Handicap access: Yes

Credit: All major cards accepted

Hours: Sunday-Thursday, noon-11 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, noon-12; Sunday Brunch from 11:30 a.m. to about  3 p.m.; bar open ‘til  4 a.m.

I recently took time out from the bustle of summer to take my Dad to one of my favorite watering holes and late night spots. Bourbon Street captures the flavors and the style of the city they call the Big Easy – New Orleans. But this Bell Boulevard eatery is more than just the perfect place to escape the heat and enjoy good food.

As dinner with my father proved, the leisurely setting and class of this restaurant spans every age and every occasion, making it a place where you just want to sit, enjoy, and let the good times roll.

From the authentic Mardi Gras masks that accent the walls to the gentle breeze of the ceiling fans, Bourbon Street is inviting from the first step in right down to the last bite.

Though Chef Joey (who is simply a genius with a sauce) let slip the rumor that a menu change is in store for September, the quality of food and the delectable taste has been constant for years, and my recent visit was no except.

With expert help and care from our server Jen (she’s outstanding), we enjoyed the Breaded Portobello Mushroom for starters (lightly fried and served with artichokes, roasted peppers in a garlic sauce $7.95). A special of the night was Emeril’s BBQ Shrimp ($9.95) which Dad said had “a little bit of essence and a good bit of bite.”  The Horseradish Crusted Salmon ($17.95) was rich in flavor and light in taste. And a long time favorite of mine is the fresh and filling Grilled Chicken Salad (grilled chicken on a bed of mixed greens with pineapple, walnuts and fresh stringbeans $8.95).

Finish the meal with a wide assortment of freshly made and decadent desserts . . . and always check the special menu for the pecan pie.

Pete’s margaritas are the perfect accent for your Cajun/American meal, and if the night is right you can enjoy everything from Steak & Ale (Monday nights: Soup & salad, 16 oz. steak or prime rib, potato & vegetable, pint of Killians Red or glass of wine $16.95) or a New Orleans Clam Bake (Tuesdays: lobster, mussels and clams, quarter pound lobster, mussels, clams, two sides, dessert pint of bud or bud light $19.95).

Call for their live music schedule or just stop in – with family, friends or eager to meet someone new – for a good meal, a great atmosphere, the hospitality of the south and the life of New Orleans all in one close to home spot on Bell Boulevard.