15 Must Try Foods / Drinks in Shreveport-Bossier City

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From breakfast to dinner, you can find an amazing lineup of delicious places to eat both Bossier City restaurants and Shreveport restaurants. When you visit, make sure to add these 15 foods / drinks to your must-try list!

Food to Try at these Places to Eat - Shreveport, Louisiana

15 Delicious Foods / Drinks to Try in Shreveport-Bossier City

If you’re looking for a culinary adventure, Shreveport-Bossier City in Louisiana is the perfect destination. From traditional Southern comfort food to spicy Cajun and Creole cuisine, this region offers a wide range of flavors to satisfy any palate. I just love the food in Louisiana – so many great things to eat. Shreveport and Bossier City foods did not disappoint!

I visited Shreveport for a Central States Meeting with the Society of American Travel Writers and portions of this trip were hosted by the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. Many thanks to Visit Shreveport for an amazing trip!

We’ve compiled a list of 15 unique food and drink options from different places to eat that you must try in Shreveport-Bossier City. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, barbecue, or a refreshing cocktail, these local establishments offer some of the best dining and drinking experiences in the area. Let’s explore the culinary delights of Shreveport and Bossier City restaurants!

First things first, it might help to know a bit about these two towns. Shreveport and Bossier City are two neighboring cities located in the northwest corner of Louisiana. Shreveport is the larger of the two, but the combined metro area has a population of close to 400,000. Despite being two separate cities, they are often referred to as Shreveport-Bossier City due to their close proximity and interconnectivity.

What is Shreveport, Louisiana Known For?

Shreveport is known for its diverse culture and history. It is home to many museums, art galleries, and beautiful historic buildings like the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, which was once the site of the Louisiana Hayride, a famous country music show. Shreveport has a historic downtown area, arts scene, and is home to many festivals including the Red River Revel Arts Festival and the Louisiana State Fair. 

Make sure you read: The 27+ Best Places to Experience Art, History, & Music in Shreveport, LA

What is Bossier City, Louisiana Known For?

Bossier City, on the other hand, is known for its vibrant casino scene and entertainment district, which includes the Horseshoe and Margaritaville casinos. It is also home to Barksdale Air Force Base, a major employer in the region.

How to Pronounce Bossier City

If you’re wondering how to pronounce this town name Bo-ZHURE with the emphasis on the first syllable. It’s definitely not Ba-see-ay (like dossier)  which is how I was trying to pronounce it before I visited.

Food to Try at these Places to Eat – Shreveport, Louisiana

Ernest's Famous Marinated Crab Claws

Marinated Crab Claws at Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant 

One iconic Shreveport Restaurant is Ernest’s Orleans. This restaurant is an upscale eatery that has been a staple in Shreveport since 1948. Their menu features steaks, Italian, Cajun and Creole dishes. They’re most famous for Ernest’s Famous Marinated Crab Claws and their flaming bowl of seafood gumbo! We were treated to such a great meal at Ernest’s – you really can’t go wrong with anything you order. 

Find Ernest’s Orleans at 1601 Spring Street, Shreveport

Orlandeaux's Cafe  famous stuffed shrimp

Shreveport Style Stuffed Shrimp at Orlandeaux’s Cafe 

Another iconic Shreveport Restaurant is Orlandeaux’s on Cross Lake. Serving up historic and modern Creole, Orlandeaux’s Cafe is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Shreveport and the oldest continuously Black-owned and operated restaurant in the entire United States!

This popular restaurant is celebrating 100 years in business this year and you’ll love their Southern-style comfort food with a Louisiana twist. The must-try dishes here include their stuffed shrimp, seafood gumbo, and sugar coated beignets for dessert!

Find Orlandeaux’s Cafe at 3127 Greenwood Road, Shreveport

pecan crusted catfish blind tiger

Cajun Fried Corn on the Cob at Blind Tiger  

Located on the main downtown thoroughfare, Texas Street, Blind Tiger is another must try restaurant in Shreveport. This trendy gastropub has been in business for more than 30 years and they offer a variety of craft beers and cocktails.

Their menu features traditional Louisiana dishes like fried catfish (pictured above), red beans & rice, and their famous Cajun fried corn. Make sure to try that corn when you visit!

Find the Blind Tiger at 120 Texas Street, Shreveport

el cabo verde food

Ceviche at El Cabo Verde Cocina Mexicana

El Cabo Verde is a fantastic restaurant offering traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist located in the Southern Loop and Provenance area just along I-49. They source as much of their ingredient list as possible from local farms and serve many organic and non-GMO food options.

Must-try items here include their Tacos Al Pastor, Ceviche, Guacamole, and their variety of Margaritas.

 Find El Cabo Verde at 1023 Provenance Place Boulevard, Shreveport

Strawberry Icebox Pie

Strawberry Icebox Pie at Strawn’s Eat Shop 

Don’t miss out on Strawn’s when you’re looking for the most delicious Shreveport food to eat! This classic diner has been serving locals since 1944 and is one of the three oldest restaurants in Shreveport.

They are most famous for their Icebox pies – including Strawberry Pie, banana, chocolate and more. The strawberry pie reminds me a little bit of my great-great-grandma’s strawberry shortcake! Soooo Good!

They also have a nice burger and brunch lineup and their from-scratch biscuits are fabulous!

strawn's restaurant shreveport

Make sure to visit Strawn’s at 125 East Kings Highway, Shreveport

Glow Alchemy Kitchen 

If you’re looking for healthier food when you visit Shreveport, head out to Glow Alchemy Kitchen one day for lunch! This health-focused restaurant offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free dishes. Must-try items here include their Buddha Bowl, Vegan Tacos, and their Cold-Pressed Juices.

