Brunch is always a good idea. Did you know that the tradition that we know today began in 1854? Back then, butchers would rise early in the morning to get their work done and would be finished by 11 a.m. Typically fueled by nothing more than some bread and coffee.

When German immigrant Elizabeth Dutrey Begue noticed her brother and all of his butcher friends were going hungry, she decided to serve a hearty, seven-course meal for the butchers every morning in her tiny, 30-seat restaurant. The menu changed daily based on what was available at the French Market, but things like eggs and chicory-laced coffee were always staples. 

The butcher’s breakfast became a popular tradition for many years with folks arriving by train and lining up outside to experience the new craze. Eventually, Tujague’s moved into the location and continued the butcher’s breakfast tradition. 

Fast forward to today, and brunch is easily one of the most popular menus in New Orleans. From bottomless mimosas to eggs Benedict, just about every restaurant in the city has a weekend brunch that’s packed to the max. 

Of course, there’s brunch and then there’s Jazz brunch. If you’ve never experienced a Jazz brunch, go ahead and move it to the top of your to-do list. 

Commander’s Palace is one of the best places to enjoy a Jazz brunch. 

The famous New Orleans restaurant has been a culinary pillar for the Crescent City since opening its doors back in 1893. The restaurant sits in the heart of the Garden District, flanked by ancient oak trees, grandiose mansions, and a historic cemetery. There is plenty of street parking at Commander’s Palace, and complimentary valet parking is also available. I’d recommend taking the St. Charles Streetcar and enjoying the scenic walk.

Jazz brunch is served at Commander’s Palace every Saturday (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.). Reservations can be made online.

Before you leave the house, please remember the dress code for Commander’s Palace (it’s highly enforced):

• Business attire
• Jackets are preferred for gentlemen
• Collard shirts and closed-toed shoes are required for gentlemen
• Jeans are discouraged. Ripped jeans are not allowed 
• No shorts, flip-flops, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or sweatpants

Chef Meg Bickford has expertly crafted a special menu for Jazz brunch. The restaurant’s iconic dishes like turtle soup make an appearance on the special menu, but you’ll also find a wide range of delicious dishes here. Cochon de lait eggs Benedict, pecan-crusted gulf fish, and peach-glazed duck are just a few of the menu items you’ll be tempted with. 

Commander’s Palace prides itself on a 100-mile radius rule—90% of the ingredients come from within 100 miles of their back door. Expect some of the freshest flavors you’ve ever tasted. 

While you savor the flavors of Creole cuisine at its finest, you’ll be treated to sensational live New Orleans Jazz by the Joe Simon’s Jazz Trio. Don’t be surprised if the band comes up to your table to request a song! They might even start a Second Line in your dining room. Go ahead, join in! It’s all part of the experience.

Jazz brunch at Commander’s Palace is more than a meal—it’s an experience. If you’ve ever enjoyed a Jazz brunch at Commander’s Palace, share your experience with us in the comments.

Once you’ve experienced a Jazz brunch, keep the ball rolling with an evening Jazz cruise aboard the historic Steamboat Natchez.