Ruston, Louisiana, a charming Southern town, recently became the backdrop for a delightful long weekend of ours. As someone who truly appreciates the heart of the South – the captivating country music, the warm Southern drawl, and above all, the unparalleled Southern hospitality – I was immediately charmed. This hospitality shines brightest in the vibrant food scene of Ruston, LA, a place brimming with fantastic restaurants just waiting to be explored.
And let’s be honest, a trip to the South for me isn’t complete without a nod to honkytonks. While I confess I’m still waiting to experience a truly authentic honkytonk, the very idea of it excites me! Are these legendary music venues still out there? Experiencing a real honkytonk is definitely on my bucket list!
But beyond the music and the Southern charm, it’s the food that truly captures my heart. During our recent stay in Ruston, I made it my mission to sample as much of the incredible local cuisine as possible. And let me tell you, Ruston did not disappoint! There’s an abundance of amazing places to eat in Ruston. So, if you’re planning a visit or just curious about the local flavors, join me as I unveil my list of the 11 best restaurants in Ruston, LA!
Ruston, LA: Unveiling the Location of this Foodie Gem
When my son’s tournament was scheduled in Ruston, LA, my first thought echoed many others: “Ruston, WHERE?” Having traveled extensively across the United States, I, a Northerner by origin, had never encountered Ruston before.
For those unfamiliar, Ruston is a picturesque college town nestled in North Louisiana. It’s conveniently located approximately 1.5 hours east of Shreveport, Louisiana, and about 2 hours west of Jackson, Mississippi.
While Ruston might seem a bit secluded, its charm and offerings are self-sufficient. If you’re visiting Ruston, chances are it’s related to Louisiana Tech University, and the town provides everything you need for a fulfilling visit.
With its lively campus atmosphere, quaint downtown area, and an exceptional array of Food Ruston La prides itself on, Ruston has all the ingredients for a memorable trip.
What Defines the Best Food in Ruston, LA?
Acknowledging our limitations, we couldn’t possibly experience every single restaurant Ruston boasts. However, we made a valiant effort and explored a significant number. From comforting bowls of gumbo to innovative BBQ tacos and divine desserts, our culinary journey through Ruston revealed a treasure trove of tasty food.
My Curated List of the Best Restaurants in Ruston, LA
1. Ponchatoulas: Authentic Cajun Food Ruston LA Style
Ponchatoulas stands as a beacon of authentic Cajun food in Ruston. Situated in a historic building in downtown Ruston, this restaurant was bustling when we arrived around 7 pm on a weeknight.
Fortunately, my foresight in making a reservation ensured we bypassed any wait – something I believe would have been inevitable otherwise. When hunger strikes, waiting is not an option, hence my penchant for reservations. While not all establishments offer them anymore, it’s always worth checking.
Ponchatoulas is more spacious than its exterior suggests, featuring a substantial bar that anchors one corner. The interior exudes a cool ambiance, enhanced by the exposed historic red brick walls that I personally adore. The overall vibe is relaxed and casual, perfectly aligning with my travel wardrobe of solely casual attire for this baseball trip!
Best Restaurants In Ruston: Immerse Yourself in Cajun Flavors
Regarding the food – we received consistent recommendations for Ponchatoulas as the destination for genuine Cajun cuisine in Ruston. When multiple sources point to a place, it’s usually for good reason.
Having had a late lunch, we weren’t ravenously hungry for dinner, but our commitment to exploring Ruston’s food scene prevailed. Consider it a selfless act of gastronomic dedication.
Despite their extensive menu showcasing a wide variety of Louisiana-inspired entrees, I opted for a slightly lighter start with a side salad. My recent diet had been somewhat lacking in greens, making a salad a welcome necessity. For my main course, a bowl of gumbo was irresistible.
My dining companion chose the Oyster platter accompanied by onion rings. And with my gumbo, I couldn’t resist adding a side of one of my ultimate culinary weaknesses: hush puppies! These little golden nuggets were impeccably crispy, though perhaps a tad mild on the spice. Yet, not a single one remained on my plate – a testament to their deliciousness!
My gumbo was undeniably divine! And my partner enthusiastically endorsed his oyster platter.
Confession time: Oysters, in any form, are not my preference, so I’ll wholeheartedly trust his judgment on that.
We initially planned a return visit to sample their jambalaya, crawfish, and red beans & rice, but with so many other Ruston food experiences calling, time simply ran out!
In conclusion, Ponchatoulas delivered on its promise. Their Louisiana-inspired dishes were precisely what we craved, and the warm, welcoming staff made us feel right at home.
OVERALL: A guaranteed delightful meal.
2. Flying Burger & Seafood: A Ruston Food Staple
This restaurant name, admittedly, struck me as a bit unusual. However, the sheer volume of recommendations steered us to give Flying Burger & Seafood a try.
