We had a wonderful breakfast at Simple Joe's Cafe in Baton Rouge!…read more I ordered the shrimp and grits, and it was absolutely delicious--creamy, well-seasoned grits topped with perfectly cooked shrimp and a flavorful sauce that tied everything together beautifully. My husband had an omelette with peppers and bacon, and he really enjoyed it. It was fluffy, generously filled, and cooked just right, with great smoky flavor from the bacon and a nice kick from the peppers. The service was friendly, the food came out quickly, and the whole experience felt warm and welcoming. Definitely a great local spot for a hearty, satisfying meal.

It's Simple as the name suggests…read more Nothing fancy or elaborate about this place. It's a small restaurant with a small open kitchen and a small dining room where you stand in line to place your order, get a number to put on your table, and servers bring the food to your table when it's ready. So, if you're looking for a large upscale, elegant restaurant with elaborate food presentations, this is not the place for you. But if you're looking for a simple, quick and delicious meal, Simple Joe Café is for you. The menu consists of a wide variety of breakfast favorites, but the menu is not intimidating and easy to read and order from. Simple enough. When my family and I arrived, the small dining room was packed with a few open tables and about six other customers in line waiting to place their order. On Saturday and Sunday, you cannot sit at the open tables or hold the tables until you have placed your order and given a tent number. At that point, the servers will help you find a table to accommodate your party. The employees do a very good job of clearing and turning over the tables to make sure everyone is seated and able to enjoy their meal in a timely manner. I am not a fan of breakfast food and normally don't eat breakfast, so I only had coffee while my family enjoyed their meal, so the food quality part of this review is based on what they described as they were eating. They each ordered Joe's Number One Breakfast Combos which came with two eggs, choice of meat and pancakes and they shared an order of hashbrown and a side of grits. The food came out quickly. They stated everything was fresh, prepared and cooked as requested, the food tasted very good and enjoyed every bite. Of course, the coffee was hot, and fresh and the service was fast and friendly. The relaxed ambience and decor add to the unique character of the restaurant. Date of Visit: Saturday 05-16-26 Simple Joe Café | 3057 Government St, Baton Rouge, LA

Ashley took care of us even though it was close to closing time. She was extremely busy but helped…read moreus with our food and drink selection. My coworker had never been before but she already is thinking who to take here next. Thanks again, Ashley!

The food was good. The service was awesome. Always a great experience when I come through, Chris is…read moreawesome.

You do need a reservation. We were greeted immediately upon arrival and with some of our party…read moremembers present (6 out of 11), were shown to our table. We were in a large alcove at the back of the restaurant. It was spacious and elegant, even with the table ended up being almost entirely filled. Our waiter was enthusiastic and patient with our large party. Refills and check-ins were timed well. The drink selection was pretty extensive. Food was delicious and all delivered within minutes of one another (no one was stuck waiting for long). Burger was cooked to perfection and not TOO hot. I hate when food is so hot in temperature that you can't take a bite. The chocolate cake was good, but the whip cream tasted kinda fake/oily. The cake itself was medium density and had a slightly salted finish. It paired perfectly with the frosting which was very rich and extra sweet. A delightful pairing. For my drink, plus a double shot of whiskey, the burger and dessert, it came to just over $100. That feels expensive. Take that as you will. I wouldn't return mostly due to price. But quality on everything was great, and so was the service. Atmosphere was great too.

Food was good! We got 2 apps and 2 entrees. Steak was cooked perfectly and the Brussels sprouts…read morewere 10/10. Ambiance was good. -2 stars because we sat at the bar on a Friday night and the bartenders were very lackluster. Barely spoke to us. The place wasn't overly busy either. We tried to make conversation and it fell flat every time. We enjoy making small talk with bartenders that's why we chose to sit there. Not sure if it was an off night or what. The lounge section was also closed due to a private party. Understandable but we wanted to have an after dinner cocktail. Overall we'd go back and sit at a regular table.

