The Sundown Tavern was established in 1974 in its original location on Mississippi Ave in Ruston and was initially a “beer bar” only. Longtime owner, Bruce VanZandt, built Sundown into a staple of the community and expanded the business into a bar and restaurant serving the best deli sandwiches and coldest beer in town. Sundown also quickly became known as a “hot spot” for live music in the area. In the early 90s, Bruce moved the business to its current location at 111 East Park Avenue in downtown Ruston. In the early 2000s, he added a full kitchen (expanding the menu), a full bar which included cocktails, and an adjacent patio offering the best outdoor venue in town.
In late 2023, much to the dismay of Ruston locals, the iconic bar and restaurant closed. It was the first time in almost 50 years that Sundown was not available to the community.
In April of 2024, Heath and Lisa Hightower, Ruston locals, purchased the building and began the journey of re-opening the Ruston landmark. After several months of preparation, The Sundown Tavern was revitalized and the doors opened to the public on August 30, 2024. The year has changed but the mission is still the same as it was in the 70s, offer great food, cold beer, and world-class live music to the community. Here’s to another 50 years of making people happy at the best “family dive bar” in Ruston, The Sundown Tavern.
In late 2023, much to the dismay of Ruston locals, the iconic bar and restaurant closed. It was the first time in almost 50 years that Sundown was not available to the community.
In April of 2024, Heath and Lisa Hightower, Ruston locals, purchased the building and began the journey of re-opening the Ruston landmark. After several months of preparation, The Sundown Tavern was revitalized and the doors opened to the public on August 30, 2024. The year has changed but the mission is still the same as it was in the 70s, offer great food, cold beer, and world-class live music to the community. Here’s to another 50 years of making people happy at the best “family dive bar” in Ruston, The Sundown Tavern.