SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA BAR GUIDE

Braylin Jenkins Wednesday, March 25, 2015 Comments Off on SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA BAR GUIDE
SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA BAR GUIDE

Bar Shot A Personal Tour Of 15 Local Bars, 15 Specialty House Drinks And 15 Unique Experiences

It’s no secret that Southwest Louisiana knows how to have a good time. But the million dollar question might just be what drink of choice most look to when they’re ready to have a great time.

And there are other questions that could be asked. There are dozens of establishments that can give you your fix if you want a beverage to heighten your fun. But where do you go? Do you have a watering hole or multiple places you regularly visit and if so, what do you ask the bartender to prepare?

I was challenged to check out different establishments in Lake Charles. Before we dive off into the deep end, let me add that this was no simple task by any means. And while we were only able to cover 16 establishments due to space constraints, there are many more establishments that make our Southwest Louisiana region a party destination that’s world-renowned.

Consider this a light overview of some of the popular spaces that offer a variety in environment, customer base and drink options. The venues covered are listed in no particular order.

To make this adventure a bit more fun, and to get some of the well-known faces who are down to earth and know a good-tasting drink when they come across one, I enlisted the help of a few friends on various nights to weigh in with their views.

The fun part of the entire adventure was getting each establishment to narrow down its vast array of drink options to one for me to mention in this write-up. Of course, when I say that I’m being sarcastic. I couldn’t help but be struck by the expressions of the bartenders who looked at me as though I’d told them they had to save the world. Needless to say, they take their jobs seriously.

Some bartenders fully shared the ingredients to the coveted drink they selected, while others were a bit more tightly lipped; maybe they’ll tell you when you visit.

Let me add that some bartenders provided a wealth of information about the establishment, including historical notes, while others were lacking in that area. Don’t shoot the messenger; if anything, buy him a drink.

 

Pappy's - Rumple Minze

Pappy’s: Rumple Minze

Pappy’s

Starting off our list, I met Chapman Farber at our first location at 2627 Ryan St. Sitting beneath a ginormous billboard, Pappy’s Deli & Sports Pub is basically a staple. The sports pub portion, which is separate from the deli, serves up a variety of drinks, and offers an eclectic crowd on any given night.

Pappy’s, which opened in 1997, was once a small grocery store or quickie mart. One-half served as the grocery portion while the other side served as an area for leisure reading materials.

In its new incarnation, where there are 30 beers on tap and 100 available in the bottle, this corner establishment gives a great neighborhood feel. One patron shared that the pub was inspired by a famous New Orleans pub.

Rosie, who was accommodating and had a relaxed vibe, selected for her drink Rumple Minze, which is the name of a German-style liqueur company that’s mostly known for its peppermint schnapps. This drink is a favorite among the owner and manager and some of regulars.

Darrell's: Bloody Mary

Darrell’s: Bloody Mary

 

Darrell’s 

Our next stop, Darrell’s, is located at 119 West College St. Between questions about the highly requested Jägermeister, fireball cinnamon whiskey and a drink called the Risky Business, the bartenders agreed to discuss their famous Bloody Mary.

The late Darrell DeRouen made Darrell’s a staple with his savory sandwiches, which are renowned. I was told the venue sells nearly 1,000 sandwiches a day. The space is large and open, with a sports theme and feel. Numerous screens depict a variety of programming, mostly sports geared. You notice much taxidermy on one of the main walls, highlighting a pastime of Darrell. The guys behind the bar were fun to chat with.

 

My Place

My Place: Purple Gator & Tic Tac

My Place: Purple Gator & Tic Tac

We hopped over Interstate 210 for a visit to My Place American Pub, situated at 630 West Prien Lake Road.

According to the owner, Chris Culotta, this American Pub has been a part of the Lake Charles nightlife scene for 6-7 years. It’s had 2 previous owners, and was purchased by its current owners, Chris Culotta and his brother Billy Loftin, Jr., in August, 2013. Before it was a bar, there was a fancy burger joint in the space.

