My Recommended Eats
for Shreveport-Bossier City

Gator's Seafood Grill

1903 Benton Road Bossier City, LA 71111 Phone: (318) 747-1272 Directions

Gator's has fast become one of my favorite restaurants. Don't let the name fool you, there's much more than seafood at Gator's. Besides a great selection of fresh seafood, and all the cajun standards you'd expect like gumbo and crawfish ettoufee and even 'gator, they also have incredible Black Angus steaks, burgers, po-boys, pasta, salads, appetizers, and desserts. A recent visit with a friend was a huge hit with both of us. Our meal started with very fresh house salads consisting of iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cheese, and croutons accompanied by the tastiest bleu cheese dressing I've had in a local restaurant. Also served was warm, homemade bread with soft butter, always a welcome bonus at any restaurant but this loaf is one not to miss. My friend ordered the Grilled Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo and loved it. The shrimp were large, fresh, and perfectly grilled, and the pasta was delicious. I was in the mood for a steak and ordered the 12 oz. sirloin with steamed vegetables. The thick cut steak was perfectly cooked to my order and the vegetables, a mix of broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and squash were very flavorful, slightly buttery and not overcooked. So many restaurants offer a thin, flimsy excuse for a steak that could only be cooked medium rare with 30 seconds on one side, but not Gator's. They serve a thick, flavorful steak that you will definitely appreciate. Had we had room, we would have loved to indulge in one of the one of Gator's dessert offerings but that will have to wait for another trip when we can order a salad for dinner and save some room. Gator's has Happy Hour every day from 3pm to 7pm and offers a large selection of unique and tasty house specialty cocktails. They have a lunch menu and fast service that will get you in and out of there in about 30 minutes if that's what you need. And they're a family-friendly restaurant with grilled cheese and other favorites on the kiddie menu. I highly recommend Gator's Seafood Grill on Benton Road in Bossier City. Great food, great service, great prices, great atmosphere. It's definitely one of the gems of the sister cities.

Tacomania Grill & Cantina

641 E. Kings Hwy. Shreveport, LA 71105 Phone: (318) 868-4588 Directions

In my opinion, the best Mexican food in town is at Tacomania, now located further down on East Kings Hwy., just east of Youree Drive. The food and service is excellent. My personal favorite order is a cup of their delicious homemade soup and a homemade tamale. The chips and salsa are great, and the menu is not like anything you'll see at any other Mexican restaurant in town. From the fresh salsa bar to several varieties of tacos to excellent Margaritas (2 for 1 at Happy Hour), Tacomania is everything you could ask for in a Mexican restaurant and more.

Yeero! Yeero!

4511 Youree Drive Shreveport, LA 71105 Phone: (318) 219-0027 Directions

One of my favorite places to grab a quick bite through the drive-thru window is Yeero! Yeero!, located on Youree Drive near Southfield. A gigantic step above the average fast food fare, the Gyro sandwich is delicious, and an icy Frozen Cappuchino topped with whipped cream sure hits the spot on a hot summer day. They also have daily specials featuring generous portions of Greek specialties and the prices are excellent. For the sit-down experience and many more options, visit their sister restaurant, Athenian Delights, located at 6535 Line Avenue.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

6251 Westport Ave. Shreveport, LA Phone: (318) 688-6080 Directions

Yes! There is a Cracker Barrel in Shreveport! First time I tried one of Cracker Barrel's delicious homestyle breakfasts was on a trip in 1995. We were headed to Washington, DC, and fortunate enough to happen onto the original location in Tennessee. It's certainly an experience and there's nothing else like it. There's generally a wait for a table during peak dining hours, but it's well worth it and they provide a wonderful gift shop to browse around while your appetite builds. You'll need it for the huge portions they serve.

Jason's Deli

5810 Line Ave. Shreveport, LA 71106 Phone: (318) 861-6952 Directions

Soup and sandwich or a giant stuffed baked potato always hit the spot at Jason's Deli. But don't stop there--the menu is HUGE. Every conceivable sandwich, soups, fresh fruit, cookies, brownies. And they also have a great salad bar with everything you could possibly think to put on a salad bar. Save room for the free softserv ice cream, complete with toppings. Low prices and plenty of parking inside Uptown Shopping Center.

