From duck fat fries to gluten-free cupcakes, there is variety on the menu
MONROE-WEST MONROE, LOUISIANA–MARCH 2024–Monroe-West Monroe is a dual-city destination with a distinctive flavor that sets it apart. Located on the banks of the Ouachita River in North Louisiana, here not only is the fun-loving reputation of the Bayou State alive and well, its food-loving reputation is, too.
There are plenty of ways to have fun in this diverse destination. From historic downtown West Monroe’s Antique Alley (100-300 Blocks of Trenton Street, West Monroe, Louisiana 71291; 318-387-1933) to monthly Downtown Gallery Crawls in both Monroe and West Monroe, taking in the arts scene and shopping options are popular activities here. Those looking for outdoor fun find outstanding places to explore, too. The 5,300-acre Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge (480 Richland Place, Monroe, Louisiana 71203; 318-387-1114) is a premier spot for hiking, paddling, fishing and birding. There’s also a diverse list of unique attractions here, from a museum complex that includes Coca Cola® memorabilia and Bible collections to the headquarters of a celebrated Duck Commander.
And whether it’s a reward at day’s end after exploring Monroe-West Monroe or is the centerpiece of a visit, the dining options here are bound to be a highlight of any visit. Of course, there are Southern favorites and Louisiana specialties that just cannot be passed up. Joining these, though, are some outstanding surprises on the local menus.
In this destination with a river at its center, the waterfront views are an added treat and several local restaurants have views of the Ouachita River, along with some spots on scenic Bayou DeSiard. One of those is local favorite Trapp’s (113 South Riverfront Street, West Monroe, Louisiana 71291; 318-855-6428), on the Ouachita in West Monroe. This casual spot overlooks the river and has views of downtown Monroe. Cajun favorites abound on this menu. Two great ways to start any meal here are Mom Bourque’s Seafood Nachos, with fresh-made chips piled high and covered in creamy goodness and the amazing Fried Ravioli, stuffed with cheese and covered in Crawfish Marlee.
With a river view from Monroe, there’s Restaurant Cotton (101 North Grand Street, Monroe, Louisiana 71201; 318-325-0818), which prides itself on showcasing Delta cuisine. The menu items capture the diversity of this region. Favorites are the Pond & Gulf, which features catfish and shrimp, Deer Camp Meatloaf, a delicious mixture of venison, beef and andouille. And a side of Duck Fat Fries is always recommended.
Upstairs, the inventive menu at Planter’s Gastropub (101 North Grand Street, Upstairs at Cotton, Monroe, Louisiana 71201; 318-325-0818) includes duck pizza, gas station fried chicken and more. And it always keeps flavor at the forefront.
Also in downtown Monroe, award-winning Chef Cory Bahr brings his skills, creativity and love of the region to the plates at Parish Restaurant & Bar (318 North 2nd Street, Monroe, Louisiana 71201; 318-376-2423). The Monroe native features local ingredients and a variety of techniques to create an eclectic menu, which changes daily and includes his creative preparations of food ranging from local beef, crawfish and produce, to Hawaiian tuna and cold-water scallops, in dishes from Bolognese to kimchi to Southern-fried.
Chef Cory is also the force behind Standard Coffee Co (411 Desiard Street, Monroe, Louisiana 71201; 318-570-4127). The shop not only has cool vibes and tasty brews, but also an impressive lunch menu selection including ramen worth raving about.
For those looking for something on the sweet side, Butter: A Louisiana Bakery (2001 Tower Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71201; 318-855-3774) is just the spot. And it is a delight for anyone looking for gluten-free options. That’s the specialty of this vibrant bakery and coffee shop. From cookies and brownies to quiche and breads, Butter’s goal is to make gluten-free options “100% delicious.”
And, of course, there are many more tasty traditional menus to choose from in Monroe-West Monroe. From the meaty goodness at JAC’s Craft Smokehouse (401 Trenton Street, West Monroe, Louisiana 71291; 318-855-8680), Louisiana’s first smokehouse restaurant, to the pound cake and peach cobbler at the homey Big Momma’s Fine Foods (1118 S. 2nd Street, Monroe, Louisiana 71202; 318-388-5678) to the highly recommended three “Must Try Catfish Dishes, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
If you go
It is not all about the food here. There is an impressive slate of local beverages to enjoy, too.
Landry Vineyards (5699 New Natchitoches Road, West Monroe, Louisiana 71292; 318-557-9050) produces 20 different wines and also hosts an outdoor concert series and two harvest festivals each year.
Thirsty Farmer (531 State Highway 144, Calhoun, Louisiana 71225; 318-599-0076) is only open on Saturdays and features a limited menu and live music along with its slate of wines which ranges from bubbly to bourbon-barreled.
Flying Tiger Brewery (506 North 2nd Street, Monroe, Louisiana 71201; 318-547-1738) is a locally themed brewery with an impressive list of craft beers, fun atmosphere and gourmet pies from Victory Pizza.
Flying Heart Brewing & Pub (204 Commerce Street, West Monroe, Louisiana 71291; 318-367-0888) has six carefully crafted beers served year-round and a variety of seasonal brews. They also serve craft pizza, German pretzels, wings and more.