Meyer The Hatter is a tourist attraction in New Orleans, LA. Open: Mon–Sat 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM; Sun Closed. Phone: (504) 525-1048. Average rating is 4.9 stars from 666 reviews. Website: https://www.meyerthehatter.com/.
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Meyer The Hatter storefront showcasing a vibrant sign and flags.
4.9 666 reviews Today 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM

New Orleans' Living Legend of Fine Hats

The country's second-oldest hat store, still fitting heads on St. Charles Ave since 1894.

About Us

A display of various hats in a storefront window. — Meyer The Hatter
A display of various hats in a storefront window.

Sam Meyer is 101 years old, a World War II veteran, and he showed up to work today. That single fact tells you everything you need to know about Meyer The Hatter. Founded in 1894 and now run by Sam alongside his two sons, this St. Charles Avenue institution has been placing the right hat on the right head for over 130 years, making it one of the oldest hat retailers in the United States.

Step through the door and the selection stops you cold. Fedoras, panama hats, porkpies, western brims, wool caps, and custom fits line the walls in a density that rewards slow browsing. The staff, many of them family, bring a depth of knowledge you simply cannot find at a department store rack. Customers who walk in without any intention of buying routinely walk out carrying a hatbox.

This is not a nostalgia shop frozen in amber. Meyer The Hatter earns a 4.9-star rating across hundreds of reviews because the fitting experience is genuinely personal every time. Whether you are a local grabbing a game-day cap or a visitor who stumbled off the streetcar, you leave with a hat that actually fits your head and your life.

What We Offer

The core of what happens here is the hat fitting, a craft the Meyer family has refined across three generations. Staff measure your head, read your face shape, and pull options you would not have thought to try yourself. The result is a hat that looks like it was made for you, because the selection process treats it that way.

The store carries an extensive range of styles: panama hats woven for New Orleans heat, classic fedoras in wool and straw, structured western hats, flat caps, and specialty pieces tied to local teams and universities like Tulane. Custom sizing and blocking services are available for those who need a precise fit.

Beyond individual purchases, Meyer The Hatter is a destination for gifts, special occasions, and the kind of souvenir that actually gets worn. The team ships nationwide, so the hat you fall in love with on St. Charles Ave can follow you home anywhere in the country.

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What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

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2 months ago
"I am so glad we passed by this store on our way to a cafe. I wasn’t planning on buying a hat but after seeing their selection of hats, I gave in to my love of hats. Chris was absolutely helpful in finding the right hat and fit for me. This unplanned purchase made my 50th even more meaningful. Thank you to my beautiful wife for this leather hat. Later on we learned that this store is a historic hat shop in New Orleans. What an incredible experience."
— Rory Concepcion
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4 months ago
"A true New Orleans gem. Ask for Sam Meyer. He’s a 3rd generation, 101 year old, World War 2 Vet, Hatter. Sam works side by side with his 2 sons at the countries 2nd oldest hat store in the county. The rest of the staff is also fantastic and very knowledgeable. They carry very fine quality hats."
— Ashley Clark
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3 months ago
"I was so glad to come across this gem of a store! I wanted a Tulane hat while visiting the city, and was planning to go elsewhere, but I walked past the store and had to stop. Cedric helped me and I found a great looking and quality hat! The store has been there since the late 1800s and it was suggested that maybe even my grandma and great grandfather shopped there back in the day! So if you need a hat and you're in New Orleans, come to Meyer the Hatter! It's not far from the French Quarter."
— Russ Gibson
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a year ago
"Of all the things I do in New Orleans, going to Meyer The Hatter is truly one of my favorite experiences. I have bought dozens of hats from these folks over the years and enjoyed each visit. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable and seems to always be able to find the perfect hat for me. Great people and great products, Meyer is the best."
— Louis and Elaine
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2 months ago
"Good selection, great service, and fantastic quality. No hats for kids but these aren’t hats for kids. it’s a hat that will protect your head through many cycles around the sun. Stay by your side as your hair thins and turns grey and hold you firm with dignity and poise."
— Emily M

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Meyer The Hatter been open?

Meyer The Hatter was founded in 1894, making it one of the two oldest hat stores in the United States with over 130 years of continuous operation on St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans.

Who is Sam Meyer and does he still work at the store?

Sam Meyer is a third-generation hatter, World War II veteran, and as of recent customer visits, a 101-year-old who still comes in to work alongside his two sons. He is a living piece of New Orleans history and the soul of the store.

What styles of hats does Meyer The Hatter carry?

The store stocks a wide range including Panama hats, fedoras, porkpie hats, western-style brims, wool flat caps, and caps tied to local teams and universities such as Tulane. The inventory is one of the most comprehensive in the region.

Can I get a hat fitted to my exact head size?

Yes. The staff are trained fitters who will measure your head and guide you through styles that complement your face shape. Custom sizing and hat blocking services are available for a precise, tailored fit.

Does Meyer The Hatter ship hats nationwide?

Yes. If you visit while traveling and want to send a hat home, or if you want to order remotely, Meyer The Hatter offers nationwide shipping so your purchase can reach you anywhere in the country.

Where exactly is the store located?

The store is at 120 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130, in the Central Business District. It is easily accessible via the historic St. Charles streetcar line and is a short walk from several well-known cafes and hotels.

Is Meyer The Hatter worth visiting as a tourist attraction?

Absolutely. The store is recognized as both a historical landmark and an active retail destination. Many visitors walk in out of curiosity and leave with a hat they wear for years. The staff are welcoming to first-time visitors and locals alike.

Hours of Operation

Closed · Opens Wednesday at 10:00 AM
Monday 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
Tuesday Today 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
Friday 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
Sunday Closed

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