Our first time.and will not be our last time dining at Leola's! Googled searched places to have a…read moreFriday brunch and stumbled across their website. The atmosphere, service, and food was beyond what we hoped to have in our brunch experience. The mimosas were refreshing and tasty, the food was hot and delicious, and the staff were kind, professional, and know how to deliver good customer service. I am very picky on how I like my bacon cooked and they never once were rude about working to get it perfect. I would highly recommend this cute hidden gem of a place and we will definitely be back!!

Leola's Cafe is a place I've always wanted to try and passed everyday. My sister hosted a…read moreGalentines Day here and it was perfect. The be building is nice and cozy and gives a homey vibe. The food was amazing. I had the Southwest Omelet which came with brisket inside cheese and avocado. Everyone else at the table had a bite of my omelet it was so good. It came with potatoes. I also tried their biscuits and cinnamon butter and they were chefs kiss. Perfectly made. The grits were a 1000/10. The best grits I have ever eaten and I've eaten man grits in my life. The service was so great. We had an amazing waitress who was so sweet and helpful since it was our first time and was able to help our large group during our visit!

Truly a place that folds you into the community as soon as you enter. Chef and Owner Stephanie was…read morethe best. She fills her plates with so much love and tells you about all the love of her family in the portraits on the walls. She immediately made my wife and I feel as if we were like long time friends and/or family. I could barely talk during my meal because I was completely smitten by each delectable bite. I plan on coming back each and every time I am in Baton Rouge. This is 100% a place that you should go to and go often; a must do in Baton Rouge! We ordered the Mama's breakfast and everything was cooked to perfection. Outside of my own kitchen, I have not had someone cook me an over medium egg that was better. I know it's a small thing but the potatoes were the best part of the meal for me. They were crispy on one side and soft on the other providing a sensational delight that was seasoned just right!

Over stimulating and the food need so much seasoning. It's was ok, but not 'amazing' like everyone…read moresaid. The food was bland and the bacon was paper thin. The thing was a solid 'meh' . Also home fries are not hash browns just because you want them to be...

Had to come here to try the iced carrot cake cappuccino! Also decided to try a drop biscuit, great…read morechoice. Super flavorful! Service was fast, got my coffee as soon as I found a seat. Came on a Saturday afternoon, quite packed inside and the parking lot was nearly fully. Glad I tried the cappuccino, but I can definitely say that I don't taste any carrot cake flavor in it. It's still a good coffee, just not in a carrot cake way to me. I'd come back to try something else because I enjoyed the ambiance and the biscuit.

If you're looking to grab Matcha, this place is not for you, the Matcha tasted like milk with no…read moreflavor at all. Super friendly service and they have a lot of other great options, but from my experience, I would not come back for Matcha.

Definitely a bit sad & flavorless but a classic LSU diner…read more Eggs were majorly overcooked, grits were flavorless & biscuit was a bit dense & dry. The service however was amazing and very hospitable.

After visiting the state capital, my three creatures needed sustenance so Mother of Cashew found…read morethis Cafe. The restaurant parking spaces are small and can be an issue if you are driving an SUV. When you enter, you can see that its a locals restaurant so the food will be good. Our server brought menus and waters for the family. If you need the restrooms, when you enter make a right. We ordered two Western Omelets, two breakfast combos and a burger. The portions were great especially the omelets. Each bite was filled with bacon and or veggies. The pancakes and waffle were nice and heavy with that mama touch. The burger was small so my son should have chosen the breakfast combo. Our waiter continously filled our water and was there to help. A little pricey for breakfast, $80 yet the customer service, taste and portion size balanced it. Stop in and have a bite

The lamb chops were seasoned deliciously and tender (medium). The chops were sided with mashed…read morepotatoes and sautéed asparagus. My drink was called "She's Back" which is very appropriate because I will be back. The sweet meets a little heat. The atmosphere and service were great for a nice Sunday evening.

