Guidebook for Lake Charles

D'Ellen
Guidebook for Lake Charles

Food Scene

Food scene is plentiful just about anywhere in Louisiana; Lake Charles is no different - we call this area SWLA - prepare to loosen your pants, get your fingers messy and treat your mouth!
Great, Festive Louisiana atmosphere and authentic Cajun food! A must see if you're just passing through.
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Steamboat Bill's on the Lake
1004 N Lakeshore Dr
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Great, Festive Louisiana atmosphere and authentic Cajun food! A must see if you're just passing through.
Not Good, GREAT!: Food, Coffee, music, art, performances . . . Take the bikes. Stop by on the way to the lake.
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Stellar Beans Coffee House Cafe
319 Broad St
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Not Good, GREAT!: Food, Coffee, music, art, performances . . . Take the bikes. Stop by on the way to the lake.
The place to dine downtown Live Jazz Brunch on Sundays 11-2pm.
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Luna Bar & Grill
719 Ryan St
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The place to dine downtown Live Jazz Brunch on Sundays 11-2pm.
Home of the 'Primo' Gourmet Hot- dog Great after a round of disc-golf at Sam Houston Jones St. Prk., just 7 miles north!
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Botsky's
104 W Pujo St
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Home of the 'Primo' Gourmet Hot- dog Great after a round of disc-golf at Sam Houston Jones St. Prk., just 7 miles north!
Classic diner style setting. Lake Charles own 'Greasy Spoon' Home of the "Jam Good Burger"
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Cotten's Downtown
110 Broad St
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Classic diner style setting. Lake Charles own 'Greasy Spoon' Home of the "Jam Good Burger"
A blast of a place to eat & drink! And don't think the food is dull, the chefs are Cajun ;~p also: Trivia night known as 'pub games' are played on Tuesday nights starting at 7:00pm.
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MacFarlane's Celtic Pub
417 Ann St
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A blast of a place to eat & drink! And don't think the food is dull, the chefs are Cajun ;~p also: Trivia night known as 'pub games' are played on Tuesday nights starting at 7:00pm.
Bit of a hike from downtown, but well worth the 15minutes to get there. Their dishes incorporate spices typical of Lebanese & Greek cooking, like: saffron, cumin, paprika and mint, to make those dishes a feast for the senses! An amazing evening can be spent just noshing at the bar and talking philosophy with the bartender Sami.
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Toga Grill
4439 Nelson Rd
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Bit of a hike from downtown, but well worth the 15minutes to get there. Their dishes incorporate spices typical of Lebanese & Greek cooking, like: saffron, cumin, paprika and mint, to make those dishes a feast for the senses! An amazing evening can be spent just noshing at the bar and talking philosophy with the bartender Sami.
A bit on the pricey side, if you want to impress your date, and you're looking for a neighborhood restaurant that has creative, seasonable and sustainable dishes with an inviting and comfortable feel, That's Calla.
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Restaurant Calla
1400 Market St
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A bit on the pricey side, if you want to impress your date, and you're looking for a neighborhood restaurant that has creative, seasonable and sustainable dishes with an inviting and comfortable feel, That's Calla.
Serving plate lunches, sandwiches, wraps, soups, salad bar, sandwich trays large dessert assortment, gift wrapped desert boxes, sweet trays, Lavazza coffee; Charleston Bistro corner of Ryan and Pujo
Charleston Bistro, Sweet Shoppe & Wine Bar
900 Ryan St
Serving plate lunches, sandwiches, wraps, soups, salad bar, sandwich trays large dessert assortment, gift wrapped desert boxes, sweet trays, Lavazza coffee; Charleston Bistro corner of Ryan and Pujo
Up Ryan street on the other side of I210 (south side, but we don't hold that against them) Great atmosphere, lots of live music. BrewPub w/Good beer, good food, good times
