Nick H.
Yelp
When I asked the cab driver to take me to Bullet's Sports Bar, his reaction of "Uh, I don't know how to get there," indicated either one of two things:
A. That I was a crazy tourist who didn't know what I was getting myself into.
B. That not many tourists knew about this totally awesome place.
Turns out he just really never heard of the place and didn't know how to get there. So, with my keen sense of direction (iPhone) we headed towards Bullet's. I had read a lot about this place beforehand, but still, even with all of the information I had digested, I still didn't really know what to expect.
Initially, we drove right past the place because it blended in so well with the residential neighborhood that it's located in. The only reason I knew that it had to be Bullet's was the food truck parked outside. We got out of the cab, walked in, paid the $5 admission to see Kermit Ruffins, grabbed two Abita's, and waited for things to get going. It became apparent to me that Bullet's is definitely a place for locals. Everyone knew each other and the atmosphere was that of a family gathering or celebration. Everyone was very friendly and the bartenders treated us like we had been coming there for years. Even when Kermit arrived at the bar, he just walked in like a regular and began talking to everyone as if they were old friends, and they probably really were.
As showtime crept closer, we began to see this man coming back and forth from outside the bar, dropping off food to some patrons. Curiously, I went outside to see what the deal was with this guy and where this delicious looking food was coming from. I exit the bar, turn my head to the left, and see a huge pickup truck with two massive barbecues attached to the trailer. These barbecues were playing host to the most delicious looking pieces of meat I had ever encountered. Pretty much anything you could want...ribs, chicken, and steak with sides of mac and cheese, potato salad, and beans. It was awesome. Everyone was hanging out outside having a great time and eating amazing food. Only in New Orleans can you find stuff like this...
Now it's showtime and Kermit Ruffins picks up his horn and lets loose. At this point, Bullet's is packed and everyone is having a blast. Funny thing...even though Kermit was putting on a great show, it seemed like no one was really paying any attention to him at all. He was just providing the background music; the same way you would have music going if you were throwing a party. People were carrying on with their conversations and socializing as if Kermit wasn't even there.
Do not pass up an opportunity to see Kermit Ruffins at Bullet's. The crowd was great, the food was awesome, and the atmosphere can't be beat. You will run into some great people who have interesting stories to share, if you are willing to listen.