The Story of
Bon Ton
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, Chophouse New Orleans.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nearly 150 years later, the 3rd oldest restaurant in New Orleans 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 New Orleans institution celebrates its rich history while embracing the future. While staying true to Bon Ton’s roots, our new menu blends classic Cajun flavors with prime steaks that have become a hallmark of the Greenbaum family’s restaurants.
