N.O. Walk-On’s wins ‘Best Sports Bar in North America’ title

Walk-On’s Bistreaux and Bar in New Orleans has been voted ESPN’s “Best Sports Bar in North America.” News of the Baton Rouge-headquartered business beating out the competition in the third annual contest broke online shortly after 3 p.m. today. Co-owner Jack Warner was taken completely by surprise. “Awesome. I’m pumped. That’s huge for us, man,” says Warner upon being told Walk-On’s had won. “We just bought the whole restaurant a round. They’re excited, to say the least.” Walk-On’s, and the fan who nominated it, will receive a Monday Night Football Experience, sponsored by ESPN Mobile. With the title, Walk-On’s will be offering various specials at all locations. Warner says it was only on Sept. 25 that Walk-On’s learned a fan had nominated the New Orleans location for the competition. Now, less than two weeks later, Walk-On’s has risen to the top of more than 5,500 nominations. “It’s been unbelievable,” Warner says. Last In Concepts, the company behind Walk-On’s, The Roux House, Happy’s Irish Pub, Walk-On’s Catering and Schlittz & Giggles, does not currently have plans to franchise the sports bar. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t partner it with other people and grow it” in another college town, Warner says. To see the final results of the contest, click here. —Adam Pearson