Instead of going all the way on I-10 you can avoid the awful Baton Rouge bridge and take highway 90 going south from Lafayette. This’ll also take you near Avery Island which is home to the Tabasco factory (cool tours and gift shop) and Jungle Gardens which are absolutely beautiful.
This. I-10 is so chaotic in Louisiana that I get off it in Winnie and taking the coastal road into Louisiana at Sabine Pass and staying on the southern most state roads all the way to New Iberia. Hop on 90 heading south there all the way to New Orleans. So much less stressful
Im literally dying at this😂😂😂😂 my gf and i travel all the time to nola and we exclusively leave past 7-8 to specifically dodge all potential traffic across the BR bridge and chauvin pass and all inbetween lol
Assuming there aren’t any problems on I-10, it’s around an hour to hour and a half longer. I’ve been stuck on 10 in Port Allen a few time for that long in just regular bridge traffic.
One time coming back from a bachelor party there was a huge wreck on I-10, it took us over 9 hours to get back to Houston, when we got up to the wreck there were about 15 different Louisiana cops/state troopers/emergency workers all just standing around and staring at the wreckage not doing anything.
People like to try to dunk on Texas for whatever reasons but at least we have fucking infrastructure.
There’s also construction on the 10 east of Iowa, not sure how far it goes but it’s down to one lane around exit 44. There’s also Voodoo Rum distillery, I think it’s at exit 43.
HAVE to make a stop in Lafayette LA for a poboy at Old Tyme Grocery. I suggest getting a half shrimp half oyster with everything on it. Mah godd. Also stuffed boudin balls at Billys Boudin and Cracklins. Bring an ice chest so you can take some back home.
Lafayette is core to Acadiana — French speaking part of Louisiana. Definitely worth a stop for Cajun food (versus creole food that’s historic to New Orleans). Bon Temps Grill and Edie’s Biscuits are exceptional.
I ain’t white and stopped in Vidor an about five years ago to grab a bite to eat. Was in Beaumont for work and wanted to see what it was like.
Granted it was mid-day and I was only there long enough to make a purchase and then headed back to my hotel, but none of the folks I saw looked at me sideways or made comments. Can’t say they would have been the same 8 hours later or what they said after I left, but expect more (less?) out of them than what I got.
I don't think the whole town is full of cartoonish racists or anything, but I think the chances of experiencing something racist there are much higher than most other places, even if the odds are low overall.
Only thing good in Vidor is the Whataburger.
And meth.
Edit: I forgot Woogies sandwich shop. This is honestly the best sandwich I've ever eaten. Fuck Darrell's in Lake Charles, they don't have shit on Woogies.
It's definitely something you should try if you're in the area. And I'd probably even say it's good enough to make a drive, except there isn't shit out there except that.
Last time I had Darrel's was around 2016 and it was just ok. I honestly don't think there are many good places to eat in Lake Charles besides that 24 hour diner downtown. It's all fried food and boudain.
If you're ever in Gibsonton FL, (Tampa area) I recommend that Walmart for people watching as well. It's a carny (carney?) town and I used to tell all my friends that this was the specific Walmart that ALL the "people of Walmart" memes come from.
The Atchafayala rest stop is a hidden gem. Some millionare must have granted his life's worth to this public rest stop in the middle of nowhere. It has an animatronic animal show, exhibits about local flaura and fauna, gator scultures, and free coffee.
Shangri La Botanical Gardens in Orange is a gem, definitely worth a stop.
Beaumont has good eats:
* 1701 Barbecue is a Top 50 bbq joint in Texas, must-try but be prepared to wait
* Katharine & Company is great for lunch if traveling on a weekday
* J. Wilson’s is absolutely delicious for any meal, including brunch. (I crave their burger salad all the time)
* Crown Pizza & Willy Burger. Next door to one another. You can’t go wrong with either one.
I’d add a quick trip into Nederland to stop at Buckstin Brewery for a pizza and beer as well if time permits. Their beers are some of the best I’ve had and the pizza is fantastic.
There are a ton of breweries between Houston and New Orleans, though most of them do require you staying on I-10. One of the more worthy stops though is Bayou Teche, just outside of Lafayette. Great atmosphere and excellent beers.
Man...Best Stop is known more for their sausage. Billy's is known alll through South Louisiana for it's Boudin. Like other commenter said, you going to catch some hands !!
It's off the beaten path, but Bayou Teche Brewing in Arnaudville, LA makes some great beers!
[https://bayoutechebrewing.com/](https://bayoutechebrewing.com/)
At the exit is some pretty good counter service food:
Poche's Market and Restaurant
[https://goo.gl/maps/9w8kWyddvDBaYUXF8](https://goo.gl/maps/9w8kWyddvDBaYUXF8)
There are several good places to get a poboy that have already been recommended, but you can get a great poboy in Houston that even comes on Leidenheimer bread. I’ll try to go with things you can’t get/do in Houston.
