SWLA Bar Guide

121 ARTISAN BISTRO

121 Artisan Bistro has no fewer than six signature drinks:

— Satsuma Martini (with Bayou Spiced Rum and Bayou Satsuma Rum, simple syrup, fresh orange juice, cinnamon and a sugar-rimmed glass),

— Aldovina Martini (Bombay Sapphire Gin, Disaronno, pomegranate juice, fresh lemon juice, Sparkling Grandin Cuvee, fresh basil),

— Bigg’s Margarita (Grey Goose Vodka, Cointreau, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, fresh basil; served frozen),

— J McDaniel (Wild Turkey 81 Bourbon, Chambord, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, cinnamon, crushed ice),

— Sazerac (Sazerac Rye Whiskey, Absinthe, simple syrup, Peychaud’s Bitters, Angostura Bitters, lemon and orange peel),

— 121 Mule (Tito’s Vodka, Canton Ginger Liqueur, ginger beer, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, fresh mint and crushed ice).

121’s bartenders enjoy serving their guests and make unusually fresh drinks. Callie, the main bartender, works with Tyler, Gary, Alek and a few others who pop in throughout the week to add character to the experience.

The atmosphere at 121 has a relaxed, casual feel complemented by rustic decor that highlights local art. Patrons enjoy looking at the beautiful wine room and well-stocked bar.

Happy Hour features House Martinis and House Margaritas $4; all draft beer $3; bottled beer $2; and Raywood wines, Pinot Grigio and well liquor half off. Happy Hour is 4-6 pm Monday- Friday.

Especially popular are the Monday Nights Burger and Beer $10. (Choose any one of the 1/2 lb. freshly ground burgers and house fries or sweet potato fries and draft or bottled beer.) Also popular is Martini & Margarita Madness, which takes place every Wednesday 4 pm-close.

A full menu is available to guests who frequent the bar. They can enjoy flash fried oysters, lamb lollipops, a diverse selection of pasta dishes and arguably the best filet in town. 121 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive • 337-310-7499 • Hours: Mon-Thur 11 am-9:30 pm; Fri-Sat 11 am-10 pm • 121artisanbistro@gmail.com • On Facebook

1910

1910 has several signature drinks that change from season to season, along with several classic cocktail offerings that are staples on the menu.

Three bartenders — Addison Nickel, Grant Sutton and Chris Avery — have each cultivated their own regular crowd. These three split all the bar duties each week.

It’s important to 1910 that its customers are comfortable and able to share each other’s company. It’s a place where people can be comfortable in their own skin, whether they’re wearing fishing gear or Nomex from the plants. The staff loves music and pays careful attention to the music that comes on the sound system, which always affects the atmosphere.

Some of the most popular appetizers are discounted for happy hour. Wines by the glass, beer and cocktails are half off. Crab Cakes, Quail Bombs, Pork Cheeks, Barbecue Shrimp and Burgers are $10. Happy hour runs from 4-6 pm Mon-Fri. On Wednesdays, wine by the bottle is half off all night, and on Thursdays, 1910 offers a $5 Old Fashioned all night. There’s a big crowd for these “Throwback Thursdays.”

Wine and bourbon/scotch dinners are among the favorites at 1910. Other popular items include the Quail Bombs, Crab Cakes, Pork Cheeks and Cheese Board.

1910 has one of the best selections of bourbon and single malt scotch in the area, with more than 30 of each to choose from. 949 Ryan St. • 337-602-6278 • www.1910restaurant.com • On Facebook

THE BAD APPLE SALOON

There are two specialties for drinkers at the Bad Apple Saloon: The Granny Smith (Hard Apple with a kick) and The Bad Apple Shot (a pop of apple donut punch).

The Bad Apple offers a unique vibe of old saloon quirks and modern amenities. It has an inviting and clean charm. The staff is loved by all.

The saloon is an ideal place to meet your friends, share stories and a meal topped off with ice cold drafts and cocktails.

