Best of 225 awards weekly pick – Best Overall Restaurant: The Chimes

You may be able to tour the world via their beer, but the food is all-American (heavily dominated by South Louisiana, of course). The original is an institution just outside the north gates of LSU, and made The Chimes practically synonymous with the campus. A second location in the ’burbs on Coursey Boulevard, with its tasteful brick facades and old-timber details, feels as though its been there for generations. Serving up savory red beans and rice, grilled or fried alligator and some of the best bar food around, The Chimes beat out all the city’s top fine food and gourmet restaurants to earn top honors as Best Overall Restaurant. Two locations. Runners up: Juban’s and Mansurs on the Boulevard. Find more great dining and entertainment ideas and other Best of 225 award winners here.