Local Secrets, Big Finds - LouisianaLocal Secrets, Big Finds - Louisiana

Local Secrets, Big Finds - Louisiana

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Tell us about an insider spot in your hometown.
For more travel tips visit Amy Ziff's monthly column, Travel Trends & Advice from A to Z, or visit IgoUgo to get recommendations from other travelers.
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Port of Call
New Orleans

504.523.0120
Forget that fancy-schmancy stuff—sometimes all you want is good old comfort food. In which case, get thee to local hangout known as Port of Call, where the baked potatoes are huge and come fully loaded, the salad is topped with the best blue cheese dressing you’ve ever tasted, and the famed burgers are enormous. With a bar that takes up just about the entire place, and a modest atmosphere, you’ll have no problem kicking back Southern style. And try the signature Monsoon cocktail—l"order one and you’ll be set for the rest of the night." Read more.
Local Secrets, Big Finds - Louisiana

La Grande Boucherie des Cajuns
St. Martinville

Literally translated to "the slaughter of a pig," the boucherie (pig) in question is "a side-note to the great music and fun during this festival weekend." Attracting some of the best home-grown Zydeco and Cajun bands, which are great to dance to, listen to, and enjoy with friends. According to some locals, this traditional festival, held every February, is the creation of the "fun-loving" Cajun reputation. As for what to bring with you? Well, if you’ve got your dancing shoes and an ice chest of beer, you can’t lose. Read more.

Judice Inn
Lafayette

337.984.5614
"Simple but wonderful," the Judice Inn has been open since 1947 and ensures that you "really get a feel for a Lafayette tradition." Run by the native Judice family and staffed with local college kids, the café is known for its "extra tasty" burgers, which are "delivered to your table, hot and fresh in deli-style paper and are best washed down with a glass bottle of Coke. Add "a bag of Zapp’s Crawtator potato chips and a soft-serve ice cream for dessert, and, "Yes ma’am! You know you’re in Southern Louisiana." Read more.
Local Secrets, Big Finds - Louisiana

Hot Rods & Hawgs
Bossier City

318.752.0009
"For a real down-home night on the town, this honky-tonk on the banks of the Red River is unique and off the beaten path." Locals go for the specialty catfish and steaks, as well as the giant screened porch overlooking the river. In addition to the good food, Hot Rods & Hawgs boasts a wide variety of bands who play on the weekend. All of which is to say, of course: laissez les bons temps rouler!

Vianne’s Tea Salon & Cafe
Mandeville

985.624.5683
When it’s time for tea, there’s no better option than this "very classy café," which has hundreds of teas to choose from. (Although locals swear by the tasty, gourmet lunches too.) Vianne’s will host events for children, such as tea parties and manners classes. They also host "salons" led by speakers on all subjects, from history to gardening to culture. With absolutely no coffee, the tea leaf reigns supreme at this unusual spot, where you can even buy tea in bulk, as well as all kinds of tea supplies. Read it in the leaves — Vianne’s is a must for tea lovers. Read more.
Local Secrets, Big Finds - Louisiana