Red River's Finest
Food scene
I personally think Shreveport/Bossier has some of the most desirable options for entertaining and high quality cuisine. We may not be Austin, NYC or the Vegas Strip when it comes to locations that premiere chefs are looking to make a statement - but follow my guide and you might just find why we like to keep our eateries a little bit off the radar ;-)
Don't forget to explore the boardwalk on BOTH sides of the River - not just the Bossier side! Bossier is the newer, glamorous side with River Boat Casinos, excellent upscale chain eateries, and lots of shopping - but the Shreveport side features historic buildings, scenery, spectacular food and better libations!
43 moradores locais recomendam
Louisiana Boardwalk
540 Boardwalk BlvdDon't forget to explore the boardwalk on BOTH sides of the River - not just the Bossier side! Bossier is the newer, glamorous side with River Boat Casinos, excellent upscale chain eateries, and lots of shopping - but the Shreveport side features historic buildings, scenery, spectacular food and better libations!
While Monjunis does have multiple locations in the city - THIS location is the OG, (not to mention walking distance from my place) and I promise you....there's a difference! Take a sweeter taste of classic Italian dishes with a distinct spin and don't forget to try the Shrimp Toast!!!
10 moradores locais recomendam
Monjunis Italian Cafe & Grocery
1315 Louisiana AveWhile Monjunis does have multiple locations in the city - THIS location is the OG, (not to mention walking distance from my place) and I promise you....there's a difference! Take a sweeter taste of classic Italian dishes with a distinct spin and don't forget to try the Shrimp Toast!!!
We have a history of food trucks turned successful restaurants - and this is one of only TWO that I recommend (Ki Mexico being the other). If you want a taste of authentic Louisiana with a twist of the unexpected - you owe it to yourself to go here. Get a little bit of EVERYTHING! They also feature some of the best selections of Louisiana beers!
22 moradores locais recomendam
BeauxJax Crafthouse
501 Barksdale BlvdWe have a history of food trucks turned successful restaurants - and this is one of only TWO that I recommend (Ki Mexico being the other). If you want a taste of authentic Louisiana with a twist of the unexpected - you owe it to yourself to go here. Get a little bit of EVERYTHING! They also feature some of the best selections of Louisiana beers!
Another Food Truck turned successful Restaurant - Ki is one of my absolutely favorites in Shreveport...and I'm not the only one. On a busier day you will be lucky to find a place to sit - good thing tacos are a hand held food! Try the bar side when they have live music for a really eclectic experiences for all the senses!
38 moradores locais recomendam
Ki' Mexico
3839 Gilbert DrAnother Food Truck turned successful Restaurant - Ki is one of my absolutely favorites in Shreveport...and I'm not the only one. On a busier day you will be lucky to find a place to sit - good thing tacos are a hand held food! Try the bar side when they have live music for a really eclectic experiences for all the senses!
100% REAL DEAL AUTHENTIC "this is what we eat when we have a party for our friends and family" --- if you have EVER heard of a Shreveport/Bossier, North West Louisiana "boil" - this is what we make and eat ourselves. IF you don't happen to come in on a weekend where I am smoking meats or doing a boil myself, this is where you want to eat for a true taste of Shreveport.
Crawdaddy's Kitchen
9370 Mansfield Rd100% REAL DEAL AUTHENTIC "this is what we eat when we have a party for our friends and family" --- if you have EVER heard of a Shreveport/Bossier, North West Louisiana "boil" - this is what we make and eat ourselves. IF you don't happen to come in on a weekend where I am smoking meats or doing a boil myself, this is where you want to eat for a true taste of Shreveport.
If you are like me, a fan of an authentic NYC Slice of pie - this is the ONLY place I go for pizza. I recommend ordering the 18" through the app SLICE, which will get you a nice little discount - worth it since you will have to drive there. But if you are looking for an unexpectedly romantic date option for say late afternoon - you will find yourself in a charming Bistro that leaves little but fat tummies and smiles :-)
While I do have a recommendation for PizzaRev in my guide book as well - it is for the atmosphere and beer selection, not their Pizza.
Roma Italian Bistro
8905 Mansfield RdIf you are like me, a fan of an authentic NYC Slice of pie - this is the ONLY place I go for pizza. I recommend ordering the 18" through the app SLICE, which will get you a nice little discount - worth it since you will have to drive there. But if you are looking for an unexpectedly romantic date option for say late afternoon - you will find yourself in a charming Bistro that leaves little but fat tummies and smiles :-)
While I do have a recommendation for PizzaRev in my guide book as well - it is for the atmosphere and beer selection, not their Pizza.
You simply can't deny the affection our town has for PizzaRev. While I could take it or leave it as far as their pizza goes - I will never turn down an invite with friends to meet up there.