As first-timers, we walked in without preconceived notions, but it turned out to be an excellent choice. Flying Burger & Seafood operates more as a quick-service establishment where you place your order at the counter.
But don’t mistake it for typical fast food. The quality is significantly higher. While service is speedy, the food is undeniably fresh and flavorful. Their menu boasts a much wider selection of entrees compared to your average fast-food joint.
We visited Flying Burger for lunch and, once again, it was packed! Clearly, the Ruston locals are in the know about where to find good food! I opted for the grilled shrimp kabobs with red beans & rice.
My partner selected a basket of jumbo shrimp & fries, which, predictably, came with – you guessed it – hush puppies!
Best Hushpuppies In Ruston? The Flying Burger Contender
And while his attention was diverted, I sneakily added a side order of hush puppies for myself. Priced under $3, they were, without exaggeration, worth every single cent. These, my friends, were the absolute BEST hushpuppies of the entire trip!!
I’d even venture to say they rank within my top 5 hushpuppy experiences ever. And I’ve certainly indulged in my share of hushpuppies over the years. These were phenomenal! They undeniably stole the show at lunch. If for no other reason than these hushpuppies, Flying Burger earns a prominent spot on my list of best Ruston restaurants!
I briefly considered getting a takeout order of hush puppies, but alas – even a devoted foodie has limits!
However, should I return, I can’t promise I won’t order a basket of hush puppies for lunch again! Our lunch was both delicious and affordable. I would definitely return. The menu features numerous intriguing items I’m eager to explore, and the prices are incredibly reasonable.
If you find yourself at Flying Burger, treat yourself to the hushpuppies. You’re welcome!!
OVERALL: Fast, fresh, and delicious lunch option. Hushpuppies are a MUST!
3. Portico Restaurant And Bar: Upscale Dining in Ruston
One evening, we ventured to Portico for dinner and drinks. We were meeting up with friends from the team, and the allure of live music drew us to Portico.
As soon as we entered, we spotted and heard the band performing in the enclosed patio area. We opted for seats at the bar, as the patio was a bit too loud for easy conversation with the band playing so close. The bar area proved ideal for our group, allowing us to enjoy the music while still being able to chat comfortably – a perfect compromise.
Portico presents a slightly more refined dining experience compared to most of the other Ruston restaurants we visited.
While not overly formal, it’s a stylish establishment with a fully stocked bar and a spacious restaurant area, in addition to the outdoor patio. The addition of live music enhances the area’s dining scene, making it a welcome destination for an evening out.
We started with drinks from the bar, followed by perusing the menu.
While chicken sandwiches are typically my go-to, I decided to try one of their specialty sandwiches, the Cheesy Pig Sandwich – a creative blend of pulled pork, mozzarella, asiago, cheddar, and jalapenos served on grilled ciabatta. It was absolutely delicious!
Another member of our group ordered the Crabby Tomato appetizer – a unique combination of fried green tomatoes topped with lump crab. And yet another friend chose the Southern Made Burger, which included the delightful addition of pimento cheese, along with a fried green tomato and bacon.
The mac & cheese also received rave reviews. And both the pork chops and hamburger steak looked equally tempting.
Best Restaurants In Ruston: Creative Hushpuppy Twists
If you visit Portico during your Ruston stay, you must try the Pimento Pups.
I’m still kicking myself for missing out on them during our visit!! I was too engrossed in conversation and didn’t notice them on the menu until it was too late.
These culinary gems are pimento and cheddar jack cheese hush puppies, served with a remoulade dipping sauce! How could I have overlooked these?! If you try them, please send me a message and share your thoughts!
OVERALL: A diverse menu with something to please everyone.
4. Heard Freighthouse Food Truck Park: Ruston’s Food Truck Scene
For another lunch outing, we headed downtown to the food truck park – which, in reality, is more of a designated lot hosting a collection of food trucks. “The Heard” features a variety of food trucks, each offering their unique culinary creations.
As a champion of affordable (and delicious!) eats, food trucks were a natural addition to our Ruston food exploration. I believe food trucks deserve more appreciation. The culinary artistry some of these food truck chefs achieve within the confines of a tiny, hot space is truly remarkable.
Grown and Grazed Food Truck boasts an impressive selection of enticing burgers, with many locals proclaiming them to be among the best burgers in town. The food truck lineup also includes Bad Wolf BBQ with barbecue classics, Staple Sandwich offering delectable soups and sandwiches, Grace Classics specializing in Southern favorites, Taqueria Mexicana serving street tacos and more, and many others!
The atmosphere was buzzing when we stopped by for lunch. We waited in line, but it was well worth it! My first stop was Taqueria Mexicana, where I indulged in the BBQ street tacos special – three tacos, each filled with a different type of smoked meat.