Patrons enjoy Happy Hour 4-7 pm Mon-Sat. There are $1.50 domestics, $2.50 wells and discounted pitchers. On Thirsty Thursday, Happy Hour runs until midnight.

Other popular events at the bar include 3-Ball Saturday, with free 3-ball 10 am-5 pm. Service Industry Breakfast specials are also big.

There are always $1.75 domestics for all first responders. Bad Apple has one of the best burgers around and some of the best fried catfish in town. 3436 Ryan St. • 337-474-2294 • On Facebook

BLUE MARTINI

Located inside Golden Nugget Lake Charles, Blue Martini is one of the preeminent martini lounges in SWLA. The eye-catching décor complements the high energy feel of the venue.

At different hours of the night, that high-energy atmosphere changes to accommodate changing crowds. The Happy Hour is casual and conversation-oriented. The transition period centers on live entertainment. And late night (after 12:30 am) is dance-oriented, with a DJ who plays Top 40 hits.

The Blue Martini itself is made with vodka, blue curacao, triple sec, sour mix and orange juice served over ice in a snifter and garnished with a blue glow stick. Serving the drink is bartender Lauren Verrett, who is a crowd favorite because of her dynamic personality.

Happy Hour — Thursday and Friday 4-7 pm — offers half off selected cocktails as well as discounted food menu items.

In addition to the Ladies Night — every Thursday after 7 pm — the venue’s most popular seasonal events are the annual Little Black Dress Party in July, the Pink Party in October and the New Year’s Eve Party.

Blue Martini’s Tapas menu is popular, especially when paired with the fine wine and spirits selection. Chef Michael creates a masterful shrimp and crab dip with Gulf shrimp, blue crab and cheese sauce served with toasted pita chips.

Blue Martini specializes in birthday, bachelor and bachelorette and wedding parties. For table reservations, call Ross Rowland at 337-532-0956 or Michael Fontenot at 337-802-4402. Golden Nugget Lake Charles

CALLA

Calla has a craft cocktail program that features 10 specialty cocktails that change with the seasons. Each cocktail is prepared with bitters, simple syrups and tonics that are all designed by the resident mixologist Jason LaBove.

The Old Fashioned, Gin & Tonic, Moscow Mule and Chupacabra are all building a cult status throughout the Gulf region.

Calla is a casual farm-to-table “gastropub.” “Gastro” indicates the seasonal cuisine that’s prepared fresh daily, while “pub” represents the craft cocktails boutique and wine list designed to complement the menu.

As for the venue’s name, Cal-la is Calcasieu/Louisiana. The name indicates that the spot is designed to highlight the best of southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas culture and rich culinary history. Calla is a place for sharing; a place for exploring new flavors.

Especially popular during Happy Hour is the venue’s signature Calla Burger. It’s a combination of grilled ribeye, two slices of American cheese, the house bread and butter pickles, pickled red onion and a traditional dijonnaise. It’s served with house cut fries or hand-shaved sweet potato chips. Calla’s unique wine and spirit selection has been hand picked by the mixologist to make your burger experience spectacular.

Calla’s also becoming well-known for its Blue Crab Beignets and Bone Marrow.

The Beer Dinner with the Great Raft Brewery and Wine Dinner with Amici Cellars have been popular events. Another popular crowd feature is the live acoustic music Wednesdays 6-9 pm featuring Michael Krajicek and Kris Harper. 1400 Market St., Suite 2 • 337-419-1980 • matt@restaurantcalla.com • Hours: Lunch Tue-Fri 11 am-2 pm; Happy Hour Tue-Fri 4-6 pm; Dinner Tue-Thur 5-9 pm and Fri-Sat 5-10 pm • On Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @restaurantcalla.

CASA MAñANA 

A favorite of bar-goers at Casa Mañana is the top-shelf House Margarita, which has been voted the best in SWLA more than 20 times. Popular bartender Dusty Savage is frequently asked to serve one up.

Casa Mañana has a Tex-Mex cantina feel, with live music, lots of TVs and a laid-back atmosphere.

