Best of Monroe: top drink stops around campus
Waterfront Grill, a popular spot across the bayou, greets customers with a cozy, rustic vibe. Cleverly titled “The Warhawk,” this $10 cocktail mixes premium vodka and Cointreau with pomegranate juice. A splash of syrup leaves the drink citrusy and similar to a cosmopolitan, quickly becoming a favorite of the night. The mocktail version, made with similar ingredients, really puts the “refresh” in “refreshment”—the perfect drink for sunny days.
Enoch’s Irish Pub and Cafe was the next stop. The business is known for transporting visitors to the Dublin bar scene. It tries to keep true to the Irish pub experience, refraining from offering mocktails. Enoch’s Guinness stout has a bitter flavor reminiscent of black coffee. The pub may feel a bit cramped, but its history and live music scene make it well worth the visit. Be sure to visit on karaoke Wednesdays..
Styled as a traditional mom-and-pop restaurant, Daq’s Wings & Grill resembles a typical Southern bar. The simple but homey decor creates a calming atmosphere to ease the night away. The business offers a Whiskey Wednesday discount, pricing its Benchmark whiskey with Coke at $7. The drink holds subtle notes of oak and caramel. Though it lacks in terms of taste, it is a solid option for whiskey lovers.
The trip concluded with Taco Bandido, a Mexican restaurant with a charming, casual feel—the 12 oz. strawberry margarita for $12 was a group favorite. The drink was strong but well-balanced, with a sweet, tart strawberry flavor that made it easy to sip. Taco Bandido’s “hole-in-the-wall” vibe adds to its charm. Its addition of a rabbit mascot in a bandit mask creates a casual, fun atmosphere made for relaxing.