The history of this property dates back to 1722, when Arnaud Roche and his family lived on this site in the French Quarter until their house burned in the Good Friday fire of 1788. Joseph Reynes built the current structure, known as the Reynes Mansion, in 1796. It remained a residence until 1873, when Victor Valentinien opened a grocery store that later became Victor’s Café, a habitat for Bohemian artists and writers.
Its most notable patron was Tennessee Williams, who would revive himself at the bar and at the small courtyard swimming pool, now covered by the fountain, where Mint Juleps and Gin Fizzes were served on sweltering summer days. One of Victor’s best known personalities was Estrellita, an African woman in her 70s who made a legendary roux, “the best in New Orleans.”
After Victor’s closed in 1962, the building sat vacant until it re-opened as the Stage Door Lounge, a favorite spot for locals. In 2004 it was reborn as Chartres House, a popular cocktail bar and Cajun restaurant that is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. By dining here, you are part of our history!
Local
Eat and Drink
- Chartres House - New Orleans (0.0 miles) - The history of this property dates back to 1722, when Arnaud Roche and his family lived on this site...
- NOLA Restaurant - New Orleans (0.1 miles) - NOLA is chef/restaurateur Emeril Lagasse’s casual and funky eatery in the heart of New Orleans’ ...
- Bayou Burger - New Orleans (0.2 miles) - Bayou Burger and Sports Company opened the doors to our New Orleans restaurant in 2012 at St. Louis ...
- Tujague's Restaurant - New Orleans (0.2 miles) - Enjoy a meal at one of New Orleans' oldest Creole establishments. Located in the heart of the Fr...
- Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar - New Orleans (0.3 miles) - A New Orleans Tradition! Felix's has been a staple of the French Quarter for more than 75 years....
See and Do
- The Historic New Orleans Collection New Orleans (0.1 miles) - In New Orleans, history suffuses everything. The architecture, cuisine, music, and mannerisms of its...
- Steamboat NATCHEZ New Orleans (0.2 miles) - Cruise back in time aboard the authentic Steamboat NATCHEZ, the ninth in a prestigious line of steam...
- Doctor Gumbo Tours New Orleans (0.2 miles) - Ever been on a boring tour? Dylan O’Donnell, aka Doctor Gumbo, has too. Which is why Doctor Gumbo ...
- Cajun Encounters New Orleans (0.3 miles) - A 20 year old locally owned and operated tour company providing highly rated, comfortable, fun, and ...
- City Segway Tours New Orleans New Orleans (0.3 miles) - Welcome to the most interesting city in the world. I have loved New Orleans since birth and I hope y...
Shopping
- Kitchen Witch Cook Book Shop - New Orleans (1.6 miles) - Kitchen Witch Cook Book Shop is a culinary book shop. Over ten thousand cookbooks including food lit...
