You’ll find Ryan’s Irish Pub down on Decatur Street, just a stone’s throw from the madness of Bourbon, yet it feels a world away. It’s the sort of place where you can slip in for a pint, chat with the bartenders, and strike up a conversation with whoever’s beside you. The staff are warm, the atmosphere is easy, and it offers a welcome pause from the bustle outside. Inside, it’s very much an American spin on the Irish bar—dark wood, flags, jerseys, and a few quirky touches like horse-head stools. It doesn’t have the quiet charm of a snug back in Dublin or Galway, but it makes up for it with a friendly vibe and a sense of familiarity. The pints are poured well, the whiskey shelves are stocked, and there’s no shortage of conversation to go around. Where Ryan’s stumbles is in leaning into the “Irish Car Bomb” gimmick. Posters on the walls advertise it openly, which cheapens the place a bit and turns a tragic part of Irish history into a party trick for tourists. It’s a shame, because the bar doesn’t need that kind of thing—it already stands strong as a solid spot to enjoy a drink and some craic without the gimmicks. That aside, Ryan’s is still a great bar to duck into when you’re in the French Quarter. It’s lively without being overbearing, welcoming without pretense, and a fine place to spend a couple of hours. Just don’t go expecting an authentic Irish pub from home—it’s New Orleans’ version of one, and that’s grand in its own right.