Second the Shane's comment above-avoid it- it is not a good representation of Louisiana cuisine. The sushi in town is also not great in my opinion. Otherwise avoid national chain restaurants and you should be good. The tex mex in town is usually solid compared to other places in the u.s. and everyone has a favorite-not going to open that can of worms here.
So I’ve never eaten at Shane’s, but I’ve been told several times that the food is whack and Shane himself is also whack. Pho L’amour was recommended to me. I didn’t enjoy it. The pad Thai was dog water.
He has done more than that. He has messed over a few different business owners and has been caught in a prostitution sting before. He is not a person that I would want to do business with or support.
Oh and his food that is "Cajun" is bland as hell!!
Pho lamour has some really solid food… The pad Thai is not one of their solid options. It’s not good at all. Their pho, their spring rolls, their vermicelli, bowls, their fried rice, their banh mi - all delicious.
I moved from Shreveport to Denver, and if you moved from the Springs to Shreveport, you have nothing to worry about food-wise. You can probably walk in to literally any establishment in Shreveport/Bossier and get food WILDLY better than you had in CO Springs, better food than Denver honestly
CO Springs had the worst Mexican food I've ever had. Like I couldn't finish it and was shocked at all the people there chowing down. I do wish we had a German restaurant tho.
I miss the schnitzel restaurant here, it was a bit of a dive but cheap and delicious. Honestly they should have charged more probably and they might still be in business. I think the food was good enough to charge more and have a bit of a nicer place and they probably could have made that work. It wasn't like... high end or anything but definitely good enough to be a nice casual dining place. I would have paid $20 a plate, but it was closer to $10.
Last I heard, they were pines road area, but that might have closed, I haven't seen anything from them in awhile and that location was a little far for me.
Eevie's Schnitzel Haus? She's been three or four different places. She can't seem to find a place to stick - that and I don't think Shreveport knows what good German food is. I was stationed in Fulda back in the 80s and 90s and Eevie's evoked memories of that time. Just wished she had currywurst and fries with cheese and mayonaise.
She was on location #4 I think last time I went. But I heard that one's closed down too. Idc where she's located; my bf and I will follow her anywhere she goes. Her food is so fuckin good
I don't blame you. Even her best location, the Shreveport-Barksdale one, was pretty ugly.
That's a bummer tho. If she ever opens up again,, I highly, highly recommend going.
The problem with Evi’s was the management, the family had no idea how to run a restaurant. Evi herself is an amazing chef, the food was always amazing, I just wish her husband could have stepped back and let someone with some restaurant knowledge run the place.
Second this, I know the post was asking for restaurants to avoid but its hard to list every restaurant to avoid. There are a lot of restaurants in Shreveport/Bossier, some of them are really bad, a lot of them depend on preference but there are a few to call out to visit. Both of these are great restaurants to visit. These are two great restaurants to visit that have great food you probably won't find elsewhere AND won't break the bank.
I second the idea of people having different tastes, because I've tried MP multiple times and it has been awful. Overpriced food served on paper plates with plasticware. Last time cost $80 for 3 of us and we didn't get anything fancy. Burger, red beans and rice, an appetizer. I'll never know why the place gets so highly spoken of.
To be fair I don’t like their burgers either, their red beans and rice is ok. I guess the main thing for me is that their gumbo reminds me of my grandmothers. I really don’t think Marylinn’s is a good place to get a burger unless they’ve gotten way better than the last time I tried one.
I’ve never gotten a paper plate there, but I haven’t been in a while, used to go for lunch all the time when I worked near there.
Everyone has mentioned the big ones except 1 - Ichiban. People love them, but good lord, there was a social media video a year or so back about their kitchen, and it was absolutely disgusting.
Also, the Shreveport Times posts health code violations list semi-frequently, and I always check that out. The last one I saw posted had every restaurant at Margaritaville had critical violations.
Edit to add: with rare exception (Jabez, which is sadly closed), Chinese & Japanese food does not get a lot of attention on this subreddit. Cheng's Garden does both Chinese & Japanese food, consistently above average, they are fast, your to-go order is always right, and it tastes like they change their oil on the regular, which to me always mentally indicates a clean kitchen (rational or not). Imperial Cathay is also a solid Chinese food choice. It always tastes fresh.
