Niche market

The downtown arts and entertainment district is definitely not short on entertainment, but two new bars are hoping to continue the trend of upscale atmosphere along the Third Street stretch.

A new cocktail bar with a nod to local political history, Huey’s Bar opened recently in the former M Bar. The focus is on happy hour specials and classic cocktails, says co-owner Andrew Bayard. Some of the cocktails include the Old Fashioned, Sazerac and Ramos Gin Fizz, a favorite of Huey P. Long. “We want to focus on those old-school cocktails that make people reminisce,” Bayard says. “There’s nothing like that downtown. It’s a niche market, but we want to expose that as best as possible.” Huey’s Bar is at 350 Third St. hueysbar.com

Just a block north, Puncher’s is out and Third Street Pub is in. The former downtown sports bar has been transformed to keep up with the changing dynamic of Third Street, co-owner Mike Labat says. “The previous bar was successful and had its time,” he says. “We’re trying to create an environment that’s going to have a warmer feeling and more revenue stream than just 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.” Third Street Pub is at 421 N. Third St. (Map it!)

The Bike Crossing of Baton Rouge, opened recently in Towne Center. The shop offers bikes in a variety of price ranges and is equipped with a “bar-style” area where you can watch your bike getting worked on and learn about the process, says manager Matt Gandy. Giving the place a cool hangout vibe, The Bike Crossing showed the Tour de France on a projector screen recently. The shop is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. 927-5005.

With 20 years of restaurant industry experience under his belt, Baton Rouge native Chef Blake Abadie is showing off his dishes at a new venue, Le Bon Temps Bar and Grill. Abadie says the menu encompasses all Louisiana cooking styles‚ not just Cajun and Creole‚ with dishes like a red bean osso bucco and a boudin-stuffed bone-in pork chop. The restaurant also features an ultra lounge area and upscale sports bar atmosphere. 8342 Perkins Road (Map it!). 408-8203.

Bar Louie, a Chicago chain restaurant, opened in the former Bravo! Cucina location near the Mall of Louisiana. The restaurant specializes in signature cocktails, martinis and a range of dishes in a spacious floor plan. Among the food items are small plates, salads, flatbreads, burgers and more. 6401 Bluebonnet Blvd. Suite 720. 325-3190. barlouieamerica.com

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