With Thanksgiving on Thursday and the busiest shopping day of the year on Friday, we thought it might be fun to compile a list of restaurants that also house retail shops. These restaurant/retail combinations sell everything from chakra stones to big, foam hats shaped like crawfish. So, whether you’re out shopping with your refined Aunt Pearl or your recently paroled Uncle Cooter, you should be able to stop in at one of these local restaurants and have a fun meal without wasting precious shopping time.
Ralph & Kacoo’s and False River Gift Shop – For the Louisiana lover in your life. Stop in for some blackened catfish, a seafood platter or a bowl of gumbo and pick up some gifts while you’re at it. Clothing, art, cooking accessories; If you can put a Fleur-de-lis or an anthropomorphic crawfish on it, they sell it here.
1700 Old Minden Road Bossier City, (318) 747-6660
www.ralphandkacoos.com
Gullo’s Fresh Produce and Bake Shop – Home to one of the finest cheeseburgers on Earth, Gullo’s is also a nice place to shop for locally-made products like down-home jams, jellies, pickles, chow chow, etc. And nothing says “I love you” like pickle relish.
724 East Flournoy Lucas Road Shreveport, (318) 797-0361
Biscotti’s at Lewis Gifts – Interior design, candles and other fine gifts make up much of the showroom at this popular local shopping destination. If you work up an appetite while browsing, may I suggest a Cuban panini? The menu at Biscotti’s includes some surprises, like that delicious Cuban. The shrimp and grits here can be pretty incredible, as well.
5807 Youree Drive, Shreveport, (318) 868-6700
www.biscottisatlewis.com
Sunshine Health Foods and Cafe – “Where’s the Whole Foods around here?,” the health enthusiast in your family may ask upon arrival in Shreveport-Bossier, fear creeping into his or her voice. “Google seems to think there’s not one. That can’t be right…can it?” Before panic sets in, head to Sunshine for an organic salad bar, spinach lasagna and more. This is also a great stop for gifts related to healthy living.
5751 Youree Drive, Shreveport, (318) 219-4080
www.sunshinehf.com
This isn’t a complete list of destinations for shopping and eating under one roof. Did we leave out one of your favorite spots? Let us know in the comments.