Happy Hour features “super cheap” margaritas and domestic beers from 3-7 pm Mon-Fri. And Thirsty Thursdays, which runs from 4-8 pm, features half-price margaritas. The most popular events at Casa are the live music and catered parties.

Especially popular food items include the cheese fries, nachos and just about anything else on the full menu that’s offered in the bar.

Be sure to ask about the new “monster margaritas.” Follow Casa on Facebook for daily bar specials. 2510 Ryan St., L.C., 433-4112 and 106 S. Cities Service Hwy in Sulphur, 888-3100 • On Facebook

CRYING EAGLE BREWING COMPANY

The Crying Eagle Brewing Company has three signature beers: The Chuck, Ready to Mingle and The Calcasieu Common. These brews are consumed in a casual atmosphere accentuated by cozy seating and barstools.

During happy hour, patrons can buy three beer tokens for $13. Crying Eagle’s most popular event is its brewery tour. 1165 E. McNeese St. • 338-990-4871 • info@cryingeagle.com • Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 2-9ish pm • On Facebook 

CRYSTAL’S

Crystal’s is a downtown dance/show bar where the favorite drink is the Mickey Menage. Many are served by popular bartender Keisha Wright.

As for happy hour, Crystal’s has a saying: “Every hour is happy hour here.”

Crystal’s offers karaoke from 10:30 pm-2 am on Thursdays and Show Night at 11:30 pm on Saturdays.

There are drink specials throughout the week. Visit Crystal’s and see the show (or participate in it) on Wed, Thur, Sat 9 pm-2 am and Fridays 9 pm-4 am. 112 Broad St. • 337-433-5457 • On Facebook

EMBER GRILLE & WINE BAR

The drinks at Ember Grille & Wine Bar at L’Auberge are drawn from a signature drink menu of hand-crafted cocktails that changes regularly to use seasonal flavors and ingredients. Two of the most popular features on the current signature cocktail menu are The Apple Bourbon Sour and The Shaman’s Garden.

All the bartenders are highly skilled and have at least 10 years’ tenure with L’Auberge. However, the most visible and recognizable bartender is Kelly Bistok, Ember’s Creator of Cocktails and the face of the social media series, “The Fundamentals of Bartending.” She’s been recognized for her skill statewide at Tales of the Cocktail.

The atmosphere of Ember is that of the traditional piano lounge; it’s suitable for everything from a casual night out with friends to entertaining and impressing business associates or an enjoyable romantic evening for two.

Ember’s Social Hour features 7 small food plates for $7 until 7 o’clock 7 days a week. Specials also include a glass of both red and white wine and one of Ember’s signature cocktails for $7. All of Ember’s beers, as well as well liquor, are $2 off.

The most popular features at the venue are the live piano acts that take place all evening every Thursday through Saturday. The live entertainment for social hour on Sunday through Wednesday is also well attended.

The most popular bar food item at Ember is the “Fours and Fries,” which is two 4-ounce filet medallions served with truffle and parmesan shoestring potatoes and one of the signature sauces or butters. L’Auberge • 337-395-7565.

FROSTY FACTORY

Although Frosty Factory is best-known for its original drink “Monkeyshine” and its potent “Jungle Juice,” it offers more than 30 drinks made with natural ingredients. If you’re not sure what you want, try a free sample.

Various specialty drinks are offered throughout the year. There’s seasonal special pricing on large and gallon daiquiris — even during Mardi Gras and Contraband Days.

All of Frosty Factory’s bartenders are personable and well known in the area.

Frosty Factory’s casual atmosphere is conducive to its wide variety of self-entertainment options — such as pool tables, football and shuffleboard. On Friday and Saturday nights, Karaoke starts at 9 pm and takes center stage.

The balcony is an ideal place to hang out, enjoy a great view or catch a McNeese Baseball game. 4688 Common St. • 337-474-9019 • frostyfactorylc@gmail.com • Hours: Mon-Thur 10 am-midnight, Fri-Sat 11 am-2 am, closed on Sunday. • On Facebook

H₂O POOL + BAR

Located at Golden Nugget Lake Charles, the H₂O Pool and Bar is an expansive outdoor hang-out space, with built-in seating areas, a “Lazy River,” fire pits and hot tubs. This outdoor oasis features more than 250 chaise lounge chairs, 34 cabanas and 32 daybeds.

