Mid City will draw a crowd of thousands this Friday, May 6, for the 13th annual Hot Art, Cool Nights. Sponsored and organized by the Baton Rouge Mid City Merchants, the spring art hop will kick off at 6 p.m. and run until 10 p.m.
The night is all about showcasing local artists, but foodies can get in on the shindig, too. More than 15 Mid City restaurants will serve dinner, desserts or snacks so art hop-goers can munch while they browse the local wares.
Participating Mid City restaurants, bars and culinary shops include Red Stick Spice Company, Bistro Byronz, Brew Ha Ha, Goûter Restaurant, Brew-Bacher’s Grill, Calandro’s, Culinary Productions, Monjunis Italian Café & Grocery, Radio Bar, Reginelli’s Pizzeria, Rotolo’s Pizzeria, Rue Cou Cou, Superior Grill, Simple Joe Cafe and Yvette Marie’s Cafe.
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Other restaurants that don’t have a home in Mid City sponsor the event and set up food trucks or tables at other participating food establishments. This year’s sponsors include Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine and Lasseigne’s American Grill, both of which will set up along the route.
Hot Art, Cool Nights food:
Take a look at our map and the list for more info on businesses offering specials Friday evening and where to find them during the event:
Red Stick Spice
660 Jefferson Highway
The new Red Stick Spice location will have a full service olive oil and vinegar tasting bar and pasta salad from Re: Salad Dressing, as well as a housemade spiced apple sangria.
Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine
680 Jefferson Highway
The fusion restaurant will set up outside of Elizabethan Gallery at 680 Jefferson Highway and serve signature margaritas and a selection of beer.
Reginelli’s Pizzeria
684 Jefferson Highway
Reginelli’s will serve its usual menu and offer drink specials.
Brew Ha Ha
711 Jefferson Highway
This locally renowned cake ball and coffee shop will host 12 artists and karaoke on Friday and will have a selection of classic cake ball flavors and bakery items prepared.
Monjuni’s Italian Cafe & Grocery
711 Jefferson Highway
Monjuni’s will have sampling tables set up outside and is hosting local musician Kirk Holder, along with two local artists.
Brew-Bacher’s Grill
5580 Government St.
Superior Grill
5435 Government St.
Bistro Byronz
5412 Government St.
Rotolo’s Pizzeria
5050 Government St.
Calandro’s
4142 Government St.
Gouter Restaurant
3897 Government St.
Chef Chris Wadsworth’s new open-kitchen restaurant will serve its normal menu, but it is also offering jambalaya from a cast-iron pot and drink specials outside.
Radio Bar
3079 Government St.
Simple Joe Cafe
3079 Government St.
This breakfast and lunch cafe is extending its hours into the night for the event, serving hamburgers, chicken or shrimp quesadillas, veggie wraps, peanut butter fudge and homemade cookies, all alongside Sumatra River Road coffee.
Yvette Marie’s Cafe
1857 Government St.
Usually only open for lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m. during the week, the cafe inside Circa 1857 will be serving its full menu the night of the art hop.
Culinary Productions
3004 North Blvd.
Chef William Wells’ catering company will set up at the corner of North Boulevard and Bedford with a pop-up restaurant serving items from the catering menu, such as crawfish risotto, quail street tacos, ribeye French dip sliders and more.
Lasseigne’s American Grill
5201 Government St., Ste. B
Lasseigne’s will set up in the parking lot of Pink Elephant antiques at 5201 Government St. and serve fried catfish, frog legs and a surprise signature drink.
Rösch Bakehaus
3786 Government St.
The local artisanal bakery will be set up in front of Studio C at 3786 Government St. offering its stuffed pretzels and more.
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During the event, Mid City businesses sponsor local artists showcasing their original work—some well-known, but also some never-before-seen talent, Mid City Merchants board member Sharon Furrate says. Art walkers will see art of various mediums and styles, including work by sculptors, painters, jewelry designers and photographers. Some participating businesses also host live music by local bands. All purchases of original art are exempt from city and state sales tax.
Shuttle bus transportation will be available during the event, but Furrate says it’s more fun to stroll along Government Street and take in the art and excitement. Proceeds from the art festival will help purchase public art for the Mid City area of Baton Rouge.
In addition to the restaurants hosting artists, so will these Mid City businesses: Aladdin’s Lamp Antiques, Elizabethan Gallery, Nature’s Gallery, Rue Cou Cou, Painting With a Twist, Pink Elephant Antiques, Sabai Jewelry Gallery, Shavarsh K Jewelry Design, Studio C and Time Warp Boutique.