I've been to almost every cool large city in the US, except New Orleans. I've heard all about it from people who have visited and lived there, but for some reason, I've just never visited.

A good friend from New York -- Jac Currie moved back to New Orleans last year with the intentions of opening a store, but instead bought one of the most storied dive bars in the Big Easy. If you know anything at all about me, it's that I loves me some dive bars, which means that a visit to the bayou is in order in the very near future.

The bar is called The Saint. Quite fitting for a bar that one customer says is like like rolling around in an ashtray in a 5 star review by the NY Times.

This dim, smoky (though sometimes so much so that one reluctant patron describes it as "like rolling around in an ashtray") spot is favored by local indie-rockers, or people with trust funds who like to imagine themselves as indie rockers. Having now snickered at the clientele, we can add that this former cruddy old tavern has been nicely cleaned up and is quite large for its genre. As such, it should satisfy your desire to hang out at a cool New Orleans bar. Check it out here.

Rumor has it one pint-sized bartendress has quite the firey disposition and keeps a bat behind the bar and is not afraid to use it to keep the crowd in check when things get out of hand. That kinda puts New York to shame, if you ask me. I love it!

The Saint also hosts bi-weekly secret shows with some of the hottest indie bands in the country, which also doesn't shock me, given Jac's impeccable taste in music. I can only imagine what he's got in the jukebox.

One a recent night there, Diplo celebrated his birthday with a crew of DJs and members of Brooklyn band Telepathe.

Checkout the bar's MySpace for info on events, pics, and Saint Bar tees.

And don't forget, if you're going to New Orleans, your trip will not be complete without hitting up The Saint.

The Saint
961 St. Mary St
Lower Garden District
New Orleans
Phone: 504.523.0050