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

7150 Youree Drive Shreveport, LA 71105 Phone: (318) 797-8303 Directions

You can never go wrong at Olive Garden. I love the minestrone soup, salad, and bread, and every pasta dish I've tried has been delicious. As you probably already know, this is a very popular national chain with an extensive menu of creative dishes, so be prepared for a wait for peak lunch and dinner times as this is the one and only location in the area. I personally prefer to go during off times but this restaurant is so good, it's worth the wait. You'll enjoy the excellent, friendly service.

Copeland's of New Orleans

1665 E. Bert Kouns Industrial Loop Shreveport, LA 71105 Phone: (318) 797-0143 Directions

Copeland's of New Orleans is a highly rated Cajun restaurant based in New Orleans that finally made it to Shreveport late in 1997. They have incredible steaks and seafood, hot biscuits are made from scratch and melt in your mouth. Leave some room for the decadent, creamy homemade cheesecake. Go EARLY to avoid a wait. My favorite time to visit Copeland's is mid-afternoon--no wait, and you still get the great lunch prices.

Ernest's Orleans Restaurant

1601 Spring St. Shreveport, LA 71101 Phone: (318) 226-1325 Directions

The exquisite tastes of Ernest's Orleans Restaurant, home of the one and only Kentucky Limestone Salad, is a truly memorable dining experience, one of the finest in town. They offer casual dining with a bar and live entertainment on one side, and elegant formal dining (proper dress required) on the other. I'm a fan of the casual side, having been first introduced to it years ago when my friend, Tim Boatman, performed there. The marinated crab claws are outstanding. As are the steaks and seafood dishes. Open for dinner only. Closed on Monday. Pricey, but worth it.

Herby K's

1833 Pierre Ave. Shreveport, LA 71103 Phone: (318) 424-2724 Directions

You can't come all the way here and not have a Shrimpbuster from Herby K's, a Shreveport institution for decades. Go early or late for lunch. The place is small but worth any wait, and the prices are great. If the weather's nice, they have a patio. And they have icy cold beer. It's off the beaten path, but worth seeking out.

Ralph & Kacoo's

1700 Old Minden Rd. Bossier City, LA 71111 Phone: (318) 747-6660 Directions

Everything on the menu is delicious at Ralph & Kacoo's in Bossier City, where the locals go to eat Louisiana style seafood and great steaks. It's pricey for dinner but worth every penny. Lunch is half the price and you can even get a burger, but why? Go for the gumbo, catfish, or a po-boy. The service is great and the servers know the menu, so ask them for a recommendation if you're not sure. On the way out, check out their store and fish tanks, and pick up a R&K cookbook before you leave. It's filled with the best Cajun seafood recipes you'll find anywhere.

Stumpwater Inn Restaurant

9294 Blanchard-Furrh Road Shreveport, LA 71107 Phone: (318) 929-3725 Directions

All-you-can-eat fried catfish is a must and the best of the best is at Stumpwater Inn near Blanchard. If you're not into fish, they have a whole lot more, including a great buffet. The food at Stumpwater is definitely worth the trip, and so are the prices. Don't be surprised if there's a line on the weekends. Go early or during the week to avoid a wait.

David Beard's Catfish King

2712 Village Lane Bossier City, LA 71112 Phone: (318) 747-1644 Directions

Head over to David Beard's Catfish King in Bossier City, for great fried catfish and onion rings at great prices in a family friendly setting. Nothing fancy here but the food is good and kids are welcome.

Leon's Smoked Turkey

303 E. Kings Hwy. Shreveport, LA 71104 Phone: (318) 868-3237 Directions

The award-winning Leon's Smoked Turkey in Shreveport has awesome barbecue sandwiches and fixings, not to mention the best smoked turkeys and hams in North Louisiana. Check out their web site--you can order online, and go visit. You'll go back for sure, but go early if you want their tasty potato salad because they run out. There are only a couple seats inside. Locals generally call ahead for their Leon's to go.

