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New Orleans › Frenchmen Street › Muriel's Jackson Square
Muriel's Jackson SquareA-Worth Trying
801 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116
· Creole restaurant, American restaurant, Bar
· 4.6/5 Google (5244 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Elegant Creole staple with memorable ambiance and strong classics; book ahead, expect lively rooms, very good food, but some inconsistency in steaks and service under pressure.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Muriel's Jackson Square delivers A-grade performance through exceptional seafood and Creole dishes paired with outstanding historic setting and Jackson Square views. However, inconsistent execution on steaks and timing during peak service prevents higher standing. The restaurant excels as a destination for visitors seeking atmospheric New Orleans dining with reliable quality, though execution variance on busy nights tempers its standing among the region's finest establishments.
Restaurant Summary
The rooms feel warm and historic, with gilded mirrors, balcony peeks over Jackson Square, and the famed Seance Lounge upstairs. Guests describe service as gracious and attentive on good nights, and the vibe swings lively with tour chatter and the occasional birthday song. One diner put it simply: "The setting alone turns dinner into a little New Orleans story.". The cooking leans elevated Creole comfort more than showy modernism: turtle soup with a sherry lift, shrimp and grits in smoky tomato butter, pecan-crusted drum, and a rum-sauced bread pudding that regulars swear by. Expect capable technique and classic flavors; steaks can be the weak link on off nights, but seafood and brunch dishes shine. This is ideal for visitors who want a sense of place on the plate without molecular theatrics. Families fare fine here. Kids can latch onto pork chops or pasta, brunch brings omelettes and French toast, and desserts are familiar crowd-pleasers. There is no dedicated kids menu noted, but options like shrimp and grits, chicken, and the $11 desserts keep it accessible. Noise levels can rise, so early seatings are wisest for younger diners.
At a Glance
- Historic French Quarter setting with Seance Lounge and ghost table adds theater
- Seafood-led Creole dishes and bread pudding earn repeated praise
- Steaks and pacing can be inconsistent on busy nights
- Lively rooms; noise and tour traffic may disrupt quiet dinners
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- seance_lounge_experience
- ghost_table_reservation
- historic_french_quarter_setting
- jazz_brunch_tableside
What People Love
- The sense of New Orleans history in every room
- Shrimp and grits with rich, smoky butter
- Bread pudding with boozy rum sauce
- Friendly servers who guide the prix fixe
- Exploring the Seance Lounge and balcony
Points of Concern
- Steak doneness and temperature inconsistencies reported by multiple diners
- Service timing slips at holidays and peak hours (forgotten apps, long waits)
- Noise and large groups can undercut a refined evening
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($28-$39 mains) which may surprise casual diners
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$55-75 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose the prix fixe for value and house signatures
- Seafood mains (redfish, drum) are consistent winners
- End with the $11 bread pudding or creme brulee for satisfaction
Perfect For
- A first-night-in-NOLA Creole dinner with atmosphere
- Jazz brunch before wandering Jackson Square
- Celebratory date night with balcony photos
- Out-of-towners seeking a quintessential Quarter experience
Location Insights
Area: Historic French Quarter hub attracting visitors and locals; lively, picturesque, and tourism-driven near Jackson Square.
Safety: High foot traffic tourist zone; generally safe but crowded; occasional street activity typical of Quarter nights.
Nearby: Steps from Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral; bars, galleries, and tour groups frequent the area.
French QuarterThe French Quarter offers a diverse dining scene ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, often featuring Creole and Cajun cuisine. The area is bustling with activity, especially in the evenings, and is known for its festive and welcoming social atmosphere.
Jackson SquareJackson Square is a central and iconic part of the French Quarter, surrounded by historic buildings and popular for its open-air art markets and street performances. Dining here often includes a mix of traditional Creole fare and contemporary Southern cuisine in a picturesque setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday15:00–21:30
Tuesday15:00–21:30
Wednesday15:00–21:30
Thursday15:00–21:30
Friday15:00–22:00
Saturday10:30–22:00
Sunday10:30–21:30
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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