Many bands have played on stage at My Place, including national touring acts. The bar also serves as a home for many talented local musicians.

There are a variety of premium spirits, and with 21 local and national craft breweries on tap, there’s surely something you’d like to drink to wet your whistle. We’re always supportive of local breweries and distilleries, and we offer a wide variety of spirits and beers made right here in Louisiana.

Christine introduced us to the Purple Gator, which includes Grape Pucker, Blue Carousel and a splash of grenadine, topped with sour and a Tic Tac, which is made of Citrus Vodka and an energy drink.

Lucky Pierre's: Old Fashioned with Angel's Envy

Lucky Pierre’s: Old Fashioned with Angel’s Envy

 

Lucky Pierre’s

The last stop of the evening was a zip down the street to Lucky Pierre’s. This quaint space is tucked away in a spot that was formerly home to a jewelry store at 238 West Prien Lake Road.

Chapman described this establishment as a relatively small bar with a quaint atmosphere, dim lighting, a good mood and a great selection of music. The space has a laid-back, softer setting.

After much thought and discussion, Sara, our bartender, selected an Old- Fashioned made with Angel’s Envy, which includes orange cherry, simple syrup, Angostura bitters and Angel’s Envy bourbon.

Many food and beverage employees frequent this space. However, a variety of people from all walks of life can be seen on any given night.

 

Cigar Club: Santo Domingo Sling

Cigar Club: Santo Domingo Sling

Cigar Club

The next night, I enlisted the help of my friend Daniel Castro. To begin the night we went to Cigar Club, the establishment that serves as his second home. It’s located at 1700 East Prien Lake Road.

Daniel and Derek, the bartenders, agreed on selecting the establishment’s variation on the century-old Singapore Sling, which is served most often by Ashley, a long-time bartender of Cigar Club. Named the Santo Domingo Sling, this creation is made with Dominican Rum and can be described as an island cocktail that’s perfect for the fruit punch lover.

Daniel described the atmosphere of Cigar Club as being unlike that of any other space in Lake Charles. It’s very relaxed, quiet, a place to have a conversation — all with dim lighting that’s easy on the eyes. Note that this is a smoking lounge; however there’s a great ventilation system. Cigars and cigarettes are allowed.

Complete with a regular bar and island bar, there’s a wide variety of drink options and a great selection of beer. The regular bar is largely a cocktail bar, with a wide selection of handmade cocktails made with the Scotches and other fine whiskeys and liquors.

STILETTO copy

Center Stage: The Stiletto

 

Center Stage

We then headed to our second location of the night, The Center Stage, which is located at 3426 Ryan St., is the largest space in the bar mall stretch.

Bartender Michael, who quickly makes you feel as though you’re family, greeted us and asked what we needed. After discussion with Daren the owner, the two decided to serve up the Stiletto. This was described as a fruity rum-based drink that’s a cross between a Bananas Foster and a Hurricane.

Our friend Kimberly seemed to enjoy the drink. Michael jokingly said the drink has to come in a pair, because you look funny wearing just one stiletto.

The Center Stage is massive, with a large wooden bar that seems to go on for days. The bar comes complete with pool tables.

Daniel complimented the bar staff’s hospitality, and described the bar as being lightly smoky with a rock-type feel. There’s music playing throughout. The venue features a variety of music genres, and that means a mixed crowd. There are many bar games, such as bar Jenga, washers and beer pong.

Coyote Blues: Swirl Margarita

Coyote Blues: Swirl Margarita

 

Coyote Blues

Our next stop, Coyote Blues, is located at 3624 Ryan St. It’s known for its margaritas.

We met Grant, the bartender for the evening. He and the manager served up their Swirl Margarita, the Saturday specialty drink. The Swirl Margarita offered a great taste that took us beyond the typical enjoyment of a margarita and it had an attractive look.

