Lafayette has experienced many changes since I moved here to go to college. The oil business crashed, surged, and crashed again. A drive-in movie theater became a grocery store, and then a movie theater again. UL softball went from non-existent to the College World Series, and the drinking age changed from eighteen to twenty-one. Over those many years, 'The Strip' has endured, although the names of the places and the patrons have changed. You're invited to add your memories of these legendary locales where the good times still roll! What did it used to be when you went there?

  • photo by Debbie Ray
    photo by Debbie Ray
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    1

    Andy Jack's

    I remember this place as Andy Jack's. I seem to remember celebrating a birthday there, had to be 19 or 20, but I can't swear to it.

  • photo by Debbie Ray
    photo by Debbie Ray
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    2

    The Brass Rail

    There were pool tables all the way to the left, and I believe the lantern-style sign that still hangs outside said Schlitz.

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    photo by Debbie Ray
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    3

    French Quarter

    The home of 'Specials.' Four shots for a dollar, usually with a splash of Coke, in a red Solo cup (before they were called Red Solo cups.)

  • Photo by Debbie Ray
    Photo by Debbie Ray
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    4

    The Keg

    The facade was upgraded in recent years. I recall a giant keg with a railing/post barrier that people would sit on outside to get away from the craziness inside. This was where I played my first arcade video game; it was called 'Space Invaders.'

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    photo by Debbie Ray
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    5

    Mother's Mantle

    Mother's Mantle was the most 'hippie' spot on the Strip and they often had live music. I think they had a kitchen, too.

  • photo by Debbie Ray
    photo by Debbie Ray
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    6

    Red Dog Saloon

    The home of 'Eavesdrop Theater,' a group of students, graduate assistants, and professors who performed original works.  'Bo, Brian, and Edward' were pretty much the house band, or at least I seemed to be there every time they played. They also had great pinball machines.

  • Photo by Debbie Ray
    Photo by Debbie Ray
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    7

    Swamp Fox

    This was probably the roughest of the Strip's bars. College students went there, and so did out of town bikers.

  • photo by Debbie Ray
    photo by Debbie Ray
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    8

    Saloom's

    Saloom's was a dress store, not a bar, but it was just about a block away from all the nightlife. They always had stylish suits and dresses in the windows- wardrobe options for homecoming queens and mothers-of-the-bride.

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