Whenever a cool snap hits in Southwest Louisiana, everyone knows it's gumbo weather. Of course, no one makes gumbo as good as your favorite relative, but we have some delicious contenders that even the pickiest taste buds would agree are delicious and authentic.
A traditional gumbo in Southwest Louisiana is made from a rich and creamy roux, the holy trinity (onions, bell pepper, and celery), and your favorite spices. This delicious crossover between soup and stew is packed with a generous supply of chicken and sausage or shrimp and crab, if you're craving seafood.
Check out some of the restaurants to get gumbo in Southwest Louisiana!
How to Make Gumbo
- 4 minute read
No visit to Southwest Louisiana is complete without a mouthwatering, savory, flavorful bowl of gumbo. While this Louisiana staple is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly winter day it remains a delicious favorite year-round. Gumbo is a type of mild or spicy stew made from a rich roux and…
Downtown Lake Charles
Back to Top of ListDowntown Lake Charles
Steamboat Bills on the Lakefront
Located just off I-10 is Steamboat Bill's on the Lakefront. One of two Steamboat locations in Lake Charles, this popular Cajun restaurant is a go-to gumbo destination. You can also enjoy their other traditional Cajun dishes like étoufee and po-boys or boiled crabs and crawfish in season.
Mama Reta's Kitchen
Named after it's owner and located in her childhood home, Mama Reta's Kitchen is a popular destination for Southern comfort food or "soul-food". Her warm hospitality and passion for cuisine is evident in every spoon of gumbo! Mama Reta's is to-go only, making it the perfect place to stop before a picnic near the lakefront.
Pujo St Café
Located in the heart of Downtown Lake Charles, Pujo Street Café is a popular stop for lunch and dinner. Whether dining inside or enjoying the covered patio, the New Orleans style restaurant maintains a classy yet cozy vibe. Their gumbo, made with a darker base is a shining star on their menu, but be sure to save room for dessert!
Buffi's Peaux Boys
While they're most known for their delicious po'boy sandwiches, Buffi's Peaux Boys also serves a variety of salads, stuffed baked potatoes, and soups including gumbo.
Augustine
With French ambiance and Southern flair, Augustine brings a refreshing dining experience layered with hospitality. Whether indulging in the Fish Augustine, Lobster French Toast or a comforting bowl of gumbo, you'll feel right at home in the elegant dining space steeped with nostalgia.
Central Lake Charles
Back to Top of ListCentral Lake Charles
KD's Diner
From hearty breakfast platters to steaming bowls of gumbo, KD's Diner a retro-styled restaurant in central Lake Charles is perfect for early mornings, late nights and every meal in between.
Seafood Palace
Known for their delicious family recipes and iconic red tables, Seafood Palace is an award-winning restaurant in Lake Charles. Both their seafood and chicken and sausage gumbos are served year-round.
Mr. Bill's Seafood Express
It's proximity to McNeese State University makes Mr. Bill's Seafood Express a popular game-day eatery. Enjoy juicy burgers, hearty plate lunches, and fresh seafood dishes including seafood gumbo year-round.
Nina P's Café
This French Quarter themed and mother-daughter owned restaurant is a must-visit while in Lake Charles. Nina P's is best known for their prize-winning chicken and sausage gumbo, friendly wait staff, and larger than life entrée sizes!
Big Daddy's Sports Grill
Diners can stop into Big Daddy's Sports Grill for breakfast, brunch, or lunch with a side of southern hospitality! Be sure to browse the local and regional sports memorabilia while enjoying a delicious bowl of gumbo.
Southern Spice Lake Charles
From fluffy breakfast pancakes and biscuits to crispy chicken fried steak and rich bowls of gumbo, Southern Spice Restaurant & Grill has been serving up delicious southern comfort foods since 1997.
Shucks!
