Music and Fun

picture taken from MichaelHolloway.com

Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar is located in Printer’s Alley in the heart of downtown Nashville, Tennessee. It’s an amazing little place that I discovered years ago, when my dad was playing the blues around town. I happened to go see Josh Garrett and the Bottom Line there last weekend, and let me tell you, the place has only gotten better. It’s being managed by Peter Berger, former saxophone player for Stacy Mitchart and Blues U Can Use. Last Saturday night was the last night of Mardi Gras in May, an annual event for the bar.

We got there around 8:00 P.M. and had some great cajun food. Their menu is rich with cajun and creole dishes that will make your mouth water. They have the best dirty rice north of Louisiana, and their gumbo will make your toes curl. I always get their fried fish with garlic mashed potatoes and dirty rice, and have yet to be disappointed. The rest of my party was equally satisfied with their choices.

The house drink is called Blues Juice, and I can only guess at what’s in it. I am pretty sure there’s some rum, blue curaco, and either orange or pineapple juice. It definitely borders more towards the tropical side in tastes. Their southern hurricanes are amazing too (and were on $5 special along with Jager bombs). They’ve got tons of beers to choose from and even sell hurricanes by the pitcher!

As far as decor goes, they always make it up nice. There were beads and masks on every table, and the band tossed out more beads during their set. They have a huge souvenir and cigar shop, a fun little dance floor, and enough seating for everyone. The good thing is that the club is actually two levels which makes for a good seat no matter where you are.

A couple of fun Bourbon Street Facts: Gretchen Wilson waited tables here before she made it big. She used to get up and sing with some of the bands (my dad’s included) and was always just the biggest sweetheart. Also, the Governor of Louisiana has made Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar in Nashville, Tennessee the most northern parish of Louisiana. Quite the honor!

All in all, you can’t go wrong if you make Bourbon Street a must-do on your next Nashville vacation. Check the calendar to see who’s playing, and check them out beforehand too. It makes for a much more satisfying experience.