It all started with an idea that was realized when a mystical, crumbling building appeared before our founders.  Possibly the oldest standing structure in downtown New Orleans, organically restoring the Swoop-Duggins House at 916 Lafayette St. over a 3 year period was no small task.  The next step was answering the question, how do we honor this historic space while executing a modern establishment?  CellarDoor serves delightfully crafted cocktails, both modern and classic, along with a brilliant yet approachable selection of fine wines and bubbles.  Our culinary style can be described as seasonal international-contemporary cuisine and is locally sourced.  The unique house art collection, along with our rotating art shows, hopes to make the statement that it is possible to be progressive and forward thinking, without compromising the cultural integrity of ones historic surroundings.  We invite you all to come imbibe, ingest, and celebrate with us as friends of New Orleans.

A Little About The Building...

The Swoop-Duggins House (916 Lafayette Street) is truly one of the most unique buildings in all of New Orleans.  Part of the Upper Central Business District's National Historic District, as well as the local Lafayette Square Historic District, it is possibly the single oldest "house" remaining in downtown New Orleans.  At the end of the eighteenth century, the boundaries of New Orleans expanded upriver from the Vieux Carré (French Quarter.)  Previously operating as the ever eccentric Velvet Room, the brothel themed Sporting House, arts themed restaurant "Christopher Blake's," owned by gourmet laureate Christopher Blake (Gertrude Stein's last protégé), and most notably one of the longest running brothels in New Orleans, the Swoop-Duggins House doesn't fall short on soul or history.  Most likely built around or before 1830, the house is a three-story, three-bay, brick house with an attached two-story service wing... and yes, it most certainly does have ghosts.  

Gregory M Gremillion

Proprietor 

JAMIELYN ARCEGA

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Rachel Fabra Gremillion

special events director