Coyote Blues is mostly centered on the restaurant; however the bar pleasantly adds to the restaurant space. The team members are friendly and accommodating. One can go to Coyote Blues with different groups, from family, to friends, to business colleagues, on a number of different occasions.

 

Coolers Icehouse

Cooler's Icehouse: Swamp Thing

Cooler’s Icehouse: Swamp Thing

Next door to Coyote Blues is Coolers Icehouse at 3622 1/2 Ryan St., which specializes in daiquiris and other tasty frozen drinks.

Colby and Mike were really cool and welcoming. They suggested we try the Swamp Thing, a layered drink with raspberry followed by a margarita, and then a Hurricane, topped off with melon liqueur.

The establishment, while small, includes a large outdoor patio space in front. There’s a college hangout feel, yet there’s also a wide diversity in clientele age. There’s an outside bar on the patio. Smoking is only allowed outside. There’s a drive-through.

Daniel described his experience at the bar as being enjoyable and said he would return.

 

Luna Live and Luna Bar and Grill

After spending time in midtown, we decided to head to the nightlife staples of downtown, beginning at Luna Live, located at 710 Ryan St.

D.J., the always welcoming bartender, selected one of the women’s favorites, dubbed the Pink Starburst by Cricket, who’s part of the Luna Live team. The Pink Starburst consists of Dragon Berry, Sprite and cranberry shaken in a shaker with a splash of pineapple.

Luna Live features a large variety of craft and draft beers. Live musicians can be heard on most nights. There’s one large open area when you enter; it includes a stage and a front bar. There’s an additional large area in the back that has another stage.

Luna Live: Pink Starburst

Luna Live: Pink Starburst

Across the street, at Luna Bar & Grill at 719 Ryan St., there was a debate as to which drink should be selected; so Paul settled the debate by selecting the Pearl Jam. This drink, a favorite at the venue, is comprised of Grey Goose Vodka,

strawberry puree, sweet and sour and lemon lime soda. It’s understandable that patrons chose this drink as their fan favorite.

Luna Bar & Grill recently celebrated their 10-year anniversary. Many flock downtown to Luna for lunch and for their now-famous Sunday brunch. There’s an outdoor patio with a stage for outdoor performances.

You definitely feel like you’re a part of Lake Charles when you’re in Luna. The crowd includes a wide variety of the people who make up the Lake Area.

OB's Bar and Grill: Backseat Driver

OB’s Bar and Grill: Backseat Driver

 

OB’s

The next night, we headed to OB’s Bar and Grill at 1301 Ryan St., where bartenders Adam and Megan prepared my friend Tawni Roberts and me their specialty drink.

Invented at OB’s, the Backseat Driver comes complete with strawberry vodka, Malibu, peach schnapps, cranberry juice and a splash of sour. The taste was described by Tawni as being not too fruity considering how much fruit is in the drink. Tawni went on to describe the pink drink as having a light-bodied crisp taste with low acidity, adding that it would probably complement breakfast.

As far as atmosphere, the exposed brick sets the tone. There’s an old style bar in the middle with a pub-like look. The lighting is dim and smoking is allowed. This attracts a college clientele.

Live music is featured at the venue. DJ Zeke can be found providing the soundtrack to the nightlife crowd on most nights. Food is served during the day, with the focus being on the bar at night.

Loggerheads: Bayou Water

Loggerheads: Bayou Water

 

Loggerheads

After our trip to Luna, our friend John Moon joined us, and we traveled over the river and through the woods to Loggerhead’s Bar.

Just outside of Moss Bluff and on the border of Lake Charles, Loggerheads feels more like a getaway or resort than an in-town bar. John described the feel of Loggerheads as being like a lodge; like a place where you were going hunting for the week.

Bayou Water is one of the signature recipes suggested by Bayou Rum. The drink includes Bayou Satsuma, Bayou Silver, coconut rum, blue curacao, the juice of one lime wedge, and pineapple juice — all served over ice.

