I was encouraged to join a group of friends and acquaintances to listen to live Cajun music at historic Fred's Lounge in the "Cajun Music Capital of the World" Mamou, Louisiana. I agreed to go without any expectations, except for having a great time with friends who have been and Mamou's international reputation for its genre of music. I was amazed by the experience, to say the least! Fred's Lounge is small, intimate and its music broadcasts live every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to around 2 p.m. on KVPI AM radio out of nearby Ville Platte, Louisiana there every Saturday. There was no cover, people there were friendly and embraced visitors as family. Even a wall flower could not help rump-rocking in their seat, clapping to the beat, stomping their feet, or even being coerced to cut-a-rug with a perfect stranger, while embracing the unique Cajun music rhythms. The band that day was local famed Don Fontenot and the Louisiana Boys. I could not help admiring the bass player's guitar strap made out of alligator hide. The craftsmanship was incredible! Also Don Fontenot, the accordion player's passion and creativity was spot on! The band played traditional music in Cajun French, however at times they played American classics like Proud Mary. They even played La Grange by Z. Z. Top in both English and Cajun French. However the most memorable song was "Ride the Donkey" with a guest performance from a local lady in the lounge, who he-hawed better than the best Jenny! I am certain it wasn't her first time performing this song! If you are a music enthusiast, looking for a fun destination trip or a simply a unique memorable experience in Louisiana, Fred's Lounge is a must! read more

Great Live Cajun music every Saturday morning. This place is a blast, and If you can't Cajun dance there's plenty of friendly people who will gladly show you how. read more

Heading out to Big Mamou and Fred's Lounge for Mardi Gras 2022. Tante Sue will be dancing in the street with her holster of Hot Damn welcoming folk to Fred's Lounge, the Courir de Mardi Gras racing around on horseback grabbing chickens, rice, and sausage for the gumbo, and all will be well this Fat Tuesday. If you've never been to Fred's Lounge (normally open on Saturdays only), this is the day to go. Every experience in one day. Laissez les bon temps rouler! read more

This place is a unique, fun experience. If you're reading this, just do it. You won't be disappointed. Is it worth the drive? YES! Fred's lounge is only open on Saturday mornings beginning at 8:00am and ending around 2:00pm....but they pack a LOT of living in those 6 hours! Get there early, before the band starts at 9am in order to get a seat. Don't let the sleepy 8:15 am uncrowded atmosphere fool you. If you're wondering where the dance floor is, you're standing on it. That hallway that goes back to the restrooms is going to be packed with dancers once the music starts. Anywhere there is three feet of space there will be someone dancing. It's standing/dancing room only once the music begins. Yes, you can start drinking at 8 am if you want to, but you can also get orange juice, pineapple juice, coffee, soft drinks, etc. without anyone batting an eye. Fred's doesn't charge admission, so do pick up something from the bar and tip the band to show your support and to keep this place alive. The music is lively, although the band is a bit hard to see once the dancing starts...but the crowd is part of the draw. It's an interesting mix of tourists and locals, harley riders and retirees. Everyone has a smile on their face and is here for a good time. Don't leave without taking at least a few turns on the dance floor...the regulars will encourage you to dance, and it's a great experience. Don't worry if you don't know how, the dance floor is so tightly packed that no one can move around much anyway. There's no judgement here, just fun! There are regular breaks for announcements in English and Cajun French, since the first few hours are broadcast on a local am station (1050am KVPI). Fred's Lounge is an unforgettable experience...don't miss it! read more

Freds Lounge - The dance floor after it gets going...notice the singer in the background... - Lounges Near Me - Mamou, Louisiana

As the other reviewers said,this place is something else. WONDERFUL and worth the trip. I'll sure return again. Had a blast !!! If you want class Fred's is not for you. If you want fun,great music and meet some fine people than Fred's is it. And "YES" open ONLY on Saturday morning !!!! YES it's a hole in the wall full of fun and great music but what else can you ask for? read more

See all

We arranged our travel from Arkansas to New Orleans so that we could be at Fred's on Saturday morning. It lived up to its reputation - good food, cold drinks, friendly folks, & a fantastic band. Breakfast across the street at The Crazy Cajun & then a couple of hours at Fred's was just the right start to vacation. read more

Freds Lounge - two drinks on a table - Lounges Near Me - Mamou, Louisiana

I had been wanting to visit Fred's for a long time, and was happy to finally make it there! It was everything it's been hyped up to be! We arrived at 8:30 a.m. to find the place already bustling with activity. All seats were already occupied, but who cares. I was planning on dancing non stop anyway. We promptly got ourselves some $2 Schlitz beers and started with the dancing. The live Cajun band was incredible, and I loved hearing the live radio broadcast in Cajun French! Fred's (the late Fred) wife, Tante Sue was there giving out Hot Damn shots. After everyone signed the guest book, Tante Sue called out all of the visiting cities and we won a seasoning and sauce gift set for having traveled the furthest in the state of Louisiana. Fred's is only open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday mornings. And trust me, you'll have plenty enough fun in that time frame. Even though we had biked 7 miles from Lakeview Campground to Fred's, we had to call some new friends that we met at the campground to come pick us up! Thank you Fred's and Tante Sue for a great time. Can't wait to be back! read more

