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RIDING THE GULF WATERS, SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
BRINGS TRAILS OF FRESH SEAFOOD & BOUDIN sENSATION

LAKE CHARLES/SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
UPSCALE & DOWNHOME DINING: A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL TASTE OF LAKE CHARLES TO MATCH EVERY PRICE POINT
From our bayous to the soul, right in a piping-hot bowl, you’ll get a traditional taste of Louisiana’s staples, including jambalaya, gumbo,
crawfish, muffulettas, étouffée, po’boys, red beans and rice, bread pudding, and more. No matter your price point, Lake Charles has
excelled in the culinary status quo for upscale and downhome dining.

If you prefer a low-lit, upscale, private dining experience with exclusive wine lists and cocktail programs, make dinner reservations at one
of our casino resorts, like Golden Nugget or L’Auberge. You can dine poolside, beachside, or at your bedside in a ritzy and high-class
atmosphere. More casino resort dining options are available at Delta Downs and Horseshoe.

For an affordable night out with a group of friends or family, explore the mid-priced restaurants around the Lake Area that serve fresh
ingredients with artistry in mind. Locals and visitors love The James 710, Crying Eagle Brewing Company, The Bekery and Luna Bar &
Grill because of the relaxing atmosphere and good food.
It’s normal to trade frills for a flavorful down-home meal in Lake Charles. The city specializes in casual food, including plate lunches and
grab n’ go bites. Snag a bag of cracklins at Famous Foods, a Cajun/Creole plate lunch from Leonard’s Food Quarters, all things Louisiana
at Steamboat Bill’s Seafood, a legendary po’boy from Darrell’s Sandwiches, and some of the best fried chicken in the South at Mama Reta’s
Kitchen. Locals deem the stops along the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail or the Gas Station Eats Trail as delicacies. There’s a surplus of
quality food, delicious drinks, and Cajun/Creole cuisine to match every price point in Louisiana’s Playground.

ENVIE EATS: THE DESIRE TO EAT A LOT!
“Louisiana’s Playground” is a podcast about all there is to experience in Lake Charles. Join hosts Brady Renard and Anna Strider as they
share fresh perspectives from locals, businesses, and area experts about the best-kept secrets of Southwest Louisiana. This podcast will give
you all the tools you need to build your personal Lake Charles itinerary.

Each episode begins with the Envie Eats segment, where the hosts take a deep dive into a featured restaurant’s history, food and drinks, and
overall experience. With over two dozen episodes, the duo have covered local favorites such as Insane Sausages and The Villa Harlequin to
new dining options like The Terrace.

For in-depth culinary conversations with local experts, tune into Episode 5 with Chef Scott Landry, Episode 12 with Samantha Carroll, and
Episode 20 with Chef Amanda Cusey. Listen here or anywhere you get your podcasts: visitlakecharles.org/podcast.

HAVE YOU EATEN ALONG KIRKMAN, LAKE CHARLES’ INTERNATIONAL FOOD STREET?
Southwest Louisiana is known for its fresh seafood, savory boudin, smoked meats, cracklins, and various Cajun/Creole staples, but Kirkman
Street in Lake Charles is the culinary secret that represents the diversity of its people with homegrown international eats.

This neighborhood thoroughfare is the access road to a genuine taste of international fares, like Lebanese meals at Cousin’s, Italian plates
at Pronia’s Deli & Bakery, and sushi galore at Umami Japanese Restaurant. Also, experience authentic Mexican tacos at Victoria’s Taqueria,
Jamaican plate lunches at Nyyah’s Authentic Cookshop, Mediterranean meals at Mazen’s, and more in Louisiana’s Playground.

Kirkman Street is a cultural gem that is hidden in plain sight. Any restaurant along this international food street will satisfy a variety of cravings.

TEN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA FOOD EVENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2024:
1. Chuck Eats Restaurant Week
2. Mardi Gras Gumbo Cook-off
3. Lake Charles Rum Revival For a full list of festivals, fairs, and events
4. Downtown Lake Charles Crawfish Festival in Southwest Louisiana, go to
5. Cajun Music and Food Festival VisitLakeCharles.org/events.
6. Holly Beach Crab Festival Shalisa Roland | Visit Lake Charles
7. Louisiana Food & Wine Festival
8. Crying Eagle Octoberfest sroland@visitlakecharles.org
9. Rouge et Blanc Wine Festival 337-436-9588
10. Smoke & Barrel: A Celebration of Bourbon, BBQ, and Whiskey VisitLakeCharles.org
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