Chicken Marsala was great! Brittany a beautiful bartender…read moreher skills, knowledge of her craft her and personality makes this place worth stopping in for a late night meal. Kudos the Chef & Lamar thank you for an awesome reception. Everyone was very pleasant after a very busy work day.

First time here. Not a lot of options for a pescatarian, but enough. Cool vibe. Excellent service…read more We had hummus, tuna dip, and I had a beet salad. She had the Cuban. All the food was really good. Drinks, and drink selection was excellent. We'll be back.

Beer Garden Review 2…read more Hospitality isn't complicated. It's making people feel like guests instead of table numbers. And Mid City Beer Garden didn't skip that part. In fact, the way we were treated says more about the character of this place than the food ever could. I use a cane, so I now have three legs--well, four if you count my beautiful husband! After our HVAC decided to abandon us in the middle of this heat wave, we figured the best way to beat the temperature was to escape to Mid City Beer Garden in Baton Rouge for some cold drinks, good food, and hopefully a little relief. When we walked in, we were warmly greeted. I immediately noticed the high seating and explained my situation, asking if a booth was available. The beautiful young lady greeter checked and told us it would be about a 15-minute wait. After just escaping our sweltering house, we weren't sure we wanted to wait that long. Then the handsome young gentleman greeter said, "Let me make sure." About five minutes later, he came back with the best news: "We have a booth for you!" That small gesture meant a lot. They didn't simply tell us to wait--they took the time to find a comfortable seating option for me. We immediately felt welcomed and appreciated. We visited in the evening, and the atmosphere was exactly what we needed. The evening vibe was spot-on--industrial meets modern, softened by greenery, warm lighting, string lights, and neon. Think laid-back European beer garden, but effortlessly cool. At night, the place really came alive without losing that cozy, inviting feel. Beer lovers, don't skip the main bar. The custom tap wall is a total vibe, with a solid lineup of beers and plenty of personality. Our waitress continued that same level of hospitality. She was attentive, friendly, and provided that kind of service where the smile feels genuine rather than part of the uniform. But then came the moment that really impressed me. I ordered a 10 oz. Sapporo, but somehow received a 16 oz. I didn't even notice the difference. When we were getting ready to pay, our waitress came over and told us about the blunder-- noting we would only be charged for the 10 oz. Now THAT is honesty. We've been to establishments where billing mistakes seem to mysteriously work in the restaurant's favor. So having someone actually point out an error that benefited us--and make sure we weren't overcharged--was refreshing. Speaking of the food... We ordered the shrimp po'boy. It certainly looked loaded with shrimp, but was skimpy and unfortunately, it fell short for us. The shrimp was flavorful, but overcooked. The bread was thick and dense, so I eventually found myself eating only the shrimp and leaving the rest of the sandwich behind. The fries were tasty, but they didn't have that hot, fresh-out-of-the-oil crispiness we were hoping for, so we only ate a few. Would I order the shrimp po'boy again? Probably not. I'm only speaking for the two people at our table--and we're not professional food critics, just two hungry people with opinions! Now, the real highlight of our visit... We met the most beautiful soul. My husband suddenly says, "Look, there's a really tall young man sitting behind you." I turned around, stood up, and said, "My husband said you're really tall. Can I take a picture with you?" He was so sweet and gracious and took a picture with me. And let me tell you--that absolutely made my night! I told him he was beautiful, and he responded, "You are beautiful too!" I disagreed with him, of course. He looked at me and said, "No, ma'am. You are beautiful." Well... alright then! You win. Naturally, I had questions. I asked if he played basketball. "Yes, for Southern University." I asked his jersey number. "Number 22." I told him, "Well, I'm coming to see you play!" And that young man gave me one of the biggest, brightest smiles I've ever seen on a basketball player. So, y'all... if you get out to Southern University and A&M College this season, go show #22 some love and cheer him on. Who knows? We might be looking at a future NBA champion! We had a wonderful evening at Mid City Beer Garden. Eventually, we went back home to a house that had finally cooled down and enjoyed the rest of our evening loving on each other. Thank you, Mid City Beer Garden, for giving us a place to escape the heat, relax, laugh, eat, drink, and make a memory. And most of all... Thank you, Number 22, for honoring an old lady's wishes. Some nights are about the food. Some nights are about the atmosphere. And some nights, you just happen to meet a beautiful souls who makes the whole evening unforgettable.

