Check out these haunted restaurants in New Orleans and dine with ghosts in the Big Easy.
New Orleans, often referred to as the most haunted city in America, boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and the supernatural. From voodoo to historic mansions, the city’s spooky reputation is well-deserved.
Exploring the Most Haunted Restaurants in New Orleans
But beyond the cobbled streets and centuries-old architecture lies a hidden gem: haunted restaurants. These eateries offer more than just delectable cuisine; they serve up ghostly encounters and tales of the afterlife. In this post, we’ll go on a journey through some of the best haunted restaurants in New Orleans. Let’s delve into their histories, sharing spine-tingling anecdotes, and tantalizing your taste buds at the same time.
Muriel’s Jackson Square
Muriel’s Jackson Square, nestled in the heart of the French Quarter at 801 Chartres Street, has a history that dates back to the 18th century. The restaurant is named after Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who lost the building in a poker game, only to commit suicide in despair. His spirit is said to haunt the establishment, especially in the séance lounge upstairs.
Diners have reported encountering strange phenomena, such as flickering lights, cold spots, and the inexplicable sensation of being watched. Muriel’s menu features Creole dishes like Crawfish Étouffée and Shrimp and Grits. Muriel’s also offers a Saturday brunch and a Sunday Jazz Brunch While dining, keep your eyes peeled for the ghosts. you might just experience a paranormal encounter alongside your meal.
Antoine’s Restaurant
Antoine’s Restaurant is a culinary institution that has been serving New Orleans since 1840. It’s located at 713 Saint Louis Street in the heart of the city. Its dark, mahogany-paneled dining rooms, fragrant with history, offer a taste of the city’s rich culinary traditions. But it’s not just the food that’s steeped in history – the place is believed to be haunted by several spirits.
One of the most famous ghosts at Antoine’s is the mischievous Antoine Alciatore, the restaurant’s founder. He is said to have been seen wandering the dining rooms, occasionally knocking over glasses and causing a ruckus. On the menu, you can savor classics like Oysters Rockefeller, Pommes de Terre Soufflées, and Baked Alaska.
Tujague’s Restaurant
Tujague’s Restaurant, established in 1856, is one of the oldest dining establishments in New Orleans. Located in the French Quarter at 429 Decatur Street, it boasts a rich history and a haunted reputation that draws visitors from all over. The restaurant’s connection to the past is not only felt through its classic Creole cuisine but also through its supernatural encounters.
The ghost of Julian Eltinge, a renowned female impersonator who performed at Tujague’s in the early 20th century, is said to linger in the upstairs dressing room. Diners have reported hearing footsteps, witnessing apparitions, and even experiencing a sudden drop in temperature. As for the food, Tujague’s serves mouthwatering dishes like Brisket of Beef, Chicken Bonne Femme, and their signature boiled beef brisket, known as the “Boiled Dinner.”
Want to stay in a haunted hotel? The Bourbon Orleans Hotel, with its rich history as a theater, orphanage, and convent, is renowned as New Orleans’ most haunted hotel. It’s famous for its ghostly nuns, spectral children, and a wandering Confederate soldier, creating an eerie atmosphere that captivates those with a taste for the supernatural. The hotel’s haunted reputation adds a chilling dimension to its charming French Quarter setting. The Bourbon Orleans also has a great Creole restaurant and lively bar.
The Court of Two Sisters
Tucked away in the heart of the French Quarter, The Court of Two Sisters offers a charming courtyard dining experience amid lush gardens and the soothing sound of a courtyard fountain. But what makes this restaurant truly special is the long list of reported ghostly encounters.
The two sisters, Emma and Bertha Camors, are said to haunt the establishment. Diners have reported seeing apparitions of elegantly dressed women. Some have even felt a gentle touch on their shoulders while savoring dishes like Turtle Soup, Seafood Jambalaya, or Crawfish Étouffée. The spirits seem to appreciate the fine Creole cuisine as much as the living. The Court of Two Sisters also offers a popular Jazz Brunch Buffet.
Arnaud’s Restaurant
Arnaud’s Restaurant, established in 1918, is a treasure trove of New Orleans culinary history and paranormal tales. Located in the French Quarter, this restaurant has become a hotspot for those seeking both Creole cuisine and ghostly encounters.
The phantom of Count Arnaud Cazenave, the restaurant’s original owner, is believed to watch over the place. Diners have described smelling his signature violet cologne. Some have reported cutlery moving mysteriously on tables. While dining, you can enjoy delicacies such as Shrimp Arnaud and Oysters Bienville, all served with a side of supernatural stories.
Want even more ghosts? If you’d like to explore New Orleans’ haunted past in more detail, check out the New Orleans Ghosts, Vampires, and Voodoo French Quarter Tour. Visit the most haunted building in New Orleans plus much more in this guided two-hour tour.
The Napoleon House
The Napoleon House, located at 500 Chartres Street in the French Quarter, is not just a restaurant – it’s a historic landmark. Its name pays homage to its intended purpose as a home for the exiled French emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, which never came to fruition. The building’s ghostly presence is linked to its long history and its conversion into a restaurant.
The spirit of a young boy, Andrew Jackson, is rumored to inhabit the restaurant. He is believed to have perished during the yellow fever epidemic and remains trapped within the establishment. Diners have reported hearing childlike laughter and the rustling of a young boy’s clothes. The restaurant’s menu features traditional New Orleans fare, including Muffulettas, Red Beans and Rice, and Jambalaya.
What are muffulettas? Muffulettas, a New Orleans culinary treasure, are colossal, flavorful sandwiches filled with layers of Italian cold cuts, cheese, and a distinctive olive salad. Served on round Sicilian bread, these savory giants are a mouthwatering emblem of the city’s rich culinary heritage.
Checking Out the Most Haunted Restaurants in New Orleans
New Orleans is a city steeped in history and legend, where the line between the living and the dead often blurs. Dining in one of its haunted restaurants is an experience like no other, where you can savor Creole cuisine while listening to the whispers of the past and perhaps even witness a spectral guest. From Muriel’s Jackson Square to The Napoleon House, these eateries serve up more than just food; they offer a taste of the otherworldly. So, the next time you visit the Crescent City, consider booking a table at one of these haunted restaurants for an unforgettable evening of history, mystery, and delicious cuisine. Who knows, you might just encounter a ghostly guest at the table next to you.
Top Questions About Haunted New Orleans
In New Orleans, the best foods are a spicy, flavorful fusion of Creole and Cajun cuisines. Popular dishes include Shrimp and Grits, Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Crawfish Étouffée, showcasing an emphasis on seafood. And don’t forget the iconic beignets for a sweet finish.
New Orleans earned the affectionate nickname “The Big Easy” due to its relaxed and easygoing way of life. This moniker reflects the city’s laid-back attitude, where the people are known for their love of good food, jazz music, and leisurely enjoyment. The term gained popularity in the 1960s, and it perfectly captures the relaxed, welcoming vibe that permeates this vibrant and culturally diverse city.
New Orleans is considered haunted because it’s a city where history, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural dance in the moonlit streets. With its rich blend of cultures, voodoo traditions, and centuries-old buildings, it’s a place where you can almost feel the spirits of the past come alive. So, don’t be surprised if you hear some ghostly jazz in the French Quarter or catch a glimpse of a spectral reveler during your visit!