Cool Baton Rouge Businesses to Watch in 2015

Anyone living in Baton Rouge knows this city is going up. up. up. We are growing…expanding…Quite frankly-getting cooler.  I've always thought this city had the best of all worlds. It's family accommodating, but there is no shortage of fun when you do get that babysitter on a Saturday Night. Well, enough of my Redstick City plug. Here is my list of "cool" Baton Rouge Businesses to keep an eye on in the New Year.

1. Velvet Cactus

I loved this place in New Orleans. Actually, I lived right behind it. This "Mexican Inspired" Restaurant not only has a great menu and killer Margaritas, it throws one of the Best Cinco De Mayo block parties I have ever attended (and I've attended some doozies). The New Orleans-Art Inspired-Voo Doo themed atmosphere make this a place for a Professional Lunch, Saturday Girls Night Out, or your Date Spot. The outdoor courtyard is going to be my go-to Happy Hour Spot when the weather starts to warm up.

7655 Old Hammond Hwy, Baton Rouge
(225) 227-2563
Go like Velvet Cactus Facebook page for more updates!
Visit Velvet Cactus and post your pictures with #GeauxEat on your social media and you could be featured!

2. Barcadia

                                          Picture Courtesy of Barcadia Facebook Page

Another New Orleans little brother place. This joint is not your typical bar. This is arcade themed bar will feature arcade games to keep you boozing and moving. On some nights you can even win FREE BOOZE. Hence the name "Barcadia." Now you are getting it! So start putting your quarters in that jar by your bed. Now you actually have something to use them for.

3347 Highland Road, Baton Rouge LSU
(225) 224-6000
Go like Barcadia Facebook Page for updates!
Post your pictures from Barcadia with #GeauxOut and you could be featured!

3. Matherne's Grocery Store

Ok. Ok. Don't get mad at me. Another one of my faves from New Orleans. If you read this site regularly…you know two things about me. I love downtown Baton Rouge and I like local businesses. And my third weakness?. I am a sucker for doberge cake. And this place is rocking all three of my likes. Move over Whole Foods, this is the new hip grocery store in town.

440 N Third Street Suite 100, Downtown Baton Rouge
(225) 343-0600
Go like Matherne's Facebook page for more updates and deals!
Post your pictures shopping at Matherne's with #GeauxEat and you could be featured!

4. Baton Rouge Krav Maga

 Photo Courtesy of Krav Maga Baton Rouge Facebook Page

Now that you have inhaled your Doberge Cake, Krav Maga Gym and Training is a "killing two birds with one stone" kind of exercise. You get a muscle-building, cardio filled workout while learning how to defend yourself with the art of Krav Maga. The trainers at this gym genuinely care about the super positive atmosphere they provide to their clients. These hour long classes are such a bag-hitting good time…A lot of people gladly stay for multiple classes in a row and get their butt kicked.

10221 Patriot Drive Suite A, Baton Rouge
(225) 329-9820
Go like Baton Rouge Krav Maga Facebook Page for more updates and classes!
Post your pictures at Krav Maga with #GeauxWorkOut and you could be featured!

5. XO Nightclub

A club that opened in 2014,  but I think it is going to really rave in 2015. Already very impressed with this joint and its club feel. Not to mention, I have never seen a room full of such happy people since that epic Lil Jon Concert in 2014.
Bartenders-Friendly. VIP Girls-Hot. Dance Floor-Full. What else were you looking for in your Saturday Night?

150 Mayflower Street, Downtown Baton Rouge
(225) 381-0606
Go like XO Nightclub on Facebook for updates and performances!
Post your pictures at XO with #GeauxOut and you could be featured!

6. Hey Penelope

My last post was about this adorable shop on Jefferson Hwy. that specializes in comfortable-fashionable-Louisanable clothes. From T-shirts to leggings to adorable koozies for POOL SEASON coming up... Stop by. While you are there, pick up one of those Mardi Gras "This is My Bead Catching Shirt" for me...will ya?

7317 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge
(225) 924-5338
Go like Hey Penelope Facebook Page for more updates and sales!
Post your pictures in Hey Penelope with #GeauxShop and #HeyPenelope and you could be featured!

7. Draft House

Beers…Beers…and more Beers. There is already a big beer-lover social scene in Baton Rouge (I personally never turn down a home brew), and now the headquarters for all beer connoisseurs is here! Opening this fall, Draft House is going to be THE place to go for an after work brewski. And I'm not a gambler, but I would put money on the fact that this place will fill up fast on game days.

421 Third Street, Downtown Baton Rouge
(225) 246-2547
Go like Draft House on Facebook for more updates.
Post your pictures at Draft House with #GeauxOut and you could be featured!

8. Tiger Deaux Nuts

There goes my low carb diet out the window. Tiger Deaux-nuts has caused quite the stir as everyone anxiously waited for the doors to open at their new Government location. And how could we not? Bacon Crumbled donuts and king cake that I would probably not be willing to share...This might be my newest "sweet craving" spot.

5162 Government, Mid-City Baton Rouge
(225) 421-1091
Go like Tiger Deaux-Nuts on Facebook for updates!
Post your pictures at Tiger Deaux-Nuts with #GeauxEat and you could be featured!

 

9. Modern Meals

And for the days you are more loyal to your diet…There is Modern Meals. This place is more "Take Out" orientated, but it is said to have tables and chairs for your slower paced days. But for all you fast paced, clean eaters...Here is your easy fix. Their menu is endless and their food...gorgeous! Can't wait for this opening.

2921 Government Street, Mid-City Baton Rouge
(225) 317-2673
Go like Modern Meals on Facebook for updates!
Post your pictures at ModernMeals with #GeauxEat and you could be featured!