Your 10.10.18 Playpen

With a roadie this week, I’m kicking this edition of the Playpen off with something of a guide to Baton Rouge for those of you traveling to make the game.

First, and maybe most importantly, here’s the link to LSU’s parking guide.  I get the impression we should expect tough sledding when it comes to parking, so check it out carefully.

Second, courtesy of And The Valley Shook’s Billy Gomila, here are some dining suggestions for Red Stick:

Okay, Baton Rouge recs:

First and foremost, I always suggest The Chimes, which is the quintessential LSU bar, right off campus. Fantastic beer selection, seafood, burgers and great pub food/appetizers. It’ll probably be jammed on Friday and Saturday, but if you really want to get the campus vibe that’s my go-to suggestion.

Other places — if you’re into the usual seafood fair when in Louisiana:

– Parrains. Great oyster bar, fantastic seafood. Parking can be a problem on a Friday, so I recommend a cab or Uber.
– Mike Andersons. Yeah, it’s a bit of a cliche, but it’s that way for a reason, and it rarely disappoints.
– Jolie Pearl. Downtown Baton Rouge — straight-up Oyster Bar with a few other items. Very casual, but fun atmosphere and chargrilled oysters 13 different ways.
– Stinky’s Fish Camp. Newer place, but I hear good things.
– Roberto’s — it’s on the outskirts of town along the river and a bit of a drive. But very much worth it.

If you want to maybe step outside of the seafood realm:
– City Pork — they have two locations, the deli, which will have a limited menu, and the Brasserie, which is more of a full-sized restaurant. Fantastic smoked meats and charcuterie, with some exotic cheeses. They also just opened a new pizza place — City Slice, which is right by campus.
– Superior Grill — Mexican, great margaritas. Also a very crowded place.
– Flambe Cafe — More of a French/European vibe.
– Elsie’s Plate & Pie — Louisiana comfort food.

For higher-end places, Mansur’s on the Boulevard and Ruffinos are really tough to beat. French Market Bistro and Juban’s as well.

Eh, what’s that, you say? What about local beers?

For the local brews, I recommend: NOLA Brewing, Urban South, Port Orleans and Wayward Owl out of New Orleans. NOLA and Urban South both have great tap-rooms. NOLA’s has great barbecue as well. In Baton Rouge, we have Tin Roof, which has a nice tap room between campus and downtown, and Southern Craft, which is a little harder to find but will be in lots of stores/bars.

That’s all I’ve got for now.  Hope it helps those going.  For the rest of you, on to your regularly scheduled political wankfest in the comments.