6 Louisiana dining treats in Lake Charles

Dining in Lake Charles, Louisiana is a crossroads of Cajun, Creole and Texas flavors. From fine dining to local favorites, your taste buds will go on a culinary adventure without going far.

Drago’s at L’Auberge Resort

Famous in the region for its local seafood like nowhere else, the local catches are top notch. Start with the oysters – caught locally then grilled with butter. Bite on the wild side with Gator Tacos, featuring tail meat and Cajun aioli. Go from the boat to your plate with Crawfish Étouffée with Louisiana Crawfish in a lightly spiced Cajun stew made with vegetables and a dark roux over spiced rice.

Pat of Henderson

This restaurant has been Lake Charles’ upscale staple for over 50 years. Yes, you can get Po’boys here too, but the stars of the culinary table are the refined, southern creations. Redfish stuffed with crab and shrimp and grilled catfish topped with crawfish étouffée make this a unique treat with Louisiana flavors.

The Max at the National Golf Club

Louisiana is a hotbed of college sports teams. The Max takes full advantage of the enthusiastic fans with a bevy of beers, unexpected food and more sports TV than you can count. While this is happening at the National Golf Club, people come from all over to this restaurant located on the second floor of the clubhouse. The impressive bar area with high tables is separated from the more traditional restaurants by a patio with sunset views. There’s no average golf food here, just upscale Cajun treats like crab cakes, fried alligator, and incredible pecan bread pudding.

Crying Eagle Brewery Company

For a relatively small town, Crying Eagle has beers, atmosphere, and food that could rival any big city. For something different, the Guilty Pleasures is a Belgian style brew with a blood orange infusion. Compete this famous stout with an Irish Timothy Patrick beer. Food gets the same creativity and attention with the Crying Eagle Smash Patty: two slices of meat, cheese, caramelized onions on a brioche bun.

Darrel’s

You haven’t been to Louisiana’s Gulf Coast without snacking on a Po’boy sandwich. Originally designed to feed hungry construction and railroad workers, this sandwich is a must-have on any trip around Lake Charles. The most unique is the surf & turf: roast beef and shrimp with jalapeno mayonnaise, mustard and three kinds of cheese.

Ember

It takes a great meat diversion in Lake Charles with all that seafood. Embers at The Inn Resort offers an elegant meat-centric option. A fantastic meat starter combines with high-end, over-the-top service. The star here is just about any steak or meat with mashed potatoes. The region’s largest wine list complements all meals. For something different in the drinks category, the chocolate shake is exceptional.

Neil Wolkodoff

Neil Wolkodoff is a golf and travel writer from Denver, Colorado. It covers golf, dining, activities and accommodation from a luxury and uniqueness perspective. He even played golf with goats.