The History of the Marquis Cocktail Lounge

Occupying a beautiful space on the first floor of the Lafayette Arms, the Marquis is a neighborhood cocktail lounge and event space in the heart of Portland, Maine. The inspiration for Marquis Lounge comes from the history of the building itself. It was originally built as a luxury hotel and opened in 1903 (image at right), and was named the Lafayette after US and French Revolutionary war hero the Marquis de Lafayette (also the Duc d’Orleans).

The Marquis stayed at this very address when passing through Portland during his grand US tour in 1825. The tour was a major national and international event, meant to celebrate Lafayette’s triumphs in war and democracy (he fought under Washington at Valley Forge), reinforce the political and cultural ties between the “new” republic of France and the young United States, and garner broad societal support for the still-recent Louisiana Purchase. A significant stop on this tour was in New Orleans in April 1825, a weeklong celebration marking the pinnacle of his journey.

Original mosaic floors at the Marquis Lounge

The fleur de lis pattern of our beautiful, original 1903 mosaic floors references the close relationship of France and the US during the Revolution, and specifically the Marquis and his title, Duke of Orleans (where New Orleans gets its name). Portland and New Orleans are connected in history as two major milestones of the Marquis’ epic journey exactly 200 years ago. To this day, Maine and Louisiana also remain the only two states with French being the second most common spoken language. There is a shared history and connection to French culture and French influence in North America that connects our two cities.

New Orleans also has a wonderfully rich and colorful history, and is renowned for its cultural diversity and celebratory art, food, and music—it is considered the home of the modern cocktail. With many signature recipes developed there in the early and mid-1800s, the barkeeps and entrepreneurs of 19th century New Orleans laid the groundwork for how cocktailing has expanded to the creative artisan craft it is today. Laissez les bon temps rouler, et Vivre le Marquis!

CUR NON?

“Cur non?” is a Latin phrase meaning “Why Not?” and is the personal motto that Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette adopted for his coat of arms. The motto expressed his rebellious and determined spirit. As a young man, he famously defied his king’s orders to join the American Revolution by sneaking out of France, securing his own ship, and joining Washington at Valley Forge. He later named his first-born son Georges Washington de Lafayette in honor of his great mentor and youthful time in America.

All his life, Lafayette was a fervent supporter of human rights and personal freedoms. He advocated for women’s rights in America, civil rights for Protestants in France, and was a lifelong abolitionist who vehemently opposed slavery and loudly voiced his disappointment in the US Founding Fathers for not ending slavery in the Constitution. He viewed Native Americans with great respect, championing their cultures and contributions and forming strong alliances with many tribes, especially the Oneida. In his grand US tour of 1825, he continued his passionate advocacy for religious tolerance, Native American sovereignty, women’s rights, the universality of freedom, and the abolition of slavery.

Meet the Owners

Jacob and Meg met at a beach bar in St. Croix, USVI, where Jacob (a native Mainer) was working for the season, and Meg was working remotely for a few weeks. Jacob made her his signature Painkiller (or maybe two or three), and the rest, as they say, is history!

Now, having officially made Portland home since 2021, they are excited for the opportunity to bring something special to the local community. They are inspired by the history of the building, and also hope to draw from their combined experiences and passions from around the world, including Jacob’s time spent living in the Caribbean and the several years Meg spent living in France.

Together, Jacob and Meg are thrilled to share some of their favorite foods, beverages and experiences with the community they love.

We can’t wait to host you and look forward to the many memories we know will be made!! CUR NON?

“We dance even if there’s no radio. We drink at funerals. We talk too much and live too loud and frankly, we’re suspicious of others who don’t.”

~ Chris Rose, New Orleans Author

Special Thanks

The Marquis would not have been possible without the help, influence, and contribution of these wildly talented and creative people and businesses, to whom we are forever grateful!

Kevin Medrek, Medrek Design, Portland, ME – Interior design

Maia Fleming, Unfined and Unfiltered, Portland, ME – Sommelier and Bar Program expertise

Sabrina Volante, Sabrina Volante Design, Portland, ME – Graphic Design