Known for its authentic Cajun country experience, Shucks! brings authentic southern hospitality while serving up heaping portions of delicious Louisiana seafood. While they're most known for their oysters, their flavorful gumbo is a popular menu item enjoyed year-round.
North Lake Charles
Back to Top of ListNorth Lake Charles
Pat's of Henderson
Indulge in classic Cajun comfort foods in an elevated atmosphere at Pat's of Henderson. Located right off of I-210, this Southwest Louisiana staple is known for it's authentic southern flavors including fresh seafood, hearty po'boys, and steaming bowls of gumbo.
Steamboat Bill's on Broad
The original Steamboat Bill's location is known for its savory Cajun dishes, nautical décor, and casual atmosphere. From boiled crawfish to rich bowls of gumbo, their seafood dishes are always packed with flavor and spice!
Leonard's Food Quarters
Savor mouthwatering Cajun and Creole dishes like gumbo, étoufee, and red beans and rice from Leonard's Food Quarters. In addition to standard menu items, diners can enjoy rotating lunch specials daily.
Near Lake Charles
Back to Top of ListNear Lake Charles
Prime Butcher and Brasserie
Located in South Lake Charles, Prime Butcher and Brasserie doubles as a full service restaurant and bar as well as a meat market. Enjoy their premium cuts anytime by stocking up on your favorite select meats from their cooler. Or dine in Wednesday through Saturday where you can choose from daily lunch specials, delicious bowls of chicken and sausage gumbo and mouthwatering entrées featuring prime selections of meat.
Coconuts Cajun Grill
Delight in popular Cajun comfort food at Coconuts Cajun Grill in DeQuincy, LA! From boiled shrimp and po'boys to steaming bowls of gumbo, this family-owned restaurant is great for groups looking to enjoy delicious specials. After your meal, head to the DeQuincy Railroad Museum and discover memorabilia and model trains showcasing town's rich Railroad history.
Hollier's Cajun Kitchen
Savor time honored recipes and southern hospitality at Hollier's Cajun Kitchen located in Sulphur, LA. This family-owned restaurant serves flavorful entrées and a generous buffet. In addition to dishes like red beans and rice and gumbo, they're also known for their boudin and sausage.
Cajun Charlie's Seafood Restaurant
Just a short drive from Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point you'll find Cajun Charlie's a popular seafood ;restaurant in Sulphur, LA. Indulge in a mouthwatering selection of Louisiana staples like fried alligator, boudin balls, and gumbo.
Lighthouse Bend
Travel south along the Creole Nature Trail-All American Road to visit Lighthouse Bend a multi-faceted venue with spectacular views. Whether staying onsite at the RV park or stopping in for lunch or dinner, you'll enjoy the diverse menu featuring fresh seafood and Creole favorites including chicken and sausage gumbo and shrimp and grits.
Tin Lizard
Kick back with friends in a casual space at Tin Lizard Bar & Grill. Whether sharing appetizers or savoring a bowl of chicken and sausage gumbo, this lively bar at Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino, & Hotel in Vinton, LA has you covered.
Rosewater Grill & Tavern
Also located in Delta Downs is the Rosewater Grill & Tavern, an elevated restaurant featuring tender steaks, signature cocktails, and trackside views of live horse races. Enjoy a bowl of seafood or chicken and sausage gumbo as your soup or as part of your main course within a seafood platter.
The Max
Indulge in a delicious bowl of gumbo with a breathtaking view at The Max. Whether dining outdoors on the patio overlooking the greens of The National Golf Club or inside at a table bathed in natural light, you can't go wrong with this delicious dining spot in Westlake, LA.
Plan Your Visit
No two gumbos are the same, but you're sure to find a favorite among this list. For more places to enjoy delicious Southwest Louisiana delicacies, check out our Cajun and Creole page.
Plan your visit around a festival and explore the diverse culinary options in the region. Don't miss popular tasting events like the Louisiana Food and Wine Festival, Smoke and Barrel, and the Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival. Bon apetit!
