Nightlife
With the introduction of the casinos, the nightlife in Shreveport–Bossier has changed dramatically. Local bars, dance halls, and venues for live music felt the need to compete against the boats, resulting in more options for both the tourist and resident. This chapter does not list all the bars, clubs, and opportunities for live music, but it does point you in the right direction. Keep in mind that many of the upscale restaurants in the area offer both full bars and live music.
Most places do not promote a dress code, with the exception of the Louisiana Boardwalk, where baggy pants that reveal your boxer shorts will result in your being escorted from the property. Most cover charges are quite modest, when required, with the notable exception of gaining entry to big-name performers and performances, in which case you will need to purchase a ticket.
Closing hours can be a bit confusing. Many establishments in downtown Shreveport will stay open until 6 a.m. while most bars elsewhere in the Twin Cities will close on weekends by 2 a.m. As a result, downtown can become quite busy and loud with hard-core partiers, especially on the weekend, so if you like your nightlife with fewer decibels and inebriated people, you might plan your pub crawl appropriately.
1. Allure Ultra Lounge
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (877) 602-0711
Address: 451 Clyde Fant Pkwy
Description: Located in the Eldorado Casino and Resort, this two-story experience adds a new dimension to the nightlife of Shreveport and Bossier City. With comfortable seating, the Avonite bar offers anything you can imagine in terms of adult beverages. Contemporary in style, the design extends to the skybox dance floor from which you can look down upon the Celebrity Lounge as you enjoy the live musical entertainment. Metallic materials blend with rich colors like red and chocolate to generate the sense of an upscale club one could find in New York. But no need to travel to the Big Apple to take a bite out of the city; find your way to Allure; she is calling for you.
2. Cheers Sports Bar
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (318) 688-4240
Address: 9370 Mansfield Rd.
Description: Located in Crawdaddy’s Kitchen, this cozy neighborhood bar starts happy hour at 3 p.m. and offers karaoke on Fri and Sat nights. While you enjoy the laid back hospitality of this place, check to see if crawfish are in-season; if so, order some and taste some of the best bugs in town. If you are looking for a great Cajun experience, you have found the spot.
3. Coyotes Bar And Grill
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (318) 424-0650
Address: 1618 Market St.
Description: Located close to I-20, this biker bar has become a local institution, and just not among the bikers. All types of people come here to let their hair down and enjoy the rawness of the space. The friendly and wild staff at Coyotes will make you feel welcome. You may become so entranced that you will purchase some biker accessories, shoot some pool, and listen to the live music on the weekends. As they will tell you: the party is up to you. Be a spectator or jump into the middle of what is happening. So come do some howling and run with the big dogs.
4. The Cub Bar And Restaurant
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (318) 861-6517
Address: 3002 Girard St.
Description: Open since 1939, The Cub looks much like it did 70 years ago, which for locals is a good thing. I know people who have been coming to this watering hole for decades and, if they had the choice, would make this spot their last stop before seeing their Maker. You just cannot get more local than the Cub.
5. Fat Cat’S Bar/City Bar
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (318) 861-1521
Address: 3044 Youree Dr.
Description: If you think the bar is spinning, relax; you have not had one drink too many. This carousel bar keeps the party moving, literally. Open until 2 a.m. most nights, Fat Cat’s is known for its ability to serve as host to all sorts of folks. Daily drink specials. Next door, the owners of Fat Cat’s have opened a very modern dance club called City Bar. If the azure blue glass of the bar and the green neon do not impress you, then perhaps the mural, drinks, and music will. The latest hot spot to open in town and a favorite among artists.
6. Fatty Arbuckle’S
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (318) 459-1448
Address: 450 Clyde Fant Pkwy
Description: While Fatty Arbuckle was a famous silent film star in the 1920s, there is nothing quiet about this hopping joint. Located underneath the Texas Street Bridge, this establishment has a loyal clientele who enjoy having a fun time, often until 6 a.m., when the bar officially closes its doors. Incredible drink specials and local entertainment will leave you rocking on the Red River into the wee hours of the morning as well.
7. Gigi’Z Martini Room
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (318) 221-2545
Address: 420 Commerce St.
Description: Located in Gigi’z Entertainment Complex on the riverfront, this bar lives up to its name, so come slip into an ice-cold martini, while on Fri nights the live jazz band promises to heat you up.
8. Jennifer’S Lounge
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (318) 222-7717
Address: 102 Lake St.
