A look inside The Rum House

The Rum House is now serving its trademark Caribbean-style cuisine and signature cocktails. The taqueria, started by Michael Buchert and Kelly Ponder in New Orleans, made its Baton Rouge debut with a soft opening just a few weeks ago featuring temporary nighttime-only hours.

A carefree, island feel is the focus of the new location. Inside, the restaurant has a 52-foot-long bar with captain-style boat chairs. The dining room opens up to canopy-style patio with picnic tables and an outside bar with rope-swing barstools and a mural of Bob Marley behind it.

There is even more on the way for The Rum House.

Buchert says they are planning to expand the outdoor area with a possible music stage or to give patrons more seating. The bar and restaurant is also wrapping up work on a private event area.

Patrons can expect the same menu items as the New Orleans location with everything from starters like avocado mango dip (the restaurant’s take on guacamole) to big plates like the Cuban steak, salads and sandwiches. The restaurant’s signature dishes are its tacos, served on four-inch corn tortillas. There are 15 options, including brisket, seared scallop, flaked fish and more. The Rum House also offers gluten-free dishes. See the full menu.

Bouchert says the Baton Rouge location at 2112 Perkins Palms Ave. will expand to lunch service and be open seven days a week, starting April 28. On that date, the hours will be Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Until then, the restaurant is open Tuesday-Thursday 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5 p.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m.-9 p.m. 930-4480.