Monjunis Italian Cafe & Grocery

1315 Louisiana Ave Shreveport, LA 71101 Phone: (318) 227-0847 Directions

7601 Youree Drive Shreveport, LA 71105 Phone: (318) 797-9999 Directions

Try anything on the menu at Monjuni's! Go for the Muffaletta! Or the Lasagna! Or the Spaghetti & Meatballs! Mmmmm! Take a group and try everything! Or get the Sampler like I do and have leftovers for a day or two. (Can you tell I like Monjunis?) The original location is on Louisiana Ave., but all the locations are fabulous and take-out is a breeze. For those watching their sugar, they have a no sugar version of their homemade sauce and garlic bread. They also have great salads. If you don't live here, you can order their wonderful sauce, olive mix (I try not to run out), and more, through their web site.

Olive Street Bistro

1027 Olive Street Shreveport, LA 71101 Phone: (318) 221-4517 Directions

Savor the rich and hearty Osso Bucco or an incredible wood fired pizza at Olive Street Bistro, the best Northern Italian cuisine this side of Italy and a great date restaurant, though a bit cozy. Wonderful ambiance and everything is muy delicioso! Try the authentic deli for a great picnic. They have incredible homemade mozzarella. The bread is wonderful. Everything is good. You cannot go wrong for lunch or dinner at this charming, off the beaten path bistro.

Deli-Casino Sandwich Shoppe

637 E. Kings Hwy. Shreveport, LA 71105 Phone: (318) 869-2379 Directions

With sandwiches like One-Armed Bandit and Full House, Deli Casino, has gained a sterling reputation for serving absolutely the best deli sandwiches in town, and they have great salads and soup, too, not to mention the friendliest owner in town behind the counter! It's a warm, friendly place and I've loved it since it opened over 20 years ago. Call in for pick-up at their drive-thru window or eat inside, but do it early, they're not open for dinner.

Superior Grill

6123 Line Ave. Shreveport, LA 71106 Phone: (318) 869-3243 Directions

Want to eat great Mexican food while seeing and being seen? Try Superior Grill, a longtime Shreveport happy hour favorite that serves fabulous mesquite grilled fajitas in several varieties and one of the best Margaritas in town. This is a place that is always packed, so keep in mind that you'll have to wait a while for a table if you choose to go during actual meal times. I generally choose to visit Superior mid-afternoon during the week, when you can get a table without waiting, but if you want to be packed in with all the beautiful people in town, by all means, go any evening and you'll be in people heaven. [Remember years ago when it was Cadillac Grill, back in the 80s? I worked there for a short time as a hostess back then.]

The Blind Tiger

120 Texas Street Shreveport, LA 71101 Phone: (318) 226-8747 Directions

My favorite place for Chicken Strips is at The Blind Tiger in downtown Shreveport where you'll also find a great bar, karaoki, video poker, and delicious seafood and steaks. If you can find room, they have some interesting looking desserts as well. This is a favorite for locals groups. I've eaten there many times over the last three decades (in all the location's incarnations) with groups of 5 or 6 to 10 or more. The prices are reasonable and the ambiance is great. [Years ago when this place was called Chelsea's {Thank you D.C.}, I worked for a catering company that sometimes worked out of their kitchen. On January 28, 1986, I was standing in front of a television near the east end of the bar while several of us watched, first in awe, then in horror, as the space shuttle Challenger exploded before our eyes.]

'lil Joe's Bar & Grill

163 E. Kings Hwy. Shreveport, LA 71104 Phone: (318) 868-6628 Directions

You'll need lots of napkins for a gigantic, homestyle (even the bun is homemade) burger with the works at Joe's Bar & Grill, in my opinion, the best burger in town and well worth the price. It's HUGE, so you could definitely split it with someone. And they have a variety of toppings to put on it, from bacon to cheese to chili to sauteed mushrooms and onions. I call in for it to go and save half for the next day. They also have a great chili dog with meaty homemade chili. I hear from a very reliable source who frequents Joe's weekly that they have delicious plate lunches, like homemade pot pies and stuffed peppers, in large portions that are a favorite of Shreveport's hearty eaters. Breakfast there also hits the spot. No glitz, no glamour, just good food It's open 24/7, has video poker, and a bar next door.

