BEST BAR (18.2%) THE CHIMES
Many LSU students, both past and present, have fond memories of The Chimes—memories of good times and beers from “around the world.” The longstanding hangout continues to top our list of best bars year after year. Completing the “Round the World” challenge of 20 countries and 60 beers is a well-loved tradition, and with a menu of around 80 beers on tap and more than a hundred bottled brews to choose from, The Chimes will keep even the snobbiest ale aficionado very happy. Multiple locations. thechimes.com
Runners-up:
(14.7%) The Bulldog
(11.9%) Sullivan’s Steakhouse
(10.9%) The Pelican House Tap Room & Whiskey Bar
(10.6%) Radio Bar
Best BBQ (22.3%) TJ RIBS
Oh, those ribs! Renowned restaurateur Thomas “TJ” Moran’s eponymous barbecue joint has been serving up brisket, chicken, sausage and steaks for nearly three decades, but it’s always been the baby back ribs that truly rule. Marinated for 24 hours before they’re slow-cooked to perfection, they boast tender meat that falls off the bone and just about melts in your mouth. With food this good, it’s little wonder that TJ’s consistently tops this category. Multiple locations. tjribs.com
Runners-up:
(22%) VooDoo BBQ & Grill
(13.6%) City Pork Deli & Charcuterie
(10.2%) Jay’s Bar-B-Q
(9.4%) Pimanyoli’s Sidewalk Cafe
BEST BREAKFAST (21.4%) ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFE
This Mandeville-based chain of eateries now occupies more than two dozen locations in a dozen states, but the Louisiana love remains strong. Every Sunday morning at the Corporate Boulevard location, the tables are packed with happy families chowing down on family-style plates of waffles, pancakes and—true to the name—Eggs Benedict, scrambled egg skillets and more varieties of omelette than you can imagine. anotherbrokenegg.com (Photo by: Collin Richie)
BEST BRUNCH (23.7%) MASON’S GRILL
What’s the difference between breakfast and brunch? Fans of Mason’s Grill would probably say it’s the Bloody Mason—declared the best Bloody Mary in the country by Absolut Vodka and Thrillist.com in 2013. Pair one of these delectable build-your-own cocktails with a breakfast burger, Crabmeat Benedict or stuffed French toast, and you know you’ve chosen the perfect weekend denouement. masonsgrill.com (Photo by: Collin Richie)
Runners-up:
(12.9%) The Chimes
(11.4%) Another Broken Egg Cafe
(10.1%) Bistro Byronz
(8.6%) Beausoleil Restaurant and Bar
BEST BURGER (17.5%) BURGERSMITH
This small, Lafayette-based restaurant chain has beaten out both national juggernauts and hometown hangouts to take home the best burger title this year. Burgersmith keeps it simple—100% Chicago beef patties are handcrafted and topped with ingredients ranging from the spicy signature “Smith Sauce” to homemade chili. You can even top your burger with an organic fried egg for a double punch of protein, and wash it down with a handcrafted Louisiana beer. Perfection. burgersmith.com (Photo by: Collin Richie)
Runners-up:
(14.6%) Fat Cow Burgers and Salads
(13%) Five Guys Burgers and Fries
(12.9%) Original Dearman’s Soda Shop
(9.1%) George’s Restaurant
BEST CAJUN/CREOLE (21.7%) LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE RESTAURANT
It’s no easy task to win over a populace with palates perfectly attuned to the taste of good Cajun and Creole cuisine, but Louisiana Lagniappe has topped this category year after year by sticking to the basics and being very, very good at it. Standbys like fish en papillote and crabmeat au gratin are elevated by the quality of ingredients and the care taken in their preparation, making this an ideal place for both visitors and connoisseurs to get a taste of Cajun country. louisianalagniapperestaurant.com
Runners-up:
(16.2%) Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant
(14.2%) Roberto’s River Road Restaurant
(8.9%) Sammy’s Grill
(7.3%) Mike Anderson’s Seafood
BEST CHARGRILLED OYSTERS (32.1%) ACME OYSTER HOUSE
Acme (pictured on page 51) is entirely devoted to serving up these mouthwatering mollusks in a variety of ways, but aside from raw, chargrilled is the favorite of most oyster aficionados who swing by. Fans of the briny bivalve regularly pack the parking lot on Perkins Road to partake in a platter or two, fresh from the Gulf. acmeoyster.com
