What was formerly the Red Star Bar in downtown Baton Rouge has been extensively renovated into a snazzy, modern whiskey lounge. As 225 Dine reports, co-owners Chad Hughes and Brad Watts opened the new bar earlier this month on Laurel Street.
Primarily a whiskey bar, The River Room offers 50 different whiskeys and 30 types of scotch. The bar also features a small but high-end wine list, along with a limited beer menu, Watts says.
On the drink menu are several standard cocktails and specialty cocktails. Watts says that as patrons make requests, items will be added and removed from the menu over time. Devoid of tables and chairs, the bar produces a laid-back, quiet vibe, boasting comfy lounge chairs and loveseats.
Watts says he and Hughes wanted to create a different feel, something he couldn’t find in Baton Rouge. Though he doesn’t like the word “upscale,” Watts says that’s the void he and Hughes noticed downtown.
“There’s an array of places with the ‘club’ atmosphere,” he says. “We wanted to create a place where you can sit down and visit with your friends and not have to raise your voice.”
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