Story and Drinking By Calvin Tyler
Going out into our fair city in search of the perfect nightlife experience isn’t that hard to do. In fact, this great state we call home is a place where a good time can be found in just about everyone’s home so long as the person living there enjoys a good cocktail. This is what I set out to find, and I did so with the intention of bringing the best Lake Charles has to offer in the way of bar-time atmosphere and bartender skill. This was a great assignment, and I was determined. But one doesn’t simply walk into any old bar and speak to any old bartender if he’s compiling a guide worth considering. No way. There’s a certain sophistication that comes with proper journalism, so I put on my classiest attire (tuxedo tee shirt) and hit the phones, calling all my friends to see if they knew of any places and masters of the tap that would be worth covering.
Luna Bar and Grill
My first stop was at Luna Bar and Grill in downtown Lake Charles. This place recently underwent a remodel that’s proven beneficial to the patrons and staff. The bar no longer resides against the north wall in the center of the dining area, but is now located to the rear of the dining area, giving more space to the customers as they mingle over delicious entrees and good drinks. Luna’s energy is what’s always drawn me in and keeps me coming back. Dave Evans (owner and operator) has created a place that’s become a staple in the beautiful, historic downtown district. In many ways, Luna itself captures the spirit of what it means to be a contemporary Louisianan. Hip, fun, eclectic and relaxed. I strolled up to the bar in search of the beverage that would sate my thirst for adventure. The barman on duty, Paul Burklow, approached, saying, “whatchya need, buddy?” I looked up and across all the beautifully displayed bottles lining the wall behind him. It suddenly occured to me I had no idea what I wanted. In order not to seem weird — after all, I’m in a tuxedo tee shirt and need to remain classy — I informed Burklow I was a reporter on assignment looking for the story of the ages. He shrugged and stared up to the ceiling as he tried to decipher exactly what it was I was asking for. Then he said, “Hmm, man, there’s this regular that comes in once a week, sits at the bar, and asks for food and a drink. When I ask if she knows what she’d like, she always responds with, ‘your choice,’ so I try to pick combinations I think she’ll enjoy.” “Has she ever complained,” I asked. Burklow smiled and answered, “no complaints yet, and she still comes in.” This gave me the idea to go dealer’s choice with my drink order to see whether this barman had what it took to read me. He told me he made a really mean Bloody Mary, and I quickly informed him there was no way I was drinking anything with tomato in it because tomatoes aren’t to be trusted. He laughed and said, “how about an Old Fashioned?” I nodded once in approval, and twice for “yes, please.” Burklow then asked if I wanted it classical or his way. I felt that it was my duty to go outside of my comfort zone and try the drink with whatever spin he had to put on it, and the results were indeed delicious. Burklow is friendly, attentive, and professional. He definitely fits in with the Luna vibe.
Darrell’s
Famous for its sandwiches, Darrell’s is a laid-back bar on College Street where the line for lunch can extend all the way around the parking lot. I’ve found blogs by writers from outside of Louisiana who’ve tried Darrell’s sandwiches and raved about their deliciousness. This bar is among my personal favorites and I have frequented it often throughout my years. The bartender, with whom I’ve become friends, is Drew Dalavisio. His preferred drink is simple but effective. It’s a double shot of Don Julio over ice. Two of these had me giggly and charmed by the rustic décor of Darrell’s interior. When it comes to a no-stress good time, Darrell’s offers the perfect blend of casual and fun. If you’re looking for a great sandwich: do yourself a favor and order the Darrell’s Special.
