Guide to Downtown Dining in Baton Rouge
Filled with museums, businesses and restaurants around every corner, downtown Baton Rouge is completely walkable and makes for an entertaining day or a night on the town.
With coffee shops, casual grab-and-go and upscale dining options, you’re sure to find a cuisine type for every taste, all located just steps away from museums and the River Center Performing Arts Theatre.
But First, Coffee
City Roots Coffee Bar
Already a favorite at Electric Depot, City Roots Coffee Bar has brought its small-batch roasts and expertly crafted coffee drinks to downtown Baton Rouge. Whether you’re starting your morning or need a midday boost, this welcoming spot has just the pick-me-up to fuel your day.
The Vintage Baton Rouge
The Vintage Baton Rouge operates as both a coffee shop and a cocktail bar, so if you’re looking to pair your brew with bubbles, this is the place for you! Their craft coffee shop offers both hot and iced drinks ranging from traditional to more exclusive seasonal flavors, as well as serves beignets and other bites all day long.
Lunchtime Favorites
Seafood Specialties
Downtown Seafood & Grill
Downtown Seafood & Grill is simplicity at its finest, but don’t let it fool you – it’s filled with food you’ll write home about. While the seafood plates (shrimp, catfish or a mix of both) are can’t-miss menu items, there’s also a lot to be said about the burger meal, known as being one of the best in Baton Rouge.
Poor Boy Lloyd’s
Poor Boy Lloyd’s pays tribute to the origin of what is known now as a po’boy sandwich with their historically accurate menu. Their large selection of “poor boys” features the original fried shrimp and oyster sandwiches, along with some unique options like tuna, boiled shrimp and catfish. With such close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, you’re guaranteed fresh catches every day!
Downtown Date Night
1717
Offering an elevated way to wind down, 1717 pairs artisan grazing boards and craft cocktails with stunning sunset views of the Mississippi River. Whether you're wrapping up the workday or kicking off a night out, this stylish rooftop spot delivers a relaxed yet refined downtown experience.
Capital City Grill
Capital City Grill offers a laidback dining environment, with a menu that specialized in local Louisiana favorites. Enjoy a selection of fresh seafood, steaks, soups, as well as desserts, and if the weather’s nice, sit on the patio located just steps away from the Mississippi River.
Cecelia Creole Bistro
Trust us when we say one doesn’t go to Cecelia’s without trying the skillet cornbread! With a food menu filled with Louisiana cuisine, such as boudin balls and crawfish etouffee, as well as a seasonal cocktail menu, Cecelia Creole Bistro is a must-stop for a lunch or dinner date.
Cocha
Cocha is bringing some of the freshest items to the table with their locally sourced menu! This farm-to-table restaurant offers globally-inspired menu items that you quite literally cannot find anywhere else in the city and continues to experiment day-after-day using items from local farmers. With an extensive wine list and seasonal cocktails, Cocha makes for a delicious night out in downtown Baton Rouge.
King Bar & Bistro
Tucked inside Hotel Indigo, King Bar & Bistro brings the flavors of Louisiana to your table with fresh, farm-to-table dishes served for breakfast and dinner. With its cozy ambiance, local favorites, and creative cocktails, it’s the perfect place to start your day—or wind it down with a nightcap and good company.
The Gregory
Located in the historic Watermark Hotel, The Gregory is the perfect option for an upscale evening out! Offering Southern favorites with a twist, you can order anything from frog legs to filet mignon, with each dish being as delicious as the next!
The Little Village – Downtown
Three words: Get. The. Bread. The Little Village is known for their freshly baked bread, and you have to believe us when we say it’s what dreams are made of. This Italian restaurant’s menu is filled with delicious pasta and other Italian options, but the steaks and seafood favorites are also rumored to be big hits.
Stroube’s Seafood & Steak
Stroube’s Seafood & Steak is a favorite for a downtown date night, with starters such as lamb lollipops and a wide selection of steak cuts. If steak isn’t your thing, you can also choose from a selection of duck, redfish and salmon.
Tsunami Sushi
Located on the sixth floor of the Shaw Center for the Arts, it’s no surprise that Tsunami Sushi’s romantic views are popular for date nights in Baton Rouge. Offering a selection of traditional and specialty rolls, as well as small plates, we recommend making reservations if you’re planning to eat dinner at this hotspot.
Pizza Anyone?
Pastime Restaurant and Lounge
Pastime Restaurant and Lounge is one of the oldest restaurants in Baton Rouge, having been an institution since 1945, and is even a historical landmark! Their pizzas topped with boudin, shrimp, crabmeat and crawfish is a favorite among visitors and locals alike.
Schlittz and Giggles – Third Street
When it comes to pizza in Baton Rouge, Schlittz and Giggles is definitely a classic! If you’re looking for authentic, New York-style, thin-crust pizza, then this is the place. The best part is, you can end an evening out on Third Street with a slice of their pizza, made possible by the late weekend hours and the convenient walk-up window.
More Downtown Dining
3 Woks Noodle Bar
Located inside The Queen Casino, 3 Woks Noodle Bar serves up flavorful appetizers and noodle dishes prepared fresh right before your eyes. From savory wet noodles to classic dry noodle bowls, it's a go-to spot for a satisfying, made-to-order meal with a front-row seat to the action.
Aztecas Mexican Cuisine
Sometimes all you need is a good taste of Mexican food and a marg, and Aztecas will definitely have you covered on both ends. Known for having one of the best margaritas in Baton Rouge, you’ll find a simple cocktail menu, as well as delicious dining options, such as the seared tuna tacos.
Ole Mississippi Smokehouse
Ole Mississippi Smokehouse’s food truck is a downtown Baton Rouge staple, and if you haven’t seen it parked on Fourth Street, we’re certain you’ve smelled the delicious smell of Chef Shawn’s cooking. You’ll find brisket, leg quarters, pulled pork, burgers and ribs, as well as homemade sides of baked beans, rice dressing, green beans and much more!
Royal Taste of Jamaica
The rumors are true – Royal Taste of Jamaica has some of the best Jamaican food in Baton Rouge, and you can guarantee it’s authentic. Find a selection of cuisine ranging from oxtail to jerk chicken, as well as sides such as yams, fresh veggies, mac and cheese and more.
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