The  signature drink is the Strawberry Mint Lemonade, which is made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, mint, strawberries, strawberry puree and lemonade. Jake White is the venue’s most popular bartender.

During the day, the atmosphere at H₂O is casual and fun. Guests can relax in the pool or Lazy River; lounge on a daybed or spend time with friends and family in a private cabana. The house DJ cranks it up, playing upbeat favorites every weekend during the summer season.

When the sun goes down, the fire pits come on, and H₂O becomes a great place to relax and enjoy company, conversation and a drink.

The most favored of the food items at H₂O is the Santa Fe Burger — handmade with a 100-percent fresh beef patty, guacamole, pico de gallo and pepper jack cheese.  Golden Nugget Lake Charles

ICE BAR

Located inside Golden Nugget Lake Charles, Ice Bar offers a variety of specialty cocktails in an atmosphere designed to be chic.

The venue’s signature drink is itself called the Ice Bar. It’s often served by the venue’s most popular bartender Michelle Higginbotham.

Ice Bar has a casual atmosphere that’s well-suited to its location near the Golden Nugget Hotel’s front desk. Guests can conveniently enjoy a drink before going to dinner or a concert or checking into the hotel. Golden Nugget Lake Charles

JACK DANIEL’S BAR & GRILL

There are several signature drinks at Jack Daniel’s in L’auberge: the Roasted Pineapple Pina Colada, Bayou Swing and Blueberry Mule. All the seasoned bartenders are favorites.

The casual-themed atmosphere features indoor and outdoor dining. Jack Daniel’s is a mixed bar and restaurant with a touch of sports. Dancing is featured on late nights on the weekend.

Happy Hour takes place Monday through Friday from 3-7 pm. Special prices include half-off draft beers, wine by the glass and the menu price of burgers. Get a draft beer and a shot of Jack Daniel’s for $5.

Tuesday night Karaoke and Trivia is a crowd-pleaser, as are Friday and Saturday nights’ live music and DJs. The most popular food items are the smoked ribs, grilled steaks and burgers. L’Auberge • 337-513-7690

KOOZIE’S DAIQUIRI AND SPORTS BAR

Koozie’s has more than 50 daiquiris. The venue features a Daiquiri of the Month. And the versatile bartenders can make any drink into a daiquiri.

Koozie’s casual atmosphere is complemented by its five TVs, pool table, jukebox, video poker and beautiful bartenders.

Happy Hour takes place Mon-Fri 4-6 pm with $1 off all beer and well drinks.

Especially popular events and features at Koozie’s include:

— The live music;

— Free Jello shots for every McNeese, LSU or Saints touchdown;

— Margarita Monday, with $2 off all margaritas all day;

— Two Stamp Tuesday, with 2 stamps for every 1 daiquiri purchased; and

— Wasted Wednesday, with $1 off all shots.

The big food item at Koozie’s is the sausage links. Koozie’s Facebook page is updated weekly with events and specials.

2622 Highway 14 East • Hours: Sun-Thur noon-11 pm, Friday and Saturday noon-midnight • 337-602-6259 • koozies@outlook.com • On Facebook

THE L BAR

The L Bar at L’Auberge has two especially popular signature drinks, and these are served seasonally. First, there’s Lobby Bliss, made with Pear Vodka and fresh citrus juice. Then, when it’s in season, there’s Bite your Tongue, with Blanco Tequila, fresh strawberries and jalapeno.

Among the bar’s most popular bartenders are Joshua Nelms, a seasoned veteran bartender of L’Auberge who’s previously worked at The Pool and in Jack Daniel’s Bar & Grill.

Jeremy Mouton is an up and coming mixologist who also works in the Club 38 Lounge. He has an eye for detail and creation. The upbeat Kyle Smith also works in the Club 38 Lounge. Finally, there’s Chris Avery and his palate for exploration.

