BeauxJax Crafthouse, the latest incarnation of the BeauxJax eatery that has also existed as a po’ boy shop on Cross Lake and a popular food truck, is now open in Bossier City’s new East Bank District. The restaurant had posted to Facebook an anticipated opening this weekend, but things came together more quickly than expected. Chef Aaron “Peanut” Hanning has the wild-eyed look of a man who is opening a restaurant these days, but – as always – he’s fun to talk to.
“They wouldn’t let me sell alcohol out of the damn food truck, if you can believe that,” Hanning said. “Since they wouldn’t let me just drive around selling booze, I figured, ‘We better open our own restaurant and bar.'”
That restaurant and bar occupies a 100-year-old building that was Barksdale Drug Store beginning in 1920. There’s a huge dining room, an inviting patio area, and a 21-and-up space called The Rouxgaroux Bar that will be a “speakeasy”-style environment. The restaurant will be open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and will be open until 2 a.m. on weekends. Hours still seem to be a work-in-progress, so keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates.
BeauxJax Crafthouse is located in one of only two open container districts in Louisiana (the other is Bourbon Street), so customers can feel free to take a beer or mixed drink down the street to the Retro 521 Coffee Shop or Flying Heart Brewing and Pub.
Hanning describes the restaurant’s menu as “like a Cajun version of Newk’s,” with soups, salads, and sandwiches, all with a Louisiana flavor profile.
“Come see me anytime,” Hanning adds. “But be advised that after about 3:30 p.m., I start drinking Coors Light.”
This place is very cool. They did a great job on the building, the food is good, and service was hopping on our visit. You will be surprised at what a nice New Orleans style interior they have built in this formerly deserted part of old Bossier. Well worth a visit.