must see while in New Orleans.

I was in New Orleans this weekend for Jazz Fest (which was great by the way). I got to the Funky Pirate an hour early to get a good seat for Big Al and was able to catch the last set of Mark and the Pentones. WOW is all I can say! Next time I'll get there earlier to catch all of their sets. Mark is an incredible talent; not to be missed. Followed by Big Al; what can I say?

My first experience of Blues and New Orleans night life was made perfect by Big Al Carson. The man is a legend. I stumbled into the funky pirate my first day at Mardi Gras to try the legendary hand grenade... but I found true love instead. Big Al Carson is almost a one man show. He is raunchy, silly, and sarcastic. He keeps the crowd involved and really puts on a performance. If you want to hear a true crooner belt the blues, visit Big Al at the Funky Pirate. I can promise you won't be disappointed.

We just got home after spending a week in the French Quarter. I will tell you that the highlight of our trip was the Friday afternoon we spent in the Funky Pirate. First we listened to a few hours of Mark playing solo on his guitar and then we were told we were in for a treat----Big Al Carson. And they were SO right. Told that his show would start at 8:00 pm we got a good seat and waited. At approximately 8:30 pm he pulled him and parked directly across the street on Bourbon Street and walked in the door. And Big Al is BIG---all 500 lbs of him. When he began playing I had to close my eyes to take it all in. What a great blues artist he is. Get all of his CD's too if you can. They sell them at the bar for $15 cash and it is worth it. We will have the memories of a great evening on Bourbon Street. If you love the Blues like we do, don't miss this special treat!

The Funky Pirate is the best of Bourbon Street. I was there 3 nights of the 4 I was in town and the only reason I missed a night was that they were closed. One of the best things about this place, besides "Big Al" was the mix of the crowd. It was college Students all the way to Grandparents.

Big Al was a joy to listen to. The bartender was always friendly and over the course of the month I spent working in the French Quarter in the aftermath of Katrina, the Funky Pirate was my place to escape to after a day of dealing with Katrina.

I have visited twice and had a great time. The music is really amazing.

This is one of the few bars that I plan on going back to in N.O. I stayed 8 nights in the French Quarter and 7 of them were spent hanging out at the Funky Pirate. If you don't go for the fun atmosphere and wonderful drinks, then go for Big Al Carson! He and the Music Masters are incredible and put on an amazing show every night. I have found my true love...a 500 lb. black man who sings in a hole in the wall. Don't miss this bar!!!

My sister in law from Lake Charles, known as "Tits" to Big Al intorduced me to the Funky Pirate back in 1995 when she and my brother (a Yankie) were still dating. We would go every year and enjoy the atmosphere; Big Al, Hand Grenades, Horny Gators, Trpoical Itch, etc. Big Al made a point to serenade my brother and/or I with Sweet Home Chicago everytime we visited. So, on February 3rd, 2001 when I was proposed to we decided that the Funky Pirate was were we would be wed. I had family and friends from California, Ohio, Louisiana, Illinois, etc, join us in the court yard of the Funky Pirate on April 6th, 2001 for the best party ever. Which now being divorced is commonly referred to, by friends and family, as "the party in honor of me". Everyone thought I was a little crazy getting married in a bar, but we figured since that's where everyone usually wants to be during a wedding anyway, why not have the ceremony the drinking and the wonderful cajun food all in one place at one time? And believe me, the Funky Pirate is now a legend in our family where family members return to every time they visit "Nawlins". It was simply wonderful. Brad intorduced me to my Chef, Baker, Caterer, and Wedding Planner (who were all the same person) and the Wedding Planners wife was my hairstlyist and manicurist.It doesn't get any better than that. Thank you so much; Pam, Brad, and everyone else that made the wedding happen and Marie Laveau's (a couple doors down) for making the divorce "magical". "Just because the marriage wasn't magic, doesn't mean the divorce can't be." (getting a shirt that says this on your wedding night in your wedding dress is a good sign that the marriage isn't going to be as good as the party, the party will probably last longer)

I try to make it to New Orleans at least once a year and one of the highlights of my trip is a visit(s) to the Funky Pirate. Hats off to Big Al and company. Also, those behind the bar, they treat you right! Hope to see you in Feb.