Krazy Korner

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As we crab-walked down Bourbon Street we were drawn to the Krazy Korner (Bourbon and St. Peter) by the sounds of a blues and zydeco band. I also remember a barker out front waving for us to come in, promising us we would not be disappointed, a promise that held true that night and every visit thereafter. The band was great. I had no idea who we were listening to at the time, only that they were by far the best band we’d heard so far. Fronted by an accordion player who I later learned, after arriving back in California, was none other than Dwayne Dopsie (below). Dwayne is from a family of Zydeco musicians and I have some of his late father’s music on LP. They were the house band at the Krazy Korner and if you ever get the chance to see him West of the Mississippi at a Cajun or Zydeco Festival, don’t miss the opportunity. Like the barker said “you won’t be disappointed”.

The drink specials were great, I seem to recall it was 2 for 1 up until some hour — only downside seemed to be the place didn’t stay open that late (or early depending on your view), so the Krazy Korner was not the last place we’d stop in, but one of the last before calling it a day and stumbling back to the Lamothe House (which way is it?). I believe we stopped in three or four more times before leaving New Orleans, and only had one run-in when Buck asked the woman next to him at the bar if she was a ‘rental’. Now he had an Australian accent but she had no problem understanding his question. I can’t remember how she was dressed, but I do remember she had a big pink boa… she also had a husband to whom she expressed her displeasure. It was an honest mistake, no real damage done. I think they left, but we would have if they didn’t, they quickly moved away from Buck that’s for certain.

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Maverick Saloon

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The Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez is one of my favorite spots. It’s a great place to sit out on the front deck and take in the sun and people, or inside at the bar — plenty of barstools fit at the U-shaped bar. It’s my kind of place for the music, the atmosphere and although it looks a lot older, something from the 19th century, it is relatively young — built in the mid-1960’s. Not sure if this is true, but wouldn’t be surprised:  “During Old Santa Ynez Days, cowboys still try to ride their horses into the bar. If we see it coming, we block it off for security, but the last one got all the way through!”
— Well, hell yea! Probably after Big Tom’s Backyard BBQ. If you’ve never experienced Big Tom’s — you’ve missed tri-tip like no other. Catch him at the Maverick for his burgers, tri-tip and chicken — or back up the pass at Cold Spring Tavern on Sunday for just tri-tip.

Red Barn

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The Maverick Saloon is a great place to park your butt outside on a nice day and enjoy a cold beer. Across town, the Red Barn, (we’re talking 2 blocks) would be a better choice for a more adult beverage…especially if you wanted to chop down on sirloin or ribs. The bar is small, especially if you’ve just come from the Maverick, but once seated, your glass never reaches empty before you are asked if you’d care for another. I haven’t been back since it was bought by the Nichols Brothers (Sides Hardware and Shoes Restaurant and former owners of Brothers Restaurant at Mattei’s Tavern. I hope it will continue to get the good reviews it has in the past although I’m a little skeptical that this change of ownership will move the Red Barn into a slightly ‘fancier’ class and lose some of the rustic charm, which basically translates to higher prices.

Boathouse

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The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach may be a pleasant stop for a dinner by the sea, but as far as a bar of choice it ranks pretty low on my list. It’s way too small, but like the green curb, it’s role is to be a temporary spot for a customer, you’re not supposed to park there long. The Boathouse was renovated from the previous Brown Pelican restaurant which occupied the spot for over 20 years. It had a worse layout as far as the location of the bar, but after a few months of interior renovations, I would have thought the BH could have come up with something better. Yes, it is both an indoor and outdoor bar, but no, overall it could be much better. At least BIGGER!

That said, we were sitting at the bar early one Sunday morning. We felt like the curb was white as we were planning on sitting awhile. Two husky ladies to our right were apparently along the green and were just stopping in for a drink and eat before heading to Zodo’s to watch their Pittsburg Steelers. These ladies were three rivers tough. I won’t get into details but when my buddy Chris made the ultimate mistake of ordering a Bloody Mary, but ‘not real spicy’, or something to that affect, these ladies (verbally) laid into him. I found it hilarious as they referred to him as the ‘stressed out skinny fella’. They knew their football as well and didn’t hesitate putting the bartender in his place for an incorrect football fact he made the mistake of saying. True representatives of the ‘Steeler Nation’, it would have been fun to watch the game with these two. Chris however would need the rest of the day (and a different bar) to heal from the verbal abuse these ‘iron curtain’ ladies gave him. They were spot on — he was too stressed.

 

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