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Rikenjaks Brewing Company
3716 Ryan St
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Up Ryan street on the other side of I210 (south side, but we don't hold that against them) Great atmosphere, lots of live music. BrewPub w/Good beer, good food, good times
Elegant, artsy indoor/outdoor dining,depending on your mood. On the pricey side the food is worth it. Good for ambiance & romance. http://www.pujostreet.com/
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Pujo St Cafe
901 Ryan St
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Elegant, artsy indoor/outdoor dining,depending on your mood. On the pricey side the food is worth it. Good for ambiance & romance. http://www.pujostreet.com/
Great food: shredded beef, soft and hard shell tacos, gumbo, shrimp, fish; service is awesome, atmosphere is lively and enjoyable. Open till 10pm, Closed on Sundays.
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Tia Juanitas Fish Camp
723 Ryan St
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Great food: shredded beef, soft and hard shell tacos, gumbo, shrimp, fish; service is awesome, atmosphere is lively and enjoyable. Open till 10pm, Closed on Sundays.
The Charleston Farmer's Market is held every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Bilbo Street behind the Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
Charlestown Farmers' Market
1001 Ryan St
The Charleston Farmer's Market is held every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Bilbo Street behind the Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
Fresh and friendly, Lake Charles weekly Farmers Market is open Tuesday's from 4pm-6pm. A 10 or 5min walk or bike ride from Common House.
Cash & Carry Farmers Market
801 Enterprise Blvd
Fresh and friendly, Lake Charles weekly Farmers Market is open Tuesday's from 4pm-6pm. A 10 or 5min walk or bike ride from Common House.
Open 24hrs, this is the place to fill your belly if you arrive in Lake Charles after regular restaurant hours. And they serve beer! Go for the Rafferty, it's the bomb!
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KD's Diner
240 W Prien Lake Rd
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Open 24hrs, this is the place to fill your belly if you arrive in Lake Charles after regular restaurant hours. And they serve beer! Go for the Rafferty, it's the bomb!
949 Ryan street on the corner of Ryan & Kirby. Friendly service, good burgers, very nice cocktails. If you can stand the lighting, too bright for my taste. Nice outside dining if weather cooperates.
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1910
949 Ryan St
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949 Ryan street on the corner of Ryan & Kirby. Friendly service, good burgers, very nice cocktails. If you can stand the lighting, too bright for my taste. Nice outside dining if weather cooperates.
Nothing to look at from the street but what a secret!! The seafood is authentic and if you're in town during crawfish season, OMG! Make it a point to enjoy real good Cajun cooking!
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Seafood Palace
2218 Enterprise Blvd
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Nothing to look at from the street but what a secret!! The seafood is authentic and if you're in town during crawfish season, OMG! Make it a point to enjoy real good Cajun cooking!
No-frills kitchen offering a rotating menu of down-home Southern entrees, plus homemade pies. Mon-Fri different plate lunches and awesome service - if you like to go where the locals go, this is da spot!
The Kitchen
417 Prewitt St
No-frills kitchen offering a rotating menu of down-home Southern entrees, plus homemade pies. Mon-Fri different plate lunches and awesome service - if you like to go where the locals go, this is da spot!
Big, bustling bar & grill is a sports fans' favorite, specializing in hefty po' boys & sandwiches. ~ "Holy crap!" That's an amazing 'po-boy'!!!!
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Darrell's
119 W College St
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Big, bustling bar & grill is a sports fans' favorite, specializing in hefty po' boys & sandwiches. ~ "Holy crap!" That's an amazing 'po-boy'!!!!

