Small towns are often hiding some of the most incredible restaurants you’ve ever eaten at. These are the types of eateries that have become neighborhood favorites, where you walk in and you’re greeted by name and they already know what you’re going to order. Below, we’ve got some of the best small town restaurants that are cooking up some truly incredible meals, and they’re worthy of the drive from New Orleans.
1. Abita Springs Cafe
Housed in an old butcher shop that was built in 1881, the Abita Springs Cafe is well worth the drive from New Orleans. It’s a popular neighborhood joint for breakfast, but their lunch and dinner menus are filled with all your favorite Louisiana dishes.
2. Anita’s Smokin’ Steak Burgers
Anita’s has been grilling up some of the juiciest burgers in Boutte since they opened in 1997. They have several specialty burgers to choose from, and these aren’t your average burgers. These beastly burgers are two-handers, seasoned to perfection and piled sky high with all your favorite toppings.
3. Bino’s
Bino’s has a little bit of everything. They’re known for their specialty seafood dishes, but they’ve also got several fried favorites, sandwiches, burgers, and po’boys.
4. The Fatty Shack
Editor's note: Unfortunately, The Fatty Shack is permanently closed.
For southern comfort food just like your mama used to make, a visit to The Fatty Shack is in order. Featuring daily specials like meatloaf, country fried steak, and baked chicken, you’ll easily feel right at home at this family-friendly joint.
5. Glynn’s Drive-In
When you’ve got a craving for a good old-fashioned burger, Glynn’s Drive-In has got you covered. They’ve got locations in Bogalusa, Franklinton, and Folsom and no matter which one you visit, you can expect to feast on one of the best burgers you’ve ever had.
6. Hart’s Bar-B-Que
This little roadside eatery has got some of the most delicious BBQ in Tangipahoa Parish. Easily one of the most incredible hidden gems in Louisiana, their BBQ ribs will make you a customer for life.
7. Morton’s
For seafood lovers, Morton’s is the place to be. Nestled along the Tchefuncte river in Madisonville, this rustic restaurant never disappoints.
8. Sal & Judy’s
With roughly 8,000 residents, Lacombe may not qualify as a small town, but there’s certainly a small town vibe about Lacombe, and Sal & Judy’s is worth the extra effort. Featuring a menu full of Creole-Italian dishes that will make your taste buds explode, it’s no wonder this iconic restaurant has been around for almost 50 years.
9. Stamp Dat Soul & Seafood
Adjacent to the Bayou Casino in Des Allemands, it’s easy to miss Stamp Dat Soul & Seafood if you’re not looking for it. But with a menu chock-full of soul food and delicious seafood, you’ll want to make the extra effort to find this hidden gem.
How many of these restaurants have you dined at? Let us know in the comments below!
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Featured Addresses
Morton's Boiled Seafood & Bar, 702 Water St, Madisonville, LA 70447, USA
4322 US-90, Des Allemands, LA 70030, USA
13527 River Rd, Luling, LA 70070, USA
100 3rd St, Kentwood, LA 70444, USA
1101 S Columbia St, Bogalusa, LA 70427, USA
82439 LA-25, Folsom, LA 70437, USA
27491 US-190, Lacombe, LA 70445, USA
22132 Level St, Abita Springs, LA 70420, USA