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As a college student on a Wednesday night, there used to be only one thing on my mind - Bogie’s. Before the Baton Rouge City Council decided to enact an ordinance banning drink specials after 10 p.m., you used to be able to drink many, many drinks for a buck. And, if you wanted a double it was just a dollar more. Every Wednesday - $1 calls. Truthfully, there wasn’t a better deal anywhere in Baton Rouge on any night of the week (that I knew of, at least).

If there were an award for strongest drinks, Bogie’s would win hands-down. I think the bartenders take pleasure in pouring the strongest drinks possible in town. You definitely get the most bang for your (what used to be a) buck.

I’m sure anyone who has ever been a patron of Bogie’s understands what I mean by this next comment. Bogie’s is very Greek. Very fratty and sororityish. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but you should get an idea of the dress code by that description. Also, the age range should be pretty evident. I believe you have to be 20 if you are a guy and 19 if you are a girl. I swear I’ve seen younger, though. Guys wear polos and khaki shorts. Sandals, New Balance, or boat shoes are the norm. Girls wear a range of things - from dressy types to jeans and such. Again, think Greek for the dress. Whenever it starts getting crowded they pretty much only play hip-hop.

I do have one complaint, though and this isn’t necessarily Bogie’s specific. Bars should post a sign stating which brands of alcohol are “calls.” I know they have to post drink prices now because of the drink-special ban and I’ve been to Bogie’s on nights where Crown Royal was considered a call and on other nights, like last night, when it wasn’t a call, according to the bouncer/bartender.

A piece of advice to my fellow bar hopers - never argue with a bartender. You can’t win. It was 9:55 p.m. and I asked the guy if it was still $1 calls. He turned around to look at the time, turned back and said yes so I ordered two doubles thinking they were $4 total. He tells me I owe $13 after the other bartender told him Crown wasn’t a call. So, I basically got screwed out of $9 in ten seconds. Not wanting to argue, I told him forget it. Three weeks ago, Crown Royal was a call, but not this week for some reason. He said, “Grey Goose, Crown, and something else are not calls.” Something else, eh? That’s real specific there, Mr. Bartender.

I’m not going to let that ruin my night, though, because I’m pretty much gonna drink regardless of price (as was evident while in Orlando). It’s kind of like gas prices. People still drive just as much now, as they did when gas was $1.50 (which was like 3 years ago). Just next time you go to the bar make sure you know what’s a “call” and what isn’t.

Have a good night everyone.