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Our favorite places to eat in B.R.

Dining and Nightlife Guide

[51 Comment(s)]

Jonathan Specht, Editor in Chief:

My favorite place to eat in Baton Rouge, hands down, is Mr. Gatti’s Pizza. Back in the days when there was a location right between campus and the place I lived, I would eat a leisurely lunch there three or four days a week while reading the New York Times. I also had many memorable Monday nights there with my church group. But then the location near campus closed down, and our Student Government overlords decided that it wasn’t worth spending money on a publication centered on events outside of Louisiana. There’s still a Mr. Gatti’s at the corner of Perkins and Essen, but that doesn’t heal the cinnamon pizza-scented hole in my soul.

David Bates, Senior Writer:

My favorite place to eat in BR is Hunan’s. It’s a place you’d feel comfortable taking friends or family to eat. On top of that, they don’t drown everything in grease or soy sauce, so the true flavor of the ingredients comes out. It’s also one of the few places in town that isn’t half sports bar, so you can actually talk to someone you bring along.

Jenna Phillips, Copy Editor:

My favorite place to eat these days is Bon Bon Bakery and Coffee Emporium, a new local establishment in the City of Central. It’s a combination of CC’s, Ambrosia Bakery, and a sandwich shop. The blended coffee beverages are amazing, the prices are even better, and it’s the best place to get a fresh, light lunch. It might be a 45-minute drive from LSU, but it’s worth the gas money for their homemade chicken salad sandwich on fresh-baked French bread.

Stephen Phillips, Senior Writer:

My newest favorite place to eat in Baton Rouge is Dos Hermanos Taco and Burrito Express on Sherwood Forest Boulevard. This family-owned eatery has taken over an old Taco Bell location to serve up quick, authentic, tasty Mexican food for very reasonable prices. The atmosphere is borderline terrible (you’re basically sitting in an old, uncomfortable Taco Bell), but the chicken burrito trumps every other burrito in town. Plus, they have Mexican sodas, including the coveted Mexican Coca Cola which contains real sugar instead of that corn syrup crap. Despite the “express-like” atmosphere, this place is essentially a full-service restaurant, so don’t forget to tip. I’m still afraid to try the cow tongue or the tripe.

Rachael Lundy, News Editor:

Albasha’s, a Greek and Lebanese restaurant, is my favorite restaurant in Baton Rouge because it offers a healthy selection of delicious foods. My favorite dish is the Chicken Schwarma, which is actually kind of addictive. With this dish comes thinly sliced broiled chicken, rice pilaf, feta salad and hummus and everything is very affordable and enjoyable.

Ryan Burns, Senior Writer:

My favorite place to eat in Baton Rouge is P.F. Chang’s. The decor is impressive, the wait staff is attentive, and the food is great.

Jason Andreasen, Entertainment Editor:

The absolute best place to eat in all of Baton Rouge is Pinetta’s. When you see someone on TV say, “I know this great little European place...” this is what they’re talking about. Their prices are as low as the quality of their food is high. The selection of beer and wine is another fantastic feature of Pinetta’s, including Warsteiner Dunkel on both tap and in the bottle. I highly suggest the lasagna and the Tuscan Pork Loin. If you’re looking for an inexpensive date night, look no further than Pinetta’s. The restaurant has been a staple of Baton Rouge for decades. All it takes is one bite to see why.

Joshua Davidson, Contributing Writer:

Schlitz and Giggles is awesome because of the bad ass pizza and beer! The girls working there aren’t bad either.

Cedric Meyer, Sports Editor:

Now one of the most underrated restaurants in Baton Rouge, Derek Chang’s Koto on College Drive has really improved over the last several years under new ownership. It has some great lunch specials and hibachi is reasonably priced and always a good time.

Originally Published: Issue 706 - September 24, 2008

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Comments

  1. Stephen Phillips is WRONG I ate at the Mexican hell hole Dos Hermanos Taco and Burrito Express on Sherwood Forest and was forced to listen to a mexican VH1 and found a hair in my king Burrito. The atmosphere made me laugh uncontrolable due to the fact that is amazed me that such a place could exsist. If you want to feel like a tourist in your own country try this place out. Atleast it is cheaper than a plane ticket or a cruise! Never again will I go there ADIOS AMIGOS

    Andy Shread | 2008-09-24 - 05:08:12 PM (CDT)

  2. schlitz and giggles is terrible. the charge more than mellow for totinos. i hope that place burns.
    PF changs is your favorite place? you picked a chain for your favorite place in BR? wow. at least schlitz and giggles is local(even though they blow goats for quarters).

    seriously? | 2008-09-24 - 05:43:33 PM (CDT)

  3. Ryan Burns, you are a fucking moron. PF Changs is the worst restaurant in Baton Rouge. You wait an hour and a half for a table only to eat bland food at triple the price of a mom-pop chinese restaurant. People like you are the reason this piece of shit place is open. IDIOT!!!

