This Haunted Restaurant With The Most Incredible Cuisine Is So Typically New Orleans
By Jackie Ann|Published April 27, 2019
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
Ghost stories have swirled around New Orleans for centuries. There are dozens of haunted tours that will take you around the city, exploring the city’s paranormal side. This particular restaurant has only been around since 2001, but the building is much older. And as with any old building in the French Quarter, of course there’s a ghost story that’s attached to it. Next time you dine at this incredible restaurant, you might just have a paranormal experience of your own. Let’s take a closer look.
Located in the heart of Jackson Square in the French Quarter, Muriel’s has been delighting locals and tourists alike since 2001.
The building itself has a fascinating history. Jean Baptiste Destrehan purchased the land sometime between 1743 and 1762 and built a luxurious home for his family, complete with a drawing room, a music room, a ballroom, and five bedrooms.
Sadly, part of the home was burned in the Good Friday Fire in 1788.
It was after the fire that Pierre Antoine Leopardi Jourdan purchased the building and restored it to its original glory while simultaneously building the house of his dreams.
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In 1814, Jourdan wagered his dream home in a poker game.
Unfortunately for Jourdan, he lost the hand and was going to have to give up his dream home. Faced with the crushing reality of having to move out of a home he dearly loved, he tragically committed suicide on the second floor.
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Many believe Mr. Jourdan still resides here, even in the afterlife.
Over the years there have been countless unexplained experiences. Paranormal investigators have even come to Muriel's and have confirmed that there are spirits trapped within the walls.
While not seen as a full figure, he is often seen as a glimmer of light that’s seen darting through the lounge. Disembodied voices and knocking sounds are commonly heard in the area.
They’ve had so many paranormal encounters, Muriel’s even sets a table reserved for Mr. Jourdan.
Pictured above is their double cut pork chop topped with a Louisiana sugar cane apple glaze and served with pecan candied sweet potatoes and southern style greens. This dish takes Southern comfort food to new levels.
