Opened March 1, 2004,[1] the place was designed to recreate in reality the set of the bar made famous by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in the movie classic Casablanca.

American architect and interior designer Bill Willis conceived the decorative and architectural details reminiscent of the film: curved arches, a sculpted bar, balconies, balustrades as well as beaded and stencilled brass lighting and plants that cast luminous shadows on white walls.

The menu offers a wide selection of fish from the traditional Sole meunière to John Dory crusted with black pepper, white wine and thyme.

Steaks, foie gras, goat cheese salad with fresh figs and an American Crab Louie are among the dinner selections.

Sunday night is programmed for a jam session where musicians passing through town,[6] and local amateurs join Issam for jazz improvisation.