Description: A great hotel bar, designed for relaxation and comfort. While it caters to the hotel’s guests, Jennifer’s has its share of locals who like it for what it is not: loud, crowded, and unfriendly. Instead, you will feel like a welcomed guest, with the bartender prepared to make the beverage of your choice. Your experience will be similar to soaking in a hot tub; soothing and lush.
9. Lee’S Liquid Assets
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (318) 861-2151
Address: 639 East Kings Hwy
Description: Lee’s has been in Shreveport for many years and, given the quality of service and live entertainment, we hope it remains with us for years to come. Local talent brings in the folks, so go native and come listen to some fabulous music while you indulge at the full bar. How good is Lee’s? Other musicians come to hear their peers, sometimes joining them in a spontaneous jam session.
10. Noble Savage Tavern
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (318) 221-1781
Address: 417 Texas St.
Description: This full service bar is also a lost gem of a gourmet restaurant, sandwich shop, and live performance venue. Come prepared to enjoy some pints, play darts, look at the tempting items on the menu, and listen to some great music in this redbrick, dark wood establishment. The Noble Savage, located in downtown Shreveport, stands in a class of its own, gaining regional and national acclaim for its ability to cater to so many tastes so well. This place is laid-back and inviting, so come in and enjoy. Oh, and plan to stay awhile; its seductive charms may take hold of you.
11. The Phoenix Underground
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (318) 676-0950
Address: 600 Market St.
Description: The local SB magazine has voted Phoenix Underground the number-one nightclub from 2006–2009. Enter and you will discover why it may keep the title for some time. The true urban nightclub experience has finally made it to the Ark-La-Tex. A contemporary setting, including an illuminated bar, VIP rooms and tables, and incredible music will keep you dancing and partying until the excitement ends at 6 a.m. Did I mention you must ride an elevator to access the bar? This place rocks late night, but it is a wonderful location for a few relaxed drinks before the masses arrive. Opens at 9 p.m.
12. Sandbar
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (318) 212-1718
Address: 415 Spring St.
Description: Come to a sports bar where the happy hour never seems to stop. With 18 flat-screen televisions, 42 video games, and gaming consoles, Sandbar offers you a choice of sports. Haven’t played beer pong in a while? Come brush up on your skills. Pool tables, foosball, and other games fill out your entertainment options while a full bar and great staff will ensure you are well taken care of. Like most downtown bars, the Sandbar closes at 6 a.m. A great place for groups to come party.
13. Strange Brew
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (318) 222-2337
Address: 235 Wall St.
Description: Looking for a bar where you can actually have a conversation without shouting over the music, the drinks are affordable and served with no attitude (and no attitude among patrons will be tolerated)? Do you like open space? What about a wide selection of beers and other beverages? Then head to Strange Brew and be pleasantly surprised. While pool tables, dartboards, and Golden Tee® golf are available, so are tables and chairs, spaced throughout the establishment, providing a sense of privacy while still being part of the fun. Regulars usually sit at the same tables; after a couple of visits you will probably chose one as well. Laid back, this place is the perfect tonic to a long, hard day.
14. Stray Cat
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (318) 424-4747
Address: 222 Travis St.
Description: Called Stray Cats by the locals, this little touch of New Orleans is located downtown next to the Remington Suites. Head to the outdoor patio for a great sense of ambience (and a place to smoke, if needed). This hidden jewel became national news in July 2008 when two famous actors and several crew members, in town filming the movie W, were arrested for disorderly conduct and interfering with the work of an officer. While such shenanigans have not occurred since, the fun continues to flourish. Voted by locals as Best Place to See and Be Seen, Stray Cat also claims to make the best martini in the area. So, go be the judge.
15. Vintage Wine Bar And Spirits
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (318) 868-5566
Address: 6537 Line Ave.
Description: Locals in the know head to Vintage Wine Bar for happy hour because of the elegant yet relaxed environment, the incredible wine selection, the full bar, and the chance to see friends and gossip about what is happening about town. OK, so the free appetizers also serve as a draw. Ask about wine flights that will allow you to sample several different types of varietals and blends. After your visit you might do a good deed and tell a local about this unknown and overlooked establishment. Be warned: Since the bar only serves alcohol and does not cook on-site, it can, by Louisiana law, allow patrons to smoke. But since many people quit when the statewide smoking ban went into effect in 2007, it should not pose much of a problem.