We found Parrain's Seafood while searching for authentic Louisiana food and a good po'boy/seafood…read morespot before making our drive back home to Houston. We were in Baton Rouge helping our grandson move into his dorm as an incoming freshman at LSU, and Parrain's kept coming up in our searches and reviews. We decided to give it a try, and I'm SO glad we did! We visited on a Sunday afternoon around 2:30 p.m., and when I tell you EVERYBODY and their family was there... I mean everybody! The parking lot was packed. There is plenty of parking, but there were so many people that we still had to hunt for a spot. Thankfully, we found one under a shade tree because it was HOT! When we walked up, we fully expected a long wait. There is plenty of outdoor seating for people waiting, and I also noticed they have both steps and an accessibility ramp leading to the entrance. My daughter and I sat down while my husband stood in line to put our name on the list. About five minutes later, he was waving for us to come inside! Apparently, many of the people waiting were large groups and families coming from church, but since there were only three of us, they were able to seat us almost immediately. HUGE plus! Once inside, it was BUSY, BUSY, BUSY. It took our server a little while to initially get to us, but considering how packed the restaurant was, it really wasn't bad at all. Our waitress was very nice, and I was actually impressed with how quickly our food came out. Now let's talk about the FOOD!! We first ordered the onion rings for an appetizer... super delicious I ordered the fried shrimp platter, and those shrimp were fried to PERFECTION! Crispy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. The meal also came with salad, fries, hush puppies, and a side. The hush puppies were SO GOOD! They are shaped almost like little donut holes... crispy on the outside and soft and savory on the inside. Delicious! For my side, I chose the fresh green beans instead of the dirty rice. Unfortunately, those were the one thing I didn't enjoy. They didn't have much flavor to me and seemed a little undercooked. Next time, I'll definitely choose another side. My husband ordered the fried catfish platter with dirty rice, coleslaw, and fries, and he loved everything. I tasted his coleslaw, and OH MY GOODNESS! Get the coleslaw! It was different from any coleslaw I've had before. It has whole peanuts in it, which sounds unusual, but somehow it WORKS! The peanuts add this wonderful crunch and flavor. It was SO good. And the French fries!! I've never seen fries cut this way before. They're almost shaped like little Scoop Fritos, with a crispy outside and soft potato inside. So unique and really good! My daughter ordered the catfish strips and fries from the kids' menu. These weren't processed little nuggets... they were actual pieces of catfish cut into strips, and she really enjoyed them. She also ordered the crab fingers, and those were another 10/10! They were incredibly well-seasoned with a little spice and tons of flavor. I tasted one and wanted MORE! I'm watching my sodium intake, so I behaved myself, but they were absolutely delicious. Overall, Parrain's was a 10/10 for us. The only thing I wouldn't personally order again would be the green beans. Everything else, from the shrimp and catfish to those amazing hush puppies, unique fries, crab fingers, and especially that coleslaw, was DELICIOUS. Yes, it was crowded and lively, but we still received really good service and didn't have to wait nearly as long as we expected. With our grandson now attending LSU, we'll be making plenty of trips back to Baton Rouge, and Parrain's has officially made our list of places we will be visiting again!

Went for a lunch meeting and had the Catfish Perdu…read more In my humble opinion, this is one of the most pre-eminent Cajun seafood restaurants in Baton Rouge. They are WELL known for their chargrilled oysters and have a great happy hour. Their Andouille Crusted Fresh Fish is one of the best bites in Baton Rouge hands down. Their parking lot situation is a mess; WAY too small, and the entrance is close to another business' entrance which can be confusing. Great service, little loud though. It's a small complaint, but restaurants that let used drink glasses pile up on the table is a little annoying.