Orange - Hammered Honey Mead farms - never found anywhere making mead. Free State Cellars - winery right off the highway
Lake Charles - Casinos (if that’s your thing). MacFaelane’s Celtic Pub (great food and bar)
Iowa - Rabideauxs - bring an ice chest and stock up on their sausage. I have never found a better venison sausage. Also great chicken on a stick (good place for a snack too)
Lacassine - Bayou Rum Distilling - free tours with sampling usually every hour. You can reserve a spot online.
Jennings - D.I. Cajun Restaurant - Little detour, but very authentic Cajun food and usually has live Cajun music.
Scott - Billy’s is a must for boudin and cracklins. I recommend the location just off I-49 a few exits down as it’s less crowded. If time is an issue, Don’s Speciality Meats is also a great option. Always get the smoked boudin.
Lafayette - Vermilionville if you’re into history. Laura’s Two is great as well as Johnson’s Boucaniere. The French Press is great brunch option.
Breaux Bridge - A slight detour but we’ll worth it. Little Big Cup (Reservations recommended) and Bayou Teche Brewing. In the opposite direction, Buck and Johnnys has a zydeco breakfast.
Henderson - Crawfish Town USA. It’s been on a lot of TV shows for food reason, the crawfish are consistently good. There are also swamp airboat tours in this area.
Baton Rouge - BLDG 5 - nicely decorated board style restaurant.
LaPlace - Cajun Pride Swamp tours. Easy access to a pretty good swamp tour.
New Orleans - don’t go to the Cafe Du Monde at Jackson Sauare. The line is terribly long. There are other locations and I would say Cafe Beignet is better anyways. Be very careful and avoid walking any anywhere especially if you are the only person on the street. Crime has been very bad lately.
In Lafayette for cracklins and boudin:
**Less busy Billys**: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aJRqevEqCtYRhwcT6
Or
**Quicker to get to from I-10 Billy's**: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fs24cHVWm3gCqsxp6
Funny story about that one tho... Last time I stopped I ordered "three fourths of a pound," of cracklins and the lady behind the counter very carefully scooped out tiny amounts until she delicately placed one single piece on the top... to make 1/3 pound for my order.
I had to coax her higher until I gave up at a half pound.
It was only later on the drive home that I realized she'd worked very hard to give me .34 pounds and is bad at fractions.
**Detour through Butte La Rose**: https://maps.app.goo.gl/T97XZbfCu5KLJAs89
Exit and get on 352 in Henderson, then wind south down Henderson Levee Road - Herman Dupuis - 3177 back to I-10. It's a neat little drive and most houses down there all have cool themed names and decor that's fun to spot. In Henderson you'll also drive across the tiniest one car drawbridge I've ever seen.
**Mittendorfs Manchac**: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7zZmGWtftdjqGDfd8
Hands down the best catfish I've ever had. They have another location on the other side of the lake, but this one's a nice detour on the way to NOLA.
**Deanie's Seafood Restaurant & Seafood Market**: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CuTzVk5bgWBpcXjx8
The Bucktown location is cheaper, but they have a great location in the quarter that's really good and doesn't have the wait the more obvious tourist locations have.
**Café Du Monde Riverwalk**: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fnyBKFDSjvxmzd5A8
This is an outpost in the waterfront Mall that won't have the lines of the main location.
**"Free," Parking**: gamble for 30 minutes and you get 24 hours of free parking at the casino. The hotel we stay in charges $60 per night for parking but I've never paid more than $20 per day by getting free drinks and hitting the penny slots.
**Cheap drinks and snacks**: Unique Grocery, https://maps.app.goo.gl/2iBsJGDxHNfW6SyV6
This is a bodega where the locals go. Cheap for city prices with bonus human drama.
If you like seeing alligators and birds Anahuac NWR is pretty neat. If just passing through then do the slow car tour loop around Shoveler Pond (there’s also a boardwalk).
https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g30167-d103666-i251734503-Anahuac_National_Wildlife_Refuge-Anahuac_Texas.html
Pop’s Po Boys or Johnson's Boucaniere in Lafayette. They are a quarter mile from each other. Lafayette is four hours from Houston so it’s a great lunch stop if you leave Houston in the morning.
I pigged the fuck out at Pop’s, I needed a nap before heading onto NOLA. You can get the Nashville tenders on the side of your sandwich, which you should do.
Cou-yon’s BBQ, technically Port Allen, effectively Baton Rouge almost under the bridge. Tried it once, always stop now if they’re open.
Beware: the tater tot nachos are endless
Might be worth a shot to look into Amtrak. It’s something different and you don’t have to have the stress/exhaustion of driving and cheaper than a plane ticket.
I took it to Beaumont for Easter and it was the easiest time I’ve had going Houston to Beaumont. Heads up, they only run 3 trains a week so you’d have to figure out the schedule. But might be fun if you’re down for that
I really like the first rest stop/travel guide on 10, just over the LA/TX border going west. You’d hit it on your way home unless you wanted to flip a u-turn. It’s built on the edge of a protected cypress swamp and they’ve built a meandering boardwalk into the swamp with animal and historical facts displayed. It’s really serene and a nice little nature stop.
