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357Magnum

Ok hear me out here. There's a teeny tiny place in Lafayette, like 4 tables, called Patacon. Near UL. It is a Venezuelan place and it is *awesome.* I eat there almost every time I pass through Lafayette. Highly recommend the green Patacon Pabellon. That is my go to order. [https://www.facebook.com/PataconLLC/](https://www.facebook.com/PataconLLC/) Also you won't be far from Parish brewery so if you want to pick up some good beers on your trip that is worth a stop (assuming you like IPAs as that is their forte).


The_ChwatBot

Hell yeah. Went there so many times while I was at UL. I will forever tell people about the greatness that is Patacon Latin Cuisine.


eo3studios

I’ll have to check it out, looks amazing thank you!


DoctorMumbles

There’s also the new brewery (NOT A FUCKING BREWERY ITS A BIERGARTEN) right by it, Yard Dog (ITS FUCKING YARD GOAT) Within a few hundred feet I think. Yard Goat as pointed out below, not yard dog. Maybe I’m thinking of Adopted Dog? Edit: I get it, it’s not a brewery. I got it confused with Adopted Dog.


84shits

Yard Goat. * Place is consistently packed. Great for Lafayette.


joytoasty

Love the bread pudding at Yard goat is like.....I've never had anything like it like bread pudding made from blue berry donuts incredible


pure_bred_browndog

Beer garden not a brewery.


Pompousdickbiscuit

Yard Goat isn’t a brewery. It’s just a bar with a lot of beers.


DidgeridooPlayer

I’d recommend that instead of driving out to Parish in Broussard after visiting Patacon, you drive a minute down Johnston St to shop at Marcello’s for a large selection of to-go beer (local/regional/national brands).


DPileatus

Cajun Saucer


DannyMac99

Yes x 100


TimmySouthSideyeah

Great food, better people.


Tiny_State3711

Yep, I've eaten here many times before. The arepas are so good. Thanks for the reminder, I haven't been there in a while.


hookersrus1

If you had to choose one place in lafayette you went Venezuelan? Bold choice


357Magnum

Lafayette has a bunch of good food, but I'm not that excited about Louisiana cuisine. I've lived in Louisiana my whole life and I've been eating good Louisiana food my whole life. I'm not opposed to eating more good Louisiana food but I'm not exactly motivated to go out of my way for it. Smoked Boudin will always be my favorite driving snack but if I'm actually going to stop somewhere I feel like I need something more interesting or unique. The Venezuelan place is the only place that I know of in Louisiana where I can get a patacon.


uptownNola0308

Mosca’s - westbank NO area Roberto’s - St. Gabriel, I’m not sure if they are still around though. I know the owner had some issues. Lea’s - pie place around Alexandria Poche’s - breaux bridge


sophanisba

Lea’s ham sandwiches are to die for.


Jo5h_95

My brother is always bringing home pies from Lea’s


Louisianaflavor

Roberto’s is still open


JoeScotterpuss

We used to always go out of way and eat at Lea's after church when I was growing up in Pineville. I was blown away when I drove through Lecompte for work and saw the same place still open. All roads lead to Lea's as they used to say! Unfortunately I didn't have time to stop, but I think they're shipping pies on their website.


Jo5h_95

Also we used to always always always stop In at a pie pie in Laplace — can’t remember the name of it but I can see it


No_Shoe_3889

Lea's has the best Chocolate Silk pie. Also the tastiest meringue ever!


4jimmmy714

Agree lees has been there for a very long time


jezop68

Roberto's is still kickin!!


ThomasTheTurd504

Middendorf’s in Manchac. Thin fried catfish is a must Edit: Spelling


Christie318

I second this. We always stopped there on trips to or from New Orleans.


moonberrys

Im gonna be real here… they’re mid at best.


hookersrus1

They have dropped significantlyand the price keeps going up


Geauxtigersgeaux

Essentially any local place in Lafayette. Best restaurant city in the state per capita. The city where chain restaurants go to die.


joytoasty

Very much this.


Objective_Length_834

I think New Iberia has better local food.