George's Grill

175 E. Kings Hwy. Shreveport, LA 71104 Phone: (318) 861-7264 Directions

The first time I ate at George's Grill, I was just a kid. Since then, I've enjoyed dozens of breakfasts (get there before they run out of homemade biscuits) and lunches (and slices of Strawberry pie), usually sitting at one of their window tables, and can certainly vouch for how good the food is. I particularly enjoy the simple burgers and fried chicken plate lunch. It's a comfortable hometown place to be, a classic diner, and long-time Shreveport institution that is as friendly as it is good.

Strawn's Eat Shop

125 E. Kings Hwy. Shreveport, LA 71104 Phone: (318) 868-0634 Directions

Another classic diner choice for breakfast or lunch is Strawn's Eat Shop, known for it's delicious ice box pies, homestyle fried chicken dinner, and crispy, chunky hash browns, not to mention a great view of Centenary College. The pie is so good, locals are in and out of there all day long buying whole pies and slices to go. This longtime institution is such a hit, they've opened another location.

Strawn's Eat Shop Too 1643 E. 70th Street Shreveport, LA 71105 Phone: (318) 798-7117 Directions

Earthereal Restaurant & Bakery

3309 Line Ave. Shreveport, LA 71104 Phone: (318) 865-8947 Directions

For the health and taste conscious, Earthereal, a long-time local favorite of the veggie crowd (and me) in Shreveport, is a must visit. Enjoy a fabulous, guilt-free lunch, and pick up some absolutely delicious, healthy, fresh baked cookies, muffins, and breads while you're there (the apple-filled cookies are my favorite). Try a delicious Protein Shake for a great anytime pick-me-up. I always feel good when I eat at Earthereal. [Earthereal's been around a long time; I went to nearby Byrd High as a kid and Earthereal was there back then.]

Cafe Bon Appetit Gourmet Shop

4832 Line Ave. Shreveport, LA 71106 Phone: (318) 868-1438 Directions

Melt-in-your-mouth Chicken Crepes await you at Bon Appetit, where you can lunch on delicious gourmet delicasies, shop in a cook's paradise, or pick up some decadent Godiva Chocolates. This is more of a dainty restaurant with smaller portions, but the ladies love it. When I've eaten there, it's been almost exclusively full of ladies talking and enjoying their wonderful gourmet lunch. It's a great cook's shop, filled to the brim with must haves and wish to haves. It's fun to go in and look around. Located in Uptown Shopping Center.

Cuban Liquor & Wine Company

928 Pierremont Road Shreveport, LA 71106 Phone: (318) 869-1236 Directions

Wine and gourmet lovers like myself, would be remiss not to visit Cuban Liquor & Wine Company for that special bottle of wine or a gourmet basket for a lovely picnic. They have so much great stuff, it's fun to browse, but you'll pick up something to take with you for sure. Cuban is located just west of Line Ave.

The Marble Slab Creamery

University Plaza 1655 E. Bert Kouns Ind. Loop, #200 Shreveport, LA 71105 Phone: (318) 797-9067 Directions

Pierre Bossier Mall 2950 E. Texas Street, #604 Bossier City, LA 71111 Phone: (318) 742-4237 Directions

Harrah's Louisiana Downs 8000 E. Texas St. Bossier City, LA 71111 Phone: (318) 752-6366 Directions

For a tasty treat to beat the heat, visit one of the three locations of The Marble Slab Creamery for the best ice cream and frozen yogurt in town. Try a guiltless treat (when they have it), absolutely delicious, fat-free white chocolate frozen yogurt, my favorite.

Southern Maid Donuts #5

3230 Barksdale Blvd. Bossier City, La 71112 Phone: (318) 741-1003 FAX: (318) 741-1016 Directions

You haven't been to Shreveport-Bossier if you haven't tasted the melt-in-your-mouth glazed donuts at Southern Maid Donuts #5. Check the sign for when they're HOT! Mmmmmm! This particular location also has Kolaches and ice cream. They also have a wall of cool photos from the early Hayride days that you really must check out if you're into the stars of that era. If you're lucky, the very friendly owner will also be there to share his own memories of the Hayride days and our local area. I remember going to the original Southern Maid Donuts as a child (It's no longer there but you can see a photo of it on Alvin's web site) and nothing takes me back to childhood faster than a hot Southern Maid donut. It was "the" treat back in the 60s, and it still is today. [Does anyone else remember the watermelon stand that was just down the road from the original Southern Maid?]