There is now something you can do with that spare change weighing down your wallet ... go out. Latta Arcade, 320 S. Tryon St., is taking us back to an older concept of the economy, where hot dogs and sodas were 25 cents. Flashback Fridays are held from 11:30-1:30 every Friday this May, thus theres only two more, tomorrow and next Friday. Its perfect for a lunch break that wont break the bank. Other deals include buy one, get one half off at Quiznos and cookies for 5 cents at Chicks.
Alongside affordable eats, theres live music, at least there usually is. Last Friday, the band was M.I.A., and I dont mean the singer of Paper Planes. This Friday, the music will be provided by Josh Z, next Friday by Jeff Brown. The group that was meant to play when I went was The Pat Carpenter Band from Speed Street, but they never showed. Despite an absence of music and a little wet weather, I still digged the food and the prices, they were swell ... unfortunately I cant use the old lingo as well as I can the flashback prices.
Outside, there were tents set up with different activities, such as a 107.9 remote. The event appeared separate from Latta Arcades, but I was certainly attracted to the blowup dartboard... too bad I suck at darts or I would have given it a shot.
Even without Flashback Fridays, Latta Arcade is worth a visit! Theres good eats like Woodys and Pie in the Sky, and a little bit of history too, like the reconstruction pictures, and the old shoe shine booth that remains. Latta Arcade proves that events before dark can be just as fun as those after dark ... but the French Quarters and George Hermans is in the same vicinity for after dark.