As one of Baton Rouge’s trendiest neighborhoods, Mid City is a great place to spend a night out with friends. If you’re looking to plan a fun night out the Baton Rouge way, here’s our guide to Mid City’s hottest spots.
EAT
Bistro Byronz
With a variety of drinks and dishes, Bistro Byronz is the perfect place to kick off your evening. Offering fresh salads and sandwiches, savory soups and home fried to order potato chips, this neighborhood restaurant gives the setting of a quaint Paris cafe, complete with Louisiana classics you know and love.
Curbside Burgers
Originally a food truck, this Mid City favorite is the perfect place to get your night started. Try one of their signature burgers, like Smokin’ Joe or K.G.B., and opt for outdoor seating to enjoy the fall weather and live music. Don’t forget to grab a boozy shake before heading to your next destination!
Doe's Eat Place
For those craving a steak, Doe’s Eat Place is home to some of the best steaks in Baton Rouge. Each cut – filet, ribeye, porterhouses and t-bones – are aged 21 days and hand-cut daily. Doe’s Eat Place is also home to world-famous hot tamales, offering a true taste of the Mississippi Delta!
Elsie's Plate & Pie
Tip: You’ll want to wear your loose pants to this joint. Elsie’s Plate and Pie is a Mid City neighborhood staple and a must-visit for anyone who loves to indulge in sweet and savory Southern comfort food. The history of Elsie’s is one that is near and dear to locals’ hearts, and hopefully will be in yours too.
Gov't Taco
Originating as a pop-up concept at breweries and distilleries, Gov't Taco is home to a modern, American take on tacos. Start the night with a margarita and some chips and guac before ordering tacos named for political puns, such as the Clucks & Balances, a smoked chicken thigh taco with pimento mac and cheese, Nashville hot chicken skins and white BBQ sauce.
Hannah Q Smokehouse
Cooked low and slow, Hannah Q Smokehouse is known for their fresh-smoked BBQ, as well as the house ground steak burger and crispy buttermilk fried chicken. Choose from four different house-made sauces – ranging from sweet and spicy to North Caroline vinegar or South Carolina mustard – and enjoy representation from every style of BBQ throughout the South!
JED's Local Po'Boys
The restaurant serves both classic po'boys—shrimp, oyster, catfish and roast beef—as well as specialty po'boys, like the surf and turf and pressed meatball. JED’s also has a lineup of entrees, such as the red beans and rice, fried shrimp basket and the chicken club salad.
Monjunis Italian Café
Transport yourself to southern Italy by paying a visit to Monjunis Italian Café, where you can enjoy classic Italian favorites, such as spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna and shrimp fettuccine alfredo, as well as some Louisiana spins, such as the Italian Po’Boy. If you’re looking to whip up some Italian classics yourself, you can purchase Monjunis famous red sauce at grocery stores throughout the city, as well as their restaurant on Jefferson Highway.
Reginelli's Pizzeria
Reginelli’s Pizzeria is the perfect place for a family night out, catching a big game or enjoying an extensive wine selection. Find everything from your classic crusts and pizzas to specialty to pizzas that add a Louisiana flair, such as the BBQ Shrimp Detroit Style Pizza. Looking to sample a little bit of everything? Opt for the share and pair, which is a curated menu offering suggested wine pairings with specific menu items.
Rocca Pizzeria
Come in for Happy Hour on weekdays from 2 to 6 p.m., and stay for wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza. Start out with an order of garlic knots (served with delicious whipped provolone dip) for the table, then try the Iverstine or Spinach and Pesto pizzas.
Soji: Modern Asian
As one of the best cocktail bars in Baton Rouge, you won’t be disappointed with what this modern Asian restaurant has to offer. Make sure to try one of their freshly made sushi rolls or one of their small plates before pairing it with one of the house cocktails they're known for. Patrons can also dine on rolls and small plates at the cocktail lounge tucked into the restaurant, Lotus Lounge, while sipping on tropical cocktails.