You can truly make your very own pizza and it's done right before your eyes - with quite the expedition I might add. Prices are reasonable but not "cheap" - although if you have a special accommodations diet like myself, you will enjoy the Gluten Free and other more accessible options made available.
An absolutely stellar beer selection and one of the friendliest staff around makes for a delightful experience inside, bar room, special event room or on the dog friendly patio dining area.
PizzaRev
6301 Line AveYou simply can't deny the affection our town has for PizzaRev. While I could take it or leave it as far as their pizza goes - I will never turn down an invite with friends to meet up there.
You can truly make your very own pizza and it's done right before your eyes - with quite the expedition I might add. Prices are reasonable but not "cheap" - although if you have a special accommodations diet like myself, you will enjoy the Gluten Free and other more accessible options made available.
An absolutely stellar beer selection and one of the friendliest staff around makes for a delightful experience inside, bar room, special event room or on the dog friendly patio dining area.
IMPORTANT - this review is ONLY for the Shreveport location. This happens to be my personal place for sushi, sashimi and unorthodox seafood delights.
My personal selection is the Combination Nigiri which is NOT on the menu. This combo is about $14 and is two pieces of white tuna, two pieces of diver scallop and two pieces of steak filet - torched with butter and chives, and a small amount of ginger.
EVERYTHING they make is absolutely paramount
8 moradores locais recomendam
Sushi Gen shreveport
6625 Line AveIMPORTANT - this review is ONLY for the Shreveport location. This happens to be my personal place for sushi, sashimi and unorthodox seafood delights.
My personal selection is the Combination Nigiri which is NOT on the menu. This combo is about $14 and is two pieces of white tuna, two pieces of diver scallop and two pieces of steak filet - torched with butter and chives, and a small amount of ginger.
EVERYTHING they make is absolutely paramount
If you absolutely must rub shoulders with the people of Shreveport who, at the very least in their own minds, are a big to do.....or you just want a reason to dress to the 9's and eat some of the best classic prepared show stoppers around - then this is the place.... so long as you also have the "damn the costs" mentality about it. Truth is if I'm home I can make you a steak 3x as good for 10x less ;-)
26 moradores locais recomendam
Superior's Steakhouse
855 Pierremont RdIf you absolutely must rub shoulders with the people of Shreveport who, at the very least in their own minds, are a big to do.....or you just want a reason to dress to the 9's and eat some of the best classic prepared show stoppers around - then this is the place.... so long as you also have the "damn the costs" mentality about it. Truth is if I'm home I can make you a steak 3x as good for 10x less ;-)
Of the two offerings by Superior....the Steakhouse and the Grill....I must tell you that, well, this is the superior....err....Superior.
First off stick to the fajitas and go big - either the quail or the Pechuga De Superior. You also can NOT go wrong with the Brisket Tacos.
Also - you go here for the music, and the margaritas. Period ;-)
37 moradores locais recomendam
Superior Grill
6123 Line AveOf the two offerings by Superior....the Steakhouse and the Grill....I must tell you that, well, this is the superior....err....Superior.
First off stick to the fajitas and go big - either the quail or the Pechuga De Superior. You also can NOT go wrong with the Brisket Tacos.
Also - you go here for the music, and the margaritas. Period ;-)
Some people will tell you that Silver Star Smokehouse is the better of the two sister smokehouses in Shreveport - hell some people will actually tell you that other places have the better BBQ in town, but those people are wrong and you shouldn't listen to them.....ever. Granted Silver Star IS fancier and clearly shows off their money more than Country Tavern ----- but as far as the ABSOLUTE best BBQ in town, nothing comes close to Country Tavern. Try a salad - they are large enough to feed 3 people :-) DO NOT PASS UP THE AU GRATIN POTATOES!
Country Tavern Barbecue
823 Brook Hollow DrSome people will tell you that Silver Star Smokehouse is the better of the two sister smokehouses in Shreveport - hell some people will actually tell you that other places have the better BBQ in town, but those people are wrong and you shouldn't listen to them.....ever. Granted Silver Star IS fancier and clearly shows off their money more than Country Tavern ----- but as far as the ABSOLUTE best BBQ in town, nothing comes close to Country Tavern. Try a salad - they are large enough to feed 3 people :-) DO NOT PASS UP THE AU GRATIN POTATOES!
Just my absolute favorite little spot to eat in town. I love the people there and the food is just heaven. Great price for a unique and fun spin on all the Greek classics. PLEASE do yourself a favor and get the stuffed grape leaves, and eggplant :-)
Pita De' Novo
8510 Youree DrJust my absolute favorite little spot to eat in town. I love the people there and the food is just heaven. Great price for a unique and fun spin on all the Greek classics. PLEASE do yourself a favor and get the stuffed grape leaves, and eggplant :-)
If you are craving something unique in the taco space but don't want to go all the way to Ki Mexico - check out Parish!
