By james art This is the time of the year. Between fall football and holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving and New Year’s, there are endless excuses to get out in Baton Rouge over the next few months.
From rooftop destinations to bars upping their specialty cocktail game, here’s a roundup of spots to help you plan your own fall bar crawl. Have a great holiday week!
Enjoy the city views
The Chimes – Highland
3357 Highland Road
The Highland Bells
File photo by Collin Richie
Watch lively game day crowds near the LSU campus or cheer on the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers as they play on the big screen in away games. Kick back and relax in a comfortable booth while sipping drinks from the full-service bar and dining on American and Cajun cuisine. If there’s no football game streaming, play Jenga Giant.
The main lobby
668 Main St.
The main lobby
Jean Paul Guillory. File photo by Collin Richie
Enjoy the fall weather at this two-story spot overlooking downtown Baton Rouge, decorated with rattan chairs, a floral mural, Spanish Town flamingo-influenced decor, and lush plants. Enjoy a travel-inspired drink like Let Me Speak to the Manager or dive into apps like chicken wings and seafood egg rolls. When the weather turns chilly, warm up next to a heater on the patio.
Second story
214 N. Third St., Suite 2A
Enjoy a spritz on the balcony of this newly opened Third Street bar. Sit on lush burgundy red couches indoors. Expect handcrafted syrups in specialty craft cocktails.
Tsunami – Center
100 Lafayette St.
Visit the increasingly popular downtown dining destination, long known for its rooftop views. Take pictures outside in front of the Mississippi River while you wait for your sushi rolls. End a night on the town with city lights and sake.
Firehouse
1700 Government St.
Firehouse
File photos by Gillian Elliott
This salon in the middle of the city debuted last fall with a rooftop bar, hookah, regular events and an assortment of modern art and murals.
Walk more of the downtown bar scene
13 Social
350 N. Third St.
Self-described as an “eclectic dive bar,” 13 Social regularly hosts events that draw lively crowds, from niche listening parties to martini nights. Listen to live music and relax in the lively and welcoming atmosphere.
1717
1717 N. River Road, Suite 101
Head to The Queen Baton Rouge for steaks, seafood and shareables like Philly cheesesteak nachos. Try a Vandersmash (a frozen Old Fashioned made with Four Roses bourbon) or a Smoked Old Fashioned. Watch sporting events on two massive projector screens.
Dark 30
151 N. Treta St
Every drink at Dark 30 tells a story, with house craft cocktails named after angel numbers and a curated selection of spirits, wine and zero proof spirits. The bar’s mixologists’ creations change quarterly – meaning there’s almost always something new to try.
Mother’s salon
143 N. Treta St
A place of high style presented in Elle Decor, Mother’s is a welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Indulge in craft cocktails and dive into small plates, like the bar’s rotating charcuterie board options. Catch a drag show, sing some karaoke, and watch movie nights.
A neighborhood bar somewhere
214 N. Third St.
Dive into grilled cheese at this casual spot decorated with light-up signs, colorful graffiti-inspired art, moody furniture and industrial details. Bar stools, tables and booths provide comfortable seating for customers to watch games on the 75-inch televisions. Mosy to the back of the bar for a pool table and lounge area filled with consoles like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation. Bar bites are just as cozy and nostalgic –i think: Smashed burgers and Cool Ranch Doritos with pepper spinach dip.
The tunnel
201 Lafayette St.
Step back in time at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center venue, which pays homage to Peacock Alley, a historic tunnel that once connected the Heidelberg Hotel (now Hilton) and The King Hotel (now Hotel Indigo). Peacock-colored tiles and decor are reminiscent of the storied history of the place. The tunnel is hosting a variety of events (including several Harry Potter nights this Hello Week) – keep an eye on social media for announcements.
Violet
214 N. Third St., Suite 1A
Downtown Baton Rouge’s newest nightclub has gone purple. Patrons can expect fast service, mixed drinks and high-energy music at Violet, which is the sister bar of Second Story (mentioned above). VIP experiences are modeled after the nightlife scenes of major metropolitan cities, with bottle service and sparklers.
Cool off with drinks on the patio
BLDG 5
2805 Kalurah St.
The Perkins Road Overpass District Restaurant and Bar is known for its backyard aesthetic, with string lights and vibrant greenery. Dine on specialty charcuterie boards, sip refreshing cocktails and enjoy live music with your friends and family.
Beer bar in the middle of the city
3808 Government St.
Immerse yourself in the autumn sunshine and breathe fresh air in this open-air concept with more than 50 local and craft beers on tap. Grab a frozen cocktail and enjoy savory dishes like grilled cheese, fries, and bagels.
SoLou
7246 Perkins Road
Take advantage of photo opportunities at this trendy indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar, complete with a plant wall, neon signs, lights and twinkling globes. Relax for a meal at the table or relax on the cozy blue sofas.
Tallulah Crafted Food and Wine Bar
7000 Bluebonnet Blvd.
The ultimate outdoor experience at the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel, this restaurant and wine bar’s patio is decked out in blue lighting and fireplace seating.
Thai cuisine
4550 Concord Ave.
Indulge in Thai food and alcohol from the cabana on the patio while listening to the sounds of the grand waterfall or frequent live music performances.
More outdoor dining + drinks from the archives
225guide published December 2020
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