There’s one special regional restaurant in Louisiana that’s worth a road trip from any corner of the state. If you find yourself in Cajun Country with a hankering for some of the best Cajun food you’ve ever tasted, do yourself a favor and make your way to one of the Steamboat Bill’s locations. 

The story of how Steamboat Bill’s came to be is one of the most inspirational stories you’ll ever hear.
Sheila M Palafox/Google Reviews
It all started back in 1982 when Kathi Vidrine began selling her shrimp on the side of the road in Leesville, Louisiana. She would commute to Leesville from Lake Charles every day, because Leesville was welcoming to street vendors. Sure enough, they welcomed her with open arms and she quickly became the go-to gal for shrimp.

When her business grew large enough, she and her brother purchased a shrimp dock and purchasing plant in Hackberry, but were constantly facing legal battles with Louisiana’s unique Napoleonic Law. She and her brother fought for the business all the way up to the Supreme Court, which ruled in her favor.

Many years later, Kathi and Billy were joined by Bill Vidrine, a local fisherman with plenty of experience in the seafood industry. Together, they opened the two Lake Charles locations.
Today, Steamboat Bill’s has two locations in Lake Charles, one in DeRidder, and another in Pearland, Texas.
Marko Karanikic/Google Reviews
Each location has its own unique Cajun-themed decor.
Jason Sanders/Google Reviews
Comfortable and quirky, it’s the perfect atmosphere to dig into some authentic Cajun food.

Related Stories

The Small-Town Restaurant Where Locals Catch Up Over Incredible Seafood

The Small-Town Restaurant Where Locals Catch Up Over Incredible Seafood

 The Cozy Restaurant In Louisiana That’s Perfect For An Intimate Dinner

The Cozy Restaurant In Louisiana That’s Perfect For An Intimate Dinner

 The Frozen Cocktails From Cafe Navarre In Louisiana Are Very Refreshing

The Frozen Cocktails From Cafe Navarre In Louisiana Are Very Refreshing
The menu at Steamboat Bill’s boasts a wide range of Cajun creations that locals just can’t get enough of.
Steamboat Bills/Facebook
Just look at this overstuffed po’boy.
Steamboat Bills/Facebook
We love it when the po’boys turn into a waterfall of fried shrimp. Yes, please!
From Cajun fried dinners to crawfish étouffée, Steamboat Bill’s does it all.
Steamboat Bills/Facebook
During crawfish season, the boiled crawfish (and shrimp) are a real crowd favorite.
Hopefully, Steamboat Bill's will continue to expand throughout Louisiana.
Steamboat Bills/Facebook
Until then, we'll gladly make the drive over.

Visit Steamboat Bill’s official website to see a menu and hours of operation for each location.

While you’re visiting Lake Charles, I’d highly recommend taking a road trip along the Creole Nature Trail. You don’t have to drive the full 180 miles, but if you do, you’ll be met with some stunning southwestern Louisiana scenery!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Louisiana

Featured Addresses
Steamboat Bill's on the Lake, 1004 N Lakeshore Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70601, USA
Steamboat Bill's Seafood, 732 S Martin Luther King Hwy, Lake Charles, LA 70601, USA
Steamboat Bill's DeRidder, LA, 735 N Pine St, DeRidder, LA 70634, USA