Nick's Original Big Train Bar

Mr. Nick Castrogiovanni demonstrating his Pousse Cafe technique

Nick's Original Big Train Bar was a drinking establishment in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was established in 1918 by Nick Castrogiovanni. Located at 2400 Tulane Avenue across the street form the Dixie Brewery, Nick's Bar was in operation until Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005. Started as a grocery, the bar came to life after Prohibition ended. The business grew to include the bar, a grocery, beer garden, wine store and delicatessen. In September 1965 Hurricane Betsy damaged the property and only the bar remained.

The bar was founded by mixologist Nick "Mr. Nick" Castrogiovanni (1893–1979). He is known for creating a 32 layer pousse cafe and is rumored to have achieved one with 34 layers. He enjoyed entertaining visitors with demonstrations. Castrogiovanni, as he was known, is also credited with the creation of over 150 exotic drinks with unique names, including the Banana Banshee, Chocolate Soldier, Between the Sheets, Underwater Demolition, Ruptured Duck, Nick's Bullet and War Eagle. It is rumored that Dixie Brewery named their brew Dixie 45 because Castrogiovanni told the brewmaster it "had the kick of a Colt 45."

Nick's Original Big Train Bar was frequented by businessmen, blue collar workers, politicians, college students, locals and visitors. Nick's Bar was known for a dive bar atmosphere[1] and the elaborate and strong drinks, some served in outrageous containers like a miniature toilet bowl.

See also

References

  1. ↑ In the Land of Cocktails. Harper Collins. p. 9. Quote: "Nick Castrogiovanni's Big Train Bar was a serious dive even by New Orleans standards. Each successive generation, including ours, thought they discovered it, and were always surprised to learn that their parents had been there before them." (subscription required)

Further reading

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