Tori’s Travels: Guys’ Night Out in Ruston

Written By Tori Ward, Marketing/PR Assistant

Derek Amaya, my guide to guys' night out in Ruston

Well ladies and gents, it’s been a minute since I’ve brought y’all any details about my travels in Ruston, La. I’ve been here for six months now and while I’ve experienced a lot of fun things in Ruston, it came to my attention that I’ve only really seen and written about Ruston from a girls point of view.

After realizing that my blogs were mostly focused on shopping and food, I decided I needed to see Ruston from a guy’s perspective. It was time to bro up. Man up? Guy up? Who knows.

I knew from the start who I wanted my guide to be for a guys’ night out in Ruston; enter Derek Amaya. Formally, Derek is a Louisiana Tech graduate and reporter for the Ruston Daily Leader. Informally, Derek is my basketball buddy and one of the most fun people you’ll ever meet. I asked Derek to come up with a full-force bro night out in Ruston, and this is what he planned:

Fresh Cuts 

To start our evening, we met at Rumo’s Barber Shop to get all spiffed up for our night out on the town. Derek claims that this is the most relaxing place on earth, and I totally see his point. I mean, what’s more relaxing than sitting back while someone shampoos your hair for you, cuts it, styles it, and then follows it all up with a fresh shave? I can’t think of anything. (Okay, I might have skipped the shave.)

What’s great about Rumo’s is that they have that classic, old barbershop feel while also embracing a fun and upbeat atmosphere, which is largely due to their awesome barbers (shout out to T.R. and Leslie). Whether you need a quick trim, straight-razor shave, eyebrow wax or women’s cut, Rumo’s has you covered. 

Derek getting his haircut by T.R.
Rumo's Barber Shop 

T.R., Derek, Tori and Leslie post-haircuts
Rumo's Barber Shop 

Grub

After our fresh, new haircuts, we needed a big, manly meal to carry us through our guys’ night out. We hit up Dawg House Sports Grill, a local spot that's well known for having some of the best burgers in North Louisiana, and what’s manlier than a big, juicy cheeseburger? 

We ordered a pretty killer spread of food, including Frodo's Patty Melt, the grilled chicken sandwich, cheese fries, quesadillas and crawfish étouffée. Dawg House has a great selection of beers on tap, so we decided to grab one (or two) while waiting on our food. As you probably noticed, Dawg House has a wide selection of food, and it was all delicious until the last bite. With full and happy bellies, we headed to our next destination. 

Frodo's Patty Melt
Dawg House Sports Grill 

Grilled chicken sandwich & cheese fries
Dawg House Sports Grill

Game Time

Derek, Tori and Champ the Bulldog at an LA Tech Basketball game
Thomas Assembly Center 

As I mentioned, Derek and I are basketball buddies. We both get WAY too involved with LA Tech Basketball games; I mean, if you didn’t scream at the ref did you really go to the game? 

In my personal opinion, LA Tech Basketball games are a different level of fun. Between the constant action of the game and Derek yelling witty insults at the opposing team’s coach, there isn’t a dull moment. Not to mention, our team is pretty good at what they do. Although this was some good bro bonding time, you definitely don’t have to be a guy to enjoy these games! 

Drinks & Chill 

Cheers to Guys' Night Out in Ruston
Sundown Tavern patio 

Whether you’re celebrating a victory or commiserating a defeat, a post-game drink at Sundown Tavern is a must. We arrived just before the live music kicked off inside, so we decided to take our drinks on the patio. 

We posted up next to a warm space heater (even men get chilly) and enjoyed the atmosphere of Sundown’s eclectic patio. We had some quality bro talk and watched the ongoing Pelicans game on Derek’s phone (apparently sports are a never-ending thing for guys).

All in all, I would say we had a very successful guys’ night out. If you’re a dude, definitely experience this bro night for yourself. As for the girls, sometimes going and doing “guy things” can actually be a pretty good time. Did Derek and I miss something fun? Tell us your favorite things to do during a guys’ night out in Ruston!

Tori Ward is a proud Louisiana native, born and raised in Shreveport, La. She is a Louisiana State University alumna and has a passion for all things PR. Tori is an avid movie watcher, coffee fanatic and lover of the outdoors. She is currently attending Louisiana Tech to pursue a master’s degree in business administration.