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The VineyardCoursey's Vineyard Is a Classic
Greg Shald is a well-liked fellow, laid back and eager to please. Tirelessly committed to his customers, he routinely works a 90-hour week. "We've expanded our menu," he says in his mellow, gravelly voice, leaning back on his barstool and scratching his bald pate. "The entertainment's gotten bigger and better. And there's still no cover charge for the bands."
The Vineyard is the stomping ground of a local favorite, Chris LeBlanc, an extremely popular and well regarded talent. Wednesday night at 9 or 9:30, Chris arrives with his acoustical guitar. His sister Amanda often accompanies him and is an admired player in her own right. "A lot of people like hearing Chris without his full band," says Greg. On Thursday nights, The Chris LeBlanc Band plays Southern music, plus LeBlanc's own music, some Beatles, and a selection of 70s and 80s hits. "Chris is a legendary person in Baton Rouge," says Greg. "Everybody loves him. He's a great person and his band is fantastic. They've opened for Hank Williams and ZZ Top." Chris has played at the Vineyard since he was ten years old, when he would accompany his father on stage.
Of course, other bands also make their way to the Vineyard. "Friday and Saturday we rotate mostly classical rock, folk, and blues," Greg says. "Eric Clapton came here once and played with Kurt Holder." Live entertainment is the big draw at the Vineyard, but you can also play video games or shoot pool on one of the two big tables. If you're lucky, you may see trick shooter Noel Goldsby, who once played pool with Minnesota Fats.
Greg is originally from Omaha, Nebraska, where he worked at a bar called Barrett's. "That's where all the LSU fans went for the college world series. I know a lot of people from those days, and that made it an easy transition to come to Baton Rouge. Those fans come in all the time. Omaha loves LSU." And Baton Rouge loves the Vineyard. "This is a place where people can relax, sit and enjoy themselves, eat great food, and feel like everybody knows each other," says one customer . "Everybody is very friendly here. It's like a small 'Cheers' of the South, where as the song goes, everybody knows your name."
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The Vineyard Bar on Coursey Boulevard is a Baton Rouge icon, a friendly place with great vibes, great music, and great food. "It was built 35 years ago by a guy named Everitt," says current owner Greg Shald, who took charge of the Vineyard two years ago. "It was originally named Martha's Vineyard, after Everitt's wife Martha."
Tuesdays through Saturdays, patrons enjoy live music for free. On Tuesday nights, bands begin at 7 or 7:30. "You can get here early," Greg says, "listen to music, enjoy your dinner, and still get back home at a reasonable time."
So enamored of the Vineyard is Chris LeBlanc that he recorded an amazing seven of his songs live from the Vineyard for his latest CD, Starbright. Chris, who has his pick of gigs, says he likes the Vineyard's intimacy, his proximity to the audience.
"Don't forget our food," says Greg. The Vineyard's kitchen is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 to 10 pm, and Monday from 4 to 10 pm. The menu includes not only the expected nachos and wings, but also great soups and salads, ten different kinds of hamburgers, and specialty sandwiches on "Vineyard bread"-delicious. Particularly popular sandwiches include reubens, patty melts, and any of the eight chicken sandwiches, and BLT's. Daily plate specials are also favorites.