Turbulent_Soil1288

And even better haircuts!


noseytigerfrog

Bon Creole and Boiling Point in NI are indeed very good! Very large boiled shrimp, fried soft shell crabs, and frog legs at Boiling Point are must haves.


Objective_Length_834

NI knows better than to put mayo on a muffaletta and not to make a red gumbo. The food is more authentic.


hookersrus1

Also the most likely place to get shot.


Objective_Length_834

I think Opelousas holds that title.


lazymarkayzee

Bahn mi boys every time I’m back in town


butterscotchtamarin

+1 for Bahn Mi Boys


macaroni_3000

Little Big Cup in Arnaudville, only a slight detour off your path assuming you are taking I-10


eo3studios

My wife talks this place up a lot but I’ve never been to it, guess I gotta go now!


SerengetiLee

I’m gonna advise against little big cup. I do not understand people’s infatuation with this place.


suchakidder

I was not super impressed with the food! The decor/ambiance was great but food was kinda meh


mjl0248

The food is hit or miss, I stopped going.


TimmySouthSideyeah

Agreed. Only been once and it was fine but not fantastic. It's 45 mins from South Lafayette. Drive is cool but 55 mins!


SerengetiLee

If I’m driving that far (it’s an hour plus for me), I’m going to Bayou Teche Brewery. I’ve never had a bad time there.


TimmySouthSideyeah

Or a bit farther to Washington. The Steamboat Warehouse s pretty good. Very cool old building. Literally was a warehouse on the steamboat line on Bayou Courtableu.


hergonthegreat

If you're in arnaudville, la31/Cajun saucer pizza is really good too!


ElegantAd-HAHAHAHA

They have no concept of temperature control for their food. The walk in cooler was cooled by a window unit from HD. Cross contamination protocols aren't followed


jsl1028

I went there for the 2nd time last weekend. Food and service were 3/10 both times. Not worth the trip.


LezPlayLater

I love that place and try to stop by every time I’m in town. Get a table by the bayou


tigersmhs07

NOTE/DISCLAIMER: Little big cup is really good but you HAVE to make a reservation. Edit: idk why I'm getting downvoted. It's true. Have fun showing up without a reservation. They are always packed.


danspeed3

My wife and I got married there! Great place.


colonel_rootkit

Churros Cafe in Metarie is so good Idk about hidden gem, but I love Punjabi Dhaba. Either hammond or kenner. Go for the buffet


layla1219

I second this! Churros is so good!


bubonic_chronic-

Adolfo’s on Frenchman st in Nola. Get there early to wait an hour in line and you’ll be happy for the wait. That place is absolutely amazing.


jezop68

Donaldsonville Ascension Parish The Grape Vine


LSCatilina

Been 10 years but I still remember how good their food was. Probably the best bread pudding I have ever had


sleepydaytrader

best gumbo i’ve ever tasted


nolabamboo

Hawk’s in Rayne. Best crawfish.


MmmMmmmRyan

they just closed 2 weeks ago, end of the season :(


RaginRealtor

Cafe Josephine in Sunset. Cafe Syndie Mae in Breaux Bridge.


swampwiz

Rocky & Carlos's in Chalmette. Granted, post-Katrina, it has lost its incredibly dated decor - and rock-bottom prices.


mmoose318

But it's still delicious


Hairofthedag

My first thought. Truly a hidden gem


gettheplow

They carry and hold bread tucked into their armpits. That’s a no for me dog. I’ve personally witnessed it twice.


33-3rpm

Rivershack.


No-Refrigerator2530

Chickens Kitchen ! You won’t be disappointed


Nolon

Oh yeah. Let me hear it!! Gotta get that pizza at Uncle Johnnie in Plaquemine


XxCelestial_Blade

Don’t know if it’s a “hole in the wall” but “The Blue Crab” on the lake front is a favorite of mine


Frosty_Ninja3286

To each their own, I find Blue Crab and any of those places on the lake mid at best. You pay for the view. Now a good bar for drinks is right across the water at JBs Fuel Dock.


Arkhampatient

Song Phi Nong in Houma has the best Thai food you will ever have.


