Napolean House: "DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE!" Top 5 Page for this destination Napoleon House Bar & Cafe Tip by jadedmuse

I know I've said "this is one of my favorite restaurants" several times already - and I also acknowledge that with a place like New Orleans, it's pretty much IMPOSSIBLE to have ONE favorite restaurant - but I am in LOVE with this place!!!!!

(I have to share their website here, because it's really fun and will seriously whet your appetite to visit this place while you're in New Orleans...so look for it, below.)

Nestled inconspicuously on Chartres St. across from the Royal Sonesta Hotel, this local treasure was built back in 1821 by then New Orleans mayor Girod. Girod originally planned it as a home for Napolean (his idol) upon his release from exile on St. Helena; Napolean never made it to New Orleans, but Napolean House has since been converted to a completely eccentric and charming little restaurant where you can sip on a Pimm's Cup and savor a Muffelatta sandwich (they're the BEST here) out in the courtyard, or venture inside and inspect the many portraits of Napolean from floor to ceiling. The Jambalaya is decent here as well.

Favorite Dish: I like Napolean House best for lunch or an early, casual dinner if I've been running around in the Quarter - reasonable prices, too. It used to be known only among locals, but the tourists discovered it back in the late 80s and the secret's been out ever since.

The atmosphere inside is really cool - dark wood paneling and all those portraits of Napolean, backdrop of classical music and of course the completely colorful waiters - reserved, yet with a touch of the flamboyant (see for yourself what I mean...)

This place doubles as a kind of bed and breakfast as well, although I don't know much about that.

You CANNOT go to New Orleans without at least having a Pimms Cup and a Muffelatta at Napolean House. It's MANDATORY!!

Address: 500 Chartres St.
Comparison: about average
Directions: French Quarter (Downtown)
Price: US$11-20
Rating: 5
Theme: Local
Website: http://www.napoleonhouse.com