Louie’s Bar and Rocket Lounge BBQ

I was steered to the upstairs lounge, Sigma 23, during the annual Ghost Riders moped rally. Understand that moped kids can turn ANY situation into a party … except for this one.
Between the incredibly uncomfortable seats, the cheaply painted walls (white on bricks doesn’t make you look chic) and the blue lighting, I felt like I was in a bargain-​basement replica of a Scottsdale, Ariz., bar.
The DJ was playing godawful modern R&B slow jams, and the cocktail waitresses looked bored beyond belief.
The one saving grace was $ 2 you-​call-​its before 11 p.m. on Friday night.

This review is for The Rocket Lounge only, specifically on Thursday nights.
The only reason I know about this place is because my beloved Retro D’Luxe (
) moved here, and this time it seems to be sticking! If you aren’t familiar with it, DJ Jef Leppard describes it as: «80s Night» with plenty of 70s, 90s and newer indie/​electro/​whatchamacallit as well!
This place is perfect for 80’s music and the shenanigans that ensue. It even has a Michael Jackson mural on the wall.
The dance floor is large and offers cool breezes, which is great because the only downfall of the Drink is that it was a furnace of drunken retro tomfoolery.
There are seating areas, and it’s attached to Louie’s. The drinks are cheaper on the Rocket Lounge side though: $ 2 Bud, Bud Light, and High Lifes all night, as well as $ 3 wells, 4 for $ 10 house shots, and $ 5 Jäger Bombs!
If you are looking for something to do on a Thursday and have a love/​tolerance of 80’s music and a fun, alternative crowd, I highly suggest you check it out. This is one of my favorite Grand Rapids events. :-)