For over two centuries, this beloved landmark in the French Quarter exudes a European charm that is a mecca for civilized drinking and eating.

Its vibrant history prevails: the optimistic plot to provide refuge for the exiled Napoleon Bonaparte by the original owner, Nicholas Girod, did not come to pass for the emperor. As first a grocery and then a restaurant, the building has been known  as the Napoleon House ever since. Girod bought the place in 1798 so the building is older than that.

Remaining true to itself, the deeply patinated walls, uneven floors, luminous photography, and a sea of quotes from famous to regular guests covering the walls between the weathered paintings, speak to the many decades of dedicated service and one of the world’s greatest bars. The waiters wear black bowties, there is continual classical music playing the background.

This is our favorite place to go in the Quarter. And it’s a little hidden gem that most visitors pass up because they don’t know about it and it looks like a run-down place from the outside. But the inside reveals an unhurried, laid back vibe that few bar/restaurants can claim.

The fare is simple New Orleans/southern Louisiana food like gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, poboys and the mufalettas. And all very inexpensive even for the Quarter. And it is all excellent. This has been considered by many to be one of the top 10 bar/restaurants in the US.

Their Pimm’s cup is their most popular drink made with Pimm’s a low-alcohol juniper-flavored liquor (like gin) from England. It is refreshing anytime of the year but especially in the summer. A favorite place for many locals to dine is the patio.

Ask for a tour of the wonderful apartment upstairs planned for Napoleon and now used for private parties.

Find out more here: https://www.napoleonhouse.com/