Join us for day drinking at De Pope Tavern! Our tour boat is docked just outside, so arrive early for your tour, and step inside to play a game of pool, for a snack from our small bar food menu and/or drinks at local prices - not increased touristy prices, including weekend beer, drink and shot specials! You can also purchase drinks to take on the tour, as there is a stop about halfway through the tour with a restroom.
HISTORY
De Pope Tavern is our tavern and also where our tour boat is docked. De Pope was founded by Lionel J. Alphonso, Sr. in 1993 and was originally a local boat launch and tavern. The name "De Pope" comes from Mr. Lionel's nickname - "Da Pope." He became Da Pope, New Orleans Saints super fan, after Pope John Paul's visit to New Orleans in September 1987. Since then, Da Pope was inducted into the Visa Hall of Fans in the Pro Football Hal of Fame in January 1999, Canton Ohio; he became an active member of Pro Football's Ultimate Fan Association ("PFUFA") in 2001; and he was selected by What a Fan as the "Nation's #1 NFL Fan!" in 2013. Da Pope is a local legend, and known by all loyal Saints fans! After Hurricane Katrina, the boat launch did not return (although the old boat hoist still stands), but the tavern returned and was renovated. Mr. Lionel retired in early 2021, and we took over management so we could make it Happiness Bayou Tours' official home!
