We’re going to dine like it’s 1982

Travel back in time at New Orleans landmark restaurant Tujaque’s.

I remember the first time my father took me to Tujague's, the second-oldest restaurant in New Orleans and the third-oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States. You could feel the history emanating from the walls and tables. I realized then that this was an experience to remember, that I was enjoying a vital aspect of the city's dining tradition, not to mention the delicious five-course meal.

This month, Tujaque's invites guests to step back in time and experience the restaurant as it was in 1982, the year Steven Latter purchased the historic French Quarter institution and began a new chapter in its storied history.

Tujague’s Restaurant has seen the likes of Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower and France President Charles De Gaulle—and me, of course. The establishment dates back 170 years, serving up a menu of both modern and classic Creole dishes, as well as the Table d’hôte—the five-course tradition that was the only menu served from 1856-2013, with iconic dishes like shrimp remoulade and gumbo.

But this week—starting July 6, 2026—the restaurant launched a special throwback Taste of 1982 menu designed by Latter’s son, Mark Latter, inspired by the dining experience guests enjoyed when Steve Latter took ownership more than four decades ago. Available through Friday, July 31, 2026, and priced at a lovely $26 per person (excluding beverage, tax, and gratuity), the four-course menu will feature classic selections reminiscent of the original offerings served during that era. To further recreate the experience, guests will receive reproductions of the actual 1982 menus and wine lists that were once handed to diners at their tables. These keepsake menus may be taken home as a souvenir of the occasion.

The Taste of 1982 Menu highlights will include:

1st course: Demi shrimp remoulade

2nd course: Demi gumbo

3th course: Choice of half chicken Bonne Femme, brisket entrée or panéed pork entrée

4th course: Bread pudding served with a demi Grasshopper, the restaurant's iconic cocktail invented by Tujague's bartender Philip Guichet in 1918. The cocktail includes white and green crème de menthe, white and dark crème de cacao, heavy whipping cream and brandy.

The nostalgic experience extends to the wine list as well, with select bottles offered at a special throwback price of $19 each. 

"1982 was a pivotal year for our family and for Tujague's," said Mark Latter. "We recently uncovered original menus and wine lists from the time my father took over the restaurant, and it inspired us to recreate that experience for a new generation of guests while honoring the memories of those who were there."

Throughout the promotion, guests will be encouraged to share their personal memories of Tujague's and Steven Latter. Whether celebrating family traditions, special occasions, or stories from decades past, diners are invited to help preserve the rich history that has made Tujague's a beloved New Orleans landmark.

To make visiting even easier, Tujague's will also offer two-hour validated parking for guests participating in the promotion. The restaurant's located at 429 Decatur St. in the heart of the French Quarter so this is a valued plus!

For more information, visit tujaguesrestaurant.com/ or call (504) 525-8676. Reservations are encouraged and can be made on OpenTable.

Weird, Wacky & Wild South is written by travel and food writer Cheré Dastugue Coen who will never say no to a fine dining experience in her hometown of New Orleans. She also can't stop thinking about "The 12 Yats of Christmas" song while writing this story. If you want to know more (hint: there's a reference to Tujague's), click here.