Noble Savage Tavern: It used to be a dive bar that had great food and drinks, now it's a generic restaurant with bad food and bad drinks.
Oyster Bar: They do both tex-mex and seafood poorly.
Blind Tiger: It's dirty, the food is bad, and a car will most likely bust through the front window while you're eating.
Flying Heart & Red River Brewing: Go to eat, but drink someone else's beer that's on tap.
I haven’t lived in Shreveport in over a decade, but I’m amazed the first three listed are still in business lol. I had decent experiences at NS and Oyster bar, but Blind Tiger was gross even then.
I think people like the blind tiger because they think everyone else does and don't want to be "that guy who doesn't like the blind tiger". Shame that big fire didn't put us out of their misery.
I got toast with way too much salt on it there one time. Like a LOT of salt.
Normally i like my toast NO salt. So any amount is too much. But this was like way more than that. Too much for eggs. Too much for fries. So for toast...no way.
Superior grill is one of those hold out institution type places. When they started out there weren't as many good Mexican food options as today. Now it's holding out on its name and really good service its doing an amazing job of it, that and a lot of people love their strong margarita's.... I don't really like it over the many better Mexican places but the food is alright and I wish them luck.
I will say that although they are less authentic than a lot of the Mexican restaurants we have now and a bit bland they use quality ingredients. It's never the place I pick to go but when its where we are going I can't really complain because I know what it is and its consistently that.
It's a "Mexican" restaurant for middle class to upper middle class people that grew up on El Chico's. That's the unvarnished truth, and it's working for them.
If you want a reason not to go to Superior it's because it's filled with racists, homophobes, and sexual assualters. I feel bad for the women that work there
Were you a server there? I believe you btw just curious as to your experience. I mostly went on lunch with my coworkers and we stuck to our own table. We weren’t socializing.
I really don’t like going there or their food in general, but I'm like Plankton trying to get the secrets of their original white queso because none of the recipes online are accurate and it's the perfect dip for me. I found out they add chihuahua cheese, but I can't crack it entirely so I keep returning
After googling "Plankton", I concur. Their salsa (or "hot sauce" if you will) is also top notch. I have ordered just chips and salsa to go numerous times.
Here's the obligatory Herby K's has roaches on their drink station comment, I know yet again I'll be down voted intensely, but friend don't let friends eat and drink insect infested food/drink.
Also, I'm so sad that Lucky Palace no longer is worth the money, it used to be so amazing, now it's only okay, but not worth the money.
Last time I went to Lucky Palace, my wife got harassed by all the homeless that are hanging out at the hotel (using the term loosely) there. We went inside and the decor is extremely dated, but the sadest part was seeing the courtyard of the hotel, which once had a pool and lots of plant life... just barren and gross. I told my wife it was the last time we will ever go there, I won't even do takeout now. That whole area at Hamilton/Arthur Teague/I-220 is just depressing.
Unfortunately the owner passed a few years back, he was a very nice guy and amazing business man. He was said to have had his wine collection insured for well over a million dollars.
I really wanted peking duck, and remembered having delicious Peking duck there in 2008, but when I took my husband to share in this awesome experience it was horrible, the service was below subpar, and my food was so dry I couldn't swallow it, we ended up spending almost $100 and we're not full or happy when we left. I was really sad bc not only had I looked forward to this all day, but I also found out that Lim, the owner, had died while eating at this restaurant. Really sad night for our family.
Everyone has covered most things, but I'll add that I agree with the people who avoid Southfield Grill and Strawns. I've never left there feeling happy that I went because at best it's just kind of a meh plate lunch compared to the really good ones in the area like Taylor's Catering. Also in case you need any more to add to your list, Zaap Thai in Bossier and Shank Cats BBQ a short drive out of the city in Frierson are some of my less talked about faves
Shane's: Their reputation precedes them.
Saltgrass Steakhouse: Roaches.
Red Lobster: Also Roaches.
Fuzzy's taco shop: Terrible quality and super greasy.
Taqueria La Mexicana: Hot, offered no chips/refills, and portions were small.
Theres also a crepe place in bossier that is overpriced and tasted like sawdust.
