The beauty of Baton Rouge is there is much left to be discovered. Many of these places aren’t hidden to locals – in fact, many may consider these some of the best-kept secrets of Baton Rouge. Some places may lack the Instagram-able photo ops and backdrops in every corner, but what they certainly do not lack in is character and charm, and a meal that tastes like you just stepped into the chef’s very own kitchen. We invite you to explore Baton Rouge like a local and discover some of these hidden gems for yourself.
RESTAURANTS & EATERIES
Capitol Grocery
As the oldest grocery store in Baton Rouge, Capitol Grocery may not exactly be hidden, but it is still known to be a gem here in Baton Rouge. Nestled in the Spanish Town neighborhood in Baton Rouge, this grocery store has been open since 1914 and is known for its breakfast and lunch specials, as well as hand-tossed pizzas at night.
The Cottage Café & Tea Room
Tea lovers, rejoice! Baton Rouge locals and visitors alike can enjoy tea fit for a queen (or king) at The Cottage Café and Tea Room. Located in Central, this cozy cottage turned tearoom offers a lunch menu, a casual afternoon tea, and of course, The Queen’s Tea – a traditional high tea with a full spread of soup, sandwiches, scones, quiches and dessert. Little ones can also take part in a tea party with Princess Sarah’s Tea. Hats not required, but certainly encouraged.
Maison Lacour
Tucked into a home on North Harrell’s Ferry Road, Maison Lacour is such a hidden gem, some locals don’t even know about it. Don’t let its unassuming appearance fool you – inside, you’ll find a quaint French restaurant, serving up everything escargot to seafood crepes. You’ll be transported all the way to France with its French countryside meets coastal décor and cozy atmosphere. With its minimal seating, a reservation is recommended to have a taste of France without ever leaving Baton Rouge.
Red Stick Food Truck Round Up
The food truck scene in Baton Rouge is one that is begging to be discovered, and Red Stick Food Truck Round Up makes it possible to sample from several throughout the Capital City. Held on Thursdays at 5 p.m. at a location that is only revealed the week of the event, Red Stick Food Truck Round Up brings the element of surprise along with some really great food options, as well as the chance to discover your new favorite food truck!
Simple Joe Café
If you blink while driving down bustling Government Street, you might just miss it, and believe us, that would be a travesty. Simple Joe Café is known as a breakfast hotspot among locals, who line up at the restaurant waiting for one of their breakfast specialties. Stepping into Simple Joe Café is like being transported to the nostalgic diners that are now forever encapsulated on Netflix – if you ever needed a Gilmore Girls moment in your life, this is it!
Tip Off Sports Bar & Grill
Looking for somewhere to watch a game and enjoy some decadent wings? Tip Off Sports Bar & Grill is the perfect hidden gem to kick back, relax and cheer your favorite team on. The owner tends the bar and makes her patrons feel like family with great service in a great atmosphere, and many customers swear up and down that the wings are among some of the best in Baton Rouge!
In a city like Baton Rouge, there's so much left to be discovered! More hidden gems are sure to make this list, so stay tuned, and let us know what your favorite hidden gem in Baton Rouge is!
