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Tujague’s Celebrates 170 Years of Creole Tradition
Mar 4, 2026
On February 20, Tujague’s officially marked its 170th anniversary, honoring nearly two centuries of continuous operation in the heart of the French Quarter. Founded in 1856, the iconic restaurant now enters its 170th year as one of the longest-running dining institutions in the United States, a distinction earned not through reinvention, but through preservation.
For generations, Tujague’s has stood firm through wars, hurricanes, cultural shifts, and even a recent relocation from its original home. Its story is one of resilience and continuity, and nowhere is that more evident than on the menu.
A Menu Rooted in History
At Tujague’s, preservation happens plate by plate.
Meals still begin with Shrimp Remoulade and continue with dishes like Chicken Bonne Femme, an “if you know, you know” classic quietly passed down by Madame Clemence Castet in the 19th century. Creole Cream Cheese Pie traces back to Madame Begue, who transformed breakfast cheese into a signature dessert. The Butcher’s Breakfast, once served to working men in the late 1800s, evolved into the brunch culture we celebrate today.
And of course, the Grasshopper cocktail, first created in 1918 by bartender Philip Guichet, is still poured daily for locals and visitors alike.
Rather than hosting a single commemorative event, Tujague’s is dedicating its entire 170th year to honoring its culinary lineage. Through revived dishes, storytelling initiatives, and historic dining formats, the restaurant is keeping Creole cooking traditions alive in the 21st century.