1211 N. Main Street Old phonebook ad: “Open every night- specializing in Bar-be-Que Chicken, Fried Chicken, KC Steaks, Sea Foods, Catering to special parties: under special supervision of Buster Kingsburg, Owner” Newspaper write up: “Buster’s Dinner Club, famous throughout Southwest Louisiana for fine foods and drinks, was opened in 1944 by the late ‘Buster’ Kingsbury. Since 1952 the dinner club has been operated by Mr. & Mrs. Bill Hanes. Helen and Bill as they are known to many, many customers have completely remodeled and air-conditioned Buster’s Dinner club… Making it one of the smartest dinner clubs in this section. Buster’s is well known for its unexcelled service and it the gathering place for private and civic banquet and parties.” ...

(L) Photo from the Johnnie Allan Collection at the Center for Louisiana Studies, University of Louisiana at Lafayette (R) Photo of current site by John Sharp Near “Yambolee” building in Opelousas- slab still there- Country bar late 60 early 70s- Bob Sobur & the Country Kings- Bob Sobur & the Sobur Boys (Bob Gautreaux) Mentioned in Louisiana and Texas garage magazine Brown Paper Sack, issue #1, January, 1997 in the article “Toga a Go-Go!.″ The Roamin’ Togas vocalist Pete Adams: “There was this place in Opelousas we’d play called the Plantation, it was a drinking club, but basically that was the kind of place where, if you were tall enough to get your arm over the bar, they would serve you! Years after we’d played there, I’d meet people who’d say, ‘Man, I remember you, you’re the leas singer for the Roamin’ Togas- I saw you at the Plantation Club when I was fourteen.” ...

(L) Photo from the 1936-37 Opelousas business directory (R) Photo from Toby’s Lounge interior in Opelousas by John Sharp Opened in 1929 by Toby Veltin: Sunset Road: described as “a real classy joint owned by Toby Veltin.” mostly big band- formal dress- near OHS- Woodhaven & Judson Walsh- car waiters in white suits- sign in Toby’s- right across parking lot from Toby’s Kaliste Saloom: It was the 2nd fanciest place in Louisiana. Every 4 years or so, the Blue Room in the Roosevelt Hotel in NOLA would redecorate. The Cedar Lane Club would buy the decor that was being discarded and redecorate with it. ...

Older bar that is now a car detailing spot ...

1949- old newspaper ads in Daily World ...

Dancehall and BPOE club located on the corner of E. Bellevue and N. Main- info from 1927 Opelousas Sanborn Insurance Map ...

221 S. Court Street in Waldorf Hotel: Old phonebook ad: “Friendly enjoyment of life’s leisure moments” ...