The L Bar is a conversation-oriented bar. It’s a good place  to meet up with friends before or after an event.

Happy hour specials include:

• Everyday Mischief: $3 well cocktails and half-off wine by the glass and beers from 3-5 pm.

• Funday Fizzes: $1 Mimosas and Champagne Cocktails.

• Saturday and Sunday: $3 Bloody Marys and classic Martinis 11 am-1 pm.

The L Bar’s most popular event is the live, local entertainment on Saturdays. And the most popular food is Chef Lyle Broussard’s Pimento Cheese Dip Topped with Bacon Jelly. L’Auberge 

LAVOGLIA

LaVoglia’s bar has two signature drinks, both created by the general manager. The most popular is the Shameless Sangria, made with fresh fruits and red wine. Second most popular is the Italian Margarita, which is infused with limes, lemons, amaretto, tequila and a hint of sweetness.

The bar atmosphere is very welcoming and conversation-oriented. The staff can converse about a variety of topics, from sports to politics and everything in between.

Happy hour is Monday-Friday from 3-6 pm. Specials include half-priced house wines, draft and bottle beer as well as half-priced appetizers.

There’s live music every Friday night from 6-9 pm.

LaVoglia’s bar is a full service bar. The most popular dish that’s served with spirits and wines is the fried calamari. 5656 Nelson Rd. • 337-602-6310 • kdlippon@gmail.com • Hours: 11 am-10 pm every day • On Facebook

LOGGERHEADS

The smoke-free atmosphere at Loggerheads is ideal for parties and gatherings. There’s both indoor and outdoor patio seating. With the bar located on the scenic Calcasieu River, the view is fine.

The signature drinks are the Bayou Drinks — all made with Louisiana Bayou Rum.

Happy Hour is 11 am-7 pm daily. There’s a wide variety of discounted beer and drinks.

Loggerheads’ most popular events include Jazz Night, with live jazz every Tuesday. Wednesday night is Cajun Night. Enjoy music and dancing with a Cajun French band. And every Friday and Saturday night there’s more live music.

The juicy half-pound burgers are always a favorite. Also, the easy-peel jumbo shrimp, boiled and specially seasoned, are extremely popular. 3748 Hwy 3059  • 337-491-6794 • Hours: Tue-Sun open at 11 am • On Facebook

LUNA LIVE

Signature drinks at Luna Live include Pearl Jam, Allman Brothers and Pink Floyd. Customers find bartenders Emily Johnson and Marshal Wesney cordial and entertaining.

Luna Live has a cool, easy-going, laid-back vibe, with an excellent live music venue. Happy Hour takes place 11 am-7 pm. There are specials on craft beer (more than 40 on tap) as well as other daily specials.

Live music takes place every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night. Other popular features include Open Mic Mondays, Trivia Tuesdays and Karaoke /Movie Thursdays.

Favorite foods are the Neptuna Melt and the Luna Tuna. 710 Ryan St. • 337-494-5862 • Info@lunabarandgrill.com • Hours: Mon-Sun 11 am until • On Facebook

MACFARLANE’S CELTIC PUB

MacFarlane’s Celtic Pub has several signature drinks; some of the more popular are the Macaritas (margaritas made with Jameson instead of tequila) and the VooDoo Bloody Mary (made with the house-infused vodka). Many of drinks, such as the Apple Pie cocktail, are made with a syrup made in house. MacFarlane’s also tries to incorporate some of its cocktails with craft beer; these include the Angry Irishman. With a large variety of cocktails to choose from, and a large Irish whiskey, Scotch and craft beer selection, patrons are sure to find something to their taste.

All the bartenders at MacFarlane’s are popular. Under the guidance of mixologist Olivia Bellard, they send out unique tasty drinks.  MacFarlane’s is a classic pub with casual dining and seating. Although only those 18 and older can go in the dining room, the covered porch is open to all ages.

The Happy Hour takes place Monday-Saturday from 2-6 pm. Everything behind the bar is half off. And three appetizers — Fried Pickles and Peppers, Fried Mushrooms and Spinach and Artichoke Dip — are half off.