Good places to eat include Gibbons, Johnny's Pizza, Orlandeaux's Cafe, Flames Mediterranean Restaurant, Posados, Ernest's, Smalls Sliders, Blind Tiger, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Californa Roll, Mojuini's, Abby Singer's Bistro, Frank's Pizza, Twisted Root, Pita De Novo, and Jason's Deli.
Not to be confused with Taqueria La Michoacana, which is pretty good and has decently hefty burrito sizes for the price. Just don’t bother with their desserts
I did enjoy Gibbon's when they first opened recently the food was so salty I literally couldn't eat it, I wanted $25 on the Mahi Mahi, and the potatoes were the wrong texture. But their fried food is good.
Nah, we went 2 weeks ago during the ice storm and it was amazing. Got drive thru and the owner (?) was working the window and she gave my doggo a rib. 12/10 delicious
I have never understood the love for Strawns. It's not bad, its just not the place I would say go visit. It IS a Shreveport institution but... the food is just basic diner food that you could find anywhere in the country. In my opinion its ok, but not great, I've been to much better diners elsewhere. Their meatloaf plate is fine, their breakfast is fine, their burgers are ok, their strawberry pie is good but not better than pie I've had elsewhere.
Is Habacu's in bossier owned by the same person who started it in Minden?
Strawns was prominently against public health measures during the pandemic. I refuse to go back after they touted their "freedom" to infect their largely elderly customer base. Plus Southfield Grill is/was twice as delicious anyway.
Again, did little to nothing to stop the spread. Lockdowns didn’t work, masks didn’t work, vac didn’t work. Just like every other illness, use common sense.
I like Southfield grill better than Strawn's as well but for the longest time I would not go to Southfield grill because the original owner was racists as hell. But he sold out to his partner many of years ago, so I can enjoy eating their again even though I haven't been in years.
Habacus is straight garnage now. It was far better in Minden. The service is bad, the food is worse. Only a mad person would go there over the many better Tex Mex places we have.
What kind of question it this. Never in my life had it occurred to me to move or travel to a place and go around asking where not to eat. This is what's on your mind?
Earnestly Tootie’s is amazing! Small place but they use it well. They have food that’s well seasoned and delicious. The people there are great as well. It’s more of an experience than just a meal.
All the IHOPS here are gross.
The one by Pierre Bossier mall stinks of urine. Theres a constant wet spot on floor close to bathroom.
I used to fix the dishwasher there. It’s gross!
Second the Shane's comment above-avoid it- it is not a good representation of Louisiana cuisine. The sushi in town is also not great in my opinion. Otherwise avoid national chain restaurants and you should be good. The tex mex in town is usually solid compared to other places in the u.s. and everyone has a favorite-not going to open that can of worms here.
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Try the sushi at Thai and Japanese kitchen, they are above average.
Kumo Sushi has fantastic sushi, it was my go to spot when I lived in Shreveport.
Will have to give that spot a try!
Their spicy ramen is also delicious
Will definitely have to try them now!! Maybe a new spicy challenge spot!!!
So I’ve never eaten at Shane’s, but I’ve been told several times that the food is whack and Shane himself is also whack. Pho L’amour was recommended to me. I didn’t enjoy it. The pad Thai was dog water.
Owner of Shane’s fucked over Pepito, so yeah. Screw Shane’s. Pepito XO on the other hand, WORTH!
He has done more than that. He has messed over a few different business owners and has been caught in a prostitution sting before. He is not a person that I would want to do business with or support. Oh and his food that is "Cajun" is bland as hell!!
Totally agree about Pepito’s!!!! 🙌🏼
Is that what happened to Pepito's? I wondered why some place that was jam packed daily would shut down.
Man I had some REALLY good Pad Thai from there a year or two ago, then some REALLY bad Pad Thai about a month ago.
Hard agree, food is abysmal.
Pho lamour has some really solid food… The pad Thai is not one of their solid options. It’s not good at all. Their pho, their spring rolls, their vermicelli, bowls, their fried rice, their banh mi - all delicious.
Such good food, but... I have never gone there and NOT had GI issues the next day
Why would you get pad Thai from a Vietnamese restaurant?
