Callin' Baton Rouge
Updated: Mar 27, 2021
I was born and raised in Baton Rouge LA, a city known for its football, spicy food, and interstate traffic. It’s full of Mississippi River culture and French-infused history. You’ve gotta try our gumbo and crawfish. And there’s nothing like Death Valley Saturday nights. Louisiana is a little mysterious and haunting and a lot loud and proud. I’ll always be a purple and gold LA girl.
Recently on my Instagram stories I asked if y’all would be interested in a round up of our favorite spots in BTR, and you said YES!
It was hard to narrow down, and I couldn't cover everything, but here’s what Daniel and I love.
First, coffee. There are a million coffee shops in this #collegetown, but here are our faves.
City Roots Coffee Bar
Our all time favorite coffee bar, City Roots is a midcity gathering place with the best coffee - and ambiance - in town. Try the Cold Brew de Crema or the featured latte. Their pastries, flatbread pizza, beer, and wine are also popular.
French Truck Coffee
You may have tasted a French Truck roast from a store shelf, but there’s nothing like stopping in a location. This colorful, utterly unique little place downtown is perfect for meeting friends or getting work done. Or meeting friends to work, as seen here. :) They say this is THE place for nitro cold brew.
>>Reve Coffee Lab<<
Like French Truck, this Acadiana coffee roasting company has several locations. Haven’t tried it yet, but my hip friends love it and it's on my list to try next weekend.
Food.
It was so hard to narrow this list down!
Capital City Grill
Capital City Grill is the whole package - great food, great atmosphere, great area. You can finish your meal and pop across the street to the river to enjoy a nice downtown stroll. It’s right next to the impressive Old State Capitol, within a block of Town Square, and we love the classic BTR area feel. I took my maternity pictures with Sean by the fountain outside. :)
Bistro Byronz
A cozy date-night spot.
The Chimes Restaurant and Tap Room
A bustling BTR icon.
Parrain's Seafood
Seafood done right!
Schlitz and Giggles
Downtown pizza.
Soji's
Trendy, modern Asian fusion.
Overpass Merchant
Great for lunch! Go for the truffle fries.
Mansurs on the Boulevard
White tablecloths + live pianist. All the romance.
City Pork Brasserie
Don’t let the name fool you, this place got class. Their brunch is OUT OF THIS WORLD.
Things to Do and See
Old State Capitol
Free museum admission, open 10-4.
The River Walk near the River Center
Pop the River Center in your GPS, get out of your car, and enjoy the unique Mississippi River views.
USS Kidd
A Fletcher-class destroyer and Veteran's Museum, well worth your time. Open 9:30-3:30.
Louisiana State Capitol and Capitol Gardens
Such a fun tour, since it's the tallest state capitol in the US (34 stories.) Ride the elevator to the top for a breathtaking view!
The Market at Circa 1857
My favorite eccentric spot for antiques and a quick bite! Listed in Southern Living Magazine as BTR's best local store. It's a former pharmacy, reincarnated as 5,000 sq. feet of vintage and antiques with a quaint deli.
LSU Campus + Mike the Tiger Habitat
Magnolia Mound
A relic of the French Creole plantations.
Electric Depot
The place where the city meets. Kinda magical, kinda mid-city grungy, definitely our favorite.
LSU Rural Life Museum
Perkins Rowe and Towne Center at Cedar Lodge
Shopping, food, coffee, movies!
Okay, Baton Rouge natives, how did I do? Miss any of your favorites? Comment below and share!