The Brickhouse, located on College Drive near Coffee Call, is a new bar that caters to an older, music-loving crowd. Open since December, The Brickhouse offers live music six nights a week.
The Brickhouse is the subject of much debate lately as its fate is in the air because of the proposed College Drive Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart is asking to buy the land on which the bar stands.
Kevin Carmack, owner of The Brickhouse and The Caterie said he is not sure what is going to happen to his establishment. He says the decision is landlord’s, who as of yet is unsure. There are no current relocation plans.
“It’s up in limbo until June,” Carmack said.
For now, The Brickhouse opens every day at 4 p.m. Carmack said his bar is unique because of the nice, sit-down, relaxed atmosphere. He said it is a good place to go if you want to hear live music without having to worry about dealing with a rambunctious crowd.
The weekdays are devoted to acoustic music, while the weekends are more rock-oriented. In Baton Rouge it’s rare to find a bar or music venue that hosts many female artists, but The Brickhouse is not afraid to showcase the female musicians in Baton Rouge.
Allison Collins usually holds the Thursday night spot. However, this week Jennifer James will be playing on Thursday. Emily Branton has played this venue before, as has Debbie Landry. Other musicians featured are Chris Leblanc, who will play this Friday and The Elements, a reggae group will perform this Saturday. Rhett Anthony is a weekly regular, appearing every Tuesday.
The Brickhouse only allows those 21 and older to enter and draws in a few hundred on the weekends. Carmack said it is worth risking smaller crowds to not hire extra people to make sure no one underage drinks.
Carmack said he employs at least three more people to regulate drinking at The Caterie and does not wish to incur this expense at The Brickhouse. He does not feel the bar suffers by not excluding the 18- to 20-year-old crowd.
The five female bartenders at The Brickhouse are known for their fun-loving and friendly demeanor, which Carmack believes adds to the atmosphere. Carmack himself is an extremely friendly, easygoing guy and hires people with similar dispositions.
The Brickhouse is planning a crawfish boil at some point in the future; the date has yet to be determined. Carmack is excited about events like the crawfish boil and continues to make tentative plans for the bar despite its uncertain future. Carmack encourages people to stop by and enjoy the patio and live music.
“We’re still open for now,” Carmack said.