Everything Else

Just around the block, our local post office will send your postcards from 'big-little' Lack Charles, to your envious friends back home.
United States Postal Service
921 Moss St
Just around the block, our local post office will send your postcards from 'big-little' Lack Charles, to your envious friends back home.
88.7 on your FM dial - is our public radio out of Lafayette. Other stations: 92.9 The Lake and Q101 Rock.
KRVS-FM Lafayette
115 Lacassine Rd
88.7 on your FM dial - is our public radio out of Lafayette. Other stations: 92.9 The Lake and Q101 Rock.
"LA Institute of Massage Therapy Student Clinic" If you're looking for a relaxing, cheap massage on your weekend visit to LC - they provide a low-cost therapeutic massage with a student therapist currently enrolled in their professional Massage Therapy Training Program. $25.00bucks!! NOTE: - Good bet, however, you'll have to call in advance; they fill up quickly - http://www.lamassageschool.com/student-flyer.pdf 337-474-3737
3750 Nelson Rd
3750 Nelson Road
"LA Institute of Massage Therapy Student Clinic" If you're looking for a relaxing, cheap massage on your weekend visit to LC - they provide a low-cost therapeutic massage with a student therapist currently enrolled in their professional Massage Therapy Training Program. $25.00bucks!! NOTE: - Good bet, however, you'll have to call in advance; they fill up quickly - http://www.lamassageschool.com/student-flyer.pdf 337-474-3737
Lake Charles Local public radio station 88.3 - run and operated by McNeese students and volunteers. KBYS teaches Real Life Skills and hands on learning from the best in the community. McNeese students have a unique opportunity to engage with SWLA through semesterly internships. They learn how DJ, mix audio and make PSA's. - The music, news and personalities are pretty good too :~)
KBYS Radio
4120 Ryan St
Lake Charles Local public radio station 88.3 - run and operated by McNeese students and volunteers. KBYS teaches Real Life Skills and hands on learning from the best in the community. McNeese students have a unique opportunity to engage with SWLA through semesterly internships. They learn how DJ, mix audio and make PSA's. - The music, news and personalities are pretty good too :~)

Drinks & Nightlife

"Nice bar, great atmosphere, friendly local bands!" (so some say) Others think it's a meat market - I've only been there playing pool in the afternoon when it was raining. Had a good time.
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OB's Bar and Grill
1301 Ryan St
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"Nice bar, great atmosphere, friendly local bands!" (so some say) Others think it's a meat market - I've only been there playing pool in the afternoon when it was raining. Had a good time.
If you're a redneck - "It's the Best Honky-Tonk Bar around "...little restaurant that serves the excellent spicy Cajun crawfish and live music after 5 on Sundays" Crawfish season: February-May
Mary's Lounge
4017 Broad St
If you're a redneck - "It's the Best Honky-Tonk Bar around "...little restaurant that serves the excellent spicy Cajun crawfish and live music after 5 on Sundays" Crawfish season: February-May
Great bartenders, nice selection of drinks. Late night pub; where the locals go for fun.
Regal Beagle Bar & Lounge
2200c Ryan St
Great bartenders, nice selection of drinks. Late night pub; where the locals go for fun.
What some people have said about this local hideout: "Awsome people,a great selection and comfy seats." "Wonderful service, wonderful owners." "Nice place to have drinks with friends" ~ Just south on the other side of the tracks at 12th street and Ryan.
Martinis
2116 Ryan St
What some people have said about this local hideout: "Awsome people,a great selection and comfy seats." "Wonderful service, wonderful owners." "Nice place to have drinks with friends" ~ Just south on the other side of the tracks at 12th street and Ryan.
Best known for three of our most popular brews: Calcasieu Common, Louisiana Lager, and Ready to Mingle.
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Crying Eagle Brewing Company
1165 E McNeese St
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Best known for three of our most popular brews: Calcasieu Common, Louisiana Lager, and Ready to Mingle.

