4 Best Restaurants in Side Trips from New Orleans, Louisiana

This outstanding boucaniere (Cajun French for smokehouse) is run by the next generation of the family that once operated the iconic Johnson's Grocery in Eunice, Louisiana. Music from young local bands plays over the sound system and is available for purchase; customers sit on the covered porch and dig into boudin sausages, sandwiches, and the heartily recommended barbecue—smoked in-house and rubbed with Cajun-style seasonings. It's a laid-back, friendly place with a refreshing blend of tradition and modern style.

People jam into this diner as early as 6 am for hot biscuits and grits. Dwyer's also serves red beans and rice, jambalaya, pot roast, burgers, and omelets. If you're famished by midday, try the hearty plate lunch specials, which include an entrée and three sides.

In this cypress house decorated with swamp trees and a large stuffed alligator at the entrance, people gather over red-and-white-check tablecloths to chow down on some local classics: crawfish and alligator sausage cheesecake, Cajun duckling, or any of the kitchen's four distinctive gumbos. Grilled seafood provides some lighter options. At breakfast, try the house rendition of eggs Benedict, made here with boudin patties, poached eggs, and crawfish étouffée over a biscuit. There's live Cajun music (and usually dancing) nightly.

This often-busy diner serves a hearty Cajun breakfast and lunch, which feature daily specials such as smothered rabbit, catfish court boulion, or crawfish omelets. The Southern fare also includes fried chicken and seafood dishes.