Commander's Palace

Commander's Palace, a benchmark of Creole cuisine in the Garden District

Commander's Palace is a New Orleans restaurant located at 1403 Washington Avenue, at the corner of Coliseum Street, in the Garden District. Since 1974, when the Brennan family took over its management, the establishment has focused on transforming hospitality and creating memorable dining experiences. Its co-proprietors are Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan, and the kitchen is led by Executive Chef Meg Bickford.

New Haute Creole and local cuisine

The culinary offering is defined as New Haute Creole: modern New Orleans cooking that engages in a dialogue with Creole tradition. Chef Meg Bickford builds her menus around produce from Louisiana farms and the bayou, with a "soil-to-plate within 100 miles" policy that aims for 90% of ingredients to come from within a 100-mile radius. The restaurant describes its cuisine as carrying the flavor of Louisiana's distinctive terroir.

History and accolades

Chefs such as Jamie Shannon, Tory McPhail and Emeril Lagasse have passed through the restaurant's kitchen, along with current Executive Chef Meg Bickford. That trajectory has resulted in seven James Beard Foundation awards. The figure of Ella Brennan, the family matriarch and a leading light of New Orleans dining, inspires the team's dedication to culinary excellence. The restaurant also features a Chef's Table, presented as one of the first in the country.

Services and experiences

• Jazz Brunch: brunch service with live music on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• 25-cent martini lunch: on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during lunch service.
• Private dining: the restaurant hosts private events such as rehearsal dinners, board meetings or anniversaries. Holly Miculek is the event coordinator.
• Le Petit Bleu: sister café and shop located next to the restaurant, at 1427 Washington Avenue, open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. It offers crêpes and cookbooks, among other products.
• Commander's Collection: product line available in-store and online.
• Dine at Home with Goldbelly: service to enjoy the restaurant's cuisine at home.
• Gift cards.
• Complimentary valet service: guests can leave their vehicle in front of the restaurant, on Washington Avenue.

Hours and dress code

Lunch is served Wednesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. Dinner is offered Monday and Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. (in summer it may begin at 6:30 p.m.) and Wednesday through Sunday from 6:00 p.m. (in summer it may begin at 6:30 p.m.). The restaurant is closed on Christmas Day and Mardi Gras. The last seating varies by season.

The dress code is business attire: jackets are preferred for gentlemen; collared shirts and closed-toe shoes are required for gentlemen; shorts, flip-flops, T-shirts, sweatshirts and track pants are not permitted; jeans are discouraged and hats are not permitted for gentlemen. The restaurant accepts a maximum of four equal payments per table.

Team and departmental contact

In addition to Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan as co-proprietors and Meg Bickford as Executive Chef, the team includes Dan Davis in the wine area. General inquiries are handled Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Central Time). Reservations can be made online or by phone. For career opportunities, the Human Resources Director is Gabrielle Rios; for marketing and communications, the Director is Emily Daly. Donation requests are sent by email or mail to the attention of the marketing department at 1427 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130.

Locations and venues

Main location: 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

Le Petit Bleu location: 1427 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130