Bar
Preservation Hall
A small French Quarter music hall founded in 1961 to protect and promote traditional New Orleans jazz, with live performances every night.
Napoleon House
A historic French Quarter bar and café in the Mayor Girod House, known for its Pimm's Cup, warm muffulettas and classical music.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic bar and café
- Area
- French Quarter, New Orleans, United States
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Opening
- Open daily · 11:00–22:00
- Official site
- napoleonhouse.com
Good to know
- Walk-ins only
- Food served
- Classical music
- Historic building
Why we recommend it
Napoleon House occupies the Mayor Girod House at 500 Chartres Street, a three-storey stuccoed brick building dating from the 1790s and enlarged in 1814. It was the home of Nicholas Girod, a mayor of New Orleans, and takes its name from a local legend that the house was intended as a refuge for Napoleon Bonaparte in exile; the plan to bring him to Louisiana was ended by news of his death in 1821. The building is a National Historic Landmark and a fine example of French-influenced architecture in the Quarter.
The house has operated as the Napoleon House since 1914, run for most of that time by the Impastato family, and in May 2015 the restaurateur Ralph Brennan became co-owner. Classical music plays in the background, including Beethoven's Eroica symphony, which the house notes was composed for Napoleon.
The drink to order is the Pimm's Cup. Joe Impastato is said to have discovered it on a trip to England and brought it back, and the bar describes itself as the first place in America to serve it. It is a good choice on a hot afternoon. Food is served too: the muffuletta, a New Orleans sandwich of cured meats and cheese with olive salad on a sesame-crusted Italian loaf, is made in-house and served warm, and the menu also includes traditional dishes such as red beans and rice, gumbo and jambalaya.
Napoleon House is open seven days a week from 11am to 10pm, and special holiday hours are posted on its website. It does not take reservations, so simply walk in, and be ready to wait a little at peak lunch times. It suits couples, small groups and anyone who wants a relaxed drink in one of the Quarter's most atmospheric buildings, and it works equally well for lunch, a mid-afternoon break or an early evening drink.
Because it serves continuously from 11am to 10pm, Napoleon House works for an unhurried lunch as well as an evening drink.
The building is on Chartres Street in the French Quarter, so it is easy to combine with Jackson Square, The Historic New Orleans Collection or dinner at one of the Quarter's old Creole restaurants.
Napoleon House FAQs
What should I order at Napoleon House?
The Pimm's Cup and a warm muffuletta are the house favourites.
When is Napoleon House open?
Seven days a week from 11am to 10pm. Holiday hours are posted on the website.
Do I need to book?
No. Reservations are not accepted, and walk-ins are welcome.
Why is it called Napoleon House?
A local legend says the house was meant as a refuge for Napoleon in exile. The plan ended with his death in 1821.
How old is the building?
It dates from the 1790s and was enlarged in 1814. It is a National Historic Landmark.
Who owns Napoleon House?
It was run for decades by the Impastato family, and Ralph Brennan became co-owner in 2015.
Is food served?
Yes. The menu includes muffulettas, red beans and rice, gumbo and jambalaya.