Opening
November 16!
Make a Reservation at this Historic New Orleans Favorite
Enjoy cocktails at the bar, including the Bon Ton Rum Ramsey—an award-winning early 1900s cocktail by Albert Martin and our signature drink.
Reserve a table via @btprimerib link in our bio. Opening Nov. 16. Complimentary valet parking available.
Everything’s in place—the tables are set, the ambiance is warm, and we’re ready to welcome you back Nov. 16.
Reserve a table by visiting @btprimerib link in our bio. Complimentary valet parking available.
On the corner of Magazine & Natchez, Bon Ton Prime Rib opens Saturday, November 16 at 4pm—until then, #Nola!
Serving Prime Prime Rib nightly from 4pm. Reserve your table at www.btprimerib.com. Complimentary valet parking is available.
Nearly 150 years later, New Orleans` third-oldest restaurant is now Bon Ton Prime Rib. Where old New Orleans meets the new, the Greenbaum family brings a fresh touch to a beloved classic. Revived in the historic 1840s Natchez building, this iconic institution honors its rich history while embracing the future. Staying true to Bon Ton`s roots, the new menu blends classic Cajun flavors with prime steaks—hallmarks of the Greenbaum family’s restaurants—and includes the Rum Ramsey cocktail, a nod to the restaurant`s legacy.
After graduating from Tulane University, Jerry Greenbaum (B ’62) and his wife, Barbara (NC ’63), became two of Tulane’s most dedicated supporters, serving as board members and leading several major projects, including the namesake Residence Hall and an online graduate program in hospitality. "I love Tulane, and I love New Orleans," Greenbaum said. "There’s a style of living here that you won’t find anywhere else." — Tulane News Releases, 2011
Plans to purchase Bon Ton were already underway before the pandemic. Renovation work had begun, with reopening initially scheduled for September 2023. However, a fire broke out, requiring a complete overhaul. Despite the setback, the project moved forward with renewed determination. After years of planning, the restaurant is ready to welcome guests once again. Bon Ton Prime Rib will open nightly at 4 p.m., starting Saturday, Nov. 16.
“Thanks for reading our story. We hope you enjoy our rendition of this timeless dining establishment.” – Jerry, Barbara, the entire Greenbaum family, and all of us at Bon Ton Prime Rib.
The traditions established by Al and Alzina Pierce continued under the guidance of their nephew, Wayne, who began training with them shortly after the reopening. In 1972, the restaurant moved across Magazine Street to its current location, occupying the bottom floor of the historic 1840s Natchez building. The dining room is spacious, with large windows on two sides and exposed brick walls on the other. By the 1980s, Wayne took the reins, with his wife, Debbie, joining him to uphold the family’s path of Cajun cooking that had long drawn in locals, especially from the nearby business district.
In 1953, after a brief closure, Bayou Lafourche denizens Alvin and Alzina Pierce revitalized and reopened Bon Ton Cafe, shifting the menu to reflect the cooking of Acadiana. They introduced family recipes crafted in the heart of Cajun country, sharing a part of their heritage with the city’s diners and celebrating the flavors and traditions of Louisiana’s bayous. As one of the earliest restaurants in New Orleans to feature this distinctive style of cooking, the Bon Ton Cafe gave locals a taste of authentic fare, prepared just as their family had enjoyed it for decades.
During Martin’s time, the restaurant was popularly referred to as “The Bon Ton Bar,” which highlighted its vibrant atmosphere and reputation for quality drinks.
He garnered recognition from the legendary Trader Vic, creator of the Mai Tai, who praised Martin’s rum cocktails as “the finest obtainable” and predicted that the Rum Ramsey would become a classic. Trader Vic recognized Martin as one of the top mixologists of his time, highlighting his impressive skills with rum. He also acknowledged Martin`s contributions alongside other leading barman of the era, noting that Martin`s cocktails weren`t just popular—they set the standard for cocktail craftsmanship.
From glass washer and bar wiper to renowned mixologist, Albert Martin’s journey at Bon-Ton Cafe began as a 14-year-old apprentice. Rising through the ranks, he became its sixth owner in the early 20th century. Though he briefly honed his craft at the old Ramos bar, Martin spent his entire career at Bon-Ton, where he created the now-iconic Rum Ramsey cocktail in the 1930s. His talent and charm made Bon-Ton a celebrated landmark in New Orleans’ cocktail culture, especially for his renowned rum creations.
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Anthony Commander, a former bartender at the Sazerac Saloon, became the proprietor of The Bon Ton in 1889. While at the Sazerac, he worked alongside Henry C. Ramos, who that same year invented the famed New Orleans cocktail, the Ramos Gin Fizz. Under Commander’s ownership, The Bon Ton was transformed into Bon-Ton Cafe. He introduced a cafe-style ambiance and menu, adapting to the evolving tastes of New Orleans at the turn of the century. This set the stage for the eventual renaming to Bon-Ton Cafe, which was later featured in an advertisement in the Business Guide of New Orleans and Vicinity.
Six years after acquiring Bon Ton, Anthony expanded his ventures by opening Delmonico in New Orleans. He was also the brother of Emile, the original owner of Commander’s Palace.
The Bon Ton traces its origins to the St. James Hotel Saloon, circa 1859. A succession of proprietors managed the establishment until Edward P. Prophet took ownership, making it “one of the more popular resorts in the business center of the city,” according to The New Orleans Times. Two years later, in 1877, Prophet renamed it The Bon Ton. According to The New Orleans Item, it was a “handsome little temple” known for serving “fine wines and liquors.”
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The Bon Ton, est. 1877. Originally, the restaurant welcomed sailors and maritime workers from the nearby docks, creating a vibrant atmosphere that embraced seafarers. Fun Fact: The restaurant moved twice, first to 322 Magazine Street—home to our sister restaurant, @chophousenola.
We’re excited to be back in the neighborhood and can’t wait to welcome you soon to the historic third-oldest restaurant in #NewOrleans.