Runners-up:
(17.2%) Mansurs on the Boulevard
(14.3%) Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant
(11.6%) Mike Anderson’s Seafood
(6.2%) Don’s Seafood Hut Restaurant & Oyster Bar
BEST COFFEE SHOP (33.2%) CC’s COFFEE HOUSE
Seattle has Starbucks, Canada has Tim Horton’s and Baton Rouge has CC’s Coffee—which took nearly a third of the vote in our poll. It seems unlikely that there are many residents who haven’t set foot in one of the more than a dozen locations around the city to get their caffeine fix. Whether it’s the siren call of Community Coffee—unquestionably B.R.’s brew of choice—or the late-night hours that cater to college students seeking a refuel, CC’s has more than left its mark on Baton Rouge’s java landscape. ccscoffee.com (Photo by: Bianca Zaragoza)
BEST CRAWFISH (37.8%) SAMMY’S GRILL
In a good year, crawfish season stretches from March to midsummer, and every weekend of those months will find a line of mudbug lovers stretching out of the door at any Sammy’s Grill location. Selling them by the sack to go, or on a newspaper-covered plate for the dine-in crowd, this Baton Rouge institution keeps us coming back to suck heads and shuck tails until the harvest ends. sammysgrill.com (Photo by: Collin Richie)
Runners-up:
(32.3%) Tony’s Seafood Market Inc.
(8.8%) LA Boilers Seafood
(5.5%) Randy Montalbano’s Seafood & Catering
(4.3%) Heads & Tails Seafood
BEST DELI (26.5%) MAXWELL’S MARKET
A trip to Maxwell’s Market is a trip back in time, to when the people behind the counter know your name and know what you want almost before you do. A fresh- and prepared-meats section that boggles the mind, along with fresh salads and sandwiches made daily, makes this the Red Stick choice to dine in or grab and go for your grill at home. maxwells-market.com (Photo by: Amy Shutt)
Runners-up:
(17.5%) Jason’s Deli
(12.7%) Whole Foods Market
(11.1%) City Pork Deli & Charcuterie
(9.4%) Anthony’s Italian Deli
BEST DESSERT (29.3%) AMBROSIA BAKERY
This storied Baton Rouge bakery produces pies, chocolates, petit fours and more, but everyone knows that the star of its roster is the famous strawberry cake, made from an honest-to-goodness secret family recipe. Zeus himself wouldn’t be able to turn down this concoction of lighter-than-air cake with layers of creamy frosting and fresh berries—food of the gods, indeed. ambrosiabakery.com
Runners-up:
(18.7%) Nothing Bundt Cakes
(9.5%) Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro
(7.8%) Baum’s Fine Pastries and Chocolates
(6.5%) Whole Foods Market
BEST GUMBO (16.9%) DEMPSEY’S
In a city where everyone and her grandmre make the best gumbo you’ve ever tasted, Dempsey’s still stands out. Both their chicken and andouille and their seafood varieties are seasoned to perfection and perfect for warming you up on a wintery day—or served up on a summer afternoon with a cold brew to wash down the bite of cayenne. dempseysbr.com
Runners-up:
(13.3%) The Chimes
(10.6%) Roberto’s River Road Restaurant
(10.1%) Mike Anderson’s Seafood
(8.4%) Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant
BEST ITALIAN (21.1%) GINO’S RESTAURANT
Gino’s is the grande dame of Baton Rouge’s Italian culinary scene, and Baton Rougeans show their appreciation for its cozy atmosphere and unfailing quality by voting it top of the category year after year after year. Drop in and dine on their signature arancine, or a plethora of other authentic Sicilian dishes, and you’ll see why Gino’s holds such a special place in the Capital City’s heart. ginosrestaurant.com
Runners-up:
(19.8%) The Little Village
(15%) DiGiulio Brothers Italian Cafe
(13.3%) Ruffino’s Restaurant
(10.2%) Monjuni’s Italian Cafe & Grocery
BEST HIBACHI GRILL (52.6%) ICHIBAN
Mom said not to play with your food, but really, what’s the harm in this kitschy fun? Grab a martini at Ichiban’s new ice bar then sit down at one of the hibachi tables. There you can watch fire dance inches from your plate while your chef twirls his spatulas and flips shrimp with skill and aplomb. It’s dinner plus entertainment, and who can say no to that? ichibanbr.com (Photo by: Amy Shutt)