Brother_Dave37

100% fact


Sufficient_Tooth_949

Russell's Marina Grill If you know $uicideboys, Ruby's dad owns it, I've never been there myself but ways wanted to, the food looks amazing


FazeOut

This is the place Copeland's stole their original Cajun "onion mum" with rose sauce from decades ago. Copeland's no longer serves it, but Russell's still has it, and I need to get over there for one.


kyliejus

Cooter Browns in Robert. Bears in Covington. Lee's Diner in Hammond. Elsie's Plate and Pie in Baton Rouge.


nola_t

Elsie’s is ridiculously good.


kyliejus

Yessss! My go to in BR!


Lazyperson93

I have a question about Bears. I went about a month ago because I’ve heard and seen dozens of people rave about their roast beef poboys. That’s what my sister and I got. It was good but it’s nothing special. It had a lot of meat but there was no gravy. Is there something we should ask to get gravy or is it always dry.


kyliejus

I always get the bbq beef one. And ask for extra sauce. Sometimes they can be a lil shy with the sauce.


17riffraff

It's not so hidden anymore, but Billy's has the best boudin balls! It's my favorite balls that I have ever put in my mouth


hookersrus1

Best stop is better


DylanGallo

In Hammond, Tie green leaf (by Albertsons) slaps.. every.. time. Every time I go I try to eat something new because I know it will be good! Hi-Ho barbecue is very unique but it’s been around for generations Cena is an excellent and unique high end restaurant, also never misses


FazeOut

Will agree on Green Leaf and Hi-Ho. Cena wants to be a high end restaurant but isn't. Put it up against any "upscale" restaurant in West St. Tammany and it gets blown away. I will add though Kirin in Hammond is a little run down but flavor wise some of the best sushi you will find in the state.


LlamaDragonUnicorn

Yellow Bird in Hammond 


SerengetiLee

Couyon’s BBQ in Port Allen. It’s like 5 min off the interstate. Get the Cou Cou Tots or Fries, or a giant baked potato with etouffee and fried fish / shrimp on top. Yall gonna need naps after.


17riffraff

I gotta recommend the smoked meatloaf, it is oniony, smokey and moist! They also have super friendly service


SerengetiLee

Yes, the owners are a delight. You regularly see them in the dining room checking on tables and making small talk. The service really is top notch.


SerengetiLee

I will have to try the meat loaf. I’ve had many things, but I haven’t tried that one.


17riffraff

Yeah, I had ordered some moist brisket ( phenomenal) and saw the meatloaf and thought, "That's different, let's try!" Never seen such in a BBQ restaurant menu, and so glad I did!!


Shadow_Stabber

If you are driving through Baton Rouge and you want fancier Louisiana food [Louisiana Lagniappe](http://www.louisianalagniapperestaurant.com/) or [Robertos](http://robertosrestaurant.net/) (this ones a big detour from the interstate) Both keep limited hours so plan ahead


FlightyTwilighty

Swamp Monster in Franklinton!


acethewarhawk

Himalayan Cafe in Monroe. Nepalese/ indian food. Chili momo, cheese stuffed naan, and other typical Indian food. Right next to ULM.


Shdbdndhnend

Millside in ponchatoula is delicious also middendorfs in manchac


kingjaffejaffar

There’s a few obvious ones: Darrell’s in Lake Charles; Judice Inn, Pop’s Po’boys, Olde Thyme Grocery, and Deano’s Pizza in Lafayette; Pat’s in Henderson; The Chimes/Parrain’s, Tony’s Seafood, and Louisiana Lagniappe in Baton Rouge, and all of the boudin places in Scott. Now, for the slightly less well known: Roberto’s River Road in Sunshine, Elsie’s Plate and Pie in Baton Rouge, Latil’s Landing in Darrow, Poche’s in Breaux Bridge. Obscure: Gonzo’s Smokehouse in Luling. Leaders, Raul’s, Rende’s/Sam’s, Taquieria Don Beto II, Bergeron’s, and South of Philly in Gonzales. Bellue’s, The Chicken Shack, Raul’s, Anthony’s, and the Stockyard Cafe in Baton Rouge. Bergeron’s, River Queen Drive-Inn, and Couyon’s BBQ in Port Allen.


