What if your candlelit dinner came with a side of ghost stories? At Muriel’s Jackson Square in New Orleans, Louisiana, guests don’t just savor Creole cuisine—they often share the room with lingering spirits. Set inside a restored 18th-century townhouse overlooking Jackson Square, Muriel’s combines French Quarter elegance with centuries of paranormal lore.
Ghost Stories of the Haunted Muriel’s Jackson Square
Muriel’s is widely considered one of the most haunted restaurants in New Orleans. Staff and patrons have shared decades of unexplained encounters:
- The Séance Lounge: Located upstairs, this room is dedicated to the ghost of Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, a former owner who died by suicide in 1814. Many believe his spirit never left, and he’s said to appear as a shimmering light or mist.
- Shadowy Figures: Patrons and employees have reported shadowy presences moving across the restaurant floor and in mirrors, especially near the staircase and private dining rooms.
- Poltergeist Activity: Glasses have been seen shattering without cause, chairs move on their own, and unexplained knocks echo through empty rooms.
- Reserved Table for a Ghost: Every night, Muriel’s sets a table in the courtyard for Mr. Jourdan, complete with bread and wine—an ongoing tribute to their resident spirit.
Muriel’s has been featured on paranormal shows such as The Dead Files and My Ghost Story, where investigators captured unexplained cold spots and electromagnetic anomalies. YouTube channels like The Paranormal Files and Amy’s Crypt have also explored the building, noting unusual temperature drops and voice phenomena. These pop culture appearances have solidified Muriel’s ghostly reputation among locals and tourists alike.
A Historic Legacy in New Orleans
The building that houses Muriel’s dates back to the 1700s and has survived fires, rebuilds, and the tumultuous changes of the French Quarter. Its most infamous resident, Pierre Jourdan, lost the property in a poker game and ended his life on the second floor. Over the centuries, the space has served as a home, bar, and now an upscale restaurant. Despite modern renovations, the structure still exudes an old-world charm that seems to hold onto the past—especially the spirits of those who once called it home.
Visiting Tips for a Ghostly Adventure
Ready to explore the haunted Muriel’s Jackson Square? Here’s how to plan your visit:
Plan Your Visit: Muriel’s is open daily for lunch and dinner, with private dining and event bookings available. Reservations are recommended and can be made at muriels.com or by calling (504) 568-1885.
If you’re curious, ask your server if the upstairs lounge is available for viewing—it’s a popular photo spot with eerie ambiance.
Details about hours, access, and events are accurate at the time of writing. Please check the location’s official website for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.
Spooky Spots to Discover:
- The Séance Lounge – The second-floor chamber is filled with red velvet, antiques, and supernatural energy.
- Main Staircase – Staff have reported cold spots and flickering lights on this grand stairwell.
- Courtyard Table – Reserved nightly for Mr. Jourdan, it’s both a tribute and a curiosity.
- Bar Area – Glasses are said to clink or fall on their own, especially after hours.
Dare to Explore Haunted Muriel’s Jackson Square?
Muriel’s blends gourmet dining with ghost stories, making it one of the French Quarter’s most unusual destinations. Whether you’re stopping by for shrimp and grits or hoping to spot a spirit in the Séance Lounge, this haunted restaurant promises a meal you’ll never forget.
