re: Need Monroe sports bar recs/overall recs

And FWIW. . . screw the haters. I always thought Monroe sucked just from everyone's general opinions around here but I typically would have a decent time when I had to travel to Monroe and stay overnight for work. Of the 4 Northern LA cities I had to stay overnight in, I'd rank them:

1.) Shreveport - Only b/c of the casinos though. If nightlife sucked one night in Shreveport you could always salvage the night at a casino. Without casinos, I'd put it 3rd.
2.) Monroe - always had a decent time in Monroe. Bars stay open fairly late, decent food, and there was typically always something to do when I was up there. Could see actually enjoying the nightspots here if I knew some folks in the area.
3.) Natchitoches - Nice town, but everything closes entirely too early from bars to restaurants.
4.) Ruston - Really just not much going on the couple of times I've had to stay the night there and from what I gather this is a regular thing.