The man, the myth, the LEGEND! Social media sensation, Gerald Gruenig, eats his way through some of Lake Charles' most iconic eateries. From Famous Food's famous soft and spicy cracklins to Lulu's Specialty Snocone's pickle snocone, Gerald devours the most unforgettable and unique meals and frozen treats. Add these Gerald-approved stops to your Lake Charles itinerary! Special thanks to Mr. Weatherall for creating these incredible videos!
1. Wang Sistas
Wang Sistas has a mouthwatering menu centered around their signature "Wangs," featuring a variety of unique flavors like Ms. Garlic Parmesan, Ms. Honey Wang, and the crawfish boil-inspired Ms. Craw Wang. In addition to their famous wings, they serve hearty Southern favorites like red beans and rice, fish plates, and classic sandwiches, all through their convenient drive-through service. Their address is 1222 Oak Park Blvd, Lake Charles.
2. Area 337
Area 337, owned by Gus Garden, offers a vibrant menu inspired by Caribbean and Latin American flavors, featuring dishes like empanadas, arepas, and a variety of savory stews. With a focus on authentic, bold flavors, this eatery is a must-visit for those seeking a unique and flavorful dining experience in the heart of Lake Charles. Their address is 710 Dr Michael Debakey Dr., Lake Charles.
3. In-Laws Cajun Specialties
In-Laws Cajun Specialties, with locations in Moss Bluff and Iowa, offers a delicious range of Cajun favorites like cracklin, boudin, and plate lunches featuring BBQ pork steak and shrimp sauce picquant. Known for their authentic flavors and hearty meals, it's a go-to spot for both hot, ready-to-eat dishes and specialty meats to take home. They have two locations: 1121 Lowe-Grout Road, Iowa and 258 US-171, Moss Bluff.
4. Luna Bar & Grill
Luna Bar & Grill, owned by Chef Dave Evans, is a culinary gem in Lake Charles offering a unique fusion of Southwest Louisiana flavors. With a menu that features everything from signature crab cakes to innovative tuna dishes, Luna Bar & Grill is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience creative and authentic regional cuisine. They have two locations in Lake Charles: 719 Ryan St. and 5656 Nelson Rd.
5. Twanie's Terrific Treats
Twanie’s Terrific Treats, established in 2022 by the talented young entrepreneur Antwan Pettis II, has quickly become a go-to spot for sweet indulgences in Lake Charles. This charming bakery offers a mouthwatering selection of freshly baked goodies, from rich chocolate chip cookies to decadent bread pudding and their famous colossal cookies that are as big in flavor as they are in size. Their address is 206 W 11th St Suite B, Lake Charles.
6. Darrell's
Darrell's is known for their not-so-neat po-boys that include surf and turf, Darrell's Special and BBQ. At Darrell's, they make all of their gravy, BBQ sauce, jalapeño mayonnaise, and butter sauce in-house daily. Gerald ordered the surf and turf with jalapeño mayonnaise. Their address is 119 W College St, Lake Charles.
7. Lulu's Specialty Snocones and More
Lulu's Specialty Snocones and More serves up some of the most unforgettable frozen treats-- snocones topped with cotton candy, ice cream, more candy, pickles, cheesecake, cereal, and so much more. Gerald ordered the pickle snocone and the "Do it for The Gram" snocone. Their address is 2735 Country Club Rd, Lake Charles.
8. Mama Reta's Kitchen
Mama Reta is everyone's favorite Mama! Mama Reta's Kitchen is located in Mama Reta's childhood home and they are known for the best Southern home cooking this side of the bayou! Gerald ordered the Smothered Pork Steak Plate Lunch and the Fried Chicken Plate Lunch. Their address is 1916 Belden St, Lake Charles.
9. Famous Foods
Famous Foods has a down-home atmosphere with unforgettable Creole food. The restaurant area is spacious with great seating for families making their way down the Boudin Trail! Gerald ordered the famous Soft and Spicy Cracklins! Their address is 1475 Gerstner Memorial Dr, Lake Charles.
10. Creole Hidden Garden
Creole Hidden Garden is a Vegan food truck located at 1949 Broad Street in Lake Charles serving up a variety of delicious Creole Vegan meals! Gerald ordered the vegan beef tacos.
11. Ju'Elles Café
For a taste of Lake Charles’ soul food, Ju’elles Café has comfort food that is prepped for indulgence from country fried ribs and buffalo cut wings to a variety of fried shrimp and fish baskets – or delicious burgers! Gerald ordered the quesadillas, fried ribs, and burger. Check their social media pages to see where their food truck is located.
12. Shuga Mama’s
Shuga Mama’s is a mobile snow cone unit (brick and mortar location opening Aug. 2024 at 3117 Enterprise Blvd.) serving up wacky snow cones, funnel cakes, pineapple bowls, and other extravagant sweets! They are located right by Creole Hidden Garden at 1707 Broad Street. Gerald ordered the praline funnel cake and the pineapple bowl snow cone topped with strawberries, pineapples, lollipop, cotton candy, peach rings, and gummy worms!
13. Danny’s Place
Danny’s Place is a food truck serving authentic Creole and Soul food plate lunches including smothered ribs, fried pork chops, sauce piquant, oxtails, turkey legs, and more! Gerald ordered the smothered ribs over rice, green beans, and mac and cheese! Their address is 1707 Broad Street, Lake Charles.
14. Buffi's Peauxboys
Buffi's Peauxboys is a Downtown Lake Charles staple specializing in gourmet poboys, loaded baked potatoes, soups, salads, and wraps! Gerald ordered the boiled crawfish poboy which features Spicy boiled crawfish, corn, potatoes, and seafood sauce! Their address is 345 Broad St, Lake Charles.
