It’s a fine evening and in spite of the light drizzle, my friends and I are determined to get to this far-out-in-the-country roadside house, popularly know to the area residents as the Jaudon Road House. The road is straight and its approximately 10 miles out into Cleveland, Missouri.
Most people head out to places in downtown Kansas city, especially Westport, where there is variety. Like they say, variety is the spice of life — and here is another joint to add to your list.
At the entrance of Jaudon Roadhouseis a big flashing arrow. I could hear the loud music blaring from a distance, an indication of the Friday night activity. At the door, no one asked me for any entrance fee. The place was dimly lit and on stage was the Bobby Smith Blues Band, four fine gentlemen, instruments in hand, bellowing tunes that will bring back some memories.
On the other side of the building are pool tables and shuffle board. The atmosphere is calm. Looking around you cannot miss the slot machines and there is a monitor that shows the winning numbers of the Lotto.
Being at the Jaudon is almost like being in an old cowboy movie. This is the one place where you meet men and women in checkered shirts, Stetson hats, jeans and the big buckled belts, not to forget the popular cowboy boots. People dance in sync whenever there is a good crowd.Owner Jerome Gabel said that the road house started over a hundred years ago as a general store. It has changed hands from one owner to another, and has been a bar now for 28 years.
Gabel said that the uniqueness of the place is a great asset. People have many memories made here, “The length of time this place has been around and as a venue for some cool jazz, the kind that holds years of nostalgia, just keep people coming in,” he said.Patron Richard Williams, said Jaudon is well known for serving buffalo meat burgers, and he did not hesitate to stress the fact that the buffaloes are locally grown. According to Williams, the meat is lean, tasty and good for people on a low carb diet. When wives would call the Jaudon road house to inquire about the presence of their husbands, it is rumoured that most of the men don’t want to talk to their wives on the phone from the bar, they had to pay for the lie of their choice. Some of the lies on sale at the Jaudon roadhouse included, “We have not seen him. We don’t know him. He has gone to the bathroom. He has just lef.” Prices are rumoured to range from a couple of dollars
Gabel said that Jaudon normally schedules two live bands per week for the ten thirty to one thirty shift but they operate as a restaurant during the day. On Wednesday, they have Karaoke. Tuesday night is bike night, “where you meet bikers from all over pulling stunts and displaying their raving two legged machines ranging from the famous Harley Davidson to whatever else there is in the market,” he said. Saturday and Sunday are days to socialize,” he added Jerome. Gabel said he usually has a house full on Wednesday , Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
With the music still sounding from a far I disappeared into the dark night, heading back to the world I know, with a wish to return here one day for the Tuesday night-bike night. It’s the kind of experience you want to have at least once in your life.
April 23, 2004
0 Comments