After A Day Of Paddling On Texas' Caddo Lake, Dock Your Boat At Big Pines Lodge For A Hearty Meal
By Katie Lawrence|Published August 10, 2021
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
As if the iconic Caddo Lake didn’t have enough going for it already, Big Pines Lodge is yet another reason to visit the world’s largest cypress forest. You can pull up by boat or car to this laid-back seafood joint hidden deep in the swampy landscape, and the hearty grub is perfect for refueling after a long day of paddling.
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Situated directly on the banks of Caddo Lake, home to the world's largest cypress forest, Big Pines Lodge is the perfect spot to grab a bite after a full day on the water.
While the restaurant has been an East Texas institution for over 60 years, it's under new management after a fire tragically destroyed the building in 2009. The silver lining of the whole ordeal is that being forced to rebuild led to massive upgrades, including an outdoor upper deck and waterfront patio on the ground level.
Inside, the atmosphere is upbeat and lively, and there's almost always a full house.
Service is fast and friendly, and the distinctly laid-back vibe encourages you to let loose and enjoy laughter and good conversation with friends and strangers alike.
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While there's plenty of indoor seating available, we highly recommend snagging a spot outside if possible.
You'll enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and the thousands of cypress trees that define it, their wispy leaves swaying back and forth in the wind. Several swamp tour agencies operate in the area, so it's not uncommon to see old-fashioned, double-decker boats passing in front of the lodge.
Seafood is the dominating force, and you'll see everything from grilled fish to Texas-sized fried baskets. There's also all-you-can-eat catfish, frog legs, mouthwatering Southern sides, and a bevy of appetizers such as fried alligator, onion rings, and homemade jalapeno hush puppies.
If you're more of a meat and potatoes person, you'll be delighted to learn that burgers and steak make up a sizable portion of the menu.
Among your options is the juiciest ribeye you'll ever have the pleasure of sinking your teeth into, cooked just the way you like it and served with a baked potato, side salad, and Texas toast. If you opt for a burger, there are four different kinds to choose from, with toppings ranging from cheese and all the other usual suspects to more unique additions like chipotle mayo and pepper jack cheese. Other entrees include and both grilled cheese and BLT sandwiches.
After your meal, take a little stroll out onto the pier and admire the views from an even closer vantage point.
One of the aforementioned swamp tours, Captain Ron's, launches right across from the restaurant, so you could make a day trip out of it and hop on for a scenic ride!
Have you ever eaten at Big Pines Lodge? If so, what did you order and how was it? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below, then check out our previous article to learn more about the amazing natural wonder that is Caddo Lake.
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