bodaddio1971

Gonzos is in Luling.


jezop68

Gonzo's is in Luling and only open Thursday & Friday.


tibby221

Man, RIP Pat's. I hope they rebuild soon. That place is a favorite of my grandfather


MungallSMASH

Nino's - Baton Rouge (reservations) Chicken's Kitchen - Gretna


14LabRat

T Leblanc's in Slidell


Cheyenne_Bodi

Well I haven't seen Ruston on the list. RAW may be the best sushi in the state. I worked at Ponchatula's right down the street and we would all order it at least once a week. The head chef/owner grew up in New Orleans after his parents came over from Japan. He and his wife are super nice. They have so many good rolls and they will even do custom orders just tell them what you like. Tech roll is a must for anyone that thinks they don't like sushi.


NickFury6666

Middendorfs off I55 in Manchac


Aggressive-Media-111

Johnson’s boucanire is good


lawrencenotlarry

Laura's II in Lafayette. It's about as hole-in-the-wall as you can get. Plate lunches only. Line out the door,but boy do they move fast. Their stuffed turkey wing is one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted, and *one wing* is enough for 2 meals. And I can eat.


maelmark

In Lafayette; Laura II's, Blanchard's BBQ, Johnson's Boucaniere. In Baton Rouge; Thai Kitchen, Blue Store, Coffee Call(get the finger beignets, small order will almost certainly be enough. Its a lot.). In New Orleans; Hoshun, Meatery, Mochinut, Scrambled. Y'know just moderate your expectations based on where it is. Don't get the food instead of the donuts at Mochinut and complain its mediocre.


Monk0902

Frenier Landing Restaurant and Oyster Bar is a hidden gem sitting on Lake Pontchartrain not far from I-10 in Laplace. The atmosphere is great! They have great char-broiled oysters, cocktails, and live music on the weekends.


Lorisp830

There is an awesome FB group called "Eat the Boot" that people post hidden gem restaurants around the state. You can always search while on that page, the city you are in to find the recommendations.


salmonerd202

Castalano’s (Italian/cajun) - Morgan City Paco’s (Cuban) - Morgan City Cristiano’s (Italian) - Houma Big Mike’s (BBQ) - Houma/Thibodaux Cinclare (Southern) - Thibodaux


millaroo

If you're in this area, try Trudy's in Kraemer (outside of Thibodaux) on a Saturday evening. Super crispy fried chicken and rice dressing every Saturday evening. There's also poboys, fried pork chops, hamburger steaks, some seafood platters.


omega_dawg93

cristiano's in houma is very bland imo. big mike's bbq USED TO BE great food at a decent price. now, the portions are much smaller and the prices are insane.


Historical-Sky2776

# Swamp Monster Restaurant and Cafe Bouchee - both are located in Franklington, La


Sir_Badtard

The little big cup in Arnaudville reservation only Friday, Saturday, and Sunday One of like 2 sit down restaurants in the whole town. Keep in mind that Arnaudville has less than 1,000 people living there. You need a reservation on the weekends to eat at this place.


Christie318

I ate at DeanO’s Pizza in Lafayette several years ago. To this day it’s the best pizza I’ve ever had.


Secure_Sprinkles4483

Shout out to their crawfish nachos and Cajun Executioner pizza 😋


ChrisSao24

Don't know if you'd necessarily call this hidden, but every time I go back to Hammond, I try and make a stop at either Our Mom's or Tacos and Beer. I absolutely love both of them and was ecstatic to learn about Our Mom's new location in BR.


lostcityknight

Cajuns on Claiborne Ave


Brother_Dave37

Bayou Delight in Houma, some of the best fried chicken.


