The Best Bars for Foodies in Baton Rouge

by The OpenTable Team

Updated February 26, 2020

One of the coolest American cities, the Cajun-style Louisiana capital of Baton Rouge is a hot spot for culture, cuisine, excitement, and fun. The best bars in Baton Rouge "laissez les bon temps rouler," delivering plenty of legendary good times for the people headed out for a few drinks and a few laughs. But where are the smartest, savviest people in Baton Rouge headed out to when they're looking for a great time out in Baton Rouge? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. Here, we've put together a list of the most rollicking bars in Baton Rouge. From neighborhood honky-tonks and piano bars to upscale cocktail spaces, the best bars in Baton Rouge have plenty of great times for everyone. Grab a table at one of these spots and enjoy some great times tonight!

Rouj Creole

4.7

4.7 (483)

$31 to $50

Creole

Baton Rouge

About the restaurant

A local Bluebonnet Boulevard favorite, the traditional Rouj Creole is one of the best bars in Baton Rouge. This classic Louisiana spot is a prime spot for a fun night out with friends and family. It's also got one of the best cocktail menus in the state. Sit back and let the bartenders work their magic with creative concoctions. Try the spicy "Jerked Mary," made with CTE bloody mix, Scotch Bonnet pepper vinegar, and rice vodka. A "Creole Mule" boasts vodka or gin, acidic watermelon, and ginger beer. For a traditional option, try the "Ideal Cocktail" with dry gin, vermouth, grapefruit, and maraschino liqueur.

Top review

TimothyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Rouj never disappoints. Service is invariably friendly and accommodating. Cocktails and wine list are both excellent. The food is some of the tastiest in BR. We had just one more perfect meal!

Sullivan's Steakhouse - Baton Rouge

4.3

4.3 (2027)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Baton Rouge

About the restaurant

Live music, prime cocktails, and traditional steakhouse features make Sullivan's Steakhouse one of the best bars in Baton Rouge. Grab a seat at the bar and try one of Sullivan's famous martinis. The signature "Knockout" features Clementine vodka infused with fresh golden pineapple. A "Pear and Egg" mixes clover honey, lime, and egg with Grey Goose. For a twist on an old favorite, try the cinnamon-spiced old fashioned with Woodford Reserve bourbon and black walnut bitters. Pair those drinks with one of the bar bites, like tuna poke shooters made with English cucumbers, mango, and avocado.

Top review

Sharron

Dined today

Great atmosphere. Steaks were cooked perfect. Great choice.

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Superior Grill - Highland

4.9

4.9 (300)

$30 and under

Mexican

Baton Rouge

About the restaurant

One of the best Mexican restaurants in the city is also one of the best bars in Baton Rouge. This exciting and colorful spot delivers a full list of "superior signature" cocktails. Try the "Monkey on a Stick," with strawberry jam, Regan orange bitters, and fresh lemon juice. The "A Night in Oaxaca" features Montelobos Mezcal, pineapple juice, and St. Germain. Stop in during the daily happy hour for specials on draft beers, mixed drinks, sangria, or house wine. For a meal, get the can't-miss fajitas with flour tortillas, pico de gallo, and guacamole.

Top review

Erin

Dined 3 days ago

I submitted a reservation for 6 on OpenTable and requested a table in the private room in the notes section of the reservation. I later needed to increase to party of 8 so I called the restaurant. The lady made the adjustments for me quickly and easily. She indicated at that time that they would not have the private rooms open that evening but she could put us in one of the less noisy areas of the restaurant. Upon checking in, we were told they went ahead and set us up in the private room after all! This was such a blessing as one of our guests is unable to hear out of one ear and the other one is very sensitive to noise. Our waitress (Morgan) was amazing as well! Super attentive, personable, and genuine. My friends and I had a great experience and we were so pleased that our requests were able to be honored.

French Market Bistro

4.6

4.6 (604)

$30 and under

Bistro

Baton Rouge

About the restaurant

An upscale and elegant fine-dining spot off of Baton Rouge's Highland Road, this French-accented spot features one of the best wine menus in all of Louisiana. The cellar features over 250 bottles and 15+ wines by the glass, along with prime beers, cocktails, and spirits. Grab one of those excellent drinks to go alongside the superb Southern-Italian menu at the Bistro. Try the lettuce wedge with crumbled blue cheese dressing, or the choice-cut filet mignon with garlic mashed potatoes. The "steak house dinner" on a sizzling plate comes with Fleur-de-sel-butter and a blue cheese lettuce wedge.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Feb 13, 2023

We sat outside so that’s the reason for the lower marks on ambience. We didn’t have a reservation and it was on a Monday night so make a reservation if you want to enjoy the full effect.

