The Boot’s back bar. Photo by Elizabeth Ruxin.
Before The Boot became the bar that it is today, the space was used at a grocery store called “Eddie Price’s” beginning in the 1960’s. In the 1970’s, a man named Charles Nebly Senior bought the space from Eddie Price and transformed it into the famous Tulane and Loyola bar that it currently is. As soon as it opened, The Boot was extremely successful. It drew a large crowd of students from both Tulane and Loyola as well as New Orleans locals. In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina hit, The Boot faced some major setbacks. It was entirely shut down for nine months due to excessive water damage. There was four feet of water throughout the building’s interior, which required it to be completely gutted and remodeled. It needed new walls and an entirely new structure. Luckily the insurance covered these expenses. The Boot was reopened in early 2006 and has been a thriving establishment ever since (Day, Elizabeth. “The Boot History.” Interview by Elizabeth Ruxin, Joey Kurtzman(2014), Interview, etc.).
Clients of The Boot
The Boot heavily attracts students from both Tulane and Loyola Universities. It is a major component of many students’ college experiences because it is a large part of nightlife and students work as bouncers and bartenders. It is a nostalgic environment for many Tulane and Loyola alumni because it holds many memories from their college experiences. The interior has stayed the exact same which is a pleasing factor to alumni who come back to visit. The Boot has coined the phrase of being the place “where college begins and ends”(Day, Elizabeth (2014), Interview, etc). This phrase is printed on shirts that are sold at the bar. When school is not in session during summer and mid year breaks, many locals and high school alumni visit the Boot .
The Dough Bowl and The Store
Before the Dough Bowl came into existence it was called Dino’s. In 2007 it was owned and operated by same owner as The Boot, however, now it has become a separate business. When this change occurred, The Boot owner was concerned that it may negatively affect his profit margin, however, it turned out that it has actually positively affected business. The Dough Bowl serves “Boot Pizza” which has become a well-known and beloved item for many customers at The Boot who may have drunk munchies while they are enjoying their night out. The Boot Store has the same owner as The Boot and because of this they have the same profit margin. Having the Boot Store there helps more than it hurts The Boot (Day, Elizabeth (2014), Interview, etc).
The Interior/ Exterior Design
Tables at the Boot. Photo by Elizabeth Ruxin.
The Boot is constantly changing its interior and exterior setup. During the day there are tables and chairs set up for people to sit and enjoy a beer and some boot pizza while spending time with friends. This is a common occurrence during their “Happy Hour” on Wednesday and Friday afternoons and evenings. As the night goes on and when the area becomes more crowded, the boot bouncers and bartenders change the set up. They take away all of the tables and chairs and The Boot quickly becomes the rowdy college bar that most people know it to be
The Boot Specials
The Boot is unique in that it has a drink special every night of the week. This is a major attraction for customers. On Mondays the special is $2 for 2 Rolling Rocks, this is known as “Rockin’ Monday”. Tuesdays are called “The Original 50 Cent Night” which means that shots only cost 50 cents from 10pm to 1am. Wednesdays are known as “Hump Day Happy Hour” which means that triple shot mixed drinks are only 5 dollars. They also serve “Big Ass Drafts”. “Hump Day Happy Hour” lasts from 4pm until morning. Double Crown and Captain drinks are served for the price of a single every Thursday. This day is called “Royal Thursdays”. Boot Bombs are also are sold for $3.50 and 4 Miller High Life Ponys are sold for $5 as well. Friday is known as the “Original Uptown Happy Hour”. During happy hour on Fridays triple shot mixed drinks are sold for $5, 3 Miller Lights, Coors, and High Life are sold for $1, and “Big Ass Drafts” are served as well. Happy hour on Fridays lasts from 4pm to 10pm. After 10pm on Fridays there is a ladies drink special which is $2 for mixed drinks and $1 shots. This lasts until 3am. Saturdays are “Dolla Night”. Mixed drinks are $1, shots are $1 and Miller Light, Coors, and High Life are $1. The Sunday drink special is double John Dalys for the price of 1. With specials every night of the week, there is always a crowd at The Boot (The Boot( 2014), Website, etc).
The Boot in Popular Culture
The Boot has gained a lot of public attention throughout the years. It has been written up in many mainstream online journals and has gotten recognition for being one of the best college bars in America. After Hurricane Katrina, as Tulane started to become more popular, The Boot started to gain more popularity as well. According to “The Daily Meal” it is one of the top 25 college bars in America (“25 top college bars in America”. 2014. Website. http://www.nola.com/drink/index.ssf/2013/08/new_orleans_watering_hole_tops.html). It has become a name that many people nationwide know about and associate with Tulane. Because of these accolades, The Boot continues to attract students as well as tourists; it has even attracted some very well known celebrities.
Jered Bocage, A member of the Tulane Alumni Association, recalls what the Boot was like when he was a student at Tulane. He mentions a time when the “Girls Gone Wild bus” would park in front of the boot and people would go through the bus. He also talks about what it was like before the new “Boot Dorm” was there. One memory in particular he had was during Sorority Rush on Bid Day. He said all the guys would line up on zimple right in front of the boot (which was where the new dorm is now) and throw hot dogs and dog food at all the girls as they ran by (Bocage, Jered. “Boot Memories.” Interview by Elizabeth Ruxin. December 11, 2014, Interview, https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/181389234).
Abbie Sussman, a Sophomore in the School of Liberal Arts, recalls her freshmen year memories that revolve around The Boot. It is very sentiment to Abbie because of the cherished memories she developed there. Abbie’s feelings are similar to many other students when they reflect on their Tulane College Experiences. The Boot provided Abbie to bond with her classmates and relax after a stressful week (Sussman, Abbie(2014), Interview. https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/179725396 ; https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/179803606).
Peter Young, the Program Manager for Undergraduate Reunions, recalls many experiences he had at The Boot. He spoke about how High School Prom buses dropped students off in front of The Boot after their prom, which he remembers being a very weird sight. Peter also mentions that Lindsey Lohan has been one of the many celebrities spotted visiting The Boot (https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/181386698).
