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VISIT LAKE CHARLES

UPSCALE & DOWNHOME DINING: A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL TASTE TO MATCH EVERY PRICE POINT
From our bayous to the soul, served up in a piping-hot bowl, you’ll experience a traditional taste of Louisiana’s culinary staples, including
jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish, étouffée, po’boys, red beans and rice, bread pudding, and so much more. No matter your price point, Lake Charles
stands out as a culinary destination offering everything from refined dining to hearty comfort food.
If you prefer a low-lit, upscale, private dining experience with exclusive wine lists and thoughtfully curated cocktail programs, consider making
dinner reservations at one of our luxurious casino resorts like Golden Nugget or L’Auberge. Guests can enjoy dining poolside, beachside, or even
at their bedside in an elegant and high-class atmosphere. Additional upscale dining options can also be found at Delta Downs and Horseshoe.
Those seeking a more moderately priced, yet elevated experience can explore a variety of restaurants throughout the Lake Area that emphasize
fresh, artfully presented ingredients. Local favorites include Restaurant Calla, Crying Eagle Brewing, The Bekery, and Luna Bar & Grill, each
beloved for their inviting ambiance and delicious fare.
For a more casual approach, Lake Charles shines with laid-back, flavor-forward cuisine. It’s common to trade frills for a deeply satisfying down-
home meal. Grab a bag of cracklins at Famous Foods, indulge in a Creole plate lunch from Leonard’s Food Quarters, taste authentic Cajun flavors
at Steamboat Bill’s Seafood, enjoy a legendary po’boy from Darrell’s, or dig into some of the South’s best fried chicken at Mama Reta’s Kitchen.
In Louisiana’s Playground, there’s always an abundance of quality food, creative drinks, and Cajun and Creole culinary delights to satisfy every
craving and budget.

ENVIE EATS: THE DESIRE TO EAT A LOT!
“Louisiana’s Playground” is a podcast that highlights the very best of Lake Charles, offering listeners a lively guide to experiencing Southwest
Louisiana. Hosts Brady Renard and Jillian Corder share authentic insights from local personalities, businesses, and cultural leaders, providing all
the tools you need to plan a memorable Lake Charles itinerary.
Each episode opens with the Envie Eats segment, where Brady and Jillian dive deep into the story behind a featured restaurant, exploring its
history, culinary philosophy, standout dishes, and the overall dining experience. With more than seventy episodes, the podcast has spotlighted
long-standing favorites like Seafood Palace and The Villa Harlequin, as well as emerging hotspots such as The Terrace.
For in-depth culinary conversations, tune into Ep. 5 featuring Chef Scott Landry, Ep. 12 with Samantha Carroll, Ep. 20 with Chef Amanda Cusey,
Ep. 46 with Pasta Lab, Ep. 48 on Boudin, Ep. 62 on Crawfish, and Ep. 65 on Sweet Treats.
You can listen to the podcast at VisitLakeCharles.org/podcast or on your favorite streaming platform.

FRESH FLAVORS & FOODIE COMEBACKS IN LAKE CHARLES
Lake Charles is savoring a culinary renaissance, with new openings and beloved institutions making powerful returns.

One of the most notable reopenings is Ball’s Fried Chicken, a longtime local favorite known for its soulful, crispy, golden-brown perfection. Its return
has sparked excitement throughout the community and reinforces Lake Charles’ deep ties to Southern comfort cuisine.
Salt Revival Oyster Co. Restaurant is a standout addition to Lake Charles’ dining scene, led by Chef Roman Ardoin. Founded by David Sorrells
and Ben Herrera, the restaurant extends the mission of the Salt Revival Oyster Company, which operates within the Cameron Alternative Oyster
Culture Park. The menu highlights Gulf-inspired dishes like hand-raised oysters, smoked pork belly, crab pasta, and fried seafood, all crafted with
locally sourced ingredients and a commitment to sustainability. With 100% traceability and coastal authenticity, Salt Revival offers a fresh,
elevated take on Louisiana seafood. TEN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA

Also making waves this summer is the highly anticipated Crying Eagle Lakefront, a stunning new FOOD EVENTS
destination on the shores of Lake Charles. Spanning over 12,000 square feet across two levels, this 1. Chuck Eats Restaurant Week
dynamic venue will offer a full-service restaurant with sweeping lakefront views, a seafood-inspired 2. Mardi Gras Gumbo Cook-off
menu, and a microbrewery specializing in unique, lager-forward beers. Guests can enjoy wine, spirits, 3. Rum Revival
and craft cocktails from the full bar, or grab a bite from the waterfront to-go station. Designed for 4. Cajun Music and Food Festival
both locals and visitors, the space includes indoor and outdoor entertainment areas that will host live 5. Holly Beach Crab Festival
music and special events. 6. Louisiana Food & Wine Festival
7. Crying Eagle Oktoberfest
Explore a full calendar of festivals, fairs, and cultural events at VisitLakeCharles.org/events
8. Rouge et Blanc Wine Festival
Matt Young | Visit Lake Charles | myoung@visitlakecharles.org 9. Chuck Fest
337-436-9588 | VisitLakeCharles.org 10. Smoke & Barrel: A Celebration of
Bourbon, BBQ, and Whiskey
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