Some restaurants choose to reinvent themselves to stay relevant over the years and attract new customers. Others stay consistent to their traditions and unique charms including their signature dishes and drinks. New Orleans has several restaurants in the latter category including Tujague’s which marks 170 years of operation in 2026.
Founded in 1856 by French immigrants, Guillaume and Marie Abadie Tujague, Tujague’s is one of the longest-running dining institutions in the United States and the second oldest in New Orleans after Antoine’s. Shortly after the turn of the century, the Guichet family purchased Tujague’s from founders Guillaume and Marie Tujague. In 1982, the Guichets decided to sell the business to brothers Steven and Stanford Latter. Today, the restaurant remains under the Latter family ownership.
For nearly two centuries, Tujague’s has endured wars, hurricanes and countless changes in and around the historic French Quarter, including its own recent relocation to 429 Decatur Street not far from its original home out of necessity. Tujague’s continues to serve its long-standing signature dishes steeped in Creole tradition. The Butcher’s Breakfast, once prepared in the late 1800’s, has since evolved into what we now know as “brunch.”
As part 0f its 170th anniversary Tujague’s has brought back its original 1856 Table d’Hôte that from 1856 to 2013 was the restaurant’s nightly menu. Available nightly during dinner service, the five-course experience reflects the way meals were historically enjoyed at Tujague’s. Courses include Demi Shrimp Remoulade, Gumbo du Jour, Brisket Appetizer, Choice of Entrée and Bread Pudding. Today’s price for this menu us $32 per person, plus the cost of the selected entrée (excluding tax and gratuity). Full-table participation is required.
To commemorate the restaurant’s founding year, Tujague’s is offering a special two-course brunch priced at $18.56, available Friday through Sunday during brunch service. Diners can expect dishes such as BBQ Shrimp & Grits, Roast Beef Debris Po’boy, and a Muffaletta Chopped Salad.
Meals at Tujague’s still start with shrimp remoulade Photo: Sam Hanna
Chicken Bonne Femme, has long been an “if you know you know” dish, which was passed down quietly by Madame Clemence Castet from the 19th century.
Tujague’s bar was a popular gathering place for local workers. Here, the Grasshopper cocktail was invented by Tujague’s Philibert Guichet in 1918 for a cocktail competition in New York City. Guichet’s cocktail took second place in the competition and secured a permanent spot on the restaurant’s bar menu, establishing itself as one of New Orleans’ original cocktails.
So, what is a Grasshopper? It is a creamy, sweet, mint concoction usually served in a coupe. Here is Tujague’s adaptation of 1918 Recipe:
1 oz. BOLS White Crème de Cacao
½ oz. BOLS Dark Crème de Cacao
½ oz. BOLS Green Crème de Menthe
¼ oz. BOLS White Crème de Menthe
⅛ oz. Brandy 2
½ oz. Heavy Whipping Cream
Preparation:
1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice
2. Shake vigorously
3. Strain into a champagne flute
4. Top with Brandy floater
Tujague’s Grasshopper cocktail Photo: Sam Hanna
Mark Latter, whose family has owned Tujague’s since 1982, discusses the restaurant’s legacy, signature drinks and dishes on The Connected Table Live. Mark Latter, Tujague’s, New Orleans’ Second Oldest Restaurant The Connected Table Live | iHeart
Tujague’s is located at 429 Decatur Street in the French Quarter. Phone: 504.525.8676 Information and hours of operation: Tujague’s – Historic New Orleans Restaurant & Bar