Baton Rouge Chow Down 2012

The Chimes (Photo courtesy of Facebook.com)

If you know where to look, eating in Baton Rouge is second to none (yes, even when it comes to the mouth-watering culinary of New Orleans). So whether you are returning to your old alma mater or watching your team die in Death Valley, here are five places you need to check out!

Albasha

Baton Rouge’s top-rated Mediterranean restaurant is worth the trip to the city itself. Chicken shawarma is the most popular dish, and since it’s just under $12, there’s no reason to not give it a try. Casual dress. $10-$15.

2561 CitiPlace Court: 225-216-1444
5454 Bluebonnet Road: 225-292-7988
4250 S. Sherwood Forest: 225-293-1100

Visit: http://www.albashabr.com/

The Chimes

This place is the most popular place in town, period. The bar is awesome—as evidenced by the Baton Rouge Drink Up—and the food can’t be beat if you’re looking for casual American dining. Enjoy the oyster specials (1/2 off) everyday 4-7 p.m. Enjoy the boudin balls for an appetizer, a catfish poboy, or, if we’re being honest, anything else—you can’t really go wrong. And just head back to the bar while the friendly staff fixes it for you. $10-$20.

3357 Highland Rd.
Baton Rouge, La 70802
(225) 383-1754

Visit: http://thechimes.com/

Sushi Yama

Best Sushi in town. Hands down. The acadiana roll, tiger roll, and the New Orleans roll are each excellent reasons to stop in for lunch before the big game. It’s hard to find anyone in Baton Rouge who doesn’t like it. $12-$18. Dress is casual.

7731 Perkins Road, Suite 120
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
(225)767-8880

Visit: http://sushiyamabatonrouge.com/

Juban’s

This is the nicest (locally owned) place you can eat in town. It’s perfect if you want to impress the future in-laws, college friends you haven’t seen in a while or just want to wow the other out-of-towners with you. From the service to the large fireplace in the court yard bar area, you won’t have any regrets regarding your experience. The Adrian is first on the entrée list for a reason, and as you discover the pan-sautéed fillet of redfish, lump crabmeat, mushrooms, scallions, Creole meuniere and steamed asparagus, you’ll understand why. All I have to say is: end the night with an order of bread pudding. Your world will stop for a few minutes. If you want to experience all that Baton Rouge has to offer —from the culture to the society—then Juban’s is the place to go. Entrees run from $25-$60, and dress is business.

3739 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
(225) 346-8422

Visit: http://www.jubans.com

Pinetta’s

A romantic, dimly lit atmosphere serving German, Italian, Turkish and Armenian dishes. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re having a special night without the price tag. Anything with red sauce is delectable (and popular), though friends have been warned of the perils of venturing elsewhere on the menu. The sauce simmers for many hours and is then spooned over the dish of your choice. Oh, and the wine is well-paired and intelligently recommended by the staff. All in all, Pinetta’s will make you and your significant other or close group of friends forget the recent loss to the Tigers and fall in love with Baton Rouge. $10-$15. Dress is business casual.

3056 Perkins Rd
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
(225) 387-9174

Experience Baton Rouge >> Drink Up Baton Rouge 2012

What do you think Gamedayrs?