All were incredibly flavorful, with the chicken taco being my personal favorite. But the real revelation was the side of sweet chili Brussel sprouts. Oh. My. Goodness. These are undeniably the best Brussels sprouts I have ever tasted. They strike the perfect balance of sweet and spicy – you will absolutely adore them!
Next door at Staple Sandwich Company, I discovered pure bliss in a bowl of their roasted tomato soup. This flavorful tomato soup is loaded with chunky potatoes and carrots and comes with a side of focaccia. I also enjoyed the delightful garbanzo bean salad and finished it all off with one of the best Arnold Palmers I’ve ever had – incredibly refreshing!
I wholeheartedly recommend exploring this fantastic food truck scene or any of the others for homemade, fresh, and delicious fare. They clearly take immense pride in everything they serve.
OVERALL: Local Favorite Winner-Winner
5. Uptown Downtown Bakery: Ruston’s Sweet Spot
If you know me, you know I have a major sweet tooth (currently in reform mode!), but during this Ruston trip, a little sugar indulgence was necessary, and Uptown Downtown Bakery perfectly satisfied that craving.
This bakery is an utterly charming little spot downtown, and everything on display looked absolutely divine. I can personally vouch for the exceptional deliciousness of their brownies.
The menu also features homemade sandwiches, including inventive melty grilled cheeses like the Cajun Piggy with shrimp and the Big Buffalo with buffalo chicken. You can also choose from paninis, wraps, and salads.
Uptown Downtown seems like the perfect place to gather with friends for coffee and sweet treats or a light lunch. I would love to sample more of their tempting offerings.
OVERALL: Hometown charm with a sweet ending.
Bonus: Best Sports Bar in Ruston – The Dawg House
For LA Tech fans, The Dawg House is the place to be! Since our tournament was at LA Tech, naturally, when we heard about The Dawg House, we had to check it out.
We arrived late Saturday afternoon, found a table, and ordered drinks. The place was half-full even though it was past lunch and before dinner – always a positive sign! The A/C was blasting, and TVs were showing various sporting events.
The menu is packed with tempting-sounding grub – the boudin egg rolls piqued my interest, and the burgers are massive!
Head over for a plate of wings, some cold beer, and catch a game. This is the quintessential local joint for a good time! I’m eager to return during football season! Woot Woot!
Best Restaurants In Ruston, LA That Remain on My List
6. Rotolos Pizzeria: Pizza and Craft Beer Haven
We heard that Rotolos is the go-to spot in Ruston for incredible pizza and craft beer. They are known for their fantastic pizza, and Rotolo’s craft beer selection received glowing reviews from those I spoke with. As a major pizza enthusiast – pizza paired with wine or a cold beer is hard to beat – I will definitely make it a priority to try Rotolos if I’m ever back in Ruston!
7. Beau Vines Steakhouse: Fine Dining Ruston Style
While we didn’t make it to Beau Vines, this upscale steakhouse received high praise from many. While not an everyday family dining option, Beau Vines is the place to go for a fine dining experience. It’s definitely not budget-friendly, but if you’re celebrating a special occasion, it might be worth the splurge for what seems like an exceptional meal.
8. Log Cabin Grill & Market: A Ruston Must-Try
Several people urged us to visit Log Cabin Grill & Market on Farmerville Hwy, highlighting it as a Ruston essential and part of the town’s best restaurant group. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance. I even called one night to inquire about wait times, and predictably, there was a wait, so we opted for another place. But the menu options are extensive and impressive, and everyone I spoke to raved about this restaurant.
9. Raw: Ruston’s Sushi Scene
I believe every college town needs a sushi bar or two, and Ruston is no exception. We noticed a few sushi restaurants, but Raw consistently came up as the top choice. I checked out their menu, and their sushi rolls looked amazing. Being a fan of spice, their spicy crab mix and spicy salmon rolls particularly caught my eye!
10. Utility Brewing: Craft Beer and Gourmet Pizza
Who can resist the combination of pizza and beer? At Ruston’s only microbrewery, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Their gourmet brick-oven pizzas consistently receive rave reviews. Mole-based pizza or a patty melt pie? And don’t forget their sweet peach pie. The creativity is astounding! These are just a few examples from their recent specials.
Count me in for all of the above! Plus, they offer their regular brick oven pizzas, a great selection of microbrews, and live music. Yes, please!
11. Ben Christmas Crawfish: A Taste of Louisiana Tradition
Eat like a local and experience a genuine crawfish boil. It’s a quintessential Louisiana dish! Shrimp, crawfish, potatoes, corn on the cob, and all the flavorful spices. This is the specialty at Ben Christmas’s casual spot. Grab a picnic table and dig in!
What are your favorite restaurants in Ruston? Send me a message and let me know! I’d love to hear your recommendations! 🙂
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