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This building was built in 1791 as a private home and became the first Spanish Theater in the United States. It was later the residence of the Deflechie family until Pat O’Brien purchased it. Pat O’Brien had operated a speakeasy on St. Peter Street until the repeal of Prohibition, then officially opened Pat O’Brien’s Bar on December 3, 1933, at the corner of Royal and St. Peter Streets. After Charlie Cantrell joined him, the business moved to its present location at 718 St. Peter Street. The Hurricane drink originated there in the early 1940s and quickly became a hit. Few things changed over the years at 718 St. Peter, where the Main Bar, Piano Bar, and Patio Bar with its flaming fire fountain maintained tradition while serving customers from all walks of life. In 1990, 624 Bourbon Street was purchased mainly as a private event venue, and in 1996 Pat O’s Courtyard Restaurant opened there. By 1999, Pat O’s on the River in Jax Bewery opened for private parties.
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New Orleans, Louisiana · United States