    End your life | 2008-09-24 - 05:46:38 PM (CDT)

  4. I have been thorougly impressed with PF Chang’s. I am amazed at how attentive the waitstaff is. I truly enjoy their expertise on sauce mixing - matching the correct food to the correct flavor. So helpful! The portions are sized well and there is falvor dripping from entree items like the lemon scallops and mushu pork. I eat at Chang’s once a week and I always top off every meal with a wonderful miniature dessert - perfect after getting stuffed! This is without a doubt one of the best restaurants in Baton Rouge, along with Walk-On’s and Doe’s.

    OU812 | 2008-09-24 - 06:10:02 PM (CDT)

  5. Johnny’s Pizza might be the greatest thing ever,

    Tiger Attorney | 2008-09-24 - 06:27:52 PM (CDT)

  6. If you like PF Changes you have to try this homestyle burger joint. They appear to be expanding, so there are a few around town. I forget the name, but they usually have a big yellow M by each of their restaurants.

    Ronald | 2008-09-24 - 06:58:29 PM (CDT)

  7. I ate at Pinetta’s last night and this guy cursed out his shitty server and the manager said they still had to pay 18% gratuity. the food was okay, though

    KC | 2008-09-24 - 07:41:10 PM (CDT)

  8. I gotta agree, man. A chain place as your favorite local restaurant? What are you, a communist or something? ;)

    RG | 2008-09-24 - 08:01:04 PM (CDT)

  9. Best place in BR to eat a quality meal is undoubtedly PF Chang’s.

    Bob Seger | 2008-09-24 - 08:10:30 PM (CDT)

  10. Just because one guy had a bad experience with one waiter does not qualify any restaurant as "shitty".

    Obvious | 2008-09-24 - 08:20:39 PM (CDT)

  11. PF Chang’s is 5 star stuff. I agree...the best place in Baton Rouge for dinner. Authentic.

    Dale E | 2008-09-24 - 09:03:49 PM (CDT)

  12. Changs is the obvious winner here. There’s no better place in the area for asian seafood and Mandarin Chinese. It’s one of the best things about Towne Center. They should open up another one near Highland!

    Tony the T | 2008-09-24 - 09:20:48 PM (CDT)

  13. If you ever get the chance, eat at the Chef’s table at P.F. Chang’s. You won’t be disappointed.

    Tommy H. | 2008-09-24 - 09:39:09 PM (CDT)

  14. Chang’s is a steal! My wife and I shared the peppered steak and lemon scallops and had wine and dessert...all for 100 bucks. The patio is beautiful - one of a kind in BR. The service is remarkably good...educated waitstaff trained to please. Going back Saturday with the in-laws!

    TigerGreg45 | 2008-09-24 - 10:05:12 PM (CDT)

  15. Wrong! The best place to eat in BR is Superior Grille! Best margaritas and quesadillas in town.

    Dotty Puff Pufff | 2008-09-24 - 10:08:38 PM (CDT)

  16. PF Changs killed my father and raped my mother.

    :( | 2008-09-24 - 10:28:11 PM (CDT)

  17. WTF is up with this board?

    WTF? | 2008-09-24 - 10:43:41 PM (CDT)

  18. All the Changs haters need to go back to Applebee’s. It’s the best food in Baton Rouge bar none. Shut up haterz!

    Korng | 2008-09-24 - 10:54:52 PM (CDT)

  19. I would say that I agree with 2:

    PF Chang’s and Koto are my favoite places to eat in BR! Good selections! Really capyures what this town is abouT!

    ASHLEY BZ | 2008-09-24 - 10:56:15 PM (CDT)

  20. Agree with Gatti;’s. A shame they closed it down. Fond memories. Also, PF Chang’s has been the most welcome addition to the Baton Rouge family. God, I dream about the salt and pepper prawns. I disagree with Koto...The Drunken Fish is much better and definitely a better atmosphere.