The spacious bar area, with its quiet, laid-back hideaway and dim lighting, is complete with beautiful fixtures and an outdoor patio area that sits on the Calcasieu River.

 

Regal Beagle: Green Tea

Regal Beagle: Green Tea

Regal Beagle

After arriving back in town, Tawni and I parted ways, and Moon and I went on to the Regal Beagle Bar and Lounge, located at 2200 Ryan St.

Ashley and Dan introduced me to their Green Tea shot, which features Jameson Irish Whiskey, Peachtree schnapps, sweet and sour and a dash of Sprite. It was created by one of the bartenders, John.

My friend Moon thought the drink was sweet, yet subtle, and had a pleasant after taste. The Green Tea taste is apparent. The drink has a light and refreshing feel without a fruity taste.

As for atmosphere, the space feels like an eclectic neighborhood bar that attracts all types of clientele. John described the feel as that of a clean, laidback, lounge, with all dress codes welcome.

There are three different areas in the space, all providing different atmospheres. There’s a pool table in an area that leads to a small patio space off to the side.

 

3topia: The C-Word

3topia: The C-Word

3Topia

We next popped into 3topia at 409 West Prien Lake Road, where a debate between bartenders Sharon and Colin led to a vote by the patrons. That vote led to the selection of the drink the C-Word, which was invented by Colin. The C-Word was described to us as an adaptation of a Vegas Bomb. It includes Satsuma by Bayou Rum with a little dash of peach schnapps, a little dash of Malibu, half a shot of Sprite and half a shot of Red Bull.

John thought the drink was very refreshing — an island-type drink. He enjoyed the flavor and taste, including the pleasant after-taste, which has no medicine taste.

Moon described the atmosphere of 3topia as that of a space he would visit if he wanted to drink at a casino bar without being at the casino. Their liquor rack reminded him of something you’d find at a casino — a nice granite countertop bar. He felt the island bar in the center created a difficult area to navigate and detracted from the natural flow. The space has multiple booth areas that can be rented complete with gaming consoles, large screen televisions and other accoutrements.

 

Frosty Factory: Popsicle

Frosty Factory: Popsicle

Frosty Factory

Morgan and the rest of the crew at Frosty Factory, which is located at 4688 Common Street, selected the Popsicle for us. It’s made with an Amaretto Sting mixed with Blackberry Thrill, vodka and Blackberry Brandy. Moon found the daiquiri to be exactly as he expected it to be, with the amaretto taste standing out.

The environment was loud to say the least, with karaoke in your face the moment you enter. Everyone was obviously having a great time.

The welcoming staff greeted us immediately.

Frosty Factory is two stories, with a large area filled with pool tables and a second floor outdoor deck area.

 

On The Rocks

On the Rocks: Liquid Marijuana

On the Rocks: Liquid Marijuana

Over at On the Rocks, located at 817 East McNeese St., Jeff and Josh chose to serve us the Liquid Marijuana. This life-altering drink includes melon liqueur, pineapple juice, Blue Carousel and rum.

Moon described the drink as being very sweet, with an apparent taste of rum and an overall taste that was in your face.

Moon and I both agreed that On the Rocks is the epitome of a frat house and sorority-type hang out. The music is mood-based. Setting the tone is Adam, the house DJ. There are half a dozen pool tables, washer boards and beer pong. There’s also a punching bag machine, complete with a crowd who enjoy it.

Somewhat smoky throughout, On The Rocks offers a nice-sized space with tables located throughout. Depending on where you are in the venue, there’s a variety of moods and feels.

At the end of the day, I challenge you to visit all of these spaces, as each one offers a unique experience. After visiting them all, I have a great appreciation for each.

The bartenders of Lake Charles are cool people who enjoy what they do. They’re waiting to see to it that you have a great time and, at the very least, a great drink. Support local, and remember to always have a designated driver.

Comments are closed.