Napoleon House in New Orleans is one of those rare places that make one long to return to a city, just to sit again in the shade of the ancient palms, drinking drinks in the sulfurous light of the old gas lamps. The waitstaff wear white, and glow faintly as they move soundlessly amongst the tables. I drank my first Pimms Cup here, while being regaled with stories of gold coin, bribes and intrigue.
Get all the info on this fabulous edifice built in 1797 at: Napoleon House Bar & Cafe, 500 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130. Tel: (504) 524-9752.
During our week long stay in New Orleans we visited Napolean House around 4 times. We were there with a big group of friends one night, and on other nights on our own. We always sat in the courtyard and enjoyed the ambiance. When I think of New Orleans, this is the place that my memories take me back to, it was hard to beat the surrounding, the affordable food, and the waiter who looked down his nose at us – somehow adding to our hilarity and never actually offending us. When I return to New Orleans, the Napolean House will be at the top of my list for places to revisit.