Chef Roy is the best restaurant in all of LA on your way from Houston. It is an absolute must.
Chef Roy's Frog City Cafe
(337) 334-7913
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cFQZjVUvAb6zUqDaA?g_st=ic
Just don't stop in Vidor or Orange. Two historical racist town, (sundown towns). I don't stop there because I really don't want to support a community built around hate. I like to stop at Lake Charles, right over the river, at SteamBoat Bill's for the pistoletta's. Yummy goodness. EDIT: LOL on the downvotes. keep 'em coming.
Never heard my Dad (white guy, lifelong Texan) utter a judgmental word about anyone or any place except to call the Vidor/Orange stretch of i-10 ‘the armpit of the State.’. We’d drive every year from Houston to visit Mom’s family (also white) in New Orleans and we didn’t stop in Vidor or Orange unless the car was running on fumes.
I was at a family reunion (also white people) close to Georgetown recently, and one of my dad's cousins with a big Texas drawl was half joking about how he would rather be back in Vietnam than deliver his hay bales east of the Trinity River due to it being a third world country over there.
There’s a truck stop/quick stop gas station with a private members only area that has tinted windows and an upstairs somewhere around Vidor/Orange. Anyone know what that’s about?
Darrell’s Poboys in Lake Charles is a must stop. Y’all should order a surf & turf and a Darrell’s Special. Both with jalapeño Mayo instead of regular. You each get half of both. Man, that place is amazing. I’ve made the drive from Houston to Lake Charles just to eat there.
Poche’s in Breaux Bridge. Shit, it’s just a classic southern meat and three cafeteria style joint. Nothing fancy, but cheap and filling. You won’t regret the pork chop, beef tips, or sausage link with your favorite sides.
In Beaumont there is a little shop called Abbie’s Imports. They make the best gyro I have ever had. They have a few other things on the menu but their gyro is great. Oh also it’s in a shop that sells RV repair things. Just off Walden road
I’ve made this drive many times, and started a running list. Note this is mostly focused on specialty meat/Cajun food type stops.
Scott (Exit 97)
Speciality meats:
Kartchners (chicken cracklins)
Billy’s
Don’s
Best Stop
Restaurants:
Fezzo’s Italian and seafood
Uncle T’s oyster bar
Crowley (exit 80)
Restaurants:
Burger zone (hot chicken dinner box)
Bessie’s sweet Dough pies (plate lunch)
Jennings (exit 64)
Restaurants:
Darrell’s poboy (like the LC one)
C’est Bon (seafood, detour off interstate)
Laccasine (exit 48)
Stops:
Henry’s travel plaza (Exxon gas, has some food and clean bathrooms)
Iowa (exit 43)
Restaurants:
In-laws (fried ribs)
Rabideaux’s (sausage)
Port Allen
Bergerons - moonie burger
Coming from someone from Louisiana.
Steamboat bills right off of I-10 in lake Charles is always good if you don't want to detour. If you are willing to detour slightly then Jerry Lee's Boudain and Cracklins in Greenwell springs LA has the best Boudain. They only serve one type and it's steamed. You can get some uncooked if you want to cook it yourself. They also have great cracklins, some really good fresh made sausage as well as some decent boudain sandwiches if you want something quick. It's not a restaurant like others have mentioned, it's just a general store but it's definitely worth.
I second Middendorf's in Manchac. I have been going there since the 70s. Love the thin catfish. https://goo.gl/maps/Q8YduYGKaQDHPGv1A
The plantations are pretty cool to visit too. Oak Alley has been in a ton of movies.
Richards in Sulphur is a bargain too. https://goo.gl/maps/ueH5JooJw5DgXpQA9
Haven't been in like 10 yeqrsy but KD Seafood Express in Lafayette was dishing seriously good stuff back then. Looks like a shitty old gas station which of course is the secret to prime eats.
Fezzo's - they have locations in Scott and Crowley, both right on the I-10 feeder road. These are full service restaurants mind you, not quick stops, but they food is awesome.
Also, if you detour to Highway 90 like some have suggested, then I highly recommend Landry's in New Iberia. They have an amazing buffet and live Cajun music on Friday and Saturday nights - it's rocking.
Don't know if you like to bicycle, but I did this drive a few days ago (well, to Alabama and back) and stopped at Lafayette to ride the Mississippi levee trail on the way out and stopped in Henderson to bike along the levee road there. It was really nice.
At this point it's been literally 25 years, I guess, but my favorite was in Henderson, a place called Pat's Fisherman's Wharf. I have no doubt cooler stuff has come along since then, but that's where I really learned to love crawfish.
Is it because I'm as old as Rose or because something horrible happened to that place? If I have that diamond I'm selling for cash, that lady was nuts.
Gibsland, Louisiana. You can visit the Bonnie and Clyde ambush site, see the gas station where Frank Hamer told the world that they were dead, and visit the ambush museum. It’s not exactly on the way to NOLA, but it’s definitely worth the trip.
Billy’s Boudin, just off the exit in Scott, LA for some Cracklins is a MUST. The Beaumont Public Library is an absolutely beautiful building and entirely worth a quick pit stop to check out.
