The Original Pierre Maspero’s is a celebrated restaurant in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans, known for its deep historical roots and classic Cajun/Creole cuisine.
What Makes It Unique and Its History
What truly sets The Original Pierre Maspero’s apart is its rich history, as the restaurant is housed in a building erected in 1788, making it one of the oldest and most historically significant in the French Quarter. The present structure was allegedly built between 1795 and 1810 after the original was destroyed in the 1794 fire.
Historically, the location was known as Maspero’s Exchange or Maspero’s Coffee House. During the early 19th century, it served as a bustling meeting place for merchants, planters, and privateers.
Significant Historical Events
- Meeting of Heroes and Privateers: The most famous claim is that it was a meeting place for the privateer brothers Jean and Pierre Lafitte and their men.
- Planning the Battle of New Orleans: Legend holds that General Andrew Jackson met with Jean Lafitte in a room on the second floor in late 1814 to plan the defense strategies leading up to the Battle of New Orleans (January 8, 1815). (Note: This distinction is also claimed by the Old Absinthe House, creating a classic New Orleans historical dispute.)
- The Maspero Slave Exchange: A darker part of the building’s history is that in the 1810s, it also served as the site of a slave auction known as the Maspero Slave Exchange, later renamed Hewlett’s Exchange.
Today, the restaurant leverages this history to provide a uniquely cozy and historical dining ambiance for locals and travelers.
Highlight Menu Items
The menu focuses on authentic Cajun and Creole dishes, served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Highly praised items include:
- Bread Pudding: Often cited by customers as the “best in town” and a must-try dessert.
- Seafood Pot Pie: A rich dish featuring Gulf shrimp and blue crab in a cream sauce over a buttermilk biscuit.
- Blackened Redfish: Fresh Louisiana red drum, blackened with Cajun spices.
- Fried Green Tomatoes with Gulf Shrimp Remoulade: A popular appetizer.
- Muffaletta: The New Orleans original sandwich with Genoa salami, ham, Provolone cheese, and a unique olive salad.
- Cajun and Creole Classics: Other favorites include Crawfish Étouffée, Red Beans & Rice with andouille and alligator sausage, and various Po-Boys.
Customer Feedback
Customer reviews frequently praise:
- The Historic Atmosphere: Dining in one of the oldest buildings in the French Quarter is a major draw, making the experience “special.”
- The Food Quality: The Cajun and Creole dishes, particularly the seafood and the bread pudding, receive high marks for being delicious and authentic.
- Service and Ambiance: Patrons often mention the friendly and accommodating staff and the restaurant’s warm, welcoming environment, though some note it can be a little pricey.
Location and Contact Information
The Original Pierre Maspero’s is centrally located in the historic French Quarter.
- Address: 440 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Phone: (504) 524-8990
- Website: https://originalpierremasperos.com/
Social Media Links
The restaurant maintains a presence on major social platforms:
- Facebook: Look for The Original Pierre Maspero’s
- Instagram: Look for @originalpierremasperos
