Restaurant Description
The Van Antwerp Building is the first Skyscraper in Alabama, as well as the rest of the Southeast. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places with such distinction. The building was designed by George B. Rogers, who designed many of the unique structures in downtown Mobile. This venture by Garet Van Antwerp and his sons was started in 1906 and completed in 1908. It was built for the purpose of providing a new home for the family operated Drug Store which had occupied this corner since 1884.

Many of the features from the "New" Drug Store remain intact today. The ceiling is of the 1906 vintage and was hand tooled by Italian artisans. There is also still some of the original patterned mosaic tile form 1906 near the front entrance. The remaining tile is "almost original" as it replaced the mosaic due to a lack of durability within a few years of operation. Many other original features also still exist. The Mahogany woodwork behind the bar served as the prescription counter for the family owned drug store, and the Brass Chandeliers and other light fixtures with their fans provided the light and cooling, as air condition was not added until the 1950's. The thermometer just outside the front entrance, which is still accurate to this day, was a popular stopping point for many of the downtown merchants and customers. The marble columns and rear stairs, as well as the exterior of both the Dauphin Street and Royal Street sides, which are made of terra cotta tiles, have withstood the years. Today the original "Drug Store" is home to Cafe Royal.
Your Host, Tony Dughaish

Best Known For...
Table side cooking
Cowboy Rib eye
Grouper Oscar

Service Type Sit Down		Special Needs Booster/High Chairs Wheelchair Access Children's Menu		Atmosphere Romantic
Meals Brunch Lunch Dinner		Banquet 10 - 20 People 20 - 50 People 50 - 100 People Over 100 People Off-Site Catering		Amenities Wi-fi
Attire Casual		Bar Info Full Bar		Parking Street