Napoleon House

Could a simple house change the course of history? Here at the Napoleon House in New Orleans, that question hangs heavy in the air. The Napoleon House stands on the corner of Chartres and St. Louis Streets. This isn’t just any building. It’s a time capsule, holding over two centuries of stories within its aged walls. Napoleon House began its life as the home and business of Nicolas Girod, a former mayor of New Orleans. Girod played a key role in the Battle of New Orleans, assisting General Andrew Jackson. He built this very structure in 1815. It originally served as both his home and his store. The name, however, has a much more intriguing origin. A rumor began circulating in 1823. People whispered that Girod planned to rescue Napoleon Bonaparte from exile. The plan was to bring him to New Orleans, to this very house. This tale, though unproven, gave the building its name and a touch of mystery. The Napoleon House remained in the Girod family until the late 19th century. The French Quarter, including this very building, saw many changes. After the Civil War, it became a haven for Italian and Irish immigrants. The Impastato family became the next chapter in the Napoleon House’s story. They rented the building in 1914, later purchasing it in 1920. They ran a grocery store, then a bar, and finally a restaurant, all within these walls. Joseph “Uncle Joe” Impastato, the family patriarch, loved opera. He would play his records for his customers, a tradition the Napoleon House still honors today. In 2015, the building changed hands again, purchased by restaurateur Ralph Brennan. He preserved the Impastato family’s legacy. Their portraits still grace the walls, and the sounds of opera still fill the air, a tribute to Uncle Joe’s passion. Today, you can still experience this blend of history and hospitality. Soak in the atmosphere, savor the famous Pimm’s Cup, and imagine Napoleon himself perhaps finding refuge within these very walls. The Napoleon House is more than a restaurant. It’s a living testament to the resilience and vibrant spirit of New Orleans.