Fleming's Steakhouse - Baton Rouge

4.6

4.6 (1103)

$31 to $50

Steak

Baton Rouge

About the restaurant

This Mid-South City location of the famous national chain features one of the best bars in Baton Rouge. Along with the prime steaks, chops, sides, and salads, Fleming's delivers a full list of wine and hand-crafted cocktails. Try a white wine from France or Sonoma County, or a red from Italy or California. Local-favorite cocktails feature hits like the California Jam Jar with ripe strawberry and citrus or a blueberry "lemon drop" with candied lemon and Tito's vodka. Go back in time with the "Spanish Heritage," featuring Bacardi Ocho rum, lime, bitters, and house-made poblano syrup.

Top review

Frank

Dined on Dec 24, 2024

How many superlatives can I give to the meal and the service we had. She says best meal she has ever had and she has eaten all over the US and the world. The food, the drinks - WOW!!! Our waitress was wonderful, made great suggestions and was very friendly. Great Christmas Eve dinner.

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Mansurs On the Boulevard

4.7

4.7 (1277)

$31 to $50

Contemporary French

Baton Rouge

About the restaurant

A prime wine list at Mansurs makes this French favorite one of the best bars in Baton Rouge. Grab a seat at the bar or in the dining room to enjoy one of the restaurants' 350+ wine selections along with a creative local menu. Start with ice-cold oysters on the half shell or prime charbroiled oysters, or try the special crab cakes Covington with remoulade sauce. Be sure to go for the "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" visiting fresh fish prepared two ways. Try the "A'la Cocodrie" with crabmeat, green onions, and mushrooms, or "A'la Orleans" with toasted almonds and Gulf shrimp. House-favorite duck Mansur is twice-roasted and comes with Chambord blackberry sauce.

Top review

locoengineer

Dined on Jan 3, 2021

Food, Service excellent. Only thing we missed piano being played while we dined.

The Gregory at The Watermark

4.1

4.1 (629)

$50 and over

American

Baton Rouge

About the restaurant

Only a small stroll away from the waterfront and the LSU Museum of Art, the upscale Gregory restaurant is a prime spot for some of the best people-watching in Baton Rouge and some of the city's finest craft cocktails. It's the place to go with friends and family after a game or after sightseeing in the city. Peruse the "libations" menu for Gregory's top-notch selection of drinks and local beers. The craft beer menu features a wide range of choices from the best breweries in Louisiana. Diners to The Gregory can choose from favorites by Gnarly Barley, Tin Roof, Great Raft and Lazy Magnolia. Don't miss one of the restaurant's signature cocktails, like the "Best Ever" Amaretto Sour with egg white, Brulee lemon, and bourbon.

Top review

Glenn

Dined 7 days ago

Due to thunderstorms, we stayed at our hotel (the Watermark) for dinner at the Gregory. Our experience was very enjoyable and both our waiter (Christopher) and the host (Zelvin) were so helpful and friendly. The food was good and portions were generous. A very enjoyable evening. By the way, we did breakfast the next morning. The coffee was so wonderful and robust. The hominy grits were also amazing @

City Pork Brasserie & Bar

4.9

4.9 (493)

$30 and under

Fusion / Eclectic

Baton Rouge

About the restaurant

This lively Louisiana restaurant and barbecue joint is one of the most beloved local restaurants in Baton Rouge. Try one of the classic City Pork cocktails or a few local beers to go along with the fabled entrees at City Pork. For a Southern taste, go for the boudin-stuffed quail with blackberry and bourbon demi-glace, or rabbit and dumplings with wild mushrooms. A chicken-fried duck dish features roasted blueberries and pecans, and the house lamb chops come with mint salsa verde and a chef's vegetable. For more intriguing game, try the wild boar flautas with crispy tortillas and cheddar jack.

Top review

Drucilla

Dined on Dec 24, 2024

Wonderful Christmas Eve dinner- our waitress was amazing! The food was delicious as always! Thank you!

BRQ Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (994)

$30 and under

Barbecue

Baton Rouge

About the restaurant

Fine Southern barbecue alongside craft cocktails and beers makes BRQ one of the best bars in Baton Rouge. Start a night out with some of the restaurant's excellent appetizers, like smoked queso with Louisiana shrimp or crawfish. There's also pepper jack stuffed "Boudin balls" or a crispy pig's ear with pickled pepper and farm egg. Try one of the local beers, like an Urban South "Holy Roller" IPA or a NOLA "Hoppyright Infringement" IPA. Craft cocktails are potent and creative. Go for the "Slow Burn" with Sazerac rye and bitters, or a "Carrot Magic" with Ancho Reyes, carrot juice, and lime juice.

Top review

SteveVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Great family experience…we will definitely be back again!

