Tucked in between the Garden District and LSU is a Baton Rouge neighborhood packed with flavor. The Perkins Overpass area is known for being a foodie’s paradise – with offerings ranging from coffee to ice cream, sushi to Italian, and everything in between. These restaurants offer something for everyone, each one as flavorful as the next. Come along as we embark on a food tour of the Perkins Overpass food scene – you certainly won’t be disappointed!
Nestled beneath the Perkins Overpass, BLDG 5 is not only cozy, but its patio is a welcoming oasis for its patrons. Each dish and drink are made from the freshest ingredients, bringing seasonally inspired flavors to its laidback atmosphere. You're sure to feel right at home while dining on their expansive patio area, and you might even catch some live music while dining.
Chow Yum is inspired by flavors all throughout Asia and brings them all together to create whimsical dishes and appetizers based on Asian street food and giving it a Southern twist. From ramen to bao buns to Vietnamese-style crawfish, there’s something for everyone on this flavorful menu.
DiGiulio Brothers Italian Café
Yet another local favorite, DiGiulio Brothers Italian Café serves up an Italian American menu, filled with classics like five cheese lasagna and hand-tossed pizzas, as well as marrying Italian and Louisiana cultures in items such as the meatball po’boy. Be sure to make reservations – you’ll find this neighborhood eatery to have the most faithful of patrons.
Grab your pup because this Dawg House is for you and your canine! Frankie’s Dawg House offers a variety of classic gourmet hot dogs like the Chicago Dawg or the Chili Cheese Dawg, as well as a variety of signature ‘dogs and specialty sausages.
Garden District Coffee is a lowkey, neighborhood coffee shop that roasts all its coffee in-house! Grab a coffee, tea or pastry to go or sit and enjoy the ambiance on the patio or indoors.
With a wide variety of menus and coffees to try, Magpie uses seasonal ingredients from local farmers, dairies and bakeries, with organic and all-natural products being a priority in each drink and pastry.
A Cajun classic, Parrain’s Seafood has it all – seafood platters, po’boys, grilled and fried meats and fish – and is the perfect place to round out your trip with authentic Louisiana cuisine. With its low-key vibe and friendly staff, you’ll feel like you just stepped into your Cajun parrain (godfather)’s kitchen!
Pinetta’s is one of Baton Rouge’s best-kept secrets, and this no-frills joint is a favorite among locals. The menu offers a wide selection of Italian, German, Turkish and Armenian food, as well as an extensive wine list. With its low-key interior, dim lighting and Old-World charm, this spot is perfect for a romantic dinner or catching up with friends.
With its delicious food and specialty cocktails, The Overpass Merchant is the very definition of a gastropub and one you certainly shouldn’t pass up. Known for its seasonally themed menus, such as Oktoberfest and Merchmas, you’ll find classic brunch favorites, cheese curds, truffle fries and a large selection of salads, sandwiches and pasta on the menu.
Rock-N-Sake Bar & Sushi is known for their fresh sushi, loud music and large portions. They’re also making taco Tuesday a thing of the past with their TGIT (thank goodness its Tuesday) deal, where diners can get three drinks and two sushi rolls for only $40.
Schlittz & Giggles is a favorite among the Baton Rouge pizza scene, and it certainly has become one of the newer Baton Rouge classics. If you’re looking for authentic, New York-style, thin-crust pizza, then look no further! Its location under the Perkins Overpass stays open until midnight on the weekends, making it the perfect spot to grab a slice (or even a whole pie to share) for lunch, dinner or a late-night bite.
Old school gas station turned BBQ joint, Unleaded BBQ is a newcomer to the Baton Rouge food scene, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Offering favorites, such as brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken wings and more, pair them with classic sides like baked beans, mac and cheese or collard greens, or choose something unexpected like the spoon bread, which is a soft Mexican cornbread.
Zeeland Street is a breakfast and lunch hotspot among locals, and the small, intimate space is inviting with a diner feel. Choose from a selection of breakfast options – the extensive menu definitely has something for everyone – or from a variety of lunch options, ranging from sandwiches and salads to plate lunch specials like Mama’s Pot Roast or Red Beans and Rice. Zeeland Street Market has also expanded from its breakfast and lunch options with its new elevated dinner concept Beloved, which offers upscale modern soul food.
Zee Zee’s offers a nod at two neighborhood institutions from years past – Zee Zee Gardens and George’s – bringing back the classic community feel to its space. Here you’ll find a menu filled with bites, sandwiches and salads, as well as what’s rumored to be one of the best espresso martinis in the city. With eclectic décor, drink specials and lowkey digs, you’re sure to feel right at home at this reborn Overpass icon.
Zippy’s Burritos, Tacos & More
Whether you’re looking for fuel after a night out or a place to grab a delicious frozen drink and some Mexican-inspired cuisine, Zippy’s is the place. You’ll find this restaurant and its expansive patio underneath a sign known for bearing witty statements.
SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT
No meal is complete without dessert, and Gail's Fine Ice Cream is the perfect place to grab dessert or a midday treat. Gail's Fine Ice Cream is made in small batches from high-quality ingredients, offering six year-round flavors and even more rotating seasonal flavors. Get it scooped into a cup or house-made cone or packed into an ice cream sandwich!
GRAB A DRINK
There’s no better combination than bar bites and martinis, and lucky for us, Duvic’s provides both. This unpretentious neighborhood bar is home to amazing martinis, with drink specials throughout the week, as well as an extensive beer list.
With a great patio setup and plenty of beer on tap, Ivar's Sports Bar is a popular spot for college students and recent grads, especially on the day the Wearin' of the Irish St. Patrick's Day parade rolls through the Overpass area.
