Bette Davis served the desserts. Marlene Dietrich and Lauren Bacall danced the night away. Red Skelton told the jokes and Bing Crosby crooned. The place was The Stage Door Canteen and the guests were the steady stream of GIs headed off to war. Many were leaving home for the first time and the Canteens offered a welcome opportunity to forget, if only for a night, their fears and anxieties. The National World War II Museum in New Orleans honors this memorable war-time tradition in our very own Stage Door Canteen, an entertainment and dining destination. Take a musical journey back to yesteryear with exciting theatrical shows. Enjoy pre-show dinner or brunch by The American Sector restaurant. Year round the Stage Door Canteen features live entertainment of the era including jazz nights, swing dancing, comedy and more.