Spoke & Hub
All-day breakfast? Check. Diner favorites, like burgers and shakes? Check. Dessert bar? You got it! Spoke & Hub is a contemporary Southern diner, right in the heart of Mid City. Pile your plate high with pancakes and all the toppings, or try one of their croffles - a tasty waffle made from croissant dough. Don't forget to save room for dessert! Spoke & Hub's extensive dessert menu has everything from slices of cake to soft serve and root beer floats.
SIP
Cypress Coast Brewing Co.
After two years of fine-tuning their home brewing skills, Justin Meyers and Caleb Schlamp entered in local home beer competitions and won first place for most of their entries. This sparked the idea of opening their very own brewery, and Cypress Coast Brewing Co. came to fruition. Their passion for craft beer, their community and the local culture has contributed to the beers they brew and the space they have put together to share with everyone.
Mid City Beer Garden
Mid City Beer Garden is one of the local favorites for beer lovers. With an open roof concept, Mid City Beer Garden makes for the perfect evening out when the weather is nice. Have a drink and catch up with friends, or stay the whole night and try the famous Chelsea’s Grilled Cheese.
Pelican to Mars
Pelican to Mars is the newest dog-friendly neighborhood bar! With craft cocktails, 46 beers and wines on tap, food trucks and pop-ups, you won't want to miss trying it out. All are welcome to enjoy to cool vibes and good times!
Phil Brady's
This down-home Mid City joint features live blues music, typical bar bites and pool tables in its lowkey digs. As the oldest blue clubs in Baton Rouge, you can experience a variety of great music performed by great musicians right here in the heart of the city.
The Radio Bar
Make the night what you want at Radio Bar — meet up with friends for happy hour or play a game of ping pong on the outdoor patio. Try one of Radio Bar’s seasonal cocktails or enjoy your favorite beer from a wide variety of local and domestic favorites. Keep up with Radio Bar’s social media for information on events like dance nights and gin tastings.
Superior Grill
From the sizzling fajitas to the "superior" (and infamously strong) margaritas, Superior Grill is sure to spice up any meal. Whether a post-work happy hour or weekend brunch is your thing, Superior Grill is the perfect place to bring your family for some fun or grab a bite to eat with friends.
TAP 65
TAP 65 reimagines traditional Indian cuisine and pairs it with the perfect beverages. Offering over 65 rotating beers, wines and bourbons to the tap room, TAP 65 features a self-pour tap wall, as well as a full-service bar dedicated to craft cocktails.
PLAY
BR.cade
Located in the heart of Baton Rouge's Mid City neighborhood, BR.cade is an adult arcade and bar, open for gaming and drinks 7 days a week. You can find all of your favorite, classic arcade games here—all painstakingly restored to their former glory.
DIY DISCO
Follow the call of the disco ball for some groovy cocktails and crafts! DIY Disco is a recently-opened craft bar, where you can create items such as festival crowns, clay earrings, yarn art and more – all while sipping on disco-inspired cocktails. Bring in your own bites and make it a night full of fun!
The Market at Circa 1857
A not-your-mother's (or your grandmother's) antique market, Circa 1857 hosts more than 50 vendors, each with a unique flair. Shop for original artwork and fine antiques from local artists before heading out for drinks and dinner. Don’t forget to stop by during White Light Night!
Red Stick Social
Looking for a one-stop shop for your night out? Red Stick Social has it all! Located in the Electric Depot, start your night with dinner options like crawfish mac and cheese or sliders, and don’t forget to pair it with a frozen boat drink. Bring the party up on the rooftop patio for fun conversation, or team up and play a game of bowling. Be sure to check their calendar for dates for live entertainment.
Hot Art, Cool Nights
Each May, Mid City Merchants hosts its annual Hot Art, Cool Nights in Mid City. On Friday, May 12, from 6 to 10 p.m., you can stroll from the Electric Depot, winding your way down Government Street to shop for local art, grab food and drinks with friends and listen to music from local bands.
Once you’ve explored all corners of Mid City, check out what else Baton Rouge has to offer this season. For more ideas for your trip to Baton Rouge, visit visitbatonrouge.com/explore/seasons/fall/.