Monroe Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Monroe

April 14, 2018 Karren Gelb

Monroe (historically French: Poste-du-Ouachita) is the eighth-largest city in the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is the parish seat of Ouachita Parish. In the official 2010 census, Monroe had a population of 48,815. The municipal population declined by 8.1 percent over the past decade; it was 53,107 in the 2000 census. After a recheck in 2012, the Census Bureau changed the 2010 population from 48,815 to 49,147. Mayor Jamie Mayo, however, maintains that the Monroe population is more than 50,000 and indicated that he will pursue a continued challenge to the count.
Things to do in Monroe

1. Not Just Pie

2117 Forsythe Ave Ste C, Monroe, LA 71201-3655 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible American Lunch +1 318-322-9928
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 34 reviews

Not Just Pie

Reviewed By Mary M - Greenville, South Carolina, United States

Not just pie is a family favorite every time I come to Monroe. Delicious food, kind people and you can't leave without trying the banana caramel pie. I just wish they had more vegetarian options, and that they would serve drinks in regular cups. Styrofoam is awful :(

2. Warehouse No 1 Restaurant

1 Olive St, Monroe, LA 71201-6251 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 318-322-1340
Excellent
69%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 328 reviews

Warehouse No 1 Restaurant

Reviewed By French S - Louisiana

We celebrated our anniversary at the Warehouse No 1. We brought our own wine and they charged a modest $10 corkage fee. The food was delicious. I had a steak and my wife ordered the grilled salmon. Our server was friendly and very attentive to our needs. Warehouse No. 1 is one of the nicer restaurants in Monroe to spend the evening.

3. Latin Food Restaurant

1102 Thomas Rd, West Monroe, LA 71292-5824 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible Latin, Central American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +1 318-654-7978
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 92 reviews

Latin Food Restaurant

Reviewed By BENJAMIN B - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

We stopped for lunch while on business in Monroe. It was a little out of the way in an unassuming building, but was worth checking out. The staff was friendly and we worked through our language barrier successfully. Our food and after meal coffees were great. I will definitely be back.

4. Miss Kay's Sweets & Eats

401 Trenton St, West Monroe, LA 71291-3149 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible American Breakfast, Brunch +1 318-582-5872
Excellent
52%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 42 reviews

Miss Kay's Sweets & Eats

Reviewed By A R - Monroe, Louisiana

Unlike most places, kids will love playing, yes playing, at Miss Kay's! Everything you put in your mouth will be delicious! Grilled cheese sandwich is s treat here! Fun area (Antique Alley) & when you're thru eating take your picture on outside wall "Greetings from West Monroe" mural !!!

5. Eskamoe's Frozen Custard

2800 Forsythe Ave, Monroe, LA 71201-3008 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Wheelchair Accessible American, Fast Food +1 318-325-5799
Excellent
80%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 25 reviews

Eskamoe's Frozen Custard

Reviewed By Julesfromlc - Lake Charles, Louisiana

Our family loves Eskamoe's. We can't visit the Monroe area without stopping by. My personal favorite is the banana pudding dessert, which is a combination of banana pudding and ice cream. You really can't go wrong with anything that you order there.

6. Cotton

101 N Grand St, Monroe, LA 71201-6745 Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Seafood, American, Cajun & Creole, Steakhouse, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Drinks, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 20 - SGD 47 +1 318-325-0818
Excellent
64%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 347 reviews

Cotton

Located in the heart of downtown Monroe in one of the oldest buildings in the city, Restaurant Cotton has the atmosphere of a simpler, more honest time. Executive chef, Cory Bahr, prides himself in being an innovator of unique and delicious food that exhibits his Louisiana Delta roots and allows his personality to influence every dish. Accompanied by chef de cuisine, Spencer Serrette, and sous chef, Seth Blankenship, Chef Bahr has mastered the art of creative southern cuisine. With nightly food and drink specials, it is guaranteed that there will be something new to try with every trip to Restaurant Cotton. Chef Bahr shows his appreciation and passion for authentic Louisiana cuisine by always using the freshest and most local ingredients in every dish that he prepares. Restaurant Cotton is proud to be a part of the revitalization of downtown Monroe and we invite you to join us as we support our beautiful city and the seasoned talent of our very own Chef Cory Bahr.