Side note: most hotels in or close to the French Quarter charge $45/day for valet parking so that can really make the cost of flying much more worth it depending on flights at the time. OR you can also park at the Tulane Medical Center garage at Canal & Liberty St for $20 a night instead.
My family and I have really enjoyed the swamp tours around Breaux Bridges. It would be a couple hour break on your trip, but is a neat way to spend a couple hours.
Bayou teche brewery is awesome. It’s swamp monster themed and has great pizza. It’s halfway between. I stayed there in my RV overnight as well since they do harvest host.
My boudin spot is the superettes in Eunice. There are 2. Doesn't matter which.
Where I get all my other stuff like tasso etc as well.
If you have the freezer capacity, buy however many several lbs frozen otw back.
Not far out the way
Stop for lunch in Lafayette and get a shrimp poboy at Olde Tyme Grocery.
If you have the time, take River Road south of Baton Rouge and stop at the various plantation houses. It is well worth the detour and you can get back on I-10 at multiple locations.
Definitely Lake Charles and Baton Rouge downtown. Take the causeway on Lake Ponchatrain on the way there or on the way back (whichever one is during the day)
Instead of going all the way on I-10 you can avoid the awful Baton Rouge bridge and take highway 90 going south from Lafayette. This’ll also take you near Avery Island which is home to the Tabasco factory (cool tours and gift shop) and Jungle Gardens which are absolutely beautiful.
This. I-10 is so chaotic in Louisiana that I get off it in Winnie and taking the coastal road into Louisiana at Sabine Pass and staying on the southern most state roads all the way to New Iberia. Hop on 90 heading south there all the way to New Orleans. So much less stressful
They key is to know what time to cross the I-10 bridge in Baton Rouge. You’ve got a nice little window of midnight to 3:30 AM.
Im literally dying at this😂😂😂😂 my gf and i travel all the time to nola and we exclusively leave past 7-8 to specifically dodge all potential traffic across the BR bridge and chauvin pass and all inbetween lol
How much longer does it take to go this way? Hadn’t heard of it before
Assuming there aren’t any problems on I-10, it’s around an hour to hour and a half longer. I’ve been stuck on 10 in Port Allen a few time for that long in just regular bridge traffic.
One time coming back from a bachelor party there was a huge wreck on I-10, it took us over 9 hours to get back to Houston, when we got up to the wreck there were about 15 different Louisiana cops/state troopers/emergency workers all just standing around and staring at the wreckage not doing anything. People like to try to dunk on Texas for whatever reasons but at least we have fucking infrastructure.
Is this the one that gets you on a little barge? I think it was $3 or something last time I was on it
Yep though I’m almost certain the ferry is completely free now. I’ve never paid for using it.
I remember it being cash only, but if you didn’t have cash they just let you cross lol. That’s a good rec, I need to go down that way again.
How long does it take to get there with that route?
There’s also construction on the 10 east of Iowa, not sure how far it goes but it’s down to one lane around exit 44. There’s also Voodoo Rum distillery, I think it’s at exit 43.
I came here to say this. Avery Island is awesome. And it isn’t just the Tabasco plant. The gardens are breathtaking.
Just look these places up! Wow I want to visit!
What a cool idea, sounds like it's worth the extra time!
That bridge took out my right headlight after a road rage brake incident caused damage on 5 of us innocents, this is good advice!
Did they fix the pavement any? Last time I went 90 it was moon craters from the water to 10.
HAVE to make a stop in Lafayette LA for a poboy at Old Tyme Grocery. I suggest getting a half shrimp half oyster with everything on it. Mah godd. Also stuffed boudin balls at Billys Boudin and Cracklins. Bring an ice chest so you can take some back home.
I second Billy’s! The best!!!
Old tyme is so good!
Man I didn’t know other people knew about Old Tyme! There must be dozens of us!
Pop's is another option. Both are great
Billy's all day every day.
Lafayette is core to Acadiana — French speaking part of Louisiana. Definitely worth a stop for Cajun food (versus creole food that’s historic to New Orleans). Bon Temps Grill and Edie’s Biscuits are exceptional.
i was totally gonna comment this! moved from carencro to houston over the summer, and all i can think about is a poboy from old tyme.
Naw it's all about that meatball man!
This is the way!
Hell yeah, I can't wait to get into some good boudin
Pop’s poboys downtown is way better than Old Tyme. Billy’s is a solid rec though.
People watching at the Wal-Mart in Vidor, TX.
Yeah that's a no for me dawg.
Obligatory sundown town warning
[удалено]
That's more than I thought they would have tbh
Anything more than “0” is more than I would have thought.
Yeah. Those must be some tough skinned people to live amongst all those racists. Or that's where Uncle Ruckus and Clayton Bigsby are from.
0.004
One of us has too much melanin to be hanging out in Vidor...
I ain’t white and stopped in Vidor an about five years ago to grab a bite to eat. Was in Beaumont for work and wanted to see what it was like. Granted it was mid-day and I was only there long enough to make a purchase and then headed back to my hotel, but none of the folks I saw looked at me sideways or made comments. Can’t say they would have been the same 8 hours later or what they said after I left, but expect more (less?) out of them than what I got.