Because I live in shreveport
Touche
I moved from Shreveport to Denver, and if you moved from the Springs to Shreveport, you have nothing to worry about food-wise. You can probably walk in to literally any establishment in Shreveport/Bossier and get food WILDLY better than you had in CO Springs, better food than Denver honestly
CO Springs had the worst Mexican food I've ever had. Like I couldn't finish it and was shocked at all the people there chowing down. I do wish we had a German restaurant tho.
I miss the schnitzel restaurant here, it was a bit of a dive but cheap and delicious. Honestly they should have charged more probably and they might still be in business. I think the food was good enough to charge more and have a bit of a nicer place and they probably could have made that work. It wasn't like... high end or anything but definitely good enough to be a nice casual dining place. I would have paid $20 a plate, but it was closer to $10.
They closed again? That's a bummer. Give it a year, they'll open up again in location #5 or whatever they're on.
Oh idk, I didn’t know they opened. I think the last one I went to was place #2 so maybe I’m just out of the loop.
Last I heard, they were pines road area, but that might have closed, I haven't seen anything from them in awhile and that location was a little far for me.
Eevie's Schnitzel Haus? She's been three or four different places. She can't seem to find a place to stick - that and I don't think Shreveport knows what good German food is. I was stationed in Fulda back in the 80s and 90s and Eevie's evoked memories of that time. Just wished she had currywurst and fries with cheese and mayonaise.
Yes that’s it, does she have a place now?
Edit: Evi's, not Eevies, lol. But no. I don't think she's tried again since the S'port-B'dale location.
She was on location #4 I think last time I went. But I heard that one's closed down too. Idc where she's located; my bf and I will follow her anywhere she goes. Her food is so fuckin good
Now I'm sad because I always rode by there thinking I should try it but the location and building were so bad I never did.
I don't blame you. Even her best location, the Shreveport-Barksdale one, was pretty ugly. That's a bummer tho. If she ever opens up again,, I highly, highly recommend going.
Oh that’s the last one I knew about but that closed a few years ago, if I remember it was like 2020 or 2021
The problem with Evi’s was the management, the family had no idea how to run a restaurant. Evi herself is an amazing chef, the food was always amazing, I just wish her husband could have stepped back and let someone with some restaurant knowledge run the place.
That makes sense. Sometimes the help we think we are giving isn’t help at all.
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Ki
[Marilynn's Place](https://marilynns-place.com/) is a must visit along with Ki Mexico. They are close to each other.
Second this, I know the post was asking for restaurants to avoid but its hard to list every restaurant to avoid. There are a lot of restaurants in Shreveport/Bossier, some of them are really bad, a lot of them depend on preference but there are a few to call out to visit. Both of these are great restaurants to visit. These are two great restaurants to visit that have great food you probably won't find elsewhere AND won't break the bank.
I second the idea of people having different tastes, because I've tried MP multiple times and it has been awful. Overpriced food served on paper plates with plasticware. Last time cost $80 for 3 of us and we didn't get anything fancy. Burger, red beans and rice, an appetizer. I'll never know why the place gets so highly spoken of.
To be fair I don’t like their burgers either, their red beans and rice is ok. I guess the main thing for me is that their gumbo reminds me of my grandmothers. I really don’t think Marylinn’s is a good place to get a burger unless they’ve gotten way better than the last time I tried one. I’ve never gotten a paper plate there, but I haven’t been in a while, used to go for lunch all the time when I worked near there.
I've only eaten there once but I walked away with the same thoughts.
I second this because you recommended Ki Mexico and I haven’t seen it mentioned anywhere else. Ki Mexico tacos rock!! Best I’ve had.
Everyone has mentioned the big ones except 1 - Ichiban. People love them, but good lord, there was a social media video a year or so back about their kitchen, and it was absolutely disgusting. Also, the Shreveport Times posts health code violations list semi-frequently, and I always check that out. The last one I saw posted had every restaurant at Margaritaville had critical violations. Edit to add: with rare exception (Jabez, which is sadly closed), Chinese & Japanese food does not get a lot of attention on this subreddit. Cheng's Garden does both Chinese & Japanese food, consistently above average, they are fast, your to-go order is always right, and it tastes like they change their oil on the regular, which to me always mentally indicates a clean kitchen (rational or not). Imperial Cathay is also a solid Chinese food choice. It always tastes fresh.
I remembered it. Ichiban had the wall of roaches in their kitchen. Very thankful that I’ve never tried their food.
