The Royal N'Orleans sets the atmosphere for any celebration

With an ambience of New Orleans, Royal N'Orleans Restaurant is a well-known Cape Girardeau landmark.

The building, built in 1868, has been the home of several business ventures including an opera house and a newspaper office. However, since 1954, it has been the Royal N'Orleans restaurant.

With its dim, romantic lighting and small tables dressed in white table cloths in a room filled with antique furniture, the place could be found in the French Quarter.

Helping customers celebrate special events is the restaurant's forte. It is an especially popular place during prom season. Royal N'Orleans hosts wedding rehearsal and reception dinners. According to co-owner Derek Miller, many people choose to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries there as well.

"With its strong tradition, it is good established business. Our regulars love this place and support it. For some it is a weekly dinner out for them," Miller said.

Derek Miller and Brad Robey have owned the restaurant since 2006. Miller, who's only 23, began his career at Royal N'Orleans as head chief. He was a student at Southeast Missouri State University at the time. Owning the business was unexpected.

"I love to cook. It is a really rush to be in the kitchen. I love the whole restaurant atmosphere," Miller said.

The restaurant is primarily a French Creole Steak house known for its steaks and fresh seafood. Miller purchases the steaks and seafood from Miami, Boston and Hawaii. He hand cuts the steaks and filets the fish himself.

Flaming desserts such as cherries jubilee, bananas foster and peaches flambe are served tableside to customers.

As part of the New Orleans atmosphere, on Friday and Saturday nights, Jennifer Jolls plays the piano in the lounge. Eventually Miller wants to add some Jazz musicians into the mix as well.

The Royal N'Orlean's is open 5 to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The bar is open until 1:30 a.m. every night.

The Royal N'Orleans

300 Broadway

335-8191