Howdy y’all! In case you haven’t heard the news, we welcomed a new member to the ICON Park family this weekend, and believe us, this one really knows how to have a good time. After much anticipation, Ole Red, the world’s premiere high-class honkey tonk, finally opened its doors. Straight from the mind of country music superstar Blake Shelton, this brand-new experience packs all the tastes and twangin’ tunes of a Nashville-night-out under one roof. We were there for this rip-roaring unveiling, and we may have had just a little bit of down-home fun at Ole Red…
After sliding into our favorite pair of jeans, we arrived at Ole Red to find the line out the door! Apparently, word had gotten out that Blake and his Nashville buddies had moved into the neighborhood. Thanks to friendly and efficient staff, it didn’t take long at all before we were inside. Blake himself was even there to greet us (sort of)!
By the time we arrived, the whole place was already bouncing to the soulful sounds of The Adam Duss Experience. This Florida-based band put a gritty Southern spin on classic and contemporary country, blues, and rock tunes that left all the music lovers in our party stomping their feet and clapping their hands. We were fortunate enough to get a seat right on the upstairs balcony, with a great view of all the boot-scooting action below.
All tables were spaced at a six-foot distance, allowing everyone to breathe easy and drink in vibrant surroundings. The entire staff sported stylish face masks, but even that couldn’t hide their energetic hospitality. Gotta love a team that can keep it safe and chic!
To get the good times rolling, we decided to wet our whistles with something on the stronger side. Ole Red’s cocktail menu took some lip-smacking liberties with classic concoctions, like a moonshine-infused Cherry Limeade and The Warden, a peach tea-lemonade mixed with smooth Tennessee Whiskey.
Two of our favorites were the melon-flavored Redneck Mai Tai and Some Beach, a tangy frozen cocktail made with spiced rum Blue Curacao, and medley of tropical fruits. On top of being delicious, these drinks packed a real punch! Believe us when we tell you that they created a lot of buzz.
To soak up some up the booze, we decided to start with the Honey-Drizzled Skillet Cornbread. Warm, moist, and sinfully sweet, it was the perfect starter to get our taste buds ready for more dishes done Dixie. But hands down, the best part of the cornbread was the mound of fluffy, honey butter piled on top. We may or may not have ordered one or three more sides of that alone…
Next, it was time loosen our rhinestone belt buckles for the main course! Ole Red’s mouthwatering menu offers everything from heaping salad bowls to mile high burgers and tongue-tickling hot wings, all with a distinctly Southern kick.
One of our top favorites was the Nashville Hot Chicken Biscuit. We couldn’t help but salivate over the thick, crispy chicken breast piled with zingy cold slaw and sandwiched between two halves of a made-from-scratch biscuit. It packed enough heat to satisfy the spice lovers while not offending anyone whose tastes ride on the milder side. This tower of freshly fried deliciousness was accompanied by a side of the absolute BEST tater tots any of us had ever tasted.
Before hitting the dusty trail, we decided to go for a sweet finish! The Ooey Gooey Tub o’-Fudge Brownie is the only dessert item the Ole Red offers. Once you see it, you’ll understand why one is more than enough! This chocolate monstrosity serves up two MASSIVE fudge brownies (literally the size of your entire hand) stacked on top of one another! Each is smeared with an unbelievable chocolate buttercream and topped with OREO crumbles. Accompanied by a generous scoop of good old, fashioned vanilla ice cream, this dessert is guaranteed to end your night on a sugar high!
After sampling a healthy helping of all the flavors and down-home fun at Ole Red, we couldn’t be more excited to have them as part of our iconic family. If you missed out on all the grand opening festivities this weekend, no worries! Country tunes, cold brews, and unbeatable bites are on tap every night at your new hometown honkey tonk.
So saddle up and mosey on down to the newest party spot at ICON Park, where good times are just a rope throw away! If you don’t agree, then, in the words of our new buddy Blake…