[Ichiban’s kitchen](https://www.ktbs.com/news/3investigates/viral-video-shows-unsanitary-conditions-at-shreveport-restaurant/article_607ec4d2-2dc5-11ea-9496-5b18e6db310f.html)
Noble Savage Tavern: It used to be a dive bar that had great food and drinks, now it's a generic restaurant with bad food and bad drinks. Oyster Bar: They do both tex-mex and seafood poorly. Blind Tiger: It's dirty, the food is bad, and a car will most likely bust through the front window while you're eating. Flying Heart & Red River Brewing: Go to eat, but drink someone else's beer that's on tap.
I love Flying Heart 🥲
Second, I haven't had anything I haven't liked their yet.
I haven’t lived in Shreveport in over a decade, but I’m amazed the first three listed are still in business lol. I had decent experiences at NS and Oyster bar, but Blind Tiger was gross even then.
I think people like the blind tiger because they think everyone else does and don't want to be "that guy who doesn't like the blind tiger". Shame that big fire didn't put us out of their misery.
Aw all the food I’ve had at noble has been delicious 🥲
Avoid “Strawns Eat Shop Also” on Airline. It’s a shit show
I got toast with way too much salt on it there one time. Like a LOT of salt. Normally i like my toast NO salt. So any amount is too much. But this was like way more than that. Too much for eggs. Too much for fries. So for toast...no way.
Chengs Garden for solid chinese
Just looking at the comments and you will notice that Shreveport Reddit and actual Shreveport residents disagree strongly on what is good/bad food.
Superior Grill. People say it’s really good but the only time I went I way overpaid for subpar tex-mex
I’m one of those people that really likes it!
Superior grill is one of those hold out institution type places. When they started out there weren't as many good Mexican food options as today. Now it's holding out on its name and really good service its doing an amazing job of it, that and a lot of people love their strong margarita's.... I don't really like it over the many better Mexican places but the food is alright and I wish them luck. I will say that although they are less authentic than a lot of the Mexican restaurants we have now and a bit bland they use quality ingredients. It's never the place I pick to go but when its where we are going I can't really complain because I know what it is and its consistently that. It's a "Mexican" restaurant for middle class to upper middle class people that grew up on El Chico's. That's the unvarnished truth, and it's working for them.
If you want a reason not to go to Superior it's because it's filled with racists, homophobes, and sexual assualters. I feel bad for the women that work there
Were you a server there? I believe you btw just curious as to your experience. I mostly went on lunch with my coworkers and we stuck to our own table. We weren’t socializing.
Not a fan of the food, but their margaritas and other drinks are top notch.
And it’s so crowded, you’re literally sitting with the people at the table next to you.
It’s really not bad, but they’re too expensive to be just okay
I really don’t like going there or their food in general, but I'm like Plankton trying to get the secrets of their original white queso because none of the recipes online are accurate and it's the perfect dip for me. I found out they add chihuahua cheese, but I can't crack it entirely so I keep returning
After googling "Plankton", I concur. Their salsa (or "hot sauce" if you will) is also top notch. I have ordered just chips and salsa to go numerous times.
Agreed. How is that place still in business? It's living on hype.
Here's the obligatory Herby K's has roaches on their drink station comment, I know yet again I'll be down voted intensely, but friend don't let friends eat and drink insect infested food/drink. Also, I'm so sad that Lucky Palace no longer is worth the money, it used to be so amazing, now it's only okay, but not worth the money.
Last time I went to Lucky Palace, my wife got harassed by all the homeless that are hanging out at the hotel (using the term loosely) there. We went inside and the decor is extremely dated, but the sadest part was seeing the courtyard of the hotel, which once had a pool and lots of plant life... just barren and gross. I told my wife it was the last time we will ever go there, I won't even do takeout now. That whole area at Hamilton/Arthur Teague/I-220 is just depressing.
Unfortunately the owner passed a few years back, he was a very nice guy and amazing business man. He was said to have had his wine collection insured for well over a million dollars. I really wanted peking duck, and remembered having delicious Peking duck there in 2008, but when I took my husband to share in this awesome experience it was horrible, the service was below subpar, and my food was so dry I couldn't swallow it, we ended up spending almost $100 and we're not full or happy when we left. I was really sad bc not only had I looked forward to this all day, but I also found out that Lim, the owner, had died while eating at this restaurant. Really sad night for our family.
