The Original Pierre Maspero's — Restaurant in New Orleans

At 440 Chartres Street in New Orleans, the building stands. Once called the Exchange Coffee House, later Maspero's Coffee House, now it is the "Original Pierre Maspero's."

Built between 1795 and 1810, rising from the ashes of the original house lost to fire in 1788, this building became a crucial gathering place.

Planters, merchants, and privateers—the hard men with sun-browned faces—came together here.

It holds stories, this place, soaked into the wood and stone. They say it was here, in the quiet talks over strong coffee, that Andrew Jackson and Jean Lafitte laid plans to defend New Orleans.

It was late 1814, the air thick with threat. The Lafitte brothers’ ghosts seem almost to linger in the corners, watching still.

Entering the eatery, I was met by a gracious maitre d' who swiftly led me to my table. Mary, my diligent server, exuded an infectious enthusiasm as she deftly took my order, a testament to her exceptional service.

The air hummed with the lively melodies of New Orleans, setting the tone for a spirited dining experience. Opting for the Cajun jambalaya crowned with blackened shrimp proved a wise choice.

The establishment thoughtfully provided both Tabasco and Crystal's hot sauces, accommodating a spectrum of tastes. In short order, my plate arrived, boasting a bounty of succulent shrimp, and flawlessly caramelized sausage and chicken nestled amidst impeccably cooked rice. A judicious dash of Crystal's lent the ideal zest to the ensemble.

The jambalaya, true to its Cajun heritage, delivered a symphony of flavors, tender meats, and just the right amount of heat, accentuated by a cheeky banana pepper garnish—a feast fit for the most discerning jambalaya...

My food was 1-star, but somehow they managed a Low 4-star in total, read to the end and it’ll all make sense.

Waitress was awesome and the place had a nice historic feel, overall good atmosphere (albeit VERY tight seating).

Onto the food:

My wife had the Blackened Red Snapper and she said it was delicious, and that’s saying something because she is very particular about her fish.

My son had the Red Beans & Rice w/ Fried Chicken. I tasted it and was very surprised, it really was delicious as well.

My daughter had chicken tenders and fries from the kids menu, she ate them all so they must have been good.

Now for me. I ordered the Muffuletta. Huge mistake. First impressions were great, this thing looked huge and took up the whole plate! But soon after, the “Awe” turned to “awwwwwww?”

I took a bite and instantly realized it tasted like bread. And nothing else. Opened it up and I kid you not, there was not a full 25 cents worth of meat on this $18 sandwich. Literally a single slice of thinly sliced ham and a few razor thin salami slices. I can’t put into words how little meat was on this sandwich, it was embarrassing.

So, to recap, I’d go back. Maybe. But never in a million years would I order a sliced meat sandwich of any sort if this is how they prepare their “sandwiches”. It was so bad that if I would have been eating alone (and only had the Muffuletta), I would have given this place 1, MAYBE 2-stars.

But, since 3 out of the 4 meals at our table were great, they barely snagged a 4-star on my review.

TLDR: definitely worth a try, but do yourself a favor and get ANYTHING except for the Muffuletta (and likely any other deli meat...

Pierre Maspero’s – A True New Orleans Treasure Since 1788

Dining at Pierre Maspero’s is like stepping back in time while savoring the authentic flavors that make New Orleans cuisine legendary. As one of the city’s oldest restaurants, this historic gem offers not only incredible food but also an atmosphere rich with charm and Southern hospitality.

Our meal reflected the very essence of traditional New Orleans gourmet. The Blackened Redfish, made with fresh Louisiana red drum and seasoned to perfection with Cajun spices, was simply outstanding. Served with French fries, flavorful jambalaya, and topped with jumbo lump crabmeat, it was a dish that beautifully balanced spice, texture, and local flair. The Blackened Chicken Alfredo Pasta was equally satisfying—tender chicken over perfectly cooked fettuccine tossed in a creamy, decadent Alfredo sauce that added a comforting richness to the meal. The Crescent City Sampler offered the best of New Orleans classics in one plate, featuring Cajun jambalaya, red beans and rice, and chicken & andouille gumbo—each bite full of authenticity and bold Creole flavor.

The staff truly elevated the experience. They were courteous, attentive, and delightfully funny, adding a personal touch that made our evening even more enjoyable. The lively atmosphere—with a perfect mix of history, laughter, and Louisiana charm—made it easy to see why Pierre Maspero’s continues to be a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

If you’re visiting New Orleans, Pierre Maspero’s is an absolute must. It’s more than just a meal—it’s an experience steeped in history, heart, and...