North Louisiana is full of Southern charm and incredible meals, and both are on full display in the cities of Monroe and West Monroe. The range of dining options is definitely diverse — in a single day, you can dine on the Ouachita River waterfront, pick up sweets in historic West Monroe’s Antique Alley and sip on locally made wines and beers.
Top Restaurants in Monroe-West Monroe
Restaurant Cotton
“Creative Southern Cuisine” is Cotton’s tagline. That about sums it up, too — here, you’ll discover recognizable Louisiana dishes like blue crab and boudin sausage transformed into works of culinary art. Cotton’s upscale flair has made it one of the most celebrated restaurants in Monroe, thanks to menu items that include Campfire Redfish (Gulf redfish served with heirloom tomato salad and sherry vinaigrette) and pimento cheese beignets.
Waterfront Grill
Relaxation is on the menu at Waterfront Grill, a popular Monroe restaurant where patio dining is an everyday affair. Take in views of the slow-moving, cypress tree-lined Bayou DeSiard while enjoying an ice-cold lemonade and a BBQ shrimp po’boy, though its biggest claim to fame (hailed by Southern Living, in fact) is the Catfish DeSiard, baked with seasoned breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, mushrooms and shrimp.
Big Momma’s Fine Foods
You cannot find a better southern home-cooked meal in a restaurant than you can in Big Mommas’ Fine Foods. The fantasticjuicy fried chickenis a perfect choice along with a choice of a couple sides and the lip-puckeringhot-water cornbread. The portions are large but that doesn’t stop customers from eating everything even if they are full!
Cheniere Shack
Cheniere Shack in West Monroe slings some ridiculouspo’ boyswith incredibleshrimpand other freshLouisiana seafood. The restaurant may be a “shack” but the food that comes out of the kitchen is grade A. At the end of your meal do not miss out on trying theirpie. Locals are obsessed with the variety of flavors found in these heavenly desserts.
JAC's Craft Smokehouse
JAC's Craft Smokehouse in West Monroe elevates southern fare. They cure premium meats with masterful smoke and fire techniques, and all sauces and seasonings are made in-house. Stacked pulled pork, brisket and slaw comprise the JAC'd Up Sandwich, a fan-favorite.
Parish Restaurant & Bar
Award-winning Chef Cory Bahr, crowned 2011 King of Louisiana Seafood at the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off and the following Great American Seafood Cook-Off, shares his passion for food and local ingredients at Parish. Enjoy thoughtful seafood dishes or locally sourced ribeyes.
Doe’s Eat Place
Sumptuous steaks, expertly crafted co*cktails, and a wide selection of wines and whiskeys are all hallmarks of the Doe’s Eat Place experience. Doe’s Monroe location opened downtown in 2014, just two blocks from the scenic Ouachita River. It carries on the tradition of the original Doe’s, which began as a small-town grocery store in 1903 and has grown to include numerous locations throughout the South.
Don't-Miss Culinary Experiences
Landry Vineyards
Landry Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery located in the rolling hills of West Monroe. Wines produced here include Blackberry Merlot, Blanc Du Bois (Dry and Semi-Sweet), Cabernet Sauvignon, Cotton Rouge, Redneck Red and more. Visitors can sample these wines with cheese and bread, while enjoying the picturesque views from the beautiful tasting room. Their Outdoor Concert Series is not to be missed, with music ranging from country to jazz. Patrons bring picnic blankets and chairs and enjoy live music from the hillside along with jambalaya and dancing. Tours are available by appointment.
Flying Tiger Brewery
Flying Tiger Brewery brews and cans their beverages in downtown Monroe. Its facility is home to a brew house, taproom, and large green space with a beer garden. The brewery’s military theme pays homage to hometown hero General Claire Lee Chennault, whose Flying Tigers fighter pilots were instrumental in helping Allies in World War II. Popular beers at Flying Tiger include the Burma Blonde Lager and Man at Arms Amber Ale.
Flying Heart Brewing & Pub
Over in West Monroe, Flying Heartoffers six beers served year-round and a rotating variety of seasonal brews for every palate.Pair your brew with one of their unique craft pizzas - the menu has several standout options to choose from, plus they have specialty rotating monthly pizzas. Or opt for a Cajun stromboli, German pretzel, chicken wings, wraps or salads. No matter what you choose, it'll go down easy with their signature beers.
Waterfront Views
Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant
The historic Warehouse No. 1 has won its share of awards since opening its doors nearly 40 years ago. It’s easy to see why: Expertly prepared dishes like Redfish Louisianne (pan-seared, topped with crawfish étouffée and served over jalapeño-cheese grits) complement a menu filled with reliable Southern favorites such as shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes and raw Gulf oysters. Unwind with a glass of wine on the patio overlooking the Ouachita River.
Trapp's
Enjoy the view of the Ouachita River while you dine at Trapp’s in West Monroe. Begin your meal with Mom Bourque’s Seafood Nachos with fried crawfish, grilled shrimp and white queso. Choose from po’boys, fresh seafood, crab cakes, Cajun favorites and more overlooking the Ouachita River.
Planter’s Gastropub
Looking for a cool co*cktail bar? Head to Planter’s for Moscow mules and drinks overlooking the Ouachita River. This place serves shareable small plates, creative oyster dishes and stone-fired Neapolitan pizzas with a variety of craft co*cktails.
Discover many more restaurants, culinary experiences and more on theDelta Delights Culinary Trailin northern Louisiana.
