Baton Rouge is a diverse city full of Southern charm, nestled along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. It is known for its dynamic arts scene, rich history and lively college-town atmosphere. This town is also a foodie haven, with various restaurants offering unique flavors and must-try dishes that define Baton Rouge’s local food landscape.
Whether you are a fan of succulent seafood, spicy Cajun cuisine or innovative farm-to-table fare, there is a spot for every palate. Read our Baton Rouge food guide for a list of restaurants with mouthwatering delights to explore when you are in town.
Baton Rouge Breakfast Spots
Baton Rouge has a variety of breakfast options that cater to every taste. The city offers everything from Southern-style breakfasts to beignets dusted with powdered sugar and fluffy biscuits smothered in gravy. Here are some spots to try:
- Zeeland Street: In the heart of Mid City is Zeeland Street, a comfort food favorite offering home-cooked, wholesome meals. The breakfast menu has several items to choose from, including buttermilk pancakes, eggs the way you like them and melt-in-your-mouth cheddar cheese grits.
- Magpie Cafe: Do you prefer a healthier start to the day? Magpie Cafe serves fresh, organic options like smoothie bowls and avocado on toast. You will appreciate the light and airy interior design with floating light fixtures, contemporary tile work on the bar and eclectic pillows.
- Coffee Call: Your sweet tooth will thank you for starting your day at Coffee Call, where you can enjoy chicory coffee and beignets. They roast and sell their own beans, which offer a smooth, rich flavor that’s unique to the region. This spot offers locals and visitors a taste of New Orleans-style treats without leaving Baton Rouge.
Brunch Spots and Activities in Baton Rouge
Fill your weekend with delicious food and fun activities. Baton Rouge has many brunch spots and activities to make your weekends memorable:
- Elsie’s Plate & Pie: Elsie’s offers a hearty brunch featuring Southern classics like biscuits and pepper jelly or chicken and waffles.
- Bistro Byronz: This spot offers a mix of contemporary and traditional dishes, including classic steak and eggs and innovative eggs benedict dishes.
- City Pork: Enjoy a robust menu with dishes like crawfish and brie queso. The creative cocktails make it an even greater place for a brunch date.
After brunch, check out the Red Stick Farmers Market, which is open on Saturdays. Here, you will find fresh produce, live music and homemade goods. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll and shopping for local delicacies. You can also visit the LSU Museum of Art for a cultural experience. They often have workshops and rotating exhibits, offering a great way to spend the afternoon after a filling brunch.
Best Lunch Spots in Baton Rouge
The best Baton Rouge lunch spots have something for everyone. Some favorite dishes include classic seafood, burgers and farm-to-table options. Here’s what we recommend:
- Parrain’s Seafood: This local favorite serves gumbo, catfish and po’boys. It has a casual atmosphere and provides generous portions, ensuring you will be all set until dinner.
- Cocha: Here is the farm-to-table dining experience you have been looking for. The Cocha menu features dishes like tuna sliders, roasted beet salads and vegetable lasagna. The cozy, inviting setting is ideal for a relaxed lunch.
- Zea Rotisserie & Bar: Zea Rotisserie & Bar is known for its eclectic menu and rotisserie meats. Some delicious dishes include Thai ribs, rotisserie chicken and roasted corn grits.
Afternoon and Happy Hour Spots in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge has a variety of happy hour spots to help you unwind and enjoy some good company. Favorites include:
- The Overpass Merchant: The Overpass Merchant is known for its craft cocktails and happy hour specials, including small plates like truffle fries.
- The Radio Bar: The Radio Bar is a hip spot with a retro atmosphere. They offer delicious beer, cocktails and a rotating selection of food trucks during happy hour.
- Bin 77: This spot offers an upscale happy hour experience, with wine by the glass and small plates. If you are keen on sharing, try their charcuterie boards and flatbreads.
- Olive or Twist: Olive or Twist has a sophisticated setting and an extensive cocktail menu. During happy hour, you can enjoy beer, wine, cocktails and appetizers like Cajun french fries and bruschetta.
Baton Rouge Dinner Restaurants
Exploring Baton Rouge all day is sure to make you work up quite the appetite. Luckily, if you are having dinner in Baton Rouge, your options are nearly limitless. From Cajun-inspired dishes to Southern comfort food like jambalaya and gumbo, this town has everything. Check out these spots:
- The Gregory: For gourmet dining in downtown Baton Rouge, visit The Gregory, with its sophisticated Southern cuisine and elegant atmosphere. Located in the historic Watermark Hotel, it offers a menu with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and inventive culinary techniques.
- Jubans Restaurant and Bar: Jubans is a local favorite dinner spot known for its upscale Creole cuisine. You can choose from options like a crawfish and spinach salad, crab and brie soup, and andouille-crusted redfish.
- The Chimes: The Chimes has an extensive beer selection and a diverse menu. There is something for everyone, from sandwiches and burgers to Louisiana staples like crawfish and etouffee. Be sure to try their shrimp po’boys, chicken and sausage jambalaya, and stuffed shrimp platter. Finish things off with bread pudding or Oreo cheesecake.
- Louisianna Lagniappe: Louisianna Lagniappe, pronounced “lan yap,” offers various Gulf-to-Table options, including shrimp and andouille pasta and oysters lagniappe.
Visit Baton Rouge’s Hidden Gem: Tallulah Crafted Food and Wine Bar
Looking for more places to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks in Baton Rouge? Tallulah Crafted Food and Wine Bar serves cuisine from around Louisiana with house-crafted dishes and local, fresh seafood. We are located inside the AAA Four Diamond-approved Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel and offer complimentary valet parking.
Next time you are in town, come to Tallulah Crafted Food and Wine Bar for breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch and sundowners. Whether you’re in the mood for eggs benedict, lamb lollipops, BBQ shrimp, seafood linguini or steak, you can find a delicious dish at Tallulah Crafted Food and Wine Bar. We also have a large outdoor terrace where you can enjoy a cocktail or mocktail. Explore our menu today!
