There are a few Fridays left of Lent, which means it is the perfect time to try out some of the best seafood dishes in Baton Rouge. Even though Catholics can’t eat meat on Fridays during Lent, our options are limitless when it comes to figuring out what to eat for lunch and dinner. Here are a few of my favorite spots to eat in the Capitol City during Lent, including one that I can’t wait to try.
SAMMY’S GRILL
The number one dish to eat on Friday’s during Lent (or ANY day during the spring) is an order of boiled crawfish with corn and potatoes. Add an ice-cold Abita beer or Coke to the mix, and you have a quintessential Louisiana meal. I think Sammy’s has some of the best boiled crawfish in town, and it is our go-to place during crawfish season. The mozzarella logs are also pretty epic! If you are looking for something on the lighter side, the grilled seafood caesar salad (I get mine with house dressing) is a must-have.
WALK-ON’S
Not only was Walk-On’s voted the #1 Sports Bar in America, but this local establishment has a special menu just for Lent. They serve the classics, like shrimp po-boys and seafood pasta all year, but during Lent you can order shrimp boom boom tacos, mahi mahi fries or a blackened gator wrap. Their All Surf, No Turf menu is perfect for trying out some new items.
THE CHIMES
The Chimes is an LSU staple located right off the north gates of campus. I have been going to The Chimes since I was a kid, and this place keeps it as classic as when my dad was a student at LSU. My favorite item on the menu is the crawfish and 3 cheese macaroni. Shea starts with a dozen raw oysters and always orders the fried shrimp plate complete with fries and hushpuppies. The shrimp and corn soup is another go-to for me.
THE OVERPASS MERCHANT
The Merchant has been open for about a year, and it is easily one of my favorite spots to eat in Baton Rouge for any meal. I think we have had everything on the menu twice, and it is all delicious. Each Friday they serve up a po-boy special that is typically seafood and they also offer a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato basil soup on the lunch menu. For dinner, I highly recommend the coconut shrimp tacos…like highly recommend.
PHIL’S OYSTER BAR AND SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
I have not eaten at Phil’s yet, but it is on my list of Baton Rouge spots to try out. This restaurant originally opened on Governemnt Street and was a favorite amongst locals. It closed in 2007, but the original owner’s sons just reopened it, and I hear people raving about the food. I might need a sampler of food when I go, because I can’t choose between the crabmeat Caroline, stuffed crab balls and crawfish etouffe.
ALEX BOX
This is just a little bonus for ya! While Alex Box is not a restaurant (yes, I know this is a baseball stadium), I absolutely love to eat the crawfish pies that are served there. Baseball and Friday night go together like crawfish and Lent, and you can always find some meatless options at the Box. Make a full night of it and go to Walk-On’s before heading to the Box!