ESB1812

Lac Charles area…Darrells po-boy for…poboys.lol Joe’s Pizza in sulphur, Red Tails in moss bluff “might be the best in the state…they closed for the season though”, Tia Juanitas for brunch…unlimited mimosa’s and shrimp and grits are on point. KD’s cafe…although I’ve not been there after Laura so dont know if it still has that 90’s vibe, its a good greasy spoon.


leeroy-jenkins-12

Idk if you’re staying along I-10, I’d say in St Landry Parish, and this place is a little in town in Opelousas, but Fat Belly’s diner is a little hole in the wall plate lunch place that always gets the food just right. Sides are good too! While I’m on Opelousas, everyone knows Mama’s Fried Chicken is another really good one, but I will always swear by their okra as the side, they put Tony’s on it and it just makes it pop


amanoftradition

If you're rolling through lake charles check out KD's diner. Some people call it a hidden gem, I wouldn't call it hidden to be honest but they have a great burger.


Autumn_Forest_Mist

Joey’s in Lafayette


bjames1478

In BR between the I10 and I12 ramps, there's a small mom's shop call "The Rouge Rabbit". A lot of out-of-towners stop in and swear it's delicious, i make it a mission to head over on my lunch breaks despite being out my way. The owner LOVES new faces and enjoys when state-foreigners drop in the see. When I say small, I mean it's really quite quaint but you can get some real good sides or a milkshake, frozen coffee, iced coffee, smoothie, etc. Their entrée items are pretty generic but good with the flavor. It's like an "order in, take out" place so don't expect to be there long unless you really take your time to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere inside and outside. EDIT: I see a bunch of NOLA restaurants, now I feel compelled to mention that owner is from NOLA as well. She's always telling people about her dad's homemade red beans and rice recipe.


scottyboy359

The Dairy Inn in Napoleonville does good burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, etc.


Pandorum_X

Rascals in Duson


tibby221

The Steamboat Warehouse in Washington is absolutely phenomenal. Town is about as big as a thumb tack, but this restaurant slaps.


toothfairy2238

I love how Alexandria didn’t make the list… and rightfully so. Broken Wheel in Marksville is really good. We drive there often.


Cheesybits01

If you find yourself driving through LaPlace, I can recommend Frostop. Homemade root beer and some of the best onion rings you'll find. It's an old drive-in style restaurant.


Kryp2nyte

Roberto’s in St. Gabriel! its out of the way, and in an old home. but man is it good.


shmirgle_

MARJIES. It’s to die for


designmaddie

Morvant's in Youngsville. I haven't been there in a few years, but I still dream about their burgers.


BB-0123

Veronica’s in Carencro.


iamtheflowoflife

Rocky & Carlos Restaurant located in Chalmette, Louisiana...10/10 Rated...


mmoose318

TReys Meats in Mandeville. Best Hogs head cheese. Weekday plate lunches. Crazy good.boudin and sausages


dvrkstar

Oh man, I got you https://maps.app.goo.gl/wTsH6W7PwrkEj9DJ6 In the middle of nowhere but oh my DAMN that's a good burger.


Automatic-Dig-1231

Perinos Boiling Pot, Harvey LA


HumanThought9675

Tchefuncte’s in Madisonville


RancidMeatNugget

Boudin King in Jennings.


DaAfroTho

If you’ll be in Lafayette during breakfast/Brunch, The French Press is awesome. Hammond has plenty of great spots. Our moms, Tacos and Beer, Tommy’s on Thomas to name a few. There’s also The Boston in Amite if you go that way.


stabby_chick

The Vessel in NOLA is amazing Edit: nevermind, apparently I tried it before it went downhill or I just got a lucky night.


LezPlayLater

Ugh. No it’s not. Last time I went for happy hour all the food was bland and under cooked nasty. This is New Orleans there are dozens and dozens of better choices.


mommywhorebucks

Bland, nasty, overpriced. Beautiful space but kinda worn down and crawling with tourists. I live a couple blocks away and nevvvvver go there


stabby_chick

Oh no!!! Oh I hate to hear that! I went about 10 months ago and it was just amazing. Damnit....thanks for the heads up.


DeauxJoe

We visited Vessel this past weekend and it was awful. Our server was trying her hardest, but there was a palatable amount of tension within the wait staff. The food and drinks were subpar across the board. It was a shame such a unique and beautiful atmosphere was completely spoiled by poor management and a lack of quality control.


stabby_chick

That is such a shame to hear!!! My partner and I had a lovely night there last fall.