MacFarlane’s is known for its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration. This year, the venue will host a two-day event. There will be various tastings, drink specials and entertainment both days.

Love Irish pub fare and burgers? Two of the most popular burgers are the MacFarlane Burger and the Nasty Irishman. Ask any of the servers, and they will help pair the perfect beer or cocktail to go with them.

417 Ann Street • 337-433-5992 • Kitchen Hours: Mon-Thur 11 am-9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am-10 pm. The bar is open until 10 pm Mon-Wed, until 11 pm on Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. • www.MacFarlanescelticpub.com • On Twitter, Instagram and Facebook 

MARTINIS

In the very casual, laid-back atmosphere of Martinis, the favored drink is the Bloody Mary (okra included), as served by the favored bartenders, Shannon, Amy and Kaya. Happy hour specials include $3 for small well drinks and $5 for large.

Popular features at the venue are Mardi Gras events and theme parties. All upcoming events are posted to Martinis’ Facebook page.

2116 Ryan St. • 494-1454 • Hours: M-F noon-until and Sat 5 pm-2 am. On Facebook.

MY PLACE AMERICAN PUB

My Place American Pub offers a wide variety of craft beers and spirits. The expert staff can concoct pretty much any drink you like.

Bartenders Becca, Christine, Danny, Emily, Jamie, Jerrod and Savanna are popular with all the customers.

There’s a popular event for every night of the week at My Place:

— Monday: Karaoke with Cornbread, 10 pm-2 am.

— Tuesday: Trivia Takedown, with sign-up at 8 pm and trivia starting at 9.

— Wednesday: Service Industry Night, 9 pm-5 am.

— Thursday: Louisiana Night from 7-10 pm, with specials on select Louisiana Craft Beers and Spirits.

— Friday and Saturday: Live music. Check the weekly music schedule on My Place’s Facebook page.

My Place makes it a priority to team up with local food trucks and help promote the local food scene. Working together with them helps build a strong foundation for the community.

630 W. Prien Lake Road Suite G • 337-474-6447 • myplaceamericanpub@gmail.com • Instagram @myplaceamericanpub • Twitter @MyPlace_Am_Pub • On Facebook

OBs

OBs has several drinks that are popular among the happy hour crowd; most popular are the Pepper Vodka Bloody Mary, Dirty Martini, Peach Bellini, Mimosa and a special drink called the Denise: blueberry vodka, pomegranate juice and soda water.

The atmosphere at OBs is casual during lunch and happy hour and uptempo and dance-oriented during Ladies’ Night and the weekends.

Happy hour is from 2-7 pm. Specials include $2 domestics, $3 imports, $3 wines and $4 well drinks.

Popular events at OBs include Live Team Trivia held on Tuesdays from 8-10 pm. The event gets competitive; several of the regular teams like to keep it fun. Also popular is Ladies’ Night on Wednesdays from 9 pm-close. Ladies with a college or service industry ID get two free drinks and free entry. On Friday nights, there’s College T-shirt Night, with free entry for those supporting their favorite teams. And on Saturday nights there’s Hot Mess Karaoke.

The most popular food item is the burgers. Every burger is made fresh to order and comes with a wide variety of toppings. One local favorite is the Rodeo Burger, which comes with a half-pound patty, grilled jalapenos, BBQ sauce, onion rings and pepper jack cheese on Texas toast.

1301 Ryan St. • 337-494-7336 • Hours: Mon 11 am-8 pm; Tue 11 am-11 pm; Wed 11 am-3 am; Thur 11 am-8 pm; Fri 11 am-3 am; Sat 6 pm-2 am • On Facebook

ON THE ROCKS

All the bartenders at On the Rocks have their own unique style, grace and swag.

The On The Rocks atmosphere evolves throughout the day as customers enjoy lunch, Happy Hour and the night life. There’s a little fun for everyone. Features include beer pong, pool tables, video poker and a live DJ playing a wide variety of music every night after 10 pm.

