Commander’s Palace
You can't mention New Orleans cuisine without bringin' up Commander's Palace - this giant of Creole cooking's been an institution in the Garden District for over 130 years! And that bright turquoise paint job makes it hard to miss. What started as a modest late 1800s saloon slingin' drinks was soon winning global fame for classy Louisiana eats.
Let's dip into the delicious history and character of this Big Easy legend, y'all...
Born Outta Prohibition Hooch Hustles
The story goes way back to when Commander's was the speakeasy hookup during Prohibition, thanks to its corner spot by Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. The owner let local bartenders stash their secret liquor supply under loose grave tiles near the joint to fuel underground parties. Talk about ghost stories and spirits! Word is high rollers like politicians, and riverboat gamblers came to, uh, pay their respects and have a drink.
After repeal ended all the coffin cocktail parties, Commander's settled into being one of New Orleans' most happenin' fine dining joints. Through the 40s and 50s, tourists flocked for a taste of authentic Creole recipes perfected over decades while locals wined, dined, and caught live tunes in the tropical courtyard garden.
Brennan Family Spiced Things Up
In the 70s, New Orleans restaurant royalty - the Brennans - took over and gave Commander's a figurative and literal new coat of paint. They spruced up the interior, slapped on that iconic sky blue exterior, doubled down on first-class Southern hospitality, and invented contemporary "Haute Creole" cuisine.
They brought in crazy talented chefs, too. Have you ever heard of Emeril Lagasse or Paul Prudhomme? Both legends got their start dazzling diners with innovative, tradition-twisting dishes at Commander's Palace. And celebrity chef alums keep raking in the James Beard awards. I mean, have you seen the medal count in this place? Sheesh.
Traditions Old As The Saints
Even with all those celebrity toques in the kitchen, Commander's never broke from its heritage. The old-school Garden District mansion ambiance is full of Victorian chandeliers, pressed tin ceilings, and bright colors true to Louisiana.
And the food keeps classic Creole flavors alive - turtle soup every Friday lunch, crawfish pushed to their buttery, peppery limits, and whiskey pepper sleigh rides for dessert. Though the chefs sneak in some modern tech like sous vide, molecular gastronomy wizardry, and foams, you can tell they respect the classics.
You can't forget the joie de vivre either - live jazz still jams almost every day at lunch to get patrons second linin'. Generations of regulars and first-timers alike join like family. And tall tales get told that grow more outrageous by the Sazerac or wine pairing.
Haute Cuisine, Humble Heart
Commander's may be a bonafide culinary palace, but it's got a humble heart thanks to its owners. Ella and Dottie Brennan took over the family biz in the 70s and ensured sublime Southern hospitality remained the centerpiece. That spirit lives on with their kids running the show today.
Yes, high society types have filled its tables for over a century - heads of state, celebrities, you name it. But Commander's still somehow feels as inviting as your best friend's grandma's house on a Saturday night.
It even bounced back stronger than a hardened hurricane local after Katrina fiercely slammed the restaurant. Within months, doors reopened, and good times picked up right where they left off.
So when you make it down to NOLA, put Commander's Palace on your itinerary along with the French Quarter and Ghost City tours. Get spirited on Sazeracs, stay up way too late laughing with friends new and old, then stumble out and second-line home with a full belly and even fuller heart. 'Cause Commander's serves up love, life, and all that jazz in potently perfect proportions. It just makes you fall deeper in ♥ with The Big Easy. Now let the good times roll, chère!
Contact & Location
1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
Dine-in · Takeout / Delivery
Open · Closes 11:30 PM
