Napoleon, Coffee, and the Paris Cafés He Frequented

When you think of Napoleon Bonaparte, you might picture him on horseback or in exile—but long before he became emperor, he was just another young officer in Paris with a taste for strong coffee and a habit of forgetting his wallet. One fateful visit to a legendary Parisian coffeehouse ended with him leaving behind not just a tab, but his military cap as collateral. That moment cemented his place in the story of one of the city’s oldest cafés—and in coffee history.

Napoleon Bonaparte really did pawn his military hat for a cup of coffee at Paris’s Café Procope. He was also a regular at the Regency Coffee House, where he played aggressive, often losing chess games. Both cafés still reference his visits, with one even displaying the very chess table he used.

The Hat-for-Coffee Moment at Café Procope

Long before he crowned himself emperor, a young, stocky Napoleon—described as short with a round face—visited the historic Café Procope in Paris. Located on the Left Bank, Café Procope is recognized as one of the oldest continuously operating cafés in the world, dating back to 1686. During the visit, just before the French Revolution, Napoleon finished his coffee but couldn’t pay the full bill. Rather than walk out, he left his military cap with the waiter as security. Though small, the incident tied his name forever to one of Paris’s most iconic coffee institutions.

Napoleon’s Regular Coffeehouse: The Regency Coffee House

Beyond Café Procope, Napoleon was also a known patron of the Regency Coffee House (Café de la Régence), a Parisian spot famed for its chess scene. Unlike his military discipline, his approach to chess was anything but calculated. Contemporary accounts describe his play as impulsive and often reckless, leading to frequent losses. Frustrated, he once complained that chess "is not scientific enough to be taken seriously, yet too difficult to be just a game." Despite his skill level—or lack thereof—he was a frequent visitor, and the café still preserves the original copper-edged chess table he reportedly used during his matches.

Coffee Culture in Revolutionary Paris

During the years leading up to and during the French Revolution, Parisian coffeehouses like Café Procope and the Regency Coffee House served as more than just places to drink coffee—they were hubs for political debate, social exchange, and intellectual discussion. It’s in these settings that many revolutionary ideas were exchanged, and where a young military officer like Napoleon could mingle with thinkers, artists, and agitators. Coffee was often consumed black and strong, mirroring the boldness of the times and the personalities within these establishments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Napoleon really pawn his hat for a cup of coffee?

Yes. According to historical anecdotes, a young Napoleon visited Café Procope in Paris and, after finishing his coffee, realized he didn’t have enough money to pay. He left his military cap with the waiter as collateral. This incident is one of the earliest recorded connections between Napoleon and the Paris café scene.

What coffeehouse did Napoleon go to for chess?

Napoleon frequently visited the Regency Coffee House (Café de la Régence) in Paris, which was well known for its chess culture. He played there often, though his style was described as aggressive and poorly strategic, and he lost many games. The café still displays the copper-edged chess table he is said to have used.

Was Napoleon a skilled chess player?

No. Historical accounts suggest that Napoleon was not particularly good at chess. He played impulsively and often made reckless moves, which led to his frequent losses. He reportedly found the game frustrating, calling it "not scientific enough to be a serious study, yet too difficult to be just a game."

What is Café Procope, and why is it famous?

Café Procope, established in 1686, is one of the oldest continuously operating cafés in the world. Located in Paris, it became a central meeting place for intellectuals, revolutionaries, and artists. Napoleon visited the café in his early years and famously left his military cap there as payment for an unpaid coffee bill, linking his legacy to the establishment.

What kind of coffee did people drink in Paris during Napoleon’s time?

In Paris during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, coffee was typically consumed black and prepared strong, often similar to modern espresso in intensity though brewed differently. The coffee culture revolved around social and intellectual gatherings in cafés, where strong, dark roasts were the norm.

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