Iconic Eats of Baton Rouge

From spicy chicken to sweet baked goods, Baton Rouge offers a diverse array of iconic dishes that embody the spirit of Louisiana’s food culture. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your favorite spots or a visitor ready to dive into the city’s culinary scene, there’s something here for everyone! Let's dig into 25 iconic dishes that capture the essence of our city:

1. Beignet Fingers

Coffee Call

Coffee Call, a beloved local coffee shop, offers this unique twist on the classic beignet. These crispy yet fluffy pastries are elongated, shaped like fingers, and dusted with powdered sugar.

2. Skillet Cornbread

Cecelia’s Creole Bistro

With a golden-brown crust and soft interior, this cornbread is a comforting delight. Prepared in a cast-iron skillet and served with a maple bourbon glaze and cinnamon whipped butter, it makes for a delicious appetizer or even a dessert.

3. Hallelujah Crab

Juban’s Restaurant and Bar

This standout dish features soft shell crab on a bed of creamy yellow grits. The crab is stuffed with seafood and topped with a flavorful Creolaise sauce, perfect for anyone looking for a taste of authentic Louisiana cuisine.

4. Charbroiled Oysters

Phil’s Oyster Bar

These delicious oysters are grilled with butter, garlic, herbs, and topped with Parmesan cheese. Served hot and fresh, they're a popular choice for seafood lovers.

5. Crawfish

Tony’s Seafood

Tony's is the largest seafood market in the region, known for serving fresh crawfish from Louisiana waters. These crawfish are well seasoned with spices and perfect for enjoying as a casual meal or at gatherings.

6. Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Dempsey’s PoBoys

This comforting Southern dish features tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a flavorful roux. Its rich flavor and classic Louisiana style cooking makes this gumbo a local favorite.

7. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Mid City Beer Garden

Mid City Beer Garden’s Grilled Cheese features six different gooey, melted cheeses on slices of homemade rosemary focaccia bread, which pairs perfectly with the spicy tomato basil soup served along with it.

8. Fresh Strawberry Cake

Ambrosia Bakery

This well-known dessert features layers of moist vanilla cake filled and topped with fresh strawberries and a whipped cream frosting. It’s light, fluffy, and a Baton Rouge favorite.

9. Fried Chicken

Chicken Shack

It's crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and seasoned just right. Served hot and fresh, it's another delicious example of Southern comfort food that keeps people wanting more.

10. Crawfish Eggrolls

Roul's Deli

Each of these egg rolls are packed with seasoned crawfish, vegetables, and spices all wrapped in a crispy shell. Served hot and crunchy, they're a popular appetizer that showcases Louisiana's love for crawfish in a unique way.

11. The Box Combo

The Original Raising Cane’s

If you did not already know, Baton Rouge is proudly home to the very first Raising Cane's, where this beloved combo originated. Featuring four tender chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, creamy coleslaw, and Cane's famous sauce, this meal is loved nationwide!

12. Village Bread

The Little Village

This soft, fluffy bread is brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with fresh grated Pecorino Romano cheese, cracked black pepper, and chopped French parsley. It pairs perfectly with the olive and garlic tapenade, roasted garlic spread, and their red gravy.

13. Crab Fingers

Louisiana Lagniappe

Louisiana Lagniappe's crab fingers are a popular appetizer for sharing. These fresh blue crab claws are marinated in a blend of fresh herbs and olive oil, offering a flavorful taste of Louisiana seafood.

14. Red Beans and Rice

Southern University Red Beans and Rice Monday

On Mondays at Southern University, everyone is welcome to dine in Southern’s dining halls for Red Beans and Rice Monday. The meal features a hearty serving of red beans and rice, accompanied by crispy fried chicken, greens, and cornbread. It's a meal that embodies Southern comfort food, enjoyed by students and visitors alike.

15. Sandwiches

AM Mart

American Market is more than just a corner store; it's home to some of the most beloved local sandwiches. Located near LSU’s campus, AM Mart offers a variety of sandwiches with your choice of meat, cheese, and toppings. They're especially known for their affordable meal deals and the flavorful Cajun Turkey sandwich, making it a frequently visited spot for students and locals.

16. Muffuletta

Anthony's Italian Deli

This local family-owned deli serves up a classic muffuletta that features layers of Italian meats and gooey melted cheeses stacked on a round loaf of Sicilian bread, topped with tangy olive salad.

17. Super Hash browns

Louie's Cafe

This cafe located right off LSU's campus is a popular spot for breakfast amongst students and locals, and their hashbrowns are a customer favorite. These cheesy potatoes are cubed and topped with sour cream and green onion. They are great on their own or as a side for your breakfast.

18. Wild Boar Flautas

City Pork

City Pork’s delicious wild boar flautas are filled with tender braised wild boar, complemented by smoked avocado cream, sharp cheddar cheese, tangy pickled onions, and fresh cilantro. Each bite combines savory flavors with a hint of smokiness.

19. Spinach and Artichoke Dip

The Chimes

This iconic dip features a creamy blend of spinach and cheese and is served with crispy fried bowtie pasta dippers. This delicious appetizer offers a satisfying crunch alongside a flavorful dip, making it a go-to choice for diners.

20. Garlic Knots

Rocca Pizzeria

These fluffy knots of dough are brushed with garlic, topped with chimichurri, herbs, and grana cheese. Served alongside whipped provolone for a flavorful dipping experience, these garlic knots make a delicious appetizer.

21. Chicken Wings

Empire Wingz

Empire Wingz specializes in delicious chicken wings that are packed with flavor. Offering a wide variety of options, there is a flavor for everyone. From Spicy Garlic Parmesan to sweet Honey BBQ, each wing is crispy, flavorful, and saucy.

22. Fried Chicken

The Original Triplet’s Food Mart

Triplet’s Food Mart has become locally famous for their signature crispy and spicy fried chicken. What started as a small business has expanded thanks to its reputation for flavorful, perfectly fried chicken that keeps customers coming back.

23. Three Cheese Chips

Bistro Byronz

These crispy, home-fried chips are generously topped with a drizzle and crumbles of three cheeses. Each bite offers a perfect balance of crunch and creamy cheese, making it a delicious appetizer or snack option.

24. Crawfish Pie

Elsie’s Plate and Pie

Elsie’s is a Baton Rouge staple restaurant known for their pies. This savory pie in particular features crawfish, corn, and sausage served with a Cajun cream sauce all wrapped in a handmade crust. This dish perfectly captures the essence of Louisiana flavors with each bite.

25. Gyros and Chicken Shawarma Combo Plate

Albasha Greek & Lebanese Restaurant

This delicious meal features fresh boneless chicken marinated in garlic, olive oil, and Lebanese spices accompanied with a lean blend of broiled ground beef and lamb. Served with hummus and rice.