Essentials

For average groceries, 9 blocks south, you'll find what you need.
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Kroger
600 12th St
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For average groceries, 9 blocks south, you'll find what you need.
Your FYI for SWLA - If you're curious about Lake Charles or have any questions about south west Louisiana, the folks at the Visitor's Center can help.
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Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau
1205 N Lakeshore Dr
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Your FYI for SWLA - If you're curious about Lake Charles or have any questions about south west Louisiana, the folks at the Visitor's Center can help.
CajunGypsy Corner Market, at the corner of Ryan & Broad st. The owners are down-home friendly. There's a variety of items and touristy trinkets to fill your suitcase - The knowledge and respect for the history shines through! And, on a hot day, belly up to the ice-cream bar for an old fashioned float!
729 Ryan St
729 Ryan Street
CajunGypsy Corner Market, at the corner of Ryan & Broad st. The owners are down-home friendly. There's a variety of items and touristy trinkets to fill your suitcase - The knowledge and respect for the history shines through! And, on a hot day, belly up to the ice-cream bar for an old fashioned float!

Parks & Nature

If you play Disk-golf, this pleasant 18 hole course is just 7 miles north; good for biking and a pretty nice little park too.
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Sam Houston Jones State Park
107 Sutherland Rd
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If you play Disk-golf, this pleasant 18 hole course is just 7 miles north; good for biking and a pretty nice little park too.
The Creole Nature Trail, part of Louisiana's Outback, is an All-American Road comprising more than 180 miles of highway including portions of Louisiana state highways 14, 82, 27, 384, and 385 in southwest Louisiana. You might as well head to Holly beach after, you're almost there. However, take a lunch, after Hurricane Rita there isn't much in the way of restaurants
Creole Nature Trail
The Creole Nature Trail, part of Louisiana's Outback, is an All-American Road comprising more than 180 miles of highway including portions of Louisiana state highways 14, 82, 27, 384, and 385 in southwest Louisiana. You might as well head to Holly beach after, you're almost there. However, take a lunch, after Hurricane Rita there isn't much in the way of restaurants
University Park Swimming Pool! Large and clean, perfect for Hot, Sticky days ~ go swimming at our public pool!! Located just off University parkway, it's a refreshing way to spend the sweltering Louisiana summer dayz :~)
1001 Central Pkwy
1001 Central Parkway
University Park Swimming Pool! Large and clean, perfect for Hot, Sticky days ~ go swimming at our public pool!! Located just off University parkway, it's a refreshing way to spend the sweltering Louisiana summer dayz :~)