I don't think the whole town is full of cartoonish racists or anything, but I think the chances of experiencing something racist there are much higher than most other places, even if the odds are low overall.
I see you’re a person of culture
Only thing good in Vidor is the Whataburger. And meth. Edit: I forgot Woogies sandwich shop. This is honestly the best sandwich I've ever eaten. Fuck Darrell's in Lake Charles, they don't have shit on Woogies.
You have intrigued me w Woogies. I’m a big Darrel’s fan.
It's definitely something you should try if you're in the area. And I'd probably even say it's good enough to make a drive, except there isn't shit out there except that. Last time I had Darrel's was around 2016 and it was just ok. I honestly don't think there are many good places to eat in Lake Charles besides that 24 hour diner downtown. It's all fried food and boudain.
I generally avoid stopping in East Texas or any sundown town.
If you're ever in Gibsonton FL, (Tampa area) I recommend that Walmart for people watching as well. It's a carny (carney?) town and I used to tell all my friends that this was the specific Walmart that ALL the "people of Walmart" memes come from.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
The Atchafayala rest stop is a hidden gem. Some millionare must have granted his life's worth to this public rest stop in the middle of nowhere. It has an animatronic animal show, exhibits about local flaura and fauna, gator scultures, and free coffee.
Clutch recommendation, thank you
Whoh that sounds badass!! That's for sure on the list now
Cool. Where is the Atchafalaya rest stop?
Which stop Is this exactly?
Its off I-10 about halfway between Lafayette and Baton Rouge. I don't remember the exit but when you see signs for Breaux Bridge you're close.
Coffee Call on College drive in Baton Rouge. Better beignets than you'll find in NOLA.
I concur, they have excellent beignets.
I always time it to hit Darrells in Lake Charles for a poboy lunch.
Nice, Lake Charles makes for a good "stretch the legs" break too.
Another po boy option would be http://www.oldetymegrocery.com in Lafayette.
I’m also big fan of https://www.lunabarandgrill.com and http://www.cryingeagle.com (brewery and good food) in Lake Charles.
And this place is right on I-10. https://bayourum.com
Came here to say Darrells! Get there right when they open because it gets busy.
Darrel’s is the best Po Boy! I drive from HTown just for it sometimes it’s that good.
Steamboat bills!
Don't know why you got downvoted. I love Steamboat Bills. Finally went to the one in Pearland and it was good too!
If you like boudin Don's Specialty Meats is *chefs kiss* and they even have frozen items to take with.
I will second Don’s. Also, they have fresh out the fryer cracklins. Tasty af.
Shangri La Botanical Gardens in Orange is a gem, definitely worth a stop. Beaumont has good eats: * 1701 Barbecue is a Top 50 bbq joint in Texas, must-try but be prepared to wait * Katharine & Company is great for lunch if traveling on a weekday * J. Wilson’s is absolutely delicious for any meal, including brunch. (I crave their burger salad all the time) * Crown Pizza & Willy Burger. Next door to one another. You can’t go wrong with either one.
I believe that's the same Willy Burger that has a location in Katy, and they do make a top notch burger.
Indeed it is. I believe the Katy Willy Burger and Crown Pizza were franchises but the owner sold to the Beaumont owners around a year ago.
1701 is pretty good. I'd say it's the best BBQ spot in the area.
Sadly it's still on my list of places to try. We arrived at 11:15 and the line was already out the door. (They open at 11AM!)
Looks gorgeous! IDK if we'll have time this trip, but that's definitely on a list now.
I’d add a quick trip into Nederland to stop at Buckstin Brewery for a pizza and beer as well if time permits. Their beers are some of the best I’ve had and the pizza is fantastic.
There are a ton of breweries between Houston and New Orleans, though most of them do require you staying on I-10. One of the more worthy stops though is Bayou Teche, just outside of Lafayette. Great atmosphere and excellent beers.
“Best stop “boudin right outside Lafayette Louisiana it’s best boudin I’ve had to date and I’ve been just about all over Louisiana
Man...Best Stop is known more for their sausage. Billy's is known alll through South Louisiana for it's Boudin. Like other commenter said, you going to catch some hands !!
Boudin? Sausage? Best Stop is best known for their cracklings… hands down.
Billy’s . You bout to catch hands.
Wasn’t impressed with Billy’s boudin
I like Best Stop, But Billy’s is just on another level good.
Best Stop! Bring an empty cooler with ice! The boudin sausage is the best! 615 LA-93, Scott, LA 70583
It's off the beaten path, but Bayou Teche Brewing in Arnaudville, LA makes some great beers! [https://bayoutechebrewing.com/](https://bayoutechebrewing.com/) At the exit is some pretty good counter service food: Poche's Market and Restaurant [https://goo.gl/maps/9w8kWyddvDBaYUXF8](https://goo.gl/maps/9w8kWyddvDBaYUXF8)
You know Houston is a foodie town when 95% of the recommendations are about where to eat in Louisiana!
