Posted in Louisiana Food & Dining, Iconic Foods February 09, 2019 by

The History Behind This Louisiana Restaurant Is Downright Fascinating And You’ll Want To Visit

Scattered throughout the state are historic buildings that have fascinating pasts. From plantations to general stores, there are endless structures that have stood the test of time, including this particular restaurant. The warm ambiance and the delicious food are only accented by the fascinating history of the building, and you need to check it out.

You’ll find Cotton nestled right in the heart of downtown Monroe.
Restaurant Cotton/Facebook
This picturesque restaurant opened its doors in 2008, but the history behind the building is truly fascinating. Like many older buildings in Louisiana, it has quite a tale to tell.
Cotton is housed within the J.S. Bloch Building, which was constructed in 1893.
Restaurant Cotton Website
The building served as a bar and then a saloon for many years. When Prohibition banned the sale of alcoholic beverages, owner Jacob Bloch found a loophole - mail order sales of liquor were still legal. Mr. Bloch is believed to have launched the first mail-order liquor dealership in Monroe. Sneaky!

Bloch’s business sold liquor in sizes ranging from a pint to a gallon, and it was quite successful. After the business closed down, the structure saw many businesses come and go over the years, including a general store, cafeteria, and bookstore. At one point, it was a cotton exchange, which inspired the name for the restaurant that inhabits the building today.
When renovations began in 2008, it was very important to its new owner, Jay Howell, to restore the building to its glory days.
Restaurant Cotton/Facebook
And they did a splendid job!
The atmosphere seamlessly blends an industrial 20th-century look with modern accents.
Restaurant Cotton/Facebook
The restaurant is comfortable enough to come with kids, yet elegant enough to be a great option for date night.
Cotton’s diverse menu features unique twists on modern comfort food that you won’t find anywhere else.
Restaurant Cotton/Facebook
For starters, order the boudin balls (pictured above). You won’t regret it.
And the shrimp and grits served here is legendary.
Restaurant Cotton/Facebook
You’ll find yourself fighting the urge to lick the plate after devouring this Louisiana classic.
From seafood platters to burgers, there’s something for everyone here.
Restaurant Cotton/Facebook
The cheeseburgers are massive, so be sure to bring a big appetite!
Cotton is also open for brunch on the weekends.
Restaurant Cotton/Facebook
Feast on everything from pork Benedict to biscuits and gravy every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

You can find Cotton at 101 N. Grand St., Monroe, LA 71201. It is open for dinner on Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit the restaurant’s website here and follow along on its Facebook page here.

Have you dined at Cotton? What did you order? Share your experience with us in the comments below!

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