Reviewed By HalnTel

We were in Monroe on a Sunday evening so not much was open. The restaurant downstairs was closed, but we found an open door and followed the noise upstairs. After passing another closed and empty dining room we found a nice bar open at the back. We had a nice bottle of wine whilst watching the sun set

7. Trapp's Cajun & Seafood Restaurant

113 S Riverfront St, West Monroe, LA 71291-3201 Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Accepts Visa, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Credit Cards American, Cajun & Creole, Bar, Seafood Lunch, Dinner +1 318-855-6428
Excellent
54%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 159 reviews

Trapp's Cajun & Seafood Restaurant

The year was 1898 when the Trappey name would elevate its presence in Louisiana history. Bernard Trappey created a hot sauce recipe that he knew would be a hot commodity, he along with 11 sons embarked on this exciting new business venture together. In 1913 Bernard - somewhat reluctantly - agreed to let a cigar salesman peddle the sacred Trappey's hot sauce. It was that key decision which propelled their business to a whole new level. The company grew over the years and is now distributed nationwide as well as abroad in Europe, Japan, South America, and Mexico. So, before you leave our restaurant, take a look at our family photos on the wall and take a walk down memory lane with us capturing several generations of Trappey's Hot Sauce!

Reviewed By Michael C - Carrollton

This is a typical Louisiana 'on the water' place with a great atmosphere. Lots of families and groups all having a good time. The blackened catfish filet was the best I have ever had (including several great places in New Orleans!). Nice deck overlooking the river (OK, it's only the Ouachita) available for private groups.

8. Catfish Charlies

2329 Louisville Ave, Monroe, LA 71201-6126 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Seafood Lunch, Dinner +1 318-807-7070
Excellent
56%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 158 reviews

Catfish Charlies

Reviewed By TimG1754

What a great place for either lunch or dinner!! The catfish is beyond awesome and the shrimp dishes are very delicious!! The ambiance is very simple and unpretentious, so don’t have any expectations in that regard; but the service is wonderful.

You cannot go wrong with this choice.

9. Roma Italian Bistro

400 Trenton St, West Monroe, LA 71291-3165 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Reservations, Parking Available, Highchairs Available Italian, Pizza, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner +1 318-410-5050
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 76 reviews

Roma Italian Bistro

Reviewed By nola1961 - Baton Rouge, LA

We stayed one night in Monroe. I'm gluten free, I have a gluten intolerance, and Roma was suggested to us as an alternative to a chain restaurant that we usually visit.

The restaurant is in an older building and is very nice on the inside. The dining room is large and when full, does tend to get a bit loud.

The wait staff is knowledgeable on the menu. I asked for gluten free penne and was given the choice of sauces. I went with the meat sauce. It was excellent; one of the best gluten free pastas I've ever had. I could not tell the difference. I didn't ask the wait staff about their gluten free pasta but they must have done a lot of research to have found this one b/c it was excellent.

Others in our party enjoyed their dinners as well. One had cannelloni and it was very good.

The only one issue we had; our server wasn't the friendliest. We had an issue with one meal, something very minor, and she made a snarky comment about our 11 year old son being picky. No, not picky. He ordered his pasta plain, with butter only, and the dish that was brought to him wasn't plain pasta with butter only as he asked. A new one was brought out and all was fine.

I would highly recommend if you are gluten free or if you want good italian.

10. Waterfront Grill

5201 Desiard St, Monroe, LA 71203-4642 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Seafood, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 318-345-0064
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 218 reviews

Waterfront Grill

Reviewed By ARoberts111 - Monroe, Louisiana

This place serves your average southern cuisine.
the service is relatively quick compared to other sit-down restaurants around the area.
the food is mostly fried and fatty, but thats the usual down here in LA, every thing is pretty good.
beer is cold.
nothing sticks out as the BEST FOOD there, everything is ok, and usually its a safe go-to for lunch or dinner, especially if you have a group, they are VERY accommodating.
generally, if i dont feel like dealing with smart-@$$ wait staff or long food waits, .. i go here. its no BS. just order food.. eat food.. pay. leave. you get what you expect!

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