    MetsFan33 | 2008-09-24 - 11:02:55 PM (CDT)

  21. How the fuck did Domino’s Pizza not make this list?

    disgusted | 2008-09-24 - 11:06:44 PM (CDT)

  22. Where is Sammy’s Bistro on Highland? Where is Chimes? Do yo upeople eat anything worth a shit?

    Bark Bobber | 2008-09-24 - 11:16:58 PM (CDT)

  23. I agree with Ryan. PF Chang’s is my favorite as well. My favorite dish there is...ALL OF EM! LOL!

    Jess348 | 2008-09-24 - 11:19:58 PM (CDT)

  24. Hail PF Changs!

    George Porg | 2008-09-24 - 11:26:40 PM (CDT)

  25. Good to see PF Chang’s getting the publicity it deserves. I hated that New Orleans had one for sooo long and we didn’t. It really is awesome and I love the calimari and prawns. They make the best drinks, too.

    IowaDan | 2008-09-24 - 12:20:14 AM (CDT)

  26. Did this link get posted on some "I Love PF Changs" message board somewhere? What is the deal?

    BTW, Bark Bobber, The Chimes? They’ve got an awesome beer selection but their food is overrated.

    Care Drewey | 2008-09-24 - 12:36:13 AM (CDT)

  27. You kiss my ass bud!!!!!!! The Chimes is better than whatever you like!

    Bark Bobber | 2008-09-24 - 12:38:35 AM (CDT)

  28. I would say, just out of the list that the writers picked:

    1. PF Chang’s...no brainer
    2. Koto
    3. Hunan
    4. Albasha

    Honeybunny | 2008-09-24 - 12:39:43 AM (CDT)

  29. Good list. Honey Bunny...I am going to PF Chang’s 2mrw nite! Told my gf I’d take her to a fancy, classy place. What should we order? I only went once and had a variety. Loved it though!

    Bzxc | 2008-09-24 - 12:43:33 AM (CDT)

  30. Changs = great service and awesome food!

    Charles Wilmore | 2008-09-24 - 01:20:16 AM (CDT)

  31. My fav place in BR is also Sammy’s.

    Byutransfer | 2008-09-24 - 01:41:17 AM (CDT)

  32. Changs is 5 star at its best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    bshy98 | 2008-09-25 - 03:01:10 AM (CDT)

  33. Just a guess, but I would say that the average age of the posters here is about 22.

    Andouille | 2008-09-25 - 09:39:56 AM (CDT)

  34. High fructose corn syrup may have a complicated-sounding name, but it’s actually a simple sweetener, made from corn, that is nutritionally the same as sugar.

    High fructose corn syrup is not sweeter than sugar; and high fructose corn syrup, sugar and honey all contain the same number of calories (four calories per gram).

    Like table sugar and honey, high fructose corn syrup contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients or color additives.

    The American Medical Association in June 2008 helped put to rest misunderstandings about this sweetener and obesity, stating that “high fructose corn syrup does not appear to contribute to obesity more than other caloric sweeteners.”

    Consumers can see the latest research and learn more about high fructose corn syrup at www.HFCSfacts.com and www.SweetSurprise.com.

    Audrae Erickson
    President
    Corn Refiners Association

    Audrae Erickson | 2008-09-25 - 10:37:14 AM (CDT)

  35. Andouille, this publication is geared towards college students. 22 would about be a senior in college. So what’s your damn point?

    Hampton | 2008-09-25 - 10:56:44 AM (CDT)

  36. Thanks for clearing that up for me. I just clicked on the link, saw the opinions and kinda figured that these were not written by the most discriminating palates in the world.

    BTW are you aware of any food discussion board that cater to a more sophisticated view of food in south Louisiana. The one on the rant is not much different from this one. The ones in New Orleans have never really recovered from Katrina.

    Andouille | 2008-09-25 - 11:03:51 AM (CDT)

  37. Andouille,

    I very much agree with you on certain facts. I am, also, a writer for TW. My opinion of restaurants is not listed here, but I have comprised a very comprehensive tally of the best restaurants in each manner of cuisine. Baton Rouge offers some very special dining gems, most of which are not corporate. However, some corporate restaurants have perfected a dish or two through years of trial and error that alone are worth the hype. And as for New Orleans, I am a native of the West bank and can say that the city and its outlying suburbs are definitely not what they once were in terms of dining. But, on the upside, Baton Rouge is quickly becoming the center of new business growth for the state, which means the new and exciting cuisines will be coming here, instead.

    Also, as a side note, the average TW demographic is 22-25.5 years old, as our research has told us. It happens to consist of college students in the immediate campus area, but I assure you that there are 22 years olds that read TW who are non-academics. And that is just the average.

