Tucked away in downtown Lafayette lies a humble little restaurant with recipes that date back over 80 years. This locally owned and operated smokehouse has become quite a crowd favorite in the 11 years since it opened, and it’s their passion for BBQ and boudin that keeps locals coming back again and again. Let’s check it out.

Johnson’s Boucaniere is located in downtown Lafayette. Though the restaurant opened its doors in 2008, its story begins all the way back in 1937 in the town of Eunice.
Johnson’s Boucaniere/Facebook
Arneastor Johnson opened Johnson’s Grocery in Eunice in 1937. The country store offered your typical groceries, but also specialized in sausages, boudin, and other Cajun meats. The business was a family affair, with everyone pitching in. Johnson’s Grocery closed in 2005, leaving many with a boudin-sized hole in their hearts.
Arneastor Johnson’s granddaughter, Lori Walls, decided to open Johnson’s Boucaniere in Lafayette in 2008.
eimimathetes/Trip Advisor
Using family recipes from Johnson’s Grocery, word quickly spread that the beloved boudin shop had been reborn.
Not only those who loved Johnson’s Grocery make the trip to Lafayette to eat at Johnson’s Boucaniere; a whole new generation has now been introduced to its famous boudin.
Johnson’s Boucaniere/Facebook
The restaurant uses the same recipe as they did in 1937, although it did take a while to find the correct size Dixie cups to get their measurements correct.
Tiny but mighty, what Johnson’s Boucaniere lacks in size is made up for in flavor.
Johnson’s Boucaniere/Facebook
Take a seat outside and enjoy your meal al fresco, or order it to-go.

Related Stories

The Burgers And Shakes From This Middle-Of-Nowhere Louisiana Drive-In Are Worth The Trip

The Burgers And Shakes From This Middle-Of-Nowhere Louisiana Drive-In Are Worth The Trip

 You'll Fall In Love With This Charming Restaurant Hidden In The Swamps Of Louisiana

You'll Fall In Love With This Charming Restaurant Hidden In The Swamps Of Louisiana

 The Hot Dogs At This Funky Little Eatery In Louisiana Are Worth A Trip From Any Corner Of The State

The Hot Dogs At This Funky Little Eatery In Louisiana Are Worth A Trip From Any Corner Of The State
Johnson’s Boucaniere is the place to go when you’re in the mood for smoked meats, boudin, or BBQ.
Johnson’s Boucaniere/Facebook
They make all of their own specialty meats including pork sausage, garlic pork sausage, turkey sausage, pork tasso, turkey tasso, and even beef jerky.
When you’re craving BBQ, no one does it better than Johnson’s Boucaniere.
Johnson’s Boucaniere/Facebook
Low and slow is the method here. The briskets and pulled pork are slow-smoked for 12-14 hours, giving you those tasty smoke rings and meat that just melts in your mouth.
And the homemade BBQ sauce is phenomenal.
Johnson’s Boucaniere/Facebook
They’ve been tinkering with this sauce for over a decade and it’s the perfect accompaniment to their smoked meats.
From chicken and sausage gumbo to their famous boudin-stuffed grilled cheese, there truly is something for everyone here.
Johnson’s Boucaniere/Facebook
You’ll find Johnson’s Boucaniere at 1111 Saint John St., Lafayette, LA 70501.

Have you ever dined here? Do you remember Johnson’s Grocery? Share your memories with us in the comments below!

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

Related Articles

Explore Louisiana