Napoleon House

What to know

Located at 500 Chartres Street, Napoleon House is a historic landmark that serves as a window into the architectural soul of New Orleans. Built in 1794 and later enlarged in 1814, the structure was originally the residence of Nicholas Girod, who served as the mayor of New Orleans. In 1970, the building was designated a National Historic Landmark, recognized as one of the finest remaining examples of French-influenced architecture in the city. The venue derives its name from a romantic local legend. In 1821, Mayor Girod offered the house as a place of refuge for Napoleon Bonaparte during the emperor's exile. While the French leader never actually moved in, the gesture cemented the building's identity and its enduring connection to European history. Since 1914, the property was operated by the Impastato family before Ralph Brennan took ownership in May 2015. Today, it functions as a European-style café that maintains its old-world charm by playing opera and classical music for its guests. Visitors come for the signature culinary offerings, most notably the Pimm's Cup cocktail, which the establishment claims was the first of its kind offered in America. The menu also features a warm muffuletta made in-house with sesame bread, cured meats, and olive salad, alongside Creole staples like Jambalaya and Seafood Gumbo.

Visitor tips

• Bring cash, as some sources list the establishment as cash only.
• Plan for a wait; reservations are not available and the venue operates on a walk-in basis.
• Visit between 11:00 AM and 10:00 PM, as they are open daily during these hours.
• Try the warm muffuletta, which differs from the cold versions typically served elsewhere in the city.

Nearby context

Situated in the heart of the French Quarter on Chartres Street, Napoleon House stands as a sentinel of the neighborhood's colonial past, surrounded by the dense, walkable grid of historic Creole cottages and galleries.