What Did It Used To Be? The Strip, Lafayette LA
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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.)
- 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.'
- 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.
- 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.
- 7
Swamp Fox
This was probably the roughest of the Strip's bars. College students went there, and so did out of town bikers.
- 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.