Runners-up:
(13.7%) Tokyo Cafe
(11%) Derek Chang’s Koto
(7.8%) Nagoya Cafe
(4.7%) Teppanyaki Hibachi Grill Sushi & Buffet
BEST LATE NIGHT EATS (28.5%) LOUIE’S CAFE
Long after the sun’s gone down, everyone from LSU students to local politicians bellies up at Louie’s bar for a plate of eggs, bacon and hash browns, accompanied by a bracing cup of coffee. Open in its current location since 1941, it’s been a safe haven for more than fifty years for anyone craving a late-night omelette or juicy burger. louiescafe.org
Runners-up:
(11.3%) Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
(10.1%) Waffle House
(9.3%) The Chimes
(8.2%) Schlittz & Giggles
BEST MEDITERRANEAN (46.1%) ALBASHA GREEK & LEBANESE RESTAURANT
Baton Rouge is packed with restaurants specializing in Greek or Lebanese cuisine, and Albasha leads the pack in our survey, handily scooping up nearly half the votes. Is it the distinctive hummus? The mouth-watering shawarma? The delectable spit-roasted ground beef and lamb blend known as gyros? Whatever the culinary reasons, Albasha keeps us coming back for more. albashabr.com
BEST MARTINI (21.3%) SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE
Elevating the martini to an art form all its own, Sullivan’s consistently tops our list in this cocktail category, and we at 225 are never surprised. Whether you love the fruity one-two punch of the pineapple-infused Knockout or the savory flavor of the Night Out (dirty, with blue cheese-stuffed olives), there’s something on the menu to tickle your taste buds. (Photo by: Collin Richie)
BEST MEXICAN (22.4%) SUPERIOR GRILL
Visit this spacious Government Street restaurant at almost any time, and you’ll find it buzzing with activity, with plates of sizzling food and margaritas as large as your head flying out to tables at a dizzying rate. Drop by from Thursday to Sunday for one of their famous live music shows, and the mood proves even more electric—a perfect party atmosphere in which to dine on Superior’s superior fajitas, quesadillas, enchiladas and tacos. superiorgrill.com (Photo by: Collin Richie)
Runners-up:
(15%) Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant
(13.2%) Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Restaurant
(12.4%) La Carreta
(11.7%) Coyote Blues Fresh Mexican Grill
BEST NEW RESTAURANT (20.4%) CITY PORK DELI & CHARCUTERIE
Bringing home the bacon in the Best New Restaurant category this year is the little charcuterie that could. Opened under the Perkins Road overpass in December of last year—and adding a second location on Jefferson Highway this fall—the restaurant has built a loyal following addicted to the deli’s delectable sandwiches topped with house-made condiments and paired with truffle chips or signature coleslaw. More than a restaurant, it’s a deli in the old-school sense, with delicious from-scratch boudin, confit, pate and more to take home. cityporkdeli.com (Photo by: Collin Richie)
Runners-up:
(14.8%) Lava Cantina
(10.9%) Pei Wei Asian Diner
(10.6%) Zorba’s Greek Bistro
(9.4%) Stab’s Steak and Seafood
BEST PIZZA (39.4%) FLEUR DE LIS PIZZA
Serving Italian food from a cramped pink stucco building with a French name, Fleur De Lis Pizza may seem like an unlikely success story. It has not only survived, however, but thrived on the power of its delicious square-pan pizza and an enormous and loyal customer base who vote it to the top of our pizza category year after year. Since our first “Best Ofs” in 2006, Fleur De Lis has never failed to take top honors, proving that in Baton Rouge, it’s hip to be square. fleurdelispizza.com (Photo by: Collin Richie)
BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT (12.9%) LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE RESTAURANT
