Arts & Entertainment

Big Easy is the place where every night rocks the blues

Liquid Diet

Mario Gudmundsson

Possibly the last thing one would expect to stumble across in über-preppy West University Place is a gritty blues bar, but the Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club is an atmospheric find where every night rocks with some of the best local and national blues artists youill ever hear.

Limited parking in the back of the building can be a struggle, but itis well worth the fight for what youill find inside. From the outside, the ramshackle purple edifice looks a little out of place between run-of-the-mill retail spots and a gleaming office building, but itis surprisingly roomy inside.

There is a well-lighted area with pool tables and games next to the bar, which is large and usually mobbed. Plenty of booths, barstools and tables ring a sizeable dance floor in front of a small stage.

The walls are completely covered with all manner of blues memorabilia, some of it autographed by important musicians and all of it worth taking the time to wander around and read.

Easy-going bartenders are always happy to welcome back their 21-and-older regulars, as they pour mixed drinks proficiently and keep busy with the wide selection of chilly beers on tap.

Youill find some good specials, like $5 pitchers of the excellent New Orleans beer Abita, or $4 pitchers of Lone Star.

Tom McClendon, owner of the Big Easy, pointed out several framed reviews chronicling the love many have for the award-winning smoky blues shack, winner of the Houston Press People's Choice Award for Best Blues Venue.

"I love the live music and the $5 pitchers of Abita on Tuesdays, even though itis way too smoky in here," psychology sophomore Christopher Smink said.

"Thereis every kind of person in here. I just got beat at pool by a guy with no teeth," Smink said.

The eclectic crowd mingles easily, as college students chat up grizzled bikers, jazz buffs, bartenders from nearby hangouts whoive come to relax and silicon-enhanced locals from West University.

Many of the students who hang out at the Big Easy go to UH.

"A lot of my friends from Cullen Oaks come here to find live music and good company, and Mighty Orq puts on a great show every Tuesday," senior psychology major Amanda Brancheau said.

Hotel and restaurant management senior Brian Coufal agreed: "I used to come by myself; now all of my friends come with me. Most nights thereis no cover and everyone is nice. Iive been coming here every Tuesday and Sunday for the last year."

Tuesdays feature the Mighty Orq, who sits alone on the stage with his guitar and wails for a loyal crew of fans. Wednesdays offer the ever-popular Big and Easy Blues Jam and Thursdays have Jukebox Appreciation Night, with drink specials and free pool all night. Sundays are reserved for Zydeco music, kind of a rarity inside the loop.

The Big Easy offers a relaxed look at the diversity of Houston, all in one laid-back haunt with a New Orleans vibe. 

The Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club

5731 Kirby Drive

The verdict: Come for the music, grab some booze and stay for the crowd.

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