Commander’s Palace sits on Washington Avenue in the Garden District serving inventive modern New Orleans cooking that coexists with Haute Creole in a Victorian landmark operating since 1893.
The turtle soup leads orders here with Alligator Snapping turtle meat tasting like fresh sweet crab in butternut squash-flavored consistency that converts skeptics who never thought they’d eat turtle.
Pecan crusted gulf fish and creole bread pudding soufflé share a menu celebrating New Orleans classics, where 25-cent martinis at lunch and jazz brunch on Saturdays create the festive atmosphere that makes this a true city landmark.
Why Team Service Creates Theater as Much as Meal
The dining room operates with teams of servers presenting each course to entire parties at once with synchronized timing, creating nearly over-the-top service experience where professional grace meets Brennan Family warmth.
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls in upstairs dining rooms provide garden views while three-man Dixieland bands stop at tables playing personalized songs, adding atmospheric elements that turn meals into journeys through city history.
The dress code requiring no shorts maintains upscale classy environment, while accommodating mobility scooters and storing luggage proves accessibility matters as much as formality at this Garden District institution.
How a Washington Avenue Victorian Became New Orleans’s Summit Restaurant
Commander’s Palace launched in 1893 bringing Haute Creole cuisine to the Garden District, where Victorian architecture and deep neighborhood roots created the landmark that sits at the summit of a city famous for restaurants.
The Washington Avenue location built its reputation on dishes that became New Orleans classics – turtle soup with sherry, pecan crusted fish with crab, and bread pudding soufflé requiring 20-minute advance orders.
The Jazz Brunch on Saturdays shows musicians going table to table while servers deliver cochon de lait eggs benedict and 25-cent martinis flow, creating energy that combines entertainment with exceptional Creole cooking.
Food Highlights
- Turtle Soup: Alligator Snapping turtle meat in butternut squash-flavored soup with sherry creating the most ordered dish that defines Commander’s. 🐢
- Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé: “Queen of Creole Desserts” finished tableside with warm whiskey cream poured over fluffy soufflé requiring 20-minute advance order. 🍞
- Pecan Crusted Gulf Fish: Fresh gulf fish with pecan crust topped with poached lump crab meat in whiskey-spiked corn cream sauce. 🐟
- Shrimp & Tasso Henican: Gulf shrimp preparation showing Creole seasoning techniques that separate New Orleans cooking from regular Southern food. 🦐
- Commander’s Creole Gumbo: Dark roux with sausage and chicken in garlic and Creole seasonings creating the best gumbo visitors have had in New Orleans. 🥘
- Bananas Foster: Classic New Orleans dessert prepared tableside with flames and warm rum sauce over vanilla ice cream. 🍌
Atmosphere
The restaurant sits at 1403 Washington Avenue in the Garden District where Victorian architecture meets moderate noise levels from 25-cent martini lunches and jazz performances.
White linens, silver utensils, and numerous drinking glasses create upscale formal setting, while outdoor seating in the garden and views through floor-to-ceiling windows add natural beauty.
The dress code requires business attire with no shorts allowed, creating classy dressy environment perfect for celebrations, rehearsal dinners, and occasions requiring special treatment.
Bottom Line
Commander’s Palace works because teams of servers deliver synchronized service turning meals into theater, while turtle soup and bread pudding soufflé prove New Orleans classics deserve their legendary status.
The pecan crusted gulf fish and 25-cent martinis at Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday lunch show upscale doesn’t mean stuffy when Brennan Family hospitality meets professional grace.
The Victorian landmark operating since 1893, jazz brunch on Saturdays, and location in the Garden District make this Washington Avenue institution worth dressing up for and booking reservations weeks in advance. 🌟
Address: Commander’s Palace
1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
📞 (504) 899-8221
🕐 Mon-Tue: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Wed-Fri: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Sat: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Sun: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Dress code: No shorts allowed
Creole cuisine | Jazz brunch Saturdays | 25¢ martinis Wed-Fri lunch | Reservations required | Garden District landmark
Website | Instagram | Yelp