New Orleans Drunk History Tours • Show Me New Orleans Tours

Operating from the lively artery of Bourbon Street, New Orleans Drunk History Tours • Show Me New Orleans Tours presents a concept that is quintessentially New Orleans: blending historical education with spirited entertainment. This travel agency carves out a niche by offering an experience that moves beyond standard lectures, inviting participants to engage with the city's past while enjoying its present-day libations. The approach is designed for an adult audience seeking a more dynamic and social way to connect with the French Quarter's dense and often dark history. The tours aim to be both fun and factual, covering topics from voodoo and paranormal legends to the city's more scandalous historical events.

The Experience: A Spirited Walk Through Time

Based on numerous customer accounts, the core strength of this tour operator lies in its guides, particularly an individual frequently named Coty or Cody. He is consistently described as knowledgeable, hilarious, and deeply passionate about the city, possessing an exceptional talent for storytelling. Patrons report that his delivery makes complex historical narratives accessible and entertaining, turning what could be a dry recitation of facts into a compelling performance. The tours cover significant landmarks and delve into subjects like the supposed hauntings of the LaLaurie Mansion, the city's vampire lore, and even the eccentricities of modern figures like Nicolas Cage. This blend of serious history, local folklore, and pop culture creates one of the more unique New Orleans experiences available.

A significant positive aspect highlighted by visitors is the tour's atmosphere. It’s not just for history buffs or paranormal enthusiasts; it's a social event. The format encourages interaction among guests, creating a communal experience. The company’s official site emphasizes that even non-drinkers frequently enjoy the tours, as the focus remains on the quality of the storytelling and the shared experience of discovering the city's secrets. This makes it a versatile option among the many French Quarter tours, suitable for a variety of groups, from bachelorette parties to curious couples. The use of paranormal equipment like EMF meters on some tours adds an interactive, theatrical element that many find engaging.

What Customers Praise Most

• Engaging Guides: The tour guides are consistently lauded as the best part of the experience, with reviewers citing their humor, deep knowledge, and ability to tailor the tour to the group's interests.
• Unique Content: The subject matter, which combines documented history with ghost stories, voodoo legends, and scandalous tales, is a major draw for those seeking something different from typical guided tours.
• Social and Fun Atmosphere: Many reviews emphasize how much fun they had, describing the tours as a highlight of their trip and a great way to start an evening in the French Quarter.
• Educational Value: Despite the lighthearted and boozy premise, customers frequently comment on how much they learned about New Orleans history, architecture, and culture, often verifying the stories they heard after the tour.

A Significant Point of Caution

While the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a critical review raises serious concerns about the company's reliability and customer service. One customer detailed a distressing experience where they purchased a tour through Groupon, arrived at the designated meeting point on time, but the guide never appeared. Their attempts to resolve the issue were allegedly met with unresponsiveness, culminating in their phone number being blocked by the company. This account describes a complete failure in service delivery and communication, leaving the customers feeling "absolutely heartbroken."

This incident introduces a significant risk factor for potential clients. While it appears to be an outlier among a sea of glowing reviews, the severity of the complaint cannot be ignored. It suggests potential weaknesses in the company's operational processes, particularly concerning bookings made through third-party platforms like Groupon. Anyone considering booking, especially those creating detailed custom itineraries or purchasing vacation packages, should be aware of this reported issue. The discrepancy between the five-star experiences and this one-star failure highlights a potential inconsistency in service that is a crucial consideration for any traveler entrusting a company with their time and money.

Potential Downsides to Consider

• Reliability Concerns: The no-show incident reported by a Groupon user is a major red flag, suggesting that booking confirmation and communication may not be consistently reliable.
• Third-Party Booking Risks: The most severe complaint is linked to a Groupon purchase. This may indicate that direct bookings are prioritized or that the system for managing third-party sales is flawed. Potential customers using such platforms should take extra steps to confirm their reservation directly with the tour operator.
• Niche Audience: The theme of a "drunk history" tour, while popular, is not for everyone. Families with children, individuals seeking a sober environment, or those desiring a purely academic historical presentation should look at other New Orleans walking tours.

Conclusion for the Prospective Traveler

New Orleans Drunk History Tours • Show Me New Orleans Tours offers a product that, by most accounts, is exceptionally entertaining and informative. The combination of passionate guides, fascinating subject matter, and a relaxed, social setting makes it a standout option for adults visiting the French Quarter. The praise for guides like Coty/Cody suggests that when the operation runs smoothly, it delivers a five-star experience that becomes a cherished memory for visitors.

However, the business is not without a significant reported flaw. The account of a no-show and subsequent lack of communication is a serious issue that prospective customers must weigh. It paints a picture of a travel agency that may, at times, fall short on the fundamental aspects of reliability and customer support. For the traveler acting as their own travel planner, the best course of action might be to book directly through the company's official website and reconfirm the tour details close to the date. While the odds are high for an excellent and memorable tour, the potential for a complete service failure, however small, should be part of any informed decision.