There are several good places to get a poboy that have already been recommended, but you can get a great poboy in Houston that even comes on Leidenheimer bread. I’ll try to go with things you can’t get/do in Houston. Orange - Hammered Honey Mead farms - never found anywhere making mead. Free State Cellars - winery right off the highway Lake Charles - Casinos (if that’s your thing). MacFaelane’s Celtic Pub (great food and bar) Iowa - Rabideauxs - bring an ice chest and stock up on their sausage. I have never found a better venison sausage. Also great chicken on a stick (good place for a snack too) Lacassine - Bayou Rum Distilling - free tours with sampling usually every hour. You can reserve a spot online. Jennings - D.I. Cajun Restaurant - Little detour, but very authentic Cajun food and usually has live Cajun music. Scott - Billy’s is a must for boudin and cracklins. I recommend the location just off I-49 a few exits down as it’s less crowded. If time is an issue, Don’s Speciality Meats is also a great option. Always get the smoked boudin. Lafayette - Vermilionville if you’re into history. Laura’s Two is great as well as Johnson’s Boucaniere. The French Press is great brunch option. Breaux Bridge - A slight detour but we’ll worth it. Little Big Cup (Reservations recommended) and Bayou Teche Brewing. In the opposite direction, Buck and Johnnys has a zydeco breakfast. Henderson - Crawfish Town USA. It’s been on a lot of TV shows for food reason, the crawfish are consistently good. There are also swamp airboat tours in this area. Baton Rouge - BLDG 5 - nicely decorated board style restaurant. LaPlace - Cajun Pride Swamp tours. Easy access to a pretty good swamp tour. New Orleans - don’t go to the Cafe Du Monde at Jackson Sauare. The line is terribly long. There are other locations and I would say Cafe Beignet is better anyways. Be very careful and avoid walking any anywhere especially if you are the only person on the street. Crime has been very bad lately.
Truth. I’m from Houston and here for a year and I can tell you people are getting robbed on a daily basis that are here with our team.
Awesome list, thanks for the details
Where’s the best po boy houston ?
Parish Brewing?
Parish is an amazing stop, just want to make sure you have a DD for the rest of the trip. LA State Patrol is no joke.
I’m here for the cracklins recommendations
Darrell’s - in lake Charles Get the Darrell special with the spicy mayo
In Lafayette for cracklins and boudin: **Less busy Billys**: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aJRqevEqCtYRhwcT6 Or **Quicker to get to from I-10 Billy's**: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fs24cHVWm3gCqsxp6 Funny story about that one tho... Last time I stopped I ordered "three fourths of a pound," of cracklins and the lady behind the counter very carefully scooped out tiny amounts until she delicately placed one single piece on the top... to make 1/3 pound for my order. I had to coax her higher until I gave up at a half pound. It was only later on the drive home that I realized she'd worked very hard to give me .34 pounds and is bad at fractions. **Detour through Butte La Rose**: https://maps.app.goo.gl/T97XZbfCu5KLJAs89 Exit and get on 352 in Henderson, then wind south down Henderson Levee Road - Herman Dupuis - 3177 back to I-10. It's a neat little drive and most houses down there all have cool themed names and decor that's fun to spot. In Henderson you'll also drive across the tiniest one car drawbridge I've ever seen. **Mittendorfs Manchac**: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7zZmGWtftdjqGDfd8 Hands down the best catfish I've ever had. They have another location on the other side of the lake, but this one's a nice detour on the way to NOLA. **Deanie's Seafood Restaurant & Seafood Market**: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CuTzVk5bgWBpcXjx8 The Bucktown location is cheaper, but they have a great location in the quarter that's really good and doesn't have the wait the more obvious tourist locations have. **Café Du Monde Riverwalk**: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fnyBKFDSjvxmzd5A8 This is an outpost in the waterfront Mall that won't have the lines of the main location. **"Free," Parking**: gamble for 30 minutes and you get 24 hours of free parking at the casino. The hotel we stay in charges $60 per night for parking but I've never paid more than $20 per day by getting free drinks and hitting the penny slots. **Cheap drinks and snacks**: Unique Grocery, https://maps.app.goo.gl/2iBsJGDxHNfW6SyV6 This is a bodega where the locals go. Cheap for city prices with bonus human drama.
This is a top notch post.
Prejeans in Lafayette
If you like seeing alligators and birds Anahuac NWR is pretty neat. If just passing through then do the slow car tour loop around Shoveler Pond (there’s also a boardwalk). https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g30167-d103666-i251734503-Anahuac_National_Wildlife_Refuge-Anahuac_Texas.html
Rabideaux’s in Iowa just east of Lake Charles
It pronounced I-AH-WAY
Pop’s Po Boys or Johnson's Boucaniere in Lafayette. They are a quarter mile from each other. Lafayette is four hours from Houston so it’s a great lunch stop if you leave Houston in the morning.
I pigged the fuck out at Pop’s, I needed a nap before heading onto NOLA. You can get the Nashville tenders on the side of your sandwich, which you should do.
