Praise from ‘Southern Living’
Southern Living magazine just recognized the Blue Moon Saloon as one of the 100 Best Bars in the South.
According to the magazine’s website, “We sipped our way through the South to compile a list of our 100 favorite Southern bars. From down-and-dirty dives to sleek and buzzy cocktail lounges, these spots are sure to liven up any Friday night.”
Actually, the Blue Moon keeps it lively Wednesdays through the weekend.
“It didn’t start off with any big, grand plan but it’s just kind of grown,” said Mark Falgout, Blue Moon owner. “It’s like watching a family member grow up. It’s just evolved over time, and it’s grown organically to fit what the needs of what our customers and the community are looking for.”
The Moon, as it’s known locally, opened in 2001 as a hostel and the saloon side came along a little later.
“I think it’s just giving the folks what they want. It started off with an idea that I just hoped I would find like-minded people,” Falgout said. “I think the community’s embraced it and it’s kind of evolved over the years.
“And it’s just a really comfortable place to hang out,” he said.
But the accolades for the Moon have been coming.
Just last month, the International Trade Development Group, the advisory board to Le Centre International de Lafayette, presented the Moon with the International Achievement Award.
The award, which will be presented during Festival International de Louisiane, honors an individual, company or organization where lasting impact has enhanced the international reputation of Acadiana by driving economic development, tourism, art, music or goodwill ambassadorship.
And in December of last year at the Downtown Lafayette Awards, the Moon took Best Place to Stay Downtown and the Best Place to Experience Live Music Downtown.
“It’s a pretty unique situation that we have. Not in just Lafayette, but in most places. We’re kind of a little neighborhood bar that turned into a kind of a world-renowned roots music venue,” said Falgout. “And you mix in the international component with the Guest House right there, you don’t find that in many places.
“It’s a place where pirates from around the corner and around the world can gather and tell stories and have a beer and listen to great music,” Falgout said.