Our best overall restaurant also took top honors in the Cajun/Creole category this year. Coincidence? We think not; since opening its doors in 1998, Louisiana Lagniappe has consistently created delectable and familiar dishes that locals love to love. Combined with a casual, welcoming atmosphere that makes both residents and out-of-towners feel at home, it’s little wonder that the restaurant has won a loyal following who love comfort food served in a comforting place. louisianalagniapperestaurant.com (Photo by: Collin Richie)
Runners-up:
(11.7%) Ruffino’s Restaurant
(10.8%) Sammy’s Grill
(8.9%) Ruth’s Chris Steak House
(8.8%) The Chimes
BEST POBOY (13.9%) ROCCO’S NEW ORLEANS STYLE PO-BOYS & CAFE
Everyone has their preference in poboy perfection, as proven by the slim difference in scores among our top three spots this year. Rocco’s emerges as the poboy pinnacle, serving up its sandwiches on fresh Leidenheimer bread shipped in from New Orleans daily. Each sandwich at Rocco’s is packed with flavor, from the spicy fried shrimp to the classic roast beef—it’s decidedly one of the most authentic experiences you can get outside of the Big Easy. 225-248-1999
Runners-up:
(13.7%) Sammy’s Grill
(13.6%) George’s Restaurant
(11.5%) Po Boy Express
(10.9%) Dempsey’s
BEST RESTAURANT FOR A HOT DATE (25.8%) TSUNAMI
Upscale atmosphere and an unbeatable view make this rooftop restaurant the ideal place for romance. Begin at sunset on the restaurant’s sixth-floor veranda, signature cocktails in hand as you watch barges cross the mighty Mississippi below. As you and your date take your table and order your artistically prepared sushi rolls, the sky deepens and darkens, casting long shadows that provide a dreamily-lit backdrop when your entrees arrive. By dessert, the lights on the bridge are glimmering, illuminating a night well spent. servingsushi.com
Runners-up:
(14.2%) The Little Village
(12.3%) Ruffino’s Restaurant
(10.6%) Gino’s Restaurant
(9.1%) Sullivan’s Steakhouse
RESTAURANT WITH THE BEST WINE LIST (22.2%) BIN 77 BISTRO & WINE
Leave the kids at home and journey to France, South Africa, Italy, Chile—all without leaving the cozy confines of this Perkins Rowe restaurant and bar. More than 60 wines from all over the world are always available to sample, along with mouthwatering small plates and entrees that pair perfectly with the vintages on offer. The wine list changes quarterly, so there’s always a reason to return and try something new. bin77.com (Photo by: Collin Richie)
Runners-up:
(17.7%) Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
(15%) Ruffino’s Restaurant
(12.1%) Sullivan’s Steakhouse
(9.6%) Juban’s
BEST SALAD (21.7%) J. ALEXANDER’S
A contemporary American restaurant that sits outside the Mall of Louisiana, J. Alexander’s offers a menu that runs the gamut from steaks and seafood to sandwiches. But it’s the eatery’s large entree salads, made with in-house dressings and enough toppings to fill you up, that have the customers coming back in droves. jalexanders.com
Runners-up:
(14.5%) DeAngelo’s
(14.2%) Jason’s Deli
(13.1%) Bistro Byronz
(12.1%) The Salad Shop
BEST SEAFOOD (20%) LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE RESTAURANT
If the meaning of “lagniappe” is a little something extra, Louisiana Lagniappe patrons are getting a downright bargain. The restaurant is working on 16 years serving the Capital City with a menu that specializes in fresh fish, oysters, tuna and shrimp straight from the Gulf. What started as a Florida restaurant that residents and tourists had to go to has become a Baton Rouge tradition. louisianalagniapperestaurant.com
BEST STEAK (39.8%) RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
There’s something to be said about a steak dinner. The occasion is fraught with customs, from getting dressed to the nines to eagerly ordering the meat to your specifications, not-so-calmly waiting for the plate to arrive and slicing through for the first, mouth-watering bite. In Baton Rouge, Ruth’s Chris holds the title for the best spot in town for such an adventure. ruthschris.com (Photo by: Collin Richie)
Runners-up:
(13.9%) Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
(13.3%) Doe’s Eat Place
(12.3%) Sullivan’s Steakhouse
(7.2%) Stroubes Seafood and Steaks
BEST SUSHI (26.9%) ICHIBAN
