As Baton Rouge's restaurant scene continues to expand, so does its thirst for a good craft cocktail. Over the past five years, cocktail and whisky bars have started to supplant the college dives.
True, there are still a few of those left, and they have their charms, but if you're looking for a good drink, keep this list handy. Here are 17 Baton Rouge bars you must visit. (Presented in no order.)
Driftwood Cask & Barrel
An impressive craft cocktail bar in the heart of downtown.
326 N. Third St.
Hours: 4 p.m. to midnight Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday
Info: Call (225) 478-2550 or visit facebook.com/driftwoodbr.
Corporate Brew & Draft
Known for its wide and delicious selection of beers and pop-up restaurants.
2561 Citiplace Court, Suite 300
Hours: 3 p.m. to midnight Monday-Thursday, 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. Sunday
Info: Call (225) 771-8508 or visit facebook.com/CBDBR.
The Cove
This bar has everything — craft cocktails, beer, bourbons, scotches and rare pours that can run more than $100.
2561 Citiplace Court
Hours: 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday-Friday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, 5 p.m. to midnight Sunday
Info: Call (225) 248-6457 or visit thecovebr.com.
Hayride Scandal
A sleek whiskey bar that pays homage to the Prohibition-era in its decor and drink menu.
5110 Corporate Blvd., Suite B
Hours: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday-Saturday
Info: Visit hayridescandal.com.
Olive or Twist
A bar with an expansive craft cocktail menu, beers, and lunch, dinner and brunch service.
7248 Perkins Road, Suite A
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday
Info: Call (225) 456-2188 or visit oliveortwistbr.com.
The Radio Bar
The only place in Baton Rouge where you can order a Moscow Mule and bemoan the person who requested another Bon Iver song.
3079 Government St.
Hours: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday-Saturday, 4 p.m. to midnight Sunday
Info: Visit facebook.com/theradiobar.
The Bulldog
Beers (tons of them) and late night grub are on the menu at this Baton Rouge location of the New Orleans staple.
4385 Perkins Road, Suite 15
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Sunday
Info: Call (225) 303-9400 or visit bulldog-batonrouge.draftfreak.com.
Brickyard South
On the edge of downtown, this bar features beers and stiff drinks. On Fridays, they serve up delicious "slamburgers."
174 South Blvd.
Hours: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday-Friday, noon to 2 a.m. Saturday, noon to midnight Sunday.
Info: Call (225) 505-8733 or visit facebook.com/brickyardsouth.
Cocha
A downtown restaurant with global flavors and a cocktail menu featuring some of the more interesting drinks in town.
445 N. Sixth St.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday
Info: Call (225) 615-8826 or visit cochabr.com.
Beausoleil Restaurant & Bar
A local favorite, Beausoleil has a selection of cocktails, beer and wine to match its flavorful Louisiana bites.
7731 Jefferson Highway
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Info: Call (225) 926-1172 or visit beausoleilrestaurantandbar.com.
Doe's Eat Place
Steak, potatoes and great drinks make this a city favorite.
3723 Government St.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Info: Call (225) 387-5331 or visit doesbatonrouge.com.
The Pelican House
Featuring a wide selection of beers on tap and a separate whiskey bar to go along with its newly expanded restaurant side.
2572 Citiplace Court
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Monday, 11 a.m. to midnight Tuesday-Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday
Info: Call (225) 456-5200 or visit thepelicanbar.com.
The Overpass Merchant
Underneath the Perkins Road overpass, this small restaurant features a few beers, cocktails and wines and is a prime hangout on the weekends.
2904 Perkins Road
Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Info: Call (225) 508-4737 or visit theoverpassmerchant.com.
Blend
A comfortable and stylish wine bar in downtown.
304 Laurel St., Suite 1B
Hours: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday-Saturday
Info: Call (225) 757-5645 or visit blendbr.com.
Bin 77 Bistro & Sidebar
New American restaurant with cocktails and extensive wine list.
10111 Perkins Road, Suite 160
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 4 p.m. to midnight Tuesday-Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday
Info: Call (225) 763-2288 or visit bin77.com.
Churchill's
Enjoy cigars, cocktails and a few bites at this Baton Rouge bar.
7949 Jefferson Highway, Suite C
Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday-Saturday, noon to midnight Sunday
Info: Call (225) 927-4211 or visit churchillswine-cigars.com.
The River Room
Sleek, modern and fashionable, offering cocktails and wines for the downtown crowd.
222 Laurel St.
Hours: 4 p.m. to midnight Sunday-Monday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Info: Call (225) 400-9627 or visit facebook.com/theriverroombatonrouge.