With its array of pizza, poboys and munchies, the venue again has something for everyone. The full menu is served until midnight. On the Rocks’ pizza by the slice is served until the last customer leaves.

Happy Hour takes place Mon-Fri 2-8 pm. Specials include domestic drafts for $2, import drafts $3, domestic bottles $2, import bottles $3, single well drinks for $2 and doubles for $4.

There’s a popular event each day: Crazy Mondays feature $5 pitchers and free pool all night with DJ Jonas. On Tuesdays there’s Hot Mess Karaoke with Colton.

Wednesday is S.I.N. Night, with $2 Crown and Downs and DJ Robby D.

Thursdays feature the weekly Beer Pong Tournament with DJ John Floyd.

On Fridays, DJ Jonas plays hot dance music.

“Caturday” features Legendary Neon Natives’ DJ Paws The Cat in the mix all night long. Throughout the year, On the Rocks hosts a number of Neon Native events.

The most popular food item at On the Rocks is the Drunken Egg Roll — a pizza wrapped in an egg roll, cooked to perfection and served with both ranch and marinara. Also big are the Drunkest Egg Rolls — the signature Big D poboy meat and cheese wrapped in an egg roll, cooked and served with Jalapeño mayo and the house gravy.

817 E. McNeese St. • 337-990-5029 • Hours: 11 am-3 am • On Facebook

RIKENJAKS 

Rikenjaks features Louisiana Draft Craft beers. The venue expects to be brewing its own beers by the summer, pending licensing. Many will remember the popular Rikenjaks microbrews from 15 years ago.

The bar is casual with an emphasis on live music. It’s always open until at least 2 am. Favorite bartenders at the venue are D.C. (Daniel Clement), also the bar’s manager, and Kat (the late night bartender for the outside area).

Happy Hour takes place daily 3-6 pm and 11 pm-close; Happy Hour specials include $2.25 Miller Lite, Bud Light, Budweiser, Coors Light; $2 Rolling Rock, PBR can, Dixie, Miller High Life, Yeungling Lager; $3.50 well drinks; $4 house wine; $5 tall margaritas and $4 for the featured pint.

The venue’s Trivia Tuesday and Steak Night Wednesday are popular features, as is the live music that takes place Wednesday-Sunday. Rikenjaks boasts of having the best burgers in town. And it has a late night menu every night.

3716 Ryan (an ideal spot for watching parades) • 337-602-6635 • jayecker@rikenjaks.com • Hours: 11 am until at least 2 am. On Facebook

RUSH LOUNGE

Located inside Golden Nugget Lake Charles’ casino floor, Rush Lounge is a modern venue for meeting, gaming and enjoying cocktails. It features live entertainment seven nights a week.

Rush Lounge’s signature drink is the Rush Lounge Rita. It’s often served by popular bartender James Williford, who was named Best Bartender in Lagniappe’s 2016 Best of SWLA.

The location on the casino floor ensures that Rush Lounge is always upbeat, making it an ideal place to grab a drink, enjoy music and test your luck. Live entertainment nightly rounds out the mix. Golden Nugget Lake Charles

SLOPPY’S DOWNTOWN

The whole idea behind the bar program of Sloppy Downtown’s bar manager Lycretia Guyette is to feature hand-crafted items. She’s made a point of carrying “local-ish” micro-brewed beers. The cocktail menu consists of drinks that are built from scratch, with fresh juices, house-made syrups and sometimes spirits that the Sloppy’s staff has infused as well.

The two best-selling drinks at the venue are the “Hurray for Tay-Tay”  and the “Lavender Cowboy.” “Hurray for Tay-Tay” consists of a house-infused roasted peppercorn tequila, sugar, fresh lime and pomegranate juices. “The Lavender Cowboy” is a martini built with English Dry Gin, fresh lemon juice and house-made lavender honey syrup.

The most popular bartender is Jeremy Boudreaux. He was a fixture at Luna for years, and a good portion of his old customers have been to Sloppy’s to see him. He’s a warm, funny and all-around charming guy who’s a band teacher at a local school and moonlights as a bartender on Friday and Saturday nights.