Arts & Culture

If you like Libraries, it is also just on the next block.
Carnegie Memorial Branch
411 Pujo St
If you like Libraries, it is also just on the next block.
If you're looking to go back in time, it's a quaint museum in a small town, and on the other side they have rotating installations from historical artists like Pollak, Picasso, George Rodrigue to local art holdings, rare and unique. Museum hours: Tues - Fri, 10AM - 5PM & Sat 10 AM -3 PM. Admission: $5/adults, $2/children & seniors; more information at 337-439-3797
204 W Sallier St
204 West Sallier Street
If you're looking to go back in time, it's a quaint museum in a small town, and on the other side they have rotating installations from historical artists like Pollak, Picasso, George Rodrigue to local art holdings, rare and unique. Museum hours: Tues - Fri, 10AM - 5PM & Sat 10 AM -3 PM. Admission: $5/adults, $2/children & seniors; more information at 337-439-3797
Lake Charles Little Theatre: Community Theatre isn't for everyone but if you have a taste for acting and have the time you might get lucky and get a good play. - their website: http://www.thelclt.com/
813 Enterprise Blvd
813 Enterprise Boulevard
Lake Charles Little Theatre: Community Theatre isn't for everyone but if you have a taste for acting and have the time you might get lucky and get a good play. - their website: http://www.thelclt.com/
Artists Civic Theatre & Studio is our other community theatre. ACTS will give you variety and maybe a better choice if you choose to see a play. their website: http://www.actstheatre.com/
1 Reid St
1 Reid Street
Artists Civic Theatre & Studio is our other community theatre. ACTS will give you variety and maybe a better choice if you choose to see a play. their website: http://www.actstheatre.com/
Itinerant Theatre ~ People want to tell their story, interpret their times, write and act with truth and beauty…before their peers & for the stage. Itinerant Theatre, Inc. (IT) wants to make that possible. IT’s mission is to provide an affordable, professional forum for the performing arts. For event schedule, visit website - http://www.itineranttheatre.com/
809 Kirby St
809 Kirby Street
Itinerant Theatre ~ People want to tell their story, interpret their times, write and act with truth and beauty…before their peers & for the stage. Itinerant Theatre, Inc. (IT) wants to make that possible. IT’s mission is to provide an affordable, professional forum for the performing arts. For event schedule, visit website - http://www.itineranttheatre.com/
Great place for little, and big kids (us adults;~); lots of hands on activities. Fun for foul-weather days.
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Lake Charles Children's Museum
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Great place for little, and big kids (us adults;~); lots of hands on activities. Fun for foul-weather days.
1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center has regular installations - great for a rainy or hot&sticky days; check it out, you might be surprised! Right now through December, "Art on a String" - Asian Kites in Flight Exhibit, 3rd floor. Check website for times and exhibits: https://www.visitlakecharles.org
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1911 Historic City Hall
1001 Ryan St
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1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center has regular installations - great for a rainy or hot&sticky days; check it out, you might be surprised! Right now through December, "Art on a String" - Asian Kites in Flight Exhibit, 3rd floor. Check website for times and exhibits: https://www.visitlakecharles.org
Great place to visit with lots of history. Curator was very knowledgeable and friendly. Worth the visit. Open 1pm-5pm, Closed Sun, Mon.
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Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu
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Great place to visit with lots of history. Curator was very knowledgeable and friendly. Worth the visit. Open 1pm-5pm, Closed Sun, Mon.
W. H. Tupper operated his General Merchandise store beginning in 1910. When he closed the doors in 1949, the complete inventory remained on the shelves, undisturbed, until 1971. All is as it was way back then - This unique museum offers visitors a glimpse of nearly every facet of early twentieth century life. Experience a simpler time when townsfolk picked up their mail, bought groceries, shopped for notions and toys and caught up on the news -- all at the same place, the Tupper General Merchandise Store.
311 N Main St
311 North Main Street
W. H. Tupper operated his General Merchandise store beginning in 1910. When he closed the doors in 1949, the complete inventory remained on the shelves, undisturbed, until 1971. All is as it was way back then - This unique museum offers visitors a glimpse of nearly every facet of early twentieth century life. Experience a simpler time when townsfolk picked up their mail, bought groceries, shopped for notions and toys and caught up on the news -- all at the same place, the Tupper General Merchandise Store.

Shopping

Alexander Art Studio, Colorful murals are popping up on the sides of several downtown buildings. The most notable example is Candice Alexander’s Tree of Life project on the south side of the Charleston Building on Ryan St. in Lake Charles.
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Candice Alexander Art Studio
900 Ryan St
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Alexander Art Studio, Colorful murals are popping up on the sides of several downtown buildings. The most notable example is Candice Alexander’s Tree of Life project on the south side of the Charleston Building on Ryan St. in Lake Charles.
For those Allergic to Made In China...81 is creative, custom and comfortable. With Antiques, dumpster salvage restored and custom furniture painted decor, Eighty One is a place to visit while visiting L.C. ~ And named for the owner's IQ; Teehee :-P One review says, ""The coolest, most eclectic collection of things you never knew you needed."
Eighty One
3507 Ryan St
For those Allergic to Made In China...81 is creative, custom and comfortable. With Antiques, dumpster salvage restored and custom furniture painted decor, Eighty One is a place to visit while visiting L.C. ~ And named for the owner's IQ; Teehee :-P One review says, ""The coolest, most eclectic collection of things you never knew you needed."
Some of the review from Geoff: "...some of the nicest people you will ever meet. This shop is a treasure trove of wonderful antiques in every flavor of the rainbow..."
Cedar Chest Antiques LC
210 Division St
Some of the review from Geoff: "...some of the nicest people you will ever meet. This shop is a treasure trove of wonderful antiques in every flavor of the rainbow..."