Moving to Baton Rouge for LSU? Want to explore the city but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone. This happens every year, and you’ll get through this. As a foodie in Baton Rouge who eats out 3-5 times a week, I know the Baton Rouge food scene can be a little overwhelming. There are so many local institutions, new restaurants and pop-up shops to try, but that’s the exciting part.
I’m sure you’ll find your favorite spots soon, but don’t forget to venture a little bit away from campus sometimes to try new things in the city!
Here’s a running list of things to do and eat in and near Baton Rouge to get you started.
A bite near LSU campus:
- Louie’s Cafe, 3322 Lake St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802 – some of the best potatoes in town! Solid brunch spot and a local institution.
- Fork N Spoon, 1750 Brightside Drive Suite F, Baton Rouge – also breakfast. I mostly love the thrift shop next door run by some of the same people, Rouge House. Make a day of it and go to both!
- Umami, 3930 Burbank Drive, Baton Rouge – not an every day spot, but fun for when parents come to town or for special treat! Really good sushi.
- Highland Coffees, 3350 Highland Road, Baton Rouge – if you’re looking for a third space, this is it. Highland Coffees is the spot of meet cutes, many late night thesis writing sessions and the start of genuine friendships. Get there early though, especially around Midterms/Finals, because it really fills up.
Things to do in/near Baton Rouge:
- Old State Capitol, 100 North Blvd,, Baton Rouge – It’s beautiful in here, and I’m obsessed with the stained glass.
- Global Wildlife, 26389 LA-40, Folsom, LA – Pet a capybara, hang out with kangaroos, and feed live animals on this multi acre wildlife refuge. Super cool experience!
- Weekend Trip to Lafayette – Don’t let college stop you from exploring more of Louisiana. Lafayette is only an hour away, and it’s a super cute town.
- Saturday Farmer’s Market – Downtown there’s a farmer’s market every Saturday morning. It’s not huge, but it’s a great place to buy produce/jams/local products.
- Explore Spanish Town – Hit up Spanish Town Market and Cofe and walk around! Some of the best pop-up shops in town like Bowl on the Geaux have opened here, and the houses are super cute in the neighborhood.
Baton Rouge Staples:
- Cheng’s, 7951 One Calais Ave. #3403 – Sichuan cuisine in Baton Rouge. One of the most legit Chinese restaurants around.
- Barracuda Taco Stand, 2504 Government St., Baton Rouge – A laid back taco place in an old gas station. Go on a nice day because they’re patio seating only. Their fish tacos are my favorite in the city.
- Veracruz, 3510 Drusilla Lane, Baton Rouge – One of my favorite restaurants in general. They have great everything, but I always get their duck empanadas, steak skewers, and ceviche.
- Chow Yum, 2363 Hollydale Ave., Baton Rouge – Fusion restaurant in the Perkins Overpass, a cool area with lots of great places to eat. Their Danger Noodles are great!
Sweet Treat:
- La Divina Italian Cafe, 3535 Perkins Road Suite 360, Baton Rouge – Best gelato in town!
- Buns, 7004 Siegen Lane, Baton Rouge – Halal burgers with super fresh ingredients.
- Caroline’s Cookies, multiple locations – Our local bakery with a monthly rotating menu. They have cake-y cookies that are super elaborate and fun!
- Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery, 8135 E Petroleum Drive Suite D, Baton Rouge – Locally owned Smallcakes that has ice cream made in house! They have cupcakes, coffee, ice cream flights and more!
- Counterspace, 5621 Government St., Baton Rouge – Chill bakery that hosts lots of events and does so much for the community.
- Mid City Bakery (pop-up)
- Lona Rai Kitchen and Bakery (pop-up)
Girl’s Night
- Pink Agave, 4001 Nicholson Drive Suite B, Baton Rouge – Taco spot with fun drinks and a super cute interior.
- Soji Modern Asian, 5050 Government St,, Baton Rouge – Great sushi, lots of fusion dishes, and they have a cool bar on the side called Lotus Lounge.
- Vals, 7242 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge – Don’t let their random warehouse-like facade scare you. Vals is super cute on the inside!
- Proverbial Wine Bistro, 9659 Antioch Road Suite #105, Baton Rouge – Brunch and wine!
- Prima Apres, 5720 Corporate Blvd. Suite D, Baton Rouge – Pavlova, pasta in takeout boxes, and a cute place to hang out.
- BLDG 5, 2805 Kalurah St., Baton Rouge – A cool restaurant with regular live music and great lemonade.
- Daruma Ramen (Karaoke!), 3669 Government St., Baton Rouge – New restaurant with a huge menu and a karaoke room for rent in the back.
For more things to add to your Baton Rouge bucket list, check out the running list I have here!
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