MacFarlane’s Celtic Pub
This establishment is where I go when I want to enjoy a good meal and try new beers. The selection of imported beers is the largest I’ve seen in town. The theme of the restaurant is old world Celtic, as is apparent in the décor and the kilts the staff wear. Everybody is always so happy. The feeling I get when I enter MacFarlane’s is akin to the scene from Titanic in which Jack takes Rose to the poor quarters for beer and dancing. This is the place where a good time is to be had with good people. The bar staff are polite and talkative. But with the long list of imported beers, I decided to opt for something new. The bartender recommended I try the Celtic ale brewed by Belhaven. This brew has since become my favorite. It blends perfectly with the MacFarlane’s fish and chips dish. This place offers up quite the nightlife experience, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
If it’s karaoke you’re looking for, stop looking! The most fun you’ll have on a stage drinking and believing you actually have the talent to be on The Voice is at the Frosty Factory. The DJ takes requests and digs deep into his arsenal to find even the most obscure Journey, Bon Jovi or Def Leppard songs. Take a group and have a ball as each of you tries to hit the high notes of Alanis Morsette’s hit “Ironic.” Frosty Factory specializes in frozen drinks. This staff does a wonderful job of mixing their daily drinks with only fresh fruits. The only suggestion I have is if you’re venturing out for a night of karaoke, but also suffer from stage fright and need a little bravery-juice to work up the nerve, don’t start off with a frozen drink. This takes quite a while to achieve the desired effect, and since you have no real idea of when you’ll be called up to perform, I recommend taking a double shot of anything that’s the bartender’s preference when you first arrive.
Now, here’s a place that’s been around a while. OB’s, on Ryan Street, is a place where one can go out and be centrally located. Great parking and a welcoming environment gives this establishment the edge. The drinks offered up at OB’s are vast, but the bar specializes in shots. Lead bartender Justin Seep has worked there for years; he says, “My favorite drink to make is a shot. It’s called The Superman. It gets its name from the blue and red colors created by the Blue Curacao and Grenadine.” With the ingredients including Peach Schnapps, Malibu Rum, 151, and the mentioned Grenadine and Blue Curacao, it’s no wonder this shot has soared to the top of OB’s list faster than a speeding bullet. Now that the cheap puns are out of the way, I can tell you that OB’s is quite the enjoyable bar with a wonderful staff and nice ambiance. If you’d like a meal with your drinks, OB’s offer an expansive selection of items in its menu.
As a huge fan of Billy Joel’s early work, I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of a piano bar. The first time I walked into Micci’s, there was an overwhelming shock (dare I say, a magic one) that came over me when I saw an actual piano man playing a piano in a bar. Witnessing this immediately brought me back to all the points in my childhood when I watched westerns in which a man serenaded the patrons with his pianist’s skill. The only thing that was missing, thankfully, was the lone wanderer coming in lookin’ for vengeance. The bartender, Ryan, was attentive and precise. She moved across the bar taking drink orders with a grace and southern charm reserved for movies defining grace and southern charm. She made me a very clean and classic Old Fashioned as if it were second nature to her. If beer is more your speed, go to Micci’s on Thursdays and enjoy $2 beers. This special is offered all day! The outdoor patio area is excellent as well. Covered and out of the weather, it’s easy to enjoy a drink outside with friends.
New to town is the upscale and trendy downtown nightclub Heist. Luxury and class are central to the modern theme of the club’s interior. Built in the original First National Bank, Heist kept the two original bank vaults and “repurposed” them to accommodate the bar’s venues. The upstairs offers a bar that floats above the crowd. The third floor is a lofty and open sitting area for the people who want to escape to a quiet place for conversation. “No expense was spared when creating Heist,” said owner Brian Vallier. “Lake Charles wanted an upscale club where adults could dress nice and feel their best. We’ve had people come in from New York City and tell us that being in Heist feels like they’re back in the city.” Heist is definitely a welcome addition to the downtown area of Lake Charles. It has set the mark for our growing city. When it comes to the best spot in Lake Charles to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, that all depends on your personal tastes. For me, it’s the kind of place where everybody knows your name. For others, it could be the loud modern disco dance clubs. Go out and find that special place to call your own. Remember to drink responsibly, and if you plan on drinking, always designate a driver. Party on, Lake Charles!
Comments are closed.