Famous bars are supposed to be memorable for the right reasons—the history, the drinks, and the atmosphere.
But sometimes, it’s the service that leaves the lasting impression. And not in a good way.
In a viral video with more than 2.6 million views, content creator @chishreder captured an uncomfortable interaction at what appears to be the famous pirate-themed bar in New Orleans, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar.
Bartender Blatantly Ignores Customer
The video starts with the TikToker approaching the bartender and politely saying, “Hi, how are you?”
The bartender looks directly at him and then blatantly ignores him and turns to serve the customer standing next to him instead.
The man next to the TikToker orders a “Red Bull Skinny Scurvy Margarita.”
“Scurvy?” the bartender repeats back, looking annoyed.
“Do you know what it is?” she asks him.
“No,” the customer admits.
“Did you read it?” she responds curtly.
He confirms he did read it on the menu.
The Interrogation Continues
“What is the skinny scurvy? Did you read the ingredients? What is in there? Why did you choose that cocktail, first of all, OK? Let’s change the question,” she says rudely.
The customer, whose first language may not be English, explains simply, “I want to try it.”
“So you don’t care what kind of alcohol is in there or what kind of mixer is in there?” she interrogates him.
The customer says he just saw that it says margarita.
“It’s not margarita. It’s just tequila and Red Bull. That’s it,” she snaps.
“All right. That’s fine,” the man responds patiently.
“You’re good with that?” she asks, and he confirms that he is.
The Price
Finally, the bartender turns her attention to the TikToker. She asks if he has the Red Bull menu since it was only flashing on the digital screen behind her.
“No we don’t. This is our promotion for Red Bull. So that’s what you see that you get,” she responds flatly.
“OK. I’ll just wait for the screen then to come back on,” the TikToker replies neutrally.
He eventually orders a Buried Treasure—a name that likely refers to a pirate-themed cocktail.
When the bill arrives, he’s surprised to see it totals $50.
“Do you think she said the right price?” he asks in the text overlay, suggesting the bartender may not have properly communicated the cost upfront.
Bartender Customer Service
According to Snibbs, the key to bartending success extends beyond creating perfect cocktails. Here are the fundamental rules of good service:
- Master customer interaction: Interact with customers in a friendly and approachable manner, remember their names, engage in conversation, and actively listen to their preferences.
- Stay calm under pressure: During busy shifts or when dealing with demanding customers, maintain a calm and professional demeanor while prioritizing efficiency.
- Develop attention to detail: Pay close attention to each drink, ensuring accurate measurements and precise presentation.
- Continuously learn and improve: Stay updated on industry trends and innovations, and embrace feedback from customers and colleagues to refine your skills and enhance your service.
About Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar
While the TikToker didn’t explicitly identify the location, a bar sign and the bartender’s shirt—along with the pirate theme, New Orleans setting, and distinctive atmosphere—indicate this was at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. The bar is one of the most famous in the French Quarter.
Built between 1722 and 1732, it’s reputed to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States. The building survived two great fires at the turn of the 19th century, thanks to its slate roofing and stands today in the French Provincial Louis XV style.
Between 1772 and 1791, the property is believed to have been used by pirate brothers Jean and Pierre Lafitte as a New Orleans base for their Barataria smuggling operation. Located on the corner of Bourbon and St. Philip, it was considered neutral ground where the Lafittes could negotiate with potential buyers of smuggled goods. According to Andrew Jackson Hotel, Jean Lafitte likely used the tavern for these meetings rather than risk wealthy Creole buyers visiting a pirate’s home.
The bar is lit by candlelight, lanterns, and a fireplace, creating an authentic 18th-century atmosphere. Legend says Lafitte’s treasure is still buried within the bricks, guarded by a ghostly pirate. Some visitors report seeing Jean Lafitte himself roaming the bar.
OK, So Why Are The Bartenders Mean?
Condé Nast Traveler describes the staff as “volume bartenders, sending out simple drinks and premade daiquiris to the never-ending line of people that arrive to gawk at an old building.” The bar is “dark, cramped and neon-lit” with constant crowds, creating challenging working conditions.
The publication notes staff are “as friendly and efficient as the job allows.”
@chishreder It’s not Margarita!! #viral #margarita #lafittesblacksmithshop
Commenters React
Viewers were stunned to see a bartender seemingly interrogate a customer over their cocktail choice.
“I don’t care what’s in it … give me my drank,” a top comment read.
“I HATE when my bartender makes me feel like I’m bothering them for being there,” a person said.
“Why did you choose that cocktail? None of your business. Just make it,” another wrote.
“Absolutely ZERO TIP,” a commenter added.
BroBible reached out to @chishreder via TikTok direct message and comment and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop via email.