Drink Up Baton Rouge 2012

Photo courtesy of Facebook (The Chimes).

If you don’t already know the best bars in Baton Rouge and happen to be in town for the weekend, chances are you’ve come to watch LSU essentially open up a can of whoop on the team you just came to root for. So whether you’re looking to drown your sorrows, or hop on the band wagon and celebrate with some locals, here are the five best places to do it!

The Chimes

This place is classic. Everyone in Baton Rouge knows about it. If you’re extremely ambitious—or just plain insane—then join the “Around The World” club by trying 100 different types of beer from around the world. They’ll put your name up on the wall if you manage the task over a few years…God only knows what they’ll do if you attempt it in one evening!

The Chimes
3357 Highland Rd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
225-383-1754

www.thechimes.com

The Bulldog

A favorite among LSU alums, this place has a healthy draft selection. In fact, the Bulldog started from “four locals (that) had an idea to create a beer tavern that really took draft beer seriously.” It’s a laid-back atmosphere where you’re often likely to be able to hold a conversation without needing to scream at each other. And, of course, if you’d like to know anything about beer–at all–just ask the bartender.

Bulldog Baton Rouge
4385 Perkins Rd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

bulldog-batonrouge.draftfreak.com

Churchill’s Wine and Cigar Bar

Churchill’s is a classy place with an impeccable whiskey, wine or cigar selection. The dark atmosphere, low lighting and smoke from quality cigars will make you feel as though you should be chatting with C. S. Lewis or J. R. R. Tolkien. The attire is professional, and it isn’t uncommon to be entertained by live, artistic (and not too loud) music. And you’re guaranteed to be comfortable in any of their large leather chairs or sofas.

Churchill’s Premium Cigars and Elixirs
7949 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
225-927-4211

www.churchillswine-cigars.com

Happy’s Irish Pub/ Boudreaux and Thibodaux’s (B&T’s)/ The Roux House

These three pubs and bars are all beside each other on 3rd street and North Street downtown. They can be filled with a college and older crowd—or often both. It’s in your best interest to examine all three instead of just one. At Happy’s, you’ll find the standard dark wood, dark beer and “Happy” times (brought via the waitresses and their uniforms) that is common in Irish pubs. The only con: college students at times can make it seem perhaps a bit more modern American than is desirable. At B&T’s, you’ll find a classic New Orleans approach with plenty of Abita Beer on tap and an upstairs balcony overlooking the street—with plenty of ladies below to shower with beads. The Roux House is also New Orleans style with plenty of culture and spirits to make even the most devastated fan turn his or her outlook around. Perhaps the best part about these three bars is Baton Rouge’s lax approach to open-container laws. As any bartender will tell you: “Technically, the cops can pick you up for carrying that cup on the streets, but unless your being an idiot, they never will.”

Happy’s Irish Pub: www.happysirishpub.com/

Boudreaux and Thibodaux’s: www.bandtlive.com/

The Roux House: www.rouxhousebr.com/

Tsunami

Tsunami is all about the atmosphere. The bar is located on the sixth floor of the Shaw Center building in downtown and has the best view in the city (as far as restaurants go) of the Mississippi River. In fact, it’s atmosphere alone has this bar on this list—it’s particularly average in about every other way—food, drinks, service etc. Especially for drinks, Tsunami can really shine: A beer is a beer…unless it’s being consumed while observing the best view in the city.

100 Layfayette St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
225-346-5100
www.servingsushi.com

Tigerland

Tigerland is a conglomeration of bars (and LSU student housing), most notably is Fred’s and Mike’s, across the street from each other. They all cater to the college crowd with large parties, cheap drinks and as much madness as can be legally mustered. The general party is the only “awesome” aspect of the bars. That’s the only reason they’re on here. So if you’re looking for cheap drinks, parties and hookups, this is the place for you!

Tigerland bars are on Bob Pettit Blvd off Nicholson Rd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70820

www.fredsbar.com/

Keep Kickin’ It in Baton Rouge >> Best Places To Watch The Tigers, Recapping LSU vs. Washington Gameday

What are your favorite BR watering holes?