Louisiana State University
- Nightlife

SoGo Live

Though this bar is relatively new, it has already become a popular place to go out. The size alone distinguishes it from other bars around campus. One of the few true clubs around Baton Rouge, students can come and listen to live music or dance the night away downtown.

The Roux House

This downtown haunt used to be Swamp Mama’s and before that it was M’s Fine and Mellow Café. Now the Roux House has an extensive menu of Louisiana food by day and an equally extensive menu of Louisiana drinks by night. The bar is one of the few in town to offer specials on hurricanes and cyclones, as well as several other signature drinks. The downstairs is a piano bar and the upstairs is a martini lounge. The brick interior and slightly mismatched furniture add to the older allure of the bar. It is a stomping ground for older students and even celebrities, playing host to the Dukes of Hazard cast parties.

Reggie’s

Reggie’s in Tigerland is known affectionately as the freshman bar. The bar is open to anyone 18 and older and draws a steady stream of freshmen, and on some occasions, Baton Rouge high school students. But its cheap drinks and laid-back atmosphere bring in the upperclassmen once in a while, and it is not to be discounted for a good time.

The Station Sports Bar & Grill

This unique bar features two old railroad cars as part of its more upscale and interesting atmosphere. The Station tends to draw an older crowd, as well as some non-LSU students. The bar is a great place to catch a game because of the surplus of TVs and the cool atmosphere.

Splash

Splash is Baton Rouge’s premiere gay bar, but the bar also draws a sizable crowd of straight people looking for a great place to dance. The drag shows showcase talent like Selma Pussy, as well as a rotating batch of performers. The club offers a fresh alternative from the dreggy bar atmosphere most Baton Rouge nightspots have to offer.

Spanish Moon

Spanish Moon is one of the oldest buildings in Baton Rouge. However, the bar is fairly recent. The age of the building lends itself to rumors that the bar is haunted by ghosts from the 1800s when the building was used to store bodies from the Great Flood. The bars slightly macabre crowd and atmosphere adds to the aura. The biggest night is Thursday ‘80s night when students can get down to ‘80s classics and drink cheaply.

The Chimes and The Varsity Theatre

Located next door to each other, most people say one and mean the other, but since the bars are connected, it’s okay. The Chimes is a restaurant that also happens to offer an exhaustive arsenal of beers from around the world. Chimes lovers can get a T-shirt and their name on a plaque on the wall for trying them all. The Varsity hosts big-name music acts from across the nation, and the bar is also known for its Retro Active Dance Party nights when DJs play both new and old music.

The Caterie

The Caterie is like many other Baton Rouge spots—a restaurant by day and a bar by night. However, the Caterie is known for giving Baton Rouge 30 years of live music. The bar features local bands playing well-known covers, as well as trying out their own stuff. This is a must-attend for music fans and a great place to kick back with a few beers and listen to everything from classic rock or ‘80s tunes to original music.

Bogie’s Bar & Grill

Commonly known as “the Greek Bar,” Bogie’s is in Tigerland but a street over from the other Tigerland bars. The bar usually remains rather calm until later in the evenings or on nights with drink specials, at which time the Greek students try to keep up their raucous reputations with the sorority girls downing $1 glasses of wine and frozen screwdrivers, while the sounds of rap hits and country faves intermingle. Bogie’s regulars come at least twice a week and the bar becomes rather clique-ish, each drink special having its own particular crowd. But the bar remains a prime place to spend a Wednesday night for dollar calls.

Fred’s Bar

Fred’s is perhaps the anchor of Tigerland. It’s signature moose logo has been reigning over the area since 1982, and the bar is legendary for its invitational and tent parties. Live music usually roars outside on the patio, while the inside is reserved for rap and top 40 music for dancing and drinking. Drink a Fred’s bomb (Jager and Red Bull). Dress code is rather stringent and has been debated as being discriminatory to some students.

Duvic’s and Ivar’s

Duvic’s and Ivar’s are located almost next door to each other on Perkins Road. Both bars offer a break from the usual Tigerland scene with sucker-punch combinations of pub-like and high brow atmospheres. The bars are not just for college kids however, and instead are local favorites. These are the places the Baton Rouge natives don’t want you to find out about—even though they’ll always welcome you with open arms.

The Darkroom

This is Baton Rouge’s only all-ages live music venue. This club is alcohol-free, but the plethora of underground bands that roll through make a trip well worth sacrificing a night of sobriety. The club features nationally touring acts from all genres, from metal to funk.

Most bars in Baton Rouge don’t require patrons to be 21 to enter. This means there is a huge range of options to go out before you are 21. Most places won’t let you order drinks if you aren’t 21, but a lot of the bars are lax about letting you drink if someone else gets it for you once your inside.