Find Glow Alchemy Kitchen at 955 Pierremont Road, Shreveport

Try a Rhino Breakfast Biscuit at Rhino Coffee 

This independent coffee shop is a great place to get a delicious cup of coffee and a pastry in downtown Shreveport. It’s located in the old Montgomery Ward building at 624 Texas Streert.

offers artisanal coffee and light bites. Must-try items here include their Eastside Latte, Breakfast Biscuits, and their muffins.

Find out about both Rhino Coffee locations here.

spicy boudin kolache

Kolaches at Dripp Coffee & Donuts

A full service coffee and espresso bar, Dripp serves up delicious sourdough donuts and savory kolaches too. If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee and take-away breakfast as you explore Shreveport, Dripp is your place!

What’s a kolache you might ask? It’s a hearty breakfast pastry brought to Texas by Czech in the 1800s. At Dripp, you can find all kinds of kolaches – some with a Louisiana spin like spicy boudin kolache, and more flavors including Smoked chicken sausage & provolone and Andouille & cheddar

Find Dripp Coffee & Donuts at 703 Azalea Dr, Shreveport

Food to Try at these Bossier City Restaurants

Across the Red River from Shreveport is Bossier City. Remember, it’s pronounced Bo-Zhure. In the last ten yeas, Bossier City has been undergoing a major revitalization effort and central to that is the East Bank Entertainment District. This district is the only open container district outside of New Orleans and you’ll find lots of great Bossier City restaurants, bars, and entertainment options in the East Bank District!

In addition to food trucks, outdoor patios, axe throwing, live music, and fun, it’s super easy to walk from one place right to the next! And because open containers are allowed, you can take your drinks with you as go.

Here are a few of the delicious places to eat in that we found in Bossier City.

Beauxjax Crafthouse  crawfish boil

Try the Crawfish Boil at Beauxjax Crafthouse 

Rated Bossier City’s #1 overall restaurant, Beauxjax is a good place to start when you go to the East Bank. They have both indoor and outdoor seating and are known for their Cajun and Creole cuisine. Must-try dishes here include their traditional Crawfish Boil, Poboys, and Red Beans and Rice.

Find Beauxjax Crafthouse at 501 Barksdale Boulevard, Bossier City.

Sugar Sheaux cinnamon king cake

Slice of Cheesecake at Sugar Sheaux

In the same building complex at Beauxjax, you’ll find Sugar Sheaux. If you’re looking for something sweet, make sure to stop in here. They’re known for their cheesecakes, cupcakes, and so many more homebaked goodies!

Find Sugar Sheaux at 507 Barksdale Boulevard, Bossier City

Fresh Gulf Coast Oysters at Frozen Pirogue 

If you like fresh Gulf Coast oysters, cajun daiquiris, and live music the Frozen Pirogue, also in the East Bank, is the place for you! In addition to the above, Frozen Pirogue serves a surf and turf menu plus lots of wraps and sandwiches. They also have a great brunch menu with bottomless mimosas! This is another really great Bossier City Restaurant!

Find the Frozen Pirogue just down from Beauxjax Crafhouse at 515 Barksdale Boulevard, Bossier City.

Stuffed Streetcar Snoballs

New Orlean Style Snoball at Streetcar Station

A Snoball is New Orleans style shaved ice and you can get one right in Shreveport-Bossier City! Also in the East Bank District, you’ll find Streetcar Station, a super cute shop that looks like it’s straight out of New Orleans.

For a real treat, try one of the Stuffed Streetcar Snoballs! You won’t regret it.

Find Streetcar Station at 409 Barksdale Boulevard, Bossier City.

stage at Red River Brew Pub at the Garage

Jay’s Buffalo Chicken Dip at Red River Brew Pub at the Garage

Another great place to check out in the East Bank District, The Red River Brew Pub is more than a place to grab a bit to eat or a great drink. It also features stages for live music and a great outdoor space full of fun games and a turf field as well!

You’ll find a variety of craft beers and pub fare. Must-try items here include Jay’s Buffalo Chicken Dip and the Bacon JamBurger.

Find the Red River Brew Pub at 310 Mansfield Street, Bossier City

big dill drink at flying heart brewing

Try the Big Dill at Flying Heart Brewing & Pub 

Also in the East Bank District, this bar and restaurant in Bosser City was its first craft brewery! Try pub fare, a flight of beers or if you’re really adventurous, try craft cocktail the Big Dill.

In addition to their popular craft beers, they are also well known for delicious wood-fired pizzas.

Find Flying Heart Brewing & Pub at 700 Barksdale Blvd, Bossier City

Podnuh's Bar-B-Q  

Chopped Beef Sandwich at Podnuh’s Bar-B-Q  

You can find Podnuh’s Bar-B-Q at six different locations throughout Shreveport and Bossier City. Known for their delicious smoked meats, you need to try the chopped beef sandwich! It’s no-frills home cooking, but really good!

Find all the Podnuh’s Bar-B-Q locations here.

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About Michelle Marine

Michelle Marine is the author of How to Raise Chickens for Meat, a long-time green-living enthusiast, and rural Iowa mom of four. She empowers families to grow and eat seasonal, local foods; to reduce their ecological footprint; and to come together through impactful travel.

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