Whenever a cool snap hits in Southwest Louisiana, everyone knows it's gumbo weather. Of course, no one makes gumbo as good as "ya mama and them" 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 (preferably home made) 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…

  • 217 W. College
  • (337) 477-8207

Mazen's in Lake Charles is a culinary sanctuary where Mediterranean flavors enchant the senses. With each dish, savor the artistry of Lebanese cuisine, from vibrant mezze platters to succulent kebabs. The ambiance is a fusion of elegance and warmth, inviting you to immerse…

  • 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…