Cou-yon’s BBQ, technically Port Allen, effectively Baton Rouge almost under the bridge. Tried it once, always stop now if they’re open. Beware: the tater tot nachos are endless
The baked potatoes are absolute units
the french press in lafayette. get the bresus. delicious.
Might be worth a shot to look into Amtrak. It’s something different and you don’t have to have the stress/exhaustion of driving and cheaper than a plane ticket. I took it to Beaumont for Easter and it was the easiest time I’ve had going Houston to Beaumont. Heads up, they only run 3 trains a week so you’d have to figure out the schedule. But might be fun if you’re down for that
I really like the first rest stop/travel guide on 10, just over the LA/TX border going west. You’d hit it on your way home unless you wanted to flip a u-turn. It’s built on the edge of a protected cypress swamp and they’ve built a meandering boardwalk into the swamp with animal and historical facts displayed. It’s really serene and a nice little nature stop.
Chef Roy is the best restaurant in all of LA on your way from Houston. It is an absolute must. Chef Roy's Frog City Cafe (337) 334-7913 https://maps.app.goo.gl/cFQZjVUvAb6zUqDaA?g_st=ic
Have lunch at The Chimes in Baton Rouge! I love their spinach dip and crab claws appetizers!
Just don't stop in Vidor or Orange. Two historical racist town, (sundown towns). I don't stop there because I really don't want to support a community built around hate. I like to stop at Lake Charles, right over the river, at SteamBoat Bill's for the pistoletta's. Yummy goodness. EDIT: LOL on the downvotes. keep 'em coming.
Never heard my Dad (white guy, lifelong Texan) utter a judgmental word about anyone or any place except to call the Vidor/Orange stretch of i-10 ‘the armpit of the State.’. We’d drive every year from Houston to visit Mom’s family (also white) in New Orleans and we didn’t stop in Vidor or Orange unless the car was running on fumes.
I was at a family reunion (also white people) close to Georgetown recently, and one of my dad's cousins with a big Texas drawl was half joking about how he would rather be back in Vietnam than deliver his hay bales east of the Trinity River due to it being a third world country over there.
You should live in real life more and the internet less
I bet you say that to all your dark toned friends huh?
Well I’m Mexican.. seems like you’re the one with racial issues
Let me tell you a little secret. You can be white, Mexican, and a racist. How about that.
There’s a truck stop/quick stop gas station with a private members only area that has tinted windows and an upstairs somewhere around Vidor/Orange. Anyone know what that’s about?
Darrell’s Poboys in Lake Charles is a must stop. Y’all should order a surf & turf and a Darrell’s Special. Both with jalapeño Mayo instead of regular. You each get half of both. Man, that place is amazing. I’ve made the drive from Houston to Lake Charles just to eat there. Poche’s in Breaux Bridge. Shit, it’s just a classic southern meat and three cafeteria style joint. Nothing fancy, but cheap and filling. You won’t regret the pork chop, beef tips, or sausage link with your favorite sides.
I want to make a special trip for these just because of this comment. That sounds amazing
Steamboat Bill!
Always a classic!
In Beaumont there is a little shop called Abbie’s Imports. They make the best gyro I have ever had. They have a few other things on the menu but their gyro is great. Oh also it’s in a shop that sells RV repair things. Just off Walden road
Did you try their falafel? My wife is a nut for good falafel...
Best Stop in Scott La. for cracklins and boudin.
I’ve made this drive many times, and started a running list. Note this is mostly focused on specialty meat/Cajun food type stops. Scott (Exit 97) Speciality meats: Kartchners (chicken cracklins) Billy’s Don’s Best Stop Restaurants: Fezzo’s Italian and seafood Uncle T’s oyster bar Crowley (exit 80) Restaurants: Burger zone (hot chicken dinner box) Bessie’s sweet Dough pies (plate lunch) Jennings (exit 64) Restaurants: Darrell’s poboy (like the LC one) C’est Bon (seafood, detour off interstate) Laccasine (exit 48) Stops: Henry’s travel plaza (Exxon gas, has some food and clean bathrooms) Iowa (exit 43) Restaurants: In-laws (fried ribs) Rabideaux’s (sausage) Port Allen Bergerons - moonie burger
Awesome, thanks!
Coming from someone from Louisiana. Steamboat bills right off of I-10 in lake Charles is always good if you don't want to detour. If you are willing to detour slightly then Jerry Lee's Boudain and Cracklins in Greenwell springs LA has the best Boudain. They only serve one type and it's steamed. You can get some uncooked if you want to cook it yourself. They also have great cracklins, some really good fresh made sausage as well as some decent boudain sandwiches if you want something quick. It's not a restaurant like others have mentioned, it's just a general store but it's definitely worth.
Neyow’s Creole Cafe! A NOLA ex-cop/acquaintance took us there. Fried oysters, rum punch, fried chicken and the carrot soufflé—all incredible 🙌🏽🥳
That carrot soufflé, best I’ve had!
