Let’s say you’re visiting Shreveport-Bossier for a Mardi Gras parade, or you’re hosting out-of-town guests for a parade weekend. These seven recommendations for local eats are a few of our “best bets” for places that’ll give you or your guests a true taste of Louisiana’s most iconic dishes. This was a tough list to limit to only seven dishes (what about the gumbo at Abby Singer’s Bistro? The red beans and grits at Biscotti’s at Lewis Gifts? Blackened everything at The Blind Tiger?), but here are our picks.
If you’re looking for Louisiana flavors in Shreveport-Bossier, here are a few places where you can’t go wrong:
Beignets at Marilynn’s Place
4041 Fern Avenue, Shreveport
As good a beignet as any in Louisiana. Just don’t wear a black shirt to eat them – trust us.
Po’ Boys at Kim’s Seafood
901 Benton Road, Suite E, Bossier City
Run by a family of New Orleans natives, Kim’s is all about boiled crawfish and big, piping hot po’ boys. Get a Patton’s hot sausage po’ boy to experience a New Orleans favorite.
Muffulettas at Trailer Hash Food Truck
Location varies
So much of the beauty of a muffuletta hinges on the olive mix, and Trailer Hash makes some of the best we’ve ever tasted. If you’re crazy about this famous Louisiana sandwich, it’s worth tracking down this food truck (hint: they post their location most frequently on Instagram).
The Muffy at Fertitta’s Delicatessen
1124 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport
It’s a Shreveport rite of passage to eat a Muffy with a tall glass of mint iced tea. The atmosphere of this eatery, which opened in 1927, exudes old school Louisiana charm.
Boudin balls at Bergeron’s Boudin and Cajun Meats
7805 E. Kings Highway, Shreveport
3933 Benton Road, Bossier City
Maybe the most decadent “snack” food in Louisiana, boudin balls are immensely satisfying, crunchy morsels of boudin sausage. These are made in-house by – arguably – one of the most Cajun families you’ll find anywhere north of Maurice. Like so many of Louisiana’s best features, they’ll kill you, but they’re delicious.
Shrimp and grits at 2Johns Steak and Seafood
2151 Airline Drive, Bossier City
There was a time, you didn’t see a lot of shrimp and grits on local menus. One of the first places they popped up – 2Johns in Bossier City – makes one of the best versions of this Southern favorite that we’ve ever tried.
Oysters on the Half-Shell at Frank’s Louisiana Kitchen
1023 Provenance Place Boulevard, Suite 200, Shreveport
If fresh, raw oysters are calling your name, the raw bar at Frank’s Louisiana Kitchen should more than satisfy your urge to slurp down a few freshly shucked bivalves. Not only does Frank’s carry about a half-dozen varieties of oysters (look out for the delicious Murder Point Oysters from the Gulf, they’re a personal favorite), but they carry Crystal hot sauce and serve phenomenal cocktails.
The Sampler at Herby-K’s
1833 Pierre Avenue, Shreveport
Can’t decide between the gumbo or the crawfish ettouffe? Why not have them both at Herby-K’s, one of Shreveport’s oldest restaurants and one of Louisiana’s most essential seafood dives. Get a chalice of ice cold beer to go along with it, and you’re all set.
What did we miss with this list? If you’re a local food lover who’s got a favorite place to eat an iconic Louisiana dish, whether it’s a fine dining restaurant or a gas station, let us know in the comments!
For a more complete guide to Shreveport-Bossier’s local restaurant scene, consider downloading or browsing the 2018 edition of Eat Here: A Food Lover’s Guide to Shreveport-Bossier. You can also call 1-800-551-8682 to request a free copy of the guide by mail.
Need a little help planning your Mardi Gras visit to Shreveport-Bossier? There’s a brochure for that, as well, the annual Gris Gris Guide to Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier. Download the Gris Gris Guide here or browse it online. You can also just visit ShreveportMardiGras.com for parade dates, special offers and more.
