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. The extensive menu boasts a hearty selection of grilled, boiled, or fried seafood. In addition to fish, crab, shrimp, and crawfish, the restaurant also offers hush…

  • 732 South Martin Luther King Hwy
  • (337) 494-1700

Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 10:30am - 9:00pm Friday-Saturday: 10:30am - 10:00pm Cajun/Creole, seafood. Serving lunch, dinner & late night. Boiled crawfish (hot & spicy), crabs, seafood dinners, crawfish and shrimp pistolettes, gumbo, etouffee, po-boys & stuffed potatoes. Fast…

  • 1600 W. McNeese St
  • (337) 474-6462

Nina P’s Cafe has been a staple in the community 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 dishes…

  • 1916 Belden Street
  • (337) 240-8266

Mama Reta's is a fan favorite of locals. They can't get enough of Mama Reta's 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 she pours…

  • 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 Hwy 14
  • (337) 494-0618

Leonard's Food Quarters opened its doors in 1986 and has remained a community staple for many years. The laid-back restaurant has a drive-up window and offers counter service. The restaurant's extensive menu has nods to the New Orleans French Quarter while leaning into the rich…

  • 1004 North Lakeshore Drive
  • 337-494-1070

Consistently one of the top restaurants in Southwest Louisiana, this iconic eatery has perfected the art of Cajun and seafood cuisine. In fact, during crawfish season, it's so popular, there are parking lot attendants to make sure everything moves smoothly. As you pull up, you…

  • 1737 West Sale Rd.
  • 337-477-9033

Serving Cajun comfort foods, it's your neighborhood location with foods to make you feel at home. Hamburgers, seafood, steaks and salads are served in a relaxed environment where you're treated like family.

  • 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) 508-4105

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…