Driving down Essen Lane right before Perkins Road on a Friday night, you’ll notice a bustling parking lot to your left. Behind all the cars is the usual sight of patrons waiting to get a table at Ichiban. Sure the restaurant has the Hibachi grill, but its essence is numerous sushi rolls, with regulars like the Crunchy Dynamite Roll and favorites like the Red Dragon Roll taking precedence. With so many options and flavors, you’ll be glad you waited. ichibanbr.com
BEST VEGETARIAN MENU (24%) WHOLE FOODS MARKET
You’re not going to the grocery. You’re going to Whole Foods. And while the store has all the fixins for the pantry, its vegetarian meal options are also becoming a staple to crowds young and old. The store has fresh produce, if you’re looking to grab a few items for a hearty dinner, as well as a salad, olive and entree bar. The options are endless; your eyes will pop open, and you’ll have no problem grabbing the cardboard container and rubber band that go together to make your day healthier. wholefoodsmarket.com (Photo by: Bianca Zaragoza)
Runners-up:
(22%) Zoes Kitchen
(10.9%) Albasha Greek & Lebanese Restaurant
(10%) Magpie Cafe
(8.2%) Bay Leaf Indian Cuisine
BEST RESTAURANT WORTH THE DRIVE (32.4%) ROBERTO’S RIVER ROAD RESTAURANT
Roberto’s River Road Restaurant is a casual Louisiana restaurant, specializing in steak and seafood entrees. While it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of the city, the restaurant offers a relaxing getaway 30 minutes down the road. The best-kept secret in Louisiana is no longer on the hush-hush. robertosrestaurant.net(Photo by: Collin Richie)
Still hungry? Go beyond this year’s winners with these suggestions from our secret panel of culinary conquistadors
For BREAKFAST:Whole Foods Market
Word is out on this upscale grocery’s lunches and to-go dinners, but the breakfast buffet—stocked with biscuits and gravy, Belgian waffles and more—is where it’s at. Go early, though. This delicious morning fuel is gone fast. wholefoodsmarket.com
For a BURGER:Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
They might be known for their steaks, but the burger here is one of the best deals in town, just $5 during happy hour, 5-7 p.m. Cooked to your taste, you can choose among a variety of cheeses, plus fries or onion rings on the side. The only downside is you have to order and eat at the bar, which is fun, but it can be tough to find a spot. flemingssteakhouse.com
For CRAWFISH:Beausoleil Restaurant and Bar
This Bocage-area eatery does a twist on the traditional boil by smoking its crawfish. This tactic creates a unique flavor that doesn’t stray too far from what you’re used to eating in a backyard with a beer in hand, but is a nice, restaurant-appropriate diversion. These tasty fellas are not always on the menu, but you won’t regret ordering them when they are. beausoleilrestaurantandbar.com
For REALLY SPICY CRAWFISH:Brightside Bar & Grill
One of the best-kept secrets among LSU students is that this unassuming eatery boils up some truly mouth-watering mudbugs. And Wednesday nights are “all you can eat.” But beware, these crawfish are for real heat-seekers only. facebook.com/brightsidebar
For a GROWN-UP BIRTHDAY PARTY:Radio Bar
Craft cocktails, an airy interior that allows for both mixing and mingling or snuggling in a dark corner, a cozy wood deck and monthly “Bar Olympics”—bring your A-game for darts, ping-pong, shuffleboard and more—make this Mid City hangout a great place to celebrate another candle on the cake. facebook.com/theradiobar (Photo by: David Gallent)
For a NEW RESTAURANT:9 Dragon Noodle House
With a large selection of dishesincluding ramen and bibimbap, this delicious new spot is a fresh jewel amidst a landscape of Asian cuisine that has largely been relegated to humdrum orange chicken combos. 766-9977
For PIZZA:Oscar’s Pizza Joint
Fresh and inventive pies—the S.S. Gumbo with Andouille and fried okra and the Prosciutto & Fig topped with spinach chiffonade are particularly good—plus TVs, ice cream sundaes and Etch A Sketches for little ones make this Perkins Road restaurant a winner for the whole family. oscarspizzajoint.com
BEST BURGER (17.5%)
BEST MEXICAN (22.4%)