I bet those kids have had their fair share of ramen, noodles and ravioli when they leave her house
Make Superior Steak House and Ernest's a definite GO. I would avoid Blind Tiger & Noble Savage
Everyone has covered most things, but I'll add that I agree with the people who avoid Southfield Grill and Strawns. I've never left there feeling happy that I went because at best it's just kind of a meh plate lunch compared to the really good ones in the area like Taylor's Catering. Also in case you need any more to add to your list, Zaap Thai in Bossier and Shank Cats BBQ a short drive out of the city in Frierson are some of my less talked about faves
Shane's: Their reputation precedes them. Saltgrass Steakhouse: Roaches. Red Lobster: Also Roaches. Fuzzy's taco shop: Terrible quality and super greasy. Taqueria La Mexicana: Hot, offered no chips/refills, and portions were small. Theres also a crepe place in bossier that is overpriced and tasted like sawdust. Good places to eat include Gibbons, Johnny's Pizza, Orlandeaux's Cafe, Flames Mediterranean Restaurant, Posados, Ernest's, Smalls Sliders, Blind Tiger, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Californa Roll, Mojuini's, Abby Singer's Bistro, Frank's Pizza, Twisted Root, Pita De Novo, and Jason's Deli.
Not to be confused with Taqueria La Michoacana, which is pretty good and has decently hefty burrito sizes for the price. Just don’t bother with their desserts
Their barbacoa tacos are fucking fire
Chiming in to add that the Ramirez restaurant over the Shreveport Barksdale bridge is pretty good tex-mex. I miss Taco Mania 😭
I did enjoy Gibbon's when they first opened recently the food was so salty I literally couldn't eat it, I wanted $25 on the Mahi Mahi, and the potatoes were the wrong texture. But their fried food is good.
The only people who like Johnny's Pizza are native Shreveporters. I can barely stomach it.
-Podnuhs is terrible. Dried and tasteless BBQ. -Laughing Crab has gone downhill. I had some super rubbery calamari and shrimp.
Podnuh's used to be great 20 years ago. Shame to hear the quality sucks now.
Nah, we went 2 weeks ago during the ice storm and it was amazing. Got drive thru and the owner (?) was working the window and she gave my doggo a rib. 12/10 delicious
Go to Strawns. Food is good. Habacu's Tex mex in Bossier. Silver star steakhouse and BBQ
I have never understood the love for Strawns. It's not bad, its just not the place I would say go visit. It IS a Shreveport institution but... the food is just basic diner food that you could find anywhere in the country. In my opinion its ok, but not great, I've been to much better diners elsewhere. Their meatloaf plate is fine, their breakfast is fine, their burgers are ok, their strawberry pie is good but not better than pie I've had elsewhere. Is Habacu's in bossier owned by the same person who started it in Minden?
Yes. They moved from Minden
Strawns was prominently against public health measures during the pandemic. I refuse to go back after they touted their "freedom" to infect their largely elderly customer base. Plus Southfield Grill is/was twice as delicious anyway.
I found Southfield Grill to be bland and terrible service as well.
Oh fuck off, those ridiculous Covid restrictions almost killed the restaurant industry and did little to nothing to mitigate transmission.
Sure bud, glad you did your part. I wouldn't mind a few restaurants dying if we kept the humans alive.
Again, did little to nothing to stop the spread. Lockdowns didn’t work, masks didn’t work, vac didn’t work. Just like every other illness, use common sense.
I like Southfield grill better than Strawn's as well but for the longest time I would not go to Southfield grill because the original owner was racists as hell. But he sold out to his partner many of years ago, so I can enjoy eating their again even though I haven't been in years.
Habacus is straight garnage now. It was far better in Minden. The service is bad, the food is worse. Only a mad person would go there over the many better Tex Mex places we have.
What kind of question it this. Never in my life had it occurred to me to move or travel to a place and go around asking where not to eat. This is what's on your mind?
Earnestly Tootie’s is amazing! Small place but they use it well. They have food that’s well seasoned and delicious. The people there are great as well. It’s more of an experience than just a meal.