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Located by Louisiana’s Red River, Shreveport-Bossier offers a wealth of restaurants, combining old-school Southern hospitality and the proud traditions of Louisiana and Texas with European and Cajun inspired cuisine. Whether high-end or comfortable diner, the following restaurants know how to feed and serve their customers, and have earned themselves a place on our updated listing of the top 10 cultural restaurants in the area.
Image Courtesy of Don Juanz Beach Tacos

Johns

Restaurant, Pub Grub, Seafood, American

2 Johns is an unpretentious yet stylish restaurant for carnivores who like their meat with a touch of class. With floor-length white tablecloths, the ambient tinkling of a grand piano, and the display of work from resident artist Neil Johnson, 2 Johns shows an immaculate attention to detail – something which extends to the preparation and presentation of the food. The berry salad – mixed greens dressed with a strawberry vinaigrette, candied pecans, goat’s cheese and organic mixed berries – is a Chef’s favourite, and the ahi tuna appetiser comes highly recommended.

Don Juanz Baja Beach Tacos

Bar, Diner, Restaurant, Mexican, Vegetarian

After years living the Baja dream – drinking cheap tequila, surfing, and eating in Baja cantinas – Don O’Byrne decided to pioneer his own west coast fusion of Californian and Mexican cuisine. Don Juanz Baja Beach Tacos’ inspired tacos are filled with all the goodness the sea has to offer – yellowfin tuna, shrimp and snapper being just a few examples – and every one is handmade to order. So if you’re looking for a place to reminisce about misspent youth, you should order a margarita, dig into a taco, and relax at Don Juanz Baja Beach Tacos’ beach-themed diner.

Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge

Restaurant, American, Seafood

Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge offers a slice of Shreveport history with every plate, serving up Southern classics in its four dining rooms for over 60 years. Chef Ernest Sr brought his culinary roots from New Orleans in the 1940s, and his determination for excellence has been passed down through the generations. Diners can expect knowledgeable and attentive staff and the approval of the many past celebrity guests that are shown proudly on the restaurant’s walls. The Lounge’s resident mixologist, Speedy, will help you forget the stresses of the week and complete your Ernest Orleans experience with an expertly created cocktail.

Four Winds

Restaurant, Asian, Vegetarian

Located in the Horseshoe Hotel, Four Winds offers an elegant and sophisticated culinary experience, showcasing the finest Asian fusion cuisine in the area. The menu ties in elements of Thai, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Szechuan and Cantonese culinary heritage to refresh classics such as lemon chicken, and to create inventive modern dishes. The chicken lettuce wraps come particularly recommended – wok-seared minced chicken, fried with water chestnuts, green onions and mushrooms, all wrapped in fresh lettuce.

Herby K’s

Restaurant, Seafood

Beginning life as a liquor store called The Flying Crow, Herby K’s catered for the thirsty workers of the local railroad roundhouse. In 1936 Herby K’s was turned into a restaurant, bearing the nickname of larger-than-life owner Herbert J. Busi Jr., and the rest is history. Still family-owned, Herby K’s is a local favourite and has been noted by the Southern Living Magazine for being ‘one of those classic hole-in-the-wall spots with a legendary reputation’. Serving up the same traditional dishes it has become famous for, Herby K’s is home to the Shrimp Buster – golden fried shrimp served up with a secret house sauce, and a must-try for those passing through.

Jimmy's Seafood & Steak

One of Bossier City’s high-end casino restaurants, located in the Margaritaville Casino complex, Jimmy’s Seafood & Steak may not be the biggest place, but it certainly knows how to deliver on service, establishing a reputable name for going above and beyond to ensure your meal is exactly to your preference. For those unable to decide from the tempting menu choices, try Jimmy’s favourite recommendation of steak Michelle, available as filet or 16oz rib eye, seasoned with exotic salts and pepper, topped with lump crabmeat, and paired with asparagus and hollandaise sauce.

Marilynn’s Place

Bar, Restaurant, Cajun

In honour of his mother, Robert ‘Bozz’ Baucom has created not just a New Orleans-style restaurant, but a charming cultural hub in the heart of Shreveport. Appearances are most definitely deceptive, as diners are first greeted with what was once an old gas station, but the food speaks for itself. Treat yourself to the 14-inch fried shrimp remoulade po’boy and the bottomless Bloody Mary and mimosa bar whilst enjoying the friendly atmosphere and conversation of locals. Chef Baucom has succeeded in bringing the best of Shreveport culture under the welcoming and unpretentious roof of Marilynn’s Place.

Ralph & Kacoo’s Seafood Restaurant

Established in Mississippi in 1969, Ralph & Kacoo’s became an instant hit with the locals, as well as with visitors to the area’s busy fishing camps, for providing great seafood at a reasonable cost. As their fame spread, Ralph & Kacoo’s started opening restaurants all over the southeastern states, and the food has been voted ‘The Best Cajun Seafood in Louisiana’. Ralph & Kacoo’s has also been listed in the ‘Top 100 Places to Dine in America’, amongst numerous other distinctions and honours. Incorporating distinctive Cajun flavours into their menu, guests should try the cedar plank salmon, crab au gratin and, if feeling adventurous, the fried alligator.
Ralph & Kacoo’s Seafood Restaurant, 1700 Old Minden Rd #141, Bossier City, LA, USA, +1 318-747-6660

The Chocolate Crocodile

The Chocolate Crocodile is one for those with a sweet tooth, specialising in chocolate- and caramel-covered fruits and nuts, using only the finest quality ingredients to make the ultimate sugar treats. The intricately decorated apples are definite must tries, from traditional toffee and caramel apples to fantastic inventions like peanut and cheesecake apples. Whether looking for a gift for a loved one, an indulgent dessert to finish off the perfect meal, or simply a quick treat for yourself, The Chocolate Crocodile is there to provide you with all the chocolate endorphins you need.

What's Up? Diner

Diner, Dessert, Fast Food

Bringing to the list a proud and all-American cultural institution, What’s Up? Diner serves up all the Louisiana classics you would expect, along with some special additions to the menu for good measure. A trip to Louisiana would not be complete without trying a po’ boy sandwich – a French-style baguette topped with fried fish or carefully slow-cooked meats. The gourmet burgers are also a must-try, renowned for using certified Angus beef. Customers can even build their own perfect ‘bomber’, with as much of everything as desired.
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