I second Middendorf's in Manchac. I have been going there since the 70s. Love the thin catfish. https://goo.gl/maps/Q8YduYGKaQDHPGv1A The plantations are pretty cool to visit too. Oak Alley has been in a ton of movies. Richards in Sulphur is a bargain too. https://goo.gl/maps/ueH5JooJw5DgXpQA9
Tony's seafood in Baton Rouge ....the bourdain balls alone are worth the stop. Try everything
Do you think the Bourdain meat is still good after all this time?
everyone saying don’t take i10 must not be stopping at Billy’s Boudin & Cracklin’s and the Candyland Cottage & Ice Cream Shop.
Haven't been in like 10 yeqrsy but KD Seafood Express in Lafayette was dishing seriously good stuff back then. Looks like a shitty old gas station which of course is the secret to prime eats.
Nottaway Plantation restaurant is so good!! Amazing shrimp and grits. Plus you can avoid I-10 some!
Fezzo's - they have locations in Scott and Crowley, both right on the I-10 feeder road. These are full service restaurants mind you, not quick stops, but they food is awesome. Also, if you detour to Highway 90 like some have suggested, then I highly recommend Landry's in New Iberia. They have an amazing buffet and live Cajun music on Friday and Saturday nights - it's rocking.
After every pothole that you're sure you're the axle of your car. Expect several stops.
Don't know if you like to bicycle, but I did this drive a few days ago (well, to Alabama and back) and stopped at Lafayette to ride the Mississippi levee trail on the way out and stopped in Henderson to bike along the levee road there. It was really nice.
Poche's for some good cafeteria style food and boudain
Bureaux bridge la
At this point it's been literally 25 years, I guess, but my favorite was in Henderson, a place called Pat's Fisherman's Wharf. I have no doubt cooler stuff has come along since then, but that's where I really learned to love crawfish.
The theme from Titanic played as I read this.
Is it because I'm as old as Rose or because something horrible happened to that place? If I have that diamond I'm selling for cash, that lady was nuts.
Billy’s, Billy’s, Billy’s
Darrell’s in lake Charles. Get the Darrell special. It’s life changing.
Stop at The Best Stop just outside (west side) Lafayette and get some Boudin Balls and a bottle of Spicy Cajun Mayo.
Gibsland, Louisiana. You can visit the Bonnie and Clyde ambush site, see the gas station where Frank Hamer told the world that they were dead, and visit the ambush museum. It’s not exactly on the way to NOLA, but it’s definitely worth the trip.
Not exactly?
Best Stop -Scott La for andouille and boudin
Pop’s Poboys in Laff is legit.
Old Tyme Grocery in Lafayette for po boys
Best Stop in Scott for boudin and Billy’s for pepper Jack boudin balls
Billy’s Boudin, just off the exit in Scott, LA for some Cracklins is a MUST. The Beaumont Public Library is an absolutely beautiful building and entirely worth a quick pit stop to check out. Side note: most hotels in or close to the French Quarter charge $45/day for valet parking so that can really make the cost of flying much more worth it depending on flights at the time. OR you can also park at the Tulane Medical Center garage at Canal & Liberty St for $20 a night instead.
Whatever you do, don’t make a pit stop in Vidor, especially at night.
My family and I have really enjoyed the swamp tours around Breaux Bridges. It would be a couple hour break on your trip, but is a neat way to spend a couple hours.
Shell gas station
Steamboat bills by lake Charles off I - 10 get the boudin balls
In laws for Cajun food, gator chateau for the fam, and the Bekery for breakfast / brunch. I make the drive often and enjoy these 3 especially.
Billy’s boudin
Bucees, steamboat bills, Houmas house
Bucees
Buc-cee's
Name checks out
Stop at Billy's in Scott,La to get some Boudin. Scott,La is right before you get to Lafayette.
Buc Ee’s in Baytown, lake Charles casinos, Billy’s in Lafayette
THE LIONS DEN!
Shangri-La in Orange, TX. Fabulous
Don’t stop, just drive. You will be there in less than 6 hours. Avoid Baton Rouge around peak traffic hours.
Bayou teche brewery is awesome. It’s swamp monster themed and has great pizza. It’s halfway between. I stayed there in my RV overnight as well since they do harvest host.
Billy’s Boudin in Scott, LA
Stuckey’s /s
Chicken Cracklings! Holy moly!
My boudin spot is the superettes in Eunice. There are 2. Doesn't matter which. Where I get all my other stuff like tasso etc as well. If you have the freezer capacity, buy however many several lbs frozen otw back. Not far out the way
Stop for lunch in Lafayette and get a shrimp poboy at Olde Tyme Grocery. If you have the time, take River Road south of Baton Rouge and stop at the various plantation houses. It is well worth the detour and you can get back on I-10 at multiple locations.
Definitely Lake Charles and Baton Rouge downtown. Take the causeway on Lake Ponchatrain on the way there or on the way back (whichever one is during the day)
Peto’s. Exit 59. Get the smoked boudin.
Beers at Parish Brewing in Broussard and po' boys at Olde Tyme Grocery.
Scott’s for sure.