Napoleon House, Historic restaurant in French Quarter, United States
The Napoleon House is a three-story brick structure built in American colonial style at 500 Chartres Street in New Orleans' French Quarter. The building features a hipped roof with dormers, a cupola, ornamental iron railings on the second-floor balconies, and now operates as a restaurant and bar.
Mayor Nicholas Girod constructed this building in 1794 and planned to offer it as a sanctuary for exiled Napoleon Bonaparte in 1821. Although this refuge was never used for that purpose, the house preserves this remarkable chapter from its early years.
The restaurant carries on a tradition of playing classical music that started when owner Joe Impastato began spinning opera records on his phonograph. This musical backdrop remains an essential part of the space today.
The restaurant operates daily and offers a menu of New Orleans Creole dishes served in indoor and courtyard seating areas. Visitors can easily walk here from the riverfront and other nearby attractions in the historic district.
It became the first place in America to serve Pimm's Cup cocktails after owner Joe Impastato discovered the drink during travels to England. This innovation reflected his willingness to bring unexpected flavors to the New Orleans dining scene.
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