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Popular dish

Jumbo Famous Carrot Cake

Stroubes Seafood and Steak

4.7

4.7 (1445)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Baton Rouge

About the restaurant

Seafood, steak, and a great cocktail menu make Stroubes one of the best bars in the city. It's also the place in Baton Rouge to get the Louisiana-favorite Abita beer, with a menu of Abita favorites from its "Purple Haze" to the "Andygator." For cocktail lovers, the classic Sazerac is on the menu here, as is a pineapple martini with triple sec. Don't miss one of the Stroubes whiskeys or bourbon, with selections from Angel's Envy, Bulleit, and Basil Hayden's. The Louisiana food favorites on the menu include crawfish beignets, made with cream cheese, sriracha aioli, and bacon jam.

Top review

Ricky

Dined 1 day ago

Awesome experience. Waiter was outstanding! Food was amazing!

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4.7

4.7 (2392)

$50 and over

Steak

Baton Rouge

About the restaurant

Wood-fired pizzas and plenty of excellent cocktails and beers make Ruffino's into one of the best bars in Baton Rouge. This celebrated pizza spot on Camellia Boulevard is a nightly hot spot for a diverse crowd seeking out Italian classics and a great time. Select from the Ruffino's excellent wine menu to go along with the wood-fired pies at Ruffino's. Go for the suprema pizza, with pepperoni, Italian sausage, and prosciutto. Start the meal with one of the Louisiana favorites, like seafood arancine with jumbo Gulf shrimp or wood-oven roasted oysters with tasso garlic butter and romano cheese. The menu also features classic pasta and specialty dishes like spaghetti and meatballs or chicken alfredo.

Top review

Steve

Dined today

Great evening at Ruffino’s. The Food & appetizers were delicious as always. The Service was exceptional.

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The Little Village - Downtown

4.4

4.4 (1287)

$31 to $50

Italian

Baton Rouge

About the restaurant

The downtown location of this Louisiana Italian favorite is one of the top spots in Baton Rouge for an excellent glass of wine. Stop into this bright and welcoming spot for a meal and a glass of the sparkling Italian or French wines, or a sterling white from Napa Valley. The lush reds come from Monterey, Italy, Argentina, and the Napa Valley. Port Wines from Portugal provide a sweet dessert option. For dinner, be sure to try the Louisiana seafood arancine with roasted tomato cream or the seafood-stuffed mushrooms with local favorites and lemon butter.

Top review

Dined on Dec 27, 2024

It's always a highlight whenever I get the chance to take my family to Little Village Downtown! My favorite in the city.

Beausoleil Coastal Cuisine

4.5

4.5 (241)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Southern

Baton Rouge

About the restaurant

This local-favorite Louisiana hot spot takes its place as one of the best bars in Baton Rouge. A fun and lively spot, Beausoleil features all the traditional Bayou decorations and menu fixtures. Be sure to go for one of the classic Louisiana cocktails, or stop in during happy hour for specials on drinks and domestic beers. Along with the spirits, be sure to try some of Beausoleil's excellent cuisine. Go for the sauteed sweetbreads with seasonal mushrooms and caper berries, or the crispy Brussels sprouts made with creole cane syrup and goat cheese.

Top review

AaronVIP

Dined on Dec 28, 2024

Great experience as always. Drinks were amazing as well as the food. Waitress was energetic and attentive!.

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Baton Rouge

5.0

5 (3094)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Baton Rouge

About the restaurant

The Baton Rouge outpost of this nationally-renowned steak house is one of the best places for a meal and a drink in Baton Rouge. Grab a seat at the bar or in the dining room for sizzling steaks, fine wine, and excellent cocktails. Go for the original "Big Easy Hurricane" straight from the legendary recipe, or the colorful "Ruby Red Greyhound." There's also a fascinating twist on the cosmo with a raspberry rosemary version.

Top review

Cheryl

Dined 2 days ago

Memorable dining experience from being to end. Our server Blakely was so sweet and attentive. We had the steak and salmon (which I highly recommend) both were cooked to perfection and were delicious.

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Stab's Prime Steak & Seafood

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Baton Rouge

About the restaurant

An elevated spot for steak and seafood in Baton Rouge, Stab's is a lively location and one of the best bars in town. Stab's features some of the best wine in town. Grab a glass of sparkling wine from Napa Valley or Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma. There are interesting whites from Oregon and full reds from the Russian River Valley on the extensive list. For dinner, try one of the prime porterhouse steaks or a jumbo barbecue "Shrimp and Grits" meal with toast points.

Top review

JavonJ

Dined on Feb 28, 2021

Everything was amazing. It was a great place to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary. The food was amazing and the service was pleasant. We will definitely be returning.

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