Watering holes that have been fortifying Baton Rouge imbibers for a quarter-century or more

There are great bars, and then there are the Capital Region’s liquor-licensed landmarks. Some are known for live music, some for sports, some for happy hours and late-night laughs, but they all have one thing in common: staying power.

These are the hangouts that grew up with locals and stayed for another round, keeping the original vibe alive even as new generations of pub crawlers discover them. Step inside any of the establishments on this list and you’ll find a mix of longtime regulars and legal-age college kids. Cheers!

Phil Brady’s Bar & Grill (Since 1978)

4848 Government St.

One of the longest continuously operating nightclubs in Baton Rouge is an Irish pub and grill housed in a 1940s former grocery store and pharmacy, blending historical character and killer acoustics.

The Texas Club (Since 1981)

456 N. Donmoor Ave.

Think of it as Baton Rouge’s Bluebird Cafe, more notable for the legends who’ve performed there than for the venue itself. The list includes Garth Brooks, The Allman Brothers Band, and Chris Stapleton. What future superstar is next?

Fred’s in Tigerland (Since 1982)

1184 Bob Pettit Blvd.This Tigerland stalwart is the go-to for LSU’s “older” crowd—guests must be 20 or older to enter. Known for its screwdrivers made with freshly squeezed OJ, a moose mascot and a slogan we won’t repeat, it’s a rare college bar that has been able to maintain its cache with current students and nostalgia-seeking alumni alike.

The Station Sports Bar & Grill (Since 1988)

4608 Bennington Ave.

We’re not sure how two train cars and a caboose became a sports bar, but Baton Rouge sports fans are glad it did. This off-the-beaten-path watering hole with 100-plus beers has been drawing crowds for nearly 40 years. And if you’re hungry, there is a full menu of burgers, wings and fried seafood to chew chew.

Ivar’s Sports Bar and Grill (Since 1990)

2954 Perkins Road

This beloved Baton Rouge sports bar’s Instagram bio defines it as a place “where beautiful people come to get UGLY!” and honestly, we can’t top that.

Duvic’s Martini Lounge (Since 1997)

2854 Kalurah St.

This high-class dive bar did martinis before martinis were cool. Three decades later, it remains a go-to for locals. And its Wednesday happy hours are a happening. The property sold in March; menu updates are in the works.

Read about more Capital City Classics here.