The atmosphere of the bar depends on the night or day you visit. Lunch is served every day. There’s Happy Hour Monday-Friday, Zydeco Brunch on Saturday and live music Friday and Saturday evenings. Sloppy’s has begun an open mic night for comedy and Two-Step dance classes on Tuesday evenings. So checking the calendar online is a good idea.

Overall, Sloppy’s is very laid back, with no pretension. It’s a bar that offers superior beers and cocktails with friendly and attentive service.

Happy Hour — or as the staff refers to it, “Idle Hours” — is Monday through Friday 4-6 pm. There are a couple of cocktails on the menu, a dollar off all beer and a couple of snack food items. Variety will improve as the new venue expands its bar offerings and adds daily drink specials and food items.

In the first month of business, the Zydeco Brunch was the best day in the bar by far. It takes place on Saturdays, 10 am-1 pm. There’s a $5 cover at the door. Zydeco Brunch features Bloody Marys with house-made pickles, Oyster Shooters, Mimosas and a good variety of brunch food items.

The Sloppy Day Fries is really good bar food, with fried poblano peppers, cheese, green onions, sriracha mayo, red pepper sauce and queso cheese all piled on top of a heap of Sloppy’s house-cut fries. The venue offers late-night pizza on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It’s all made from scratch in-house and baked in the pizza oven. It’s some of the best pie you’ll eat in Lake Charles. There are also Ribeye Sliders, an Arepas sandwich, Chicken and Asian-style Dumplings … It’s all good. 329 Broad St. • 337-602-6365 • On Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

TIA JUANITA’S FISH CAMP

The signature drink at downtown’s Tia Juanitia’s Fish Camp is the Bayou Gator, and the most popular bartenders are Alex and Tony.

In Tia Juanita’s casual atmosphere, patrons can enjoy loads of Happy Hour specials. For food, there’s $2 chips and salsa, as well as discounts on the two most popular food items in the establishment: $5 fish tacos and $6 Boudin Quesadillas. The many drink specials include $3 small house margaritas and $5 for large margaritas; $2.50 drafts and $3 imports; $4 for house wines; and $1 off the drink of the day. 723 Ryan St. • 337-602-6243, 337-602-6244 • tiajuanitas2@gmail.com • Hours: Mon-Thurs 11 am-9 pm, Fri-Sat. 11 am-10 pm and Sunday 10:30 am-3 pm • On Facebook

WALK ON’S BISTREAUX & BAR

The signature drink at Walk-On’s is The Death Valley. It’s served in a 32-ounce Game Day cup (that patrons can take home) that was inspired by LSU. The drink is made with Bayou Silver Rum, Svedka Vodka, pineapple juice, orange juice, triple sec and raspberry schnapps. It’s garnished with orange and a cherry.

All the bartenders at Walk On’s have already built many regular customers.

The atmosphere is “Game Day Ready.” Walk-On’s has 77 flat screen TVs featuring a variety of games and 50 beers on tap. The atmosphere accommodates those who are sitting at the bar having a beer, dining in with family or celebrating a special occasion.

Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 3-6 pm and 10-12 am. And on Sunday Funday, the happy hour lasts all day long. In addition to 2-4-1 domestic draft beer, there are specials on call liquor, house wine and house margaritas.

On Tuesday nights at Walk-On’s, the College Night starts at 6 pm on the patio. With a current college ID, patrons receive half-off all beer, house wine, house margaritas and all food.

The next night, Walk-On’s features  live entertainment from local artists such as Gyth Rigdon, Judd Barres, Brett Welch and many others on the patio from 7-10 pm. And there are also drink specials in conjunction with these shows.

There’s a wide variety of popular food, whether it’s a bowl of Duck Gumbo, the Cajundillas, the popular Hangover Burger or the Voodoo Shrimp. 5313 Common St. • 337-474-7333 • Hours: Mon-Sun 11 am-midnight • On Facebook as Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar Lake Charles