Napoleon House
European · Cajun Creole · New Orleans, LA
About
You'll find a mix of locals and travelers here, drawn by the faded elegance and classical music that fill this 200-year-old French Quarter landmark. Originally meant as a refuge for Napoleon Bonaparte, the Napoleon House now serves Creole classics like muffulettas and jambalaya in a courtyard shaded by palm fronds. The bar is known for its signature Pimm's Cup, and the uneven tile floors and hollowed wooden bar speak to decades of use. It's casual, historic, and unpretentious.
Best time to go is late afternoon on a weekday, when the courtyard is quieter. You can play chess at a corner table or just soak in the atmosphere. The food is good but not fancy; try the muffuletta with its housemade olive salad. It's open daily from 11 am to 10 pm, and weekend nights are busiest.
Napoleon House sits in the French Quarter near Chartres and St. Louis streets, surrounded by historic architecture and lively streets.
Features
- ✓Sip a Pimm's Cup at the old wooden bar
- ✓Try the famous muffuletta sandwich
- ✓Relax in the palm-filled courtyard
- ✓Classical music plays throughout
- ✓Open daily 11am to 10pm
Cuisine
Good for
Practical
Best nights: Thu, Fri, Sat
What people say
Rated from 2,115 reviews. 10 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“Great drinks!”
Perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Grab a Pimms Cup and some small plates to share. Their cheese plate is as good as any I've had. The courtyard is charming but gets too warm in humid weather. Great vibe.
A visitor · Over a year ago
“Dine at House prepared for Napoleon's exile in1797”
Entering this place feels like going back in time to late 1700s Paris. Napoleon House serves as a restaurant, bar, bistro, and cafe all at once. It's well-known for its classic old-world feel, classical music, chess players, and excellent bistro food and sandwiches like the muffuletta—a New Orleans Italian staple made with ham, Genoa salami, pastrami, Swiss and provolone cheeses, plus house-made Italian olive salad. This spot is almost a must-visit for lunch or dinner. They're open late except on Mondays (closing at 5 p.m.) and closed Sundays. By the way, Napoleon never reached his intended exile here; he died in 1821 three days before sailing. You can see his death mask at the nearby Cabildo.
A guest · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there outdoor seating? +
Yes, Napoleon House has a courtyard with outdoor seating.
What type of cuisine is served? +
The menu focuses on Creole classics like muffulettas, po'boys, and jambalaya.
Does Napoleon House have a full bar? +
Yes, it has a full bar and is known for its signature Pimm's Cup.
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