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 most fastidious taste buds would agree are delicious and authentic. A true gumbo in Southwest Louisiana is made from a darker roux, the holy trinity (onions, bell pepper, and celery), and your own arsenal of spices along with a generous supply of chicken and sausage, shrimp and crab, or all of the above! Check out some of the best places to get gumbo in Southwest Louisiana.
SWLA Gumbo Destinations
- 2218 Enterprise Blvd
- (337) 433-9293
Seafood Palace opened its doors in 2001, with owner David Papania developing many menu items from family recipes. It's now a culinary staple in Lake Charles for locals and visitors alike. The extensive menu boasts a hearty selection of grilled, boiled, and fried seafood. In…
- 732 South Martin Luther King Hwy
- (337) 494-1700
Consistently one of the top restaurants in Southwest Louisiana, Steamboat Bill's is a local favorite known for its bustling atmosphere and delicious Cajun and seafood dishes. Locals and visitors alike flock to its welcoming ambiance and savor every bite of their signature dishes…
- 1600 W. McNeese St
- (337) 474-6462
Nina P’s Cafe has been a staple in Southwest Louisiana for over 20 years. The New Orleans French Quarter-themed restaurant is ideally located between McNeese University and Golden Nugget and L'Auberge casino resorts. The mother-daughter duo serves up delicious seafood-inspired…
- 1916 Belden Street
- (337) 240-8267
Mama Reta's is a local fan favorite as Southwest Louisiana has fallen in love with its soul food, home-cooking, chicken, and South Louisiana's classics. Every meal is made by Mama Reta herself, and her shining smile and warm hospitality are evident with the amount of heart that…
- 901 Ryan St.
- 337-439-2054
A Lake Charles tradition in the heart of downtown, Pujo Street Cafe creates an upscale yet casual experience, perfect for reconnecting with friends or having an intimate chat. The atmosphere has a New Orleans feel with a covered patio area, inside dining space with an expansive…
- 1708 Gerstner Memorial Dr
- (337) 494-0618
Leonard's Food Quarters opened in 1986 and has remained a local staple. The restaurant's extensive menu has nods to the New Orleans French Quarter while leaning into the rich flavors of Cajun and Creole dishes, all prepared with a touch of soul. The menu features daily lunch…
- 1004 North Lakeshore Drive
- 337-494-1070
Consistently one of the top restaurants in Southwest Louisiana, Steamboat Bill's is a local favorite known for its bustling atmosphere and delicious Cajun and seafood dishes. Locals and visitors alike flock to its welcoming ambiance and savor every bite of their signature dishes…
- 1737 West Sale Rd.
- 337-477-9033
Big Daddy's Sports Grill is a "little restaurant with a lot of flavor!" The locally-owned diner serves up Cajun and Southern comfort foods, for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner! Big Daddy's boasts an impressive menu of daily plate lunches plus hamburgers, cajun fare, seafood…
- 202 Henning Dr.
- (337) 528-6900
LeBleu’s Landing Restaurant and Oyster Bar's extensive menu features Louisiana classics including charbroiled oysters, fried alligator, seafood gumbo, fried chicken and catfish and an extensive buffet that rotates local favorites daily. Conveniently located off I-10 on Exit 20…
- 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd
- (337) 508-4106
Hours of Operation: Monday & Tuesday: 4pm - 10pm Wednesday & Thursday: 11am - 10pm Friday & Saturday: 11am - 11pm Sunday: 11am - 10pm Happy Hour: Monday - Friday: 4pm - 7pm Available at Bar & Patio Hours subject to change. For more than six decades, the Landry’s Seafood story has…
- 1709 Ruth St.
- (337) 527-0061
Hollier's Cajun Kitchen in Sulphur embodies the essence of Louisiana's culinary heritage. With each bite, savor the robust flavors of Cajun classics, from spicy crawfish étouffée to mouthwatering boudin. The menu is a tribute to time-honored recipes and local ingredients…
- 240 W Prien Lake Rd
- (337) 479-2009
KD's Diner, est. in 1992, exudes nostalgia and comfort in every corner, and it's one of the tried-and-true diners in Southwest Louisiana where everyone can feel at home. The aroma of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee greets patrons as they step into the cozy…
- 1500 Siebarth Drive
- (337) 439-6618
Pat's of Henderson is a culinary cornerstone in Lake Charles, where Cajun comfort food takes center stage. With an atmosphere of casual elegance, you can indulge in a feast of fried seafood, gumbo, and hearty po'boys that pay homage to Louisiana's vibrant flavors. The menu is a…
- 3901 Ryan St.
- (337) 474-6065
Southern Spice Restaurant & Grill in Lake Charles serves up homestyle Cajun and Southern cooking in a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere. They've been a local favorite since 1997, offering breakfast and lunch. Their menu features classics like chicken fried steak, grilled or…
- 500 E. McNeese St.
- (337) 477-9746
Mr. Bills Seafood Express has been a Lake Charles go-to destination for locals and visitors alike since opening its doors in 1991. Mr. Bills strives to serve the best crawfish, fried seafood and fried food in town. Their recipes are made with fresh ingredients as they pride…
- 345 Broad St
- (337) 602-6949
Buffi's Peauxboys brings the flavors of New Orleans to Lake Charles. Crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients, their menu offers a delicious selection to satisfy any craving. Buffi's signature Gourmet Peauxboys are a must-try, offering a unique twist on the classic New…
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 the Cajun and Creole page. For a step-by-step guide to cooking your gumbo check out our guide, starting with making the perfect roux. Happy dining!