On a corner of Chartres Street in the French Quarter, there is one of New Orleans’ most popular landmarks, the Napoleon House. What makes it unique is its traditional weathered walls, flickering gas lamps, and the overall aroma of history and muffulettas. The Napoleon House is more than a restaurant; it’s a living relic of the city’s complicated past.
The building was constructed in the late 1700s, originally as a private residence for Nicholas Girod, who served as mayor of New Orleans from 1812 to 1815. Girod’s ambition stretched far beyond politics; he reportedly offered his home as a refuge for none other than Napoleon Bonaparte, the exiled emperor of France, after his defeat and banishment to Saint Helena.
Though Napoleon never arrived (he died before any escape attempt could be made), the name stuck, and the myth became part of the building’s charm. Today, the story adds a layer of intrigue to the property, making visitors feel like they’re stepping into a secret chapter of European and American history.
Entering Napoleon House feels like walking through time. The interior is dim, and you can see plaster peeling from the brick walls. The wooden bar is charming, and they play classical music, creating an ambiance unlike any other in the city. What makes the Napoleon House unique is that it isn’t a polished building. It’s beautifully imperfect, much like New Orleans itself.
They also have tables outside in the shaded courtyard, under banana trees. Perfect for days when New Orleans is covered by the Southern sun. Inside the walls are covered with portraits, artifacts, and framed newspaper clippings, each telling a small piece of the building’s long life.
A Culinary Landmark
Of course, no visit to Napoleon House is complete without ordering the house specialty, the muffuletta. This massive, flavor-packed sandwich, layered with Italian meats, cheeses, and the signature olive salad, is served warm here. This changes the experience because the original sandwich is served cold from Central Grocery.
The Napoleon House is also known for the Pimm’s Cup, a refreshing cocktail made with Pimm’s No. 1, lemonade, and a splash of soda, garnished with cucumber. It is light, herbal, and perfect for hot New Orleans summers. It’s considered the unofficial drink of the Napoleon House and has gained a huge following among both tourists and locals.
A National Treasure
In 1970, the Napoleon House was designated a National Historic Landmark, and rightly so. Few places in America capture the spirit of a city the way this building does. It’s a representation of French Creole architecture, a marker of political and culinary history, and a symbol of the city’s art of turning history into a legacy.
It remains family-owned, currently operated by the Impastato family, who have preserved the space with an homage to its past. Though it is a restaurant and bar today, it remains deeply committed to storytelling and authenticity.
In a city filled with jazz clubs, ghost stories, and gumbo joints, the Napoleon House fits in perfectly in New Orleans. It caters to history buffs, foodies, and people who simply appreciate a beautifully old building with a story to tell. The Napoleon House isn’t just a part of New Orleans; it is New Orleans. So the next time you find yourself wandering the French Quarter, stop by and order a Pimm’s Cup.
