I was encouraged to join a group of friends and acquaintances to listen to live Cajun music at…read morehistoric Fred's Lounge in the "Cajun Music Capital of the World" Mamou, Louisiana. I agreed to go without any expectations, except for having a great time with friends who have been and Mamou's international reputation for its genre of music. I was amazed by the experience, to say the least! Fred's Lounge is small, intimate and its music broadcasts live every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to around 2 p.m. on KVPI AM radio out of nearby Ville Platte, Louisiana there every Saturday. There was no cover, people there were friendly and embraced visitors as family. Even a wall flower could not help rump-rocking in their seat, clapping to the beat, stomping their feet, or even being coerced to cut-a-rug with a perfect stranger, while embracing the unique Cajun music rhythms. The band that day was local famed Don Fontenot and the Louisiana Boys. I could not help admiring the bass player's guitar strap made out of alligator hide. The craftsmanship was incredible! Also Don Fontenot, the accordion player's passion and creativity was spot on! The band played traditional music in Cajun French, however at times they played American classics like Proud Mary. They even played La Grange by Z. Z. Top in both English and Cajun French. However the most memorable song was "Ride the Donkey" with a guest performance from a local lady in the lounge, who he-hawed better than the best Jenny! I am certain it wasn't her first time performing this song! If you are a music enthusiast, looking for a fun destination trip or a simply a unique memorable experience in Louisiana, Fred's Lounge is a must!

Great Live Cajun music every Saturday morning. This place is a blast, and If you can't Cajun dance…read morethere's plenty of friendly people who will gladly show you how.

The best owners and workers you'll ever meet!! Come here to pass a good time, guaranteed!read more

This place hasn't been open long, but it already has a decent size crowd. This is surely the new…read moreHot spot! Friendliest staff and best prices in town! We were at the casino for a car show and ventured out a bit to try something new. Sure are gLad we did! Really cool atmosphere, clean and inviting! We will definitely head this way again JUST to come here!

Bailey's is a Marksville gem. But be careful or you will miss it! Housed in an old movie theatre…read moreit has been reborn as a fun and at times lively watering hole right in the courthouse square. They feature comfortable lounge seating and tasty offerings at the bar and an always friendly staff. Weekends often showcase musical acts and sometimes a cover charge. Don't miss Baileys!

This is an old theater turned into a bar/nightclub. The…read moredecor is very unique and attractive. The atmosphere is wonderful. There is live music on some nights and special events that can be found on their facebook page. Very nice bar to relax with friends. Located on the Courthouse Square in Marksville.

If you are looking for a hole in the wall chill bar this is the place. The bar has plenty of space…read moreand even has a very nice back patio. The bartender and even some of the patrons of the bar were really helpful in giving information about the local area. We are new to the area so this was much appreciated. The two things that hurt the rating were the lack of beer and smoking inside. While the smoking inside is something I don't like I can look over that. But being a bar and not having beer is an issue. It wasn't just beer we wanted but it was also beer other patrons wanted. This could be a really great local chill bar if they could keep a steady supply of beer. If they would consider only allowing smoking on the back patio or elsewhere outside the bar would be one of the best bars I've visited. I plan to go again and try their Moscow Mules as the bartender said she could make them.

Cheap drinks and great bartenders. Weekends are always spent here. Try it once and you'll be…read morehooked. Guaranteed

We stayed here in the balcony room in 2023 and had such a fun experience then we came back recently…read morein 2026 celebrating both spring break and my 60th birthday. This being a roadtrip this time around I took advantage of the full kitchen versus using my camp stove. With both fructose and lactose malabsorption it's very comforting to cook for myself. And having access to a full kitchen allowed me to make a rice and steak dinner and then in the morning make a cup of rice for the road, plus hard boil chicken and duck eggs I gathered the day prior. The duck eggs were fantastic! Just like in 2023, the Cajun jam night on Wednesday didn't disappoint. Such great music and wonderfully friendly people. One experience I was hoping to relive from 2023 was the ghost encounter in the balcony room; ghost sat on my feet! Unfortunately this go around in 2026, no ghost experience so just be aware there is a spirit, albeit a friendly spirit, inhabiting the Blue Moon. This isn't just a place to stay but a place to experience. We look forward to coming back.

I'm from California. Wanted a local vibe. I sure found it! Great music and great people!read more

Mellow and fun! Great drinks and a nice vibe. Food was great. Seating was comfortable.read more

This is my go-to spot in Alexandria…read more I am not baller enough to stay at the Hotel Bently but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. Actually, that isn't true. I actually stayed at the OG Holiday Inn across the street from the Hotel Bently and found this bar by happenstance. So there I was, at the Holiday Inn for work and the bar was closed. Apparently, the bartender didn't show up for work and although the manager said I could tend the bar for the night, I was not about to start a new job. She recommended the Mirror Bar, located in the basement of the Hotel Bently. After assurances that I wouldn't be murdered walking the block to the bar, I set off. The Mirror Bar reminds me of a classy joint from a bygone era. Yes, there are mirrors. No, it is not some sort of weird place. I mention that because when I told people I went to the mirror bar they looked at me as if I was some sort of perv and I want to set the record straight. Back to the review. This is a nice bar with a nice selection of bourbon. Weeknights are pretty dead but don't let that stop you. In addition to bar seating, there are tables along the wall with comfortable chairs. Comfortable chairs in a dark classy bar? Yes, please. Prices are pretty standard for a hotel bar. Will I be back? of course. If you see me there, say hi and buy me a bourbon.