    Thanks

    Giovanni Red | 2008-09-25 - 02:51:58 PM (CDT)

  38. Almazas, hands down. Best chicken gyro in town. Love the salad, even if it is heavy on the garlic.

    Chimes is just food. nothing spectacular about it. (Though the tomato basil and crab soup is pretty amazing. So kudos to the soup.) It’s the atmosphere and the beer that make Chimes.

    Sammys is pretty so-so too. But a tiny step up from Chimes.

    PF Changs is pretty good, though a little over priced. I don’t think its nearly as amazing as some of you claim, nor is it as terrible.

    Mr. Gatti’s... i think I just threw up a little in my mouth.

    Pinettas has excellent food, just don’t go expecting amazing service. Go there for the food and for relaxation, not to be entertained by the watistaff.

    Superior Grille is pretty good, but I prefer La Carettas on government. Excellent cheap choices from the Ala Carte menu.

    Chef | 2008-09-25 - 04:44:34 PM (CDT)

  39. Giovanni Red, if you’re a TW writer, then you didn’t follow your editor’s instructions by sending a paragraph about your favorite place to eat.

    tsk tsk | 2008-09-25 - 04:49:46 PM (CDT)

  40. I was unable to participate this week, tsk tsk. TW doesn’t pay the bills, sadly enough.

    Also, chef, Almaza, while tasty, is not the best gyros. Either Atcha or Akaaza is by far the best gyros. Although I will always go to Almaza b/c of their terrible service from the ine day-time server they have, whom I lovingly refer to as "shitty waitress."

    Giovanni Red | 2008-09-25 - 05:22:57 PM (CDT)

  41. PF Changs’s is a gift from God! I love the scallops!

    Meg B | 2008-09-25 - 11:16:48 PM (CDT)

  42. I agree with "Chef"

    Pinetta’s food is great and you shouldn’t expect to be "entertained" by the waitstaff. Then again, if you want to be entertained by the waitstaff, why don’t you just go eat at some theme park or something?

    Don’t judge a restaurant on their waitstaff’s "entertaining" abilities. Judge their staff on how well they get the food to you. This is the kind of criteria that produces douchbag waiters named Todd who feel the need to sit at your table while taking your order.

    Not Todd | 2008-09-26 - 03:52:31 PM (CDT)

  43. Thanks for the shitty tip

    Todd | 2008-09-26 - 05:02:23 PM (CDT)

  44. You deserved it. Stop sitting at my table and attempting to be my friend. Just take my fucking order!

    Todd’s Customer | 2008-09-26 - 06:26:27 PM (CDT)

  45. Y’all are so wack.

    Teen Girl Squad | 2008-09-27 - 04:18:28 AM (CDT)

  46. I’ve been to Pinetta’s a plethora of times and have known a large portion of their staff over the years. Most of their servers are drunks and stoners, the kind who say in college for a decade and graduate with worthless degrees and decide to be waiters for life. They don’t really care about serving, just about getting off of the shift with money in their pockets so they can grab a drink from Zippy’s across the street. And when you work in the restaurant industry, there’s nothing wrong with that. They have a scratch kitchen, though, and the food is phenomenal, although it is rich as hell. The apathy of the servers can’t ruin that.

    Giovanni Red | 2008-09-29 - 01:05:00 PM (CDT)

  47. Best Burger: Brewbachers
    Best Food all around late nite: Pluckers
    Best LOCAL restaurant: Parrains or Jubans

    Jennifer | 2008-09-30 - 02:06:00 PM (CDT)

  48. Best Pizza: Fleur De Lis
    Best Italian: Digiulio Bros

    Show your girl you can think out the box, skip PF Chang’s and support the local guys at Digiulio Bros.

    LSU92 | 2008-09-30 - 05:13:09 PM (CDT)

  49. Koto has hands down the best sushi in town. I have been to all the other sushi restaurants and none even compare.
    Try any of their special rolls, i promise you will never go elsewhere again....it’s unbelievable

    Koto wins

    Jack | 2008-10-08 - 04:12:46 PM (CDT)

  50. I’ve worked at PF Changs and if you ever walk into their kitchen you will see that it is not the best restaurant in Baton Rouge. I worked there and would touch anything that comes out of that kitchen. Not to mention that you do have to wait a very long time for sub par and bland food. It is good but you can get better much cheaper elsewhere. I went to Kona grill the other night and thought that there patio was the best in Baton Rouge by far and the next Texas De Brazil is opening soon and that should be the bomb also.

    Jaime | 2008-10-08 - 12:05:01 AM (CDT)

  51. Brian Feigel is a fag

    Godknat | 2008-10-14 - 02:43:45 PM (CDT)
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