Dining out: Exploring Louisiana’s roadside attractions
“There are good restaurants. And there are restaurants so good they’re worth the drive,” said the editors of Country Roads magazine. The side roads off Louisiana’s interstates are rich with humble lunch spots that won’t just justify a stop.
The three below will “rise to the occasion as part of the memory you’ll take home.”
Lea’s Lunchroom Tiny Lecompte has been named the Pie Capital of Louisiana, and one of the main reasons is the “glorious chorus line of pies” served daily at this nearly century-old lunch spot. Located just off Interstate 49, south of Alexandria, Lea’s also serves a classic meat-and-three, plus a fantastic sandwich that combines baked ham both sliced and ground. 1810 Highway 71 S, Lecompte, La.
Glenda’s Creole Kitchen Glenda Broussard and family’s “amazing grub” pulls a midday crowd six days a week into their welcoming lunchroom off Interstate 10 just east of Lafayette. Step inside and you may notice the first-place Gumbo Cook-off and Sweet Dough Pie trophies as you line up for servings from steam trays filled with, say, stuffed turkey wings or smothered pork chops. “If you splurge on a slice of cake, your meal might set you back $12 and will easily feed three people.” 3232 Main Highway, Breaux Bridge, La.
Danny’s Fried Chicken This family-run franchise in a small chain uses its own recipes, and to drop in is to be “transported back in time.” Located off I-90 between Lafayette and New Orleans, this Danny’s boasts ’70s-era wallpaper and stained-glass light fixtures. The meaty dressing, listed as a side, “deserves main dish attention.” It’s “a meal unto itself,” and the recipe has little-old-lady origins. 819 Main St., Franklin, La.