Ghosts, according to legend, are spirits who have not crossed over yet. Here at Muriel's, we are lucky enough to have a resident ghost, Mr. Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan. Our Seance Lounges on the second floor are named as such because it is believed that this is where Mr. Jourdan spends the majority of his time.
In 1788, there was a disastrous fire in New Orleans that burned 80% of the buildings in the French Quarter, including the original building on Muriel's property. The next year, Mr. Jourdan bought the property and built his dream home for himself and his family. He was, unfortunately, quite a heavy gambler, and one night in 1814 he wagered his beloved home in a poker game and lost. Before he had to vacate, however, Mr. Jourdan committed suicide on the second floor, in the area where our Seance Lounges are situated today. Thus, Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan never had to really leave his home, and continues to reside there to this day.
We also have a slightly mischievous ghost in our Courtyard Bar...one possibility is that Mr. Jourdan gets angry and goes downstairs to throw glasses to release some angst. Another possibility is that Muriel's has a second, slightly mischievous ghost that roams the property. Three times since March of 2001, glasses have flown from behind the bar 12 feet across to the brick wall and shattered.
Muriel's also has a carriageway that dates back to the late 1700's, and some clairvoyants say that many troubled spirits reside here, for this area was said to be where servants were housed at night.
Our resident ghosts here at Muriel's are harmless, and can sometimes be very entertaining. So be on the lookout during your next visit to Muriel's...you might just experience more than our cuisine!