WOW this place is off the chain! Came in at open around 8am and started throwing em back lol Its a great experience whether your from Louisiana or not, and dont forget to try the "hot damn".Tante Sue is crazy too, she has to be in here 70's and she takes shots with you! lol Word to the wise bring a designated driver and be prepared to be hungover the rest of the day lol read more

Freds Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Mamou, Louisiana

See all

I haven't been there in about 30 years, but I still miss it! The nicest, friendliest people and great music. I don't drink and I'm a vegetarian so I normally don't hang out at lounges. But Fred's was sooooooo worth it. While I was there, some very sweet ladies came around offering snacks (gratis). I know I'm not supposed to ask what's in something when it's offered to me, but I'm a native New Yorker so etiquette isn't my strong suit. The lady said it was alligator sausage. I said, "Many thanks, but you know, I made a deal with the alligators when I came to Louisiana. I said, 'You don't eat me and I won't eat you.' So far they've kept their part of the deal, so I'd like to keep mine.' She just smiled and moved on. Long Live Fred's! And get one of their t-shirts! read more

This small town World Famous bar holds a special place in my heart. If you are wanting a different bar experience Fred's is for you! Cajun band plays and their radio station airs live during the performance. Tante Sue walks around handing out boudin and the staff is very welcoming. Dance at your own risk! Best excuse for day time drinking. The history that fills this place is amazing and you can see it all on the walls, including a picture of my great grandfather who played there once upon a time :) read more

See all

Freds is such a memory filled place. My dad was from Mamou and we went and visited my Grandmother Mena Reed there for many years. Still love to go there..Be sure and get a T-Shirt too.... read more

Fred's is a must visit in LA. Cajun band is amazing, but the people who come there to dance are even better. The atmosphere is laid back. If you don't have a good time, it is your own fault. And whatever you do....don't stand on the juke box. read more

Are you shi**ing me? Nobody has done a review for Fred's yet? Ok, let's go. I'm no expert, my first time was today. But let me tell you, if you want a real Louisiana coon-ass experience, you cannot beat this place. It's a bar, plain and simple. About 15 seats or so around the bar, and 30 or seats off to the side. They're only open on Saturdays, from about 8am to 2pm. They do a live radio broadcast of Cajun music from 9-11am or so (all in Cajun/Creole French). The band is right in the middle of the floor, you can dance around either side of them. We got there around 8:30, the bar was already full but the seating on the side was open. But don't wait long, it fills up fast. You are there for 3 reasons: 1 to drink, 2 to listen to authentic Cajun music, and 3 to dance your ass off. Don't worry if you don't know how to Cajun dance, drink a Bloody Mary or a few Schlitz's and it won't matter. It's just one big party. Be sure to stick around long enough to sample some boudin supplied by the legendary Tante Sue and take a swig from her bottle of Hot Damn! This is what life is all about!!!! Oh, and although not a smoker myself, there's ashtrays on every table, to give you an idea. If you're a health nut, you might as well stay away. If you want a good ol' honky tonk/bar experience, drop in. read more

Freds Lounge is amazing. I really enjoy the music and dance as well. And only open on Saturday morning. I'll sure come again with my friends and family. Awesome place. read more

Fred's is historic but more than that, it has magic. Long ago, went to the Saturday Fais do do. There was a wedding party and the bride and groom were dressed like they were going to the farmer's market, except the bride had her veil. The mimosas were stellar, the music unbelievable and the atmosphere was as good as it gets. If I ever get back to Louisiana, I will again attend the Saturday Fais Do Do. If you're in LA., this is a must not miss place. read more

Driving from MS to WA state in 1982, I stopped at Fred's on a Sat. AM. I can tell you I had one of the top 3 best times of my life. I danced with everyone from 3 to 80. Even got proposed to. Great day ! Glad they're still doing well. Hey to Marty if she's still around. Oh, and "yes" to that man! read more

You won't be disappointed! If ever I return . . . to Louisiana, I will again go to the Saturday Fais Do Do

Sadly they let Tante Sue go. We loved the place mostly because of her. She passed out the boudin, hot damn and was a most gracious lady. She was the heart and soul of the place. Don't mess with a legend. read more

Last call was at 10pm! What???? Oh, and on Mardi Gras. Sad this place has turned into a crap hole. Came from out of town for the reputation but all I found was dick up people in the corner and disgusting bathrooms. If the bathrooms are that bad I can only wonder what's behind the bar. read more

One of a kind. Taunt Sue, owner, brandishes a bottle of Hot Damn that she pulls from her leather holster and God help those who don't partake. BTW band starts at 9 am with live radio show at the same time. Don't forget to get a "Fred's Omelette". Been driving 600 miles one way 2 or 3 times a year to partake in the festivities for over 10 years. Don't miss the opportunity to stop at Fred's but get there early if you want a seat. read more