SATURDAY NIGHT FLASHBACK
“DeSoto’s”
In the 80’s and 90’s, Huntington’s nightlife thrived. Pea Ridge was often The Mecca for more mature audiences who wanted a change of pace from the college bar scene of Downtown Huntington.
JDB’s in The old Holiday Inn was an extension of the 70s disco era. It’s ladies night on Wednesdays was packed. There was usually a line in the hall of the hotel to get in.
Mill Run in the old Ramada Inn was a fun bar for years. I was only there a few times but it was always rocking on weekends.
One of my favorites was Peter Outlaws in the old Econo Lodge. Peter Outlaws came alive later at night. As people came back into Huntington from the other bars, they would stop at Peter Outlaws and party until after 3.
DeSoto’s in the Pea Ridge Plaza was try favorite Pea Ridge getaway for years. How could a bar with an old car and play dance songs from all eras not be fun.
Us younger guys nickn it “DiVorceo’s because there always seemed to be older divorced women there having fun. The legend, although I wouldn’t know firsthand, is that those mature women were on the rebound and were looking for young guys….so many younger guys would journey u to Pea Ridge.
The bar had a fun atmosphere and would mix in dance songs with fun oldies like Rockin’Robin and Rock Around The Clock. The decor was nostalgic and had a big dance floor. The bouncers and bartenders wore tuxedo like shirts.
The 80’s was the golden era for Huntington nightclubs. Each weekend, I will relive some old memories of yesterday.