Parish Taceaux
708 Texas StIf you are craving something unique in the taco space but don't want to go all the way to Ki Mexico - check out Parish!
Sightseeing
If you are bringing little ones - do yourself a favor and add Sci-Port to your adventuring. If you are already planning the Aquarium, this is only a few blocks away and combining the two can easily fill a 5-6 hour block for only a few more bucks!
27 moradores locais recomendam
Sci-Port Discovery Center
820 Clyde Fant PkwyIf you are bringing little ones - do yourself a favor and add Sci-Port to your adventuring. If you are already planning the Aquarium, this is only a few blocks away and combining the two can easily fill a 5-6 hour block for only a few more bucks!
You may (or may not!) be in town for one of our dozens of annual events taking place downtown at Festival Plaza. Set in the heart of the Shreveport side of the Boardwalk, the Plaza is a DEDICATED space for so many events throughout the year including the famous MudBug and Revel events, the Krewe festivals prior to Mardi Gras, and dozens of arts and crafts and kid friendly events all year long - this place is so big that there are TWO full sized stages for bands on either end of the plaza!
I suggest you google search "festival plaza events" to see what might be going on during your stay!
Festival Plaza
101 Crockett StYou may (or may not!) be in town for one of our dozens of annual events taking place downtown at Festival Plaza. Set in the heart of the Shreveport side of the Boardwalk, the Plaza is a DEDICATED space for so many events throughout the year including the famous MudBug and Revel events, the Krewe festivals prior to Mardi Gras, and dozens of arts and crafts and kid friendly events all year long - this place is so big that there are TWO full sized stages for bands on either end of the plaza!
I suggest you google search "festival plaza events" to see what might be going on during your stay!
One of my son's favorites - it's affordable and fun! Look this is not the National Aquarium in Baltimore nor is it the 10 Million Gallon masterpiece of the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta - but for about $40 a family of 4 can easily soak up a couple of hours of entertainment, education and memories. I highly recommend adding Sci-Port (also in my guide book) to your day if you are planning to do the aquarium with children as it is just down the street, and also very affordable science exploration in a cool setting!
50 moradores locais recomendam
Aquário de Shreveport
601 Clyde Fant PkwyOne of my son's favorites - it's affordable and fun! Look this is not the National Aquarium in Baltimore nor is it the 10 Million Gallon masterpiece of the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta - but for about $40 a family of 4 can easily soak up a couple of hours of entertainment, education and memories. I highly recommend adding Sci-Port (also in my guide book) to your day if you are planning to do the aquarium with children as it is just down the street, and also very affordable science exploration in a cool setting!
Norton is a true hidden gem lost among the locals and hardly mentioned in tourism guides. Featuring an exquisite collection of historic and important works of southern art of all types, what is often unknown is the natural beauty of the gardens which sets the backdrop for the Gallery itself.
The Norton is also used frequently for local events - so be sure to see what is happening here while you are in town!
46 moradores locais recomendam
R.W. Norton Art Gallery
4747 Creswell AveNorton is a true hidden gem lost among the locals and hardly mentioned in tourism guides. Featuring an exquisite collection of historic and important works of southern art of all types, what is often unknown is the natural beauty of the gardens which sets the backdrop for the Gallery itself.
The Norton is also used frequently for local events - so be sure to see what is happening here while you are in town!
Sitting conveniently at the intersection of Spring and Crockett Streets you will find the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.
The bureau is most well known for its colorful and vibrant mural named ‘A Call to Action’ which depicts painted scenes that tell the story of Shreveport.
The mural also features lighting features and it is also used to promote local upcoming events as well as showcasing dining and entertainment options.
Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau: Business Office
629 N Spring StSitting conveniently at the intersection of Spring and Crockett Streets you will find the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.
The bureau is most well known for its colorful and vibrant mural named ‘A Call to Action’ which depicts painted scenes that tell the story of Shreveport.
The mural also features lighting features and it is also used to promote local upcoming events as well as showcasing dining and entertainment options.
2-theater movie house with an upstairs bistro screens independent, international & classic films.
http://robinsonfilmcenter.org/comingsoon
17 moradores locais recomendam
Robinson Film Center
617 Texas St2-theater movie house with an upstairs bistro screens independent, international & classic films.
http://robinsonfilmcenter.org/comingsoon
Many visitors to Shreveport won’t know that the largest rose park in the United States is actually situated here at the American Rose Center.
The park in which the roses grow spans an impressive 118 acres and has up to 20,000 individual rosebushes on show.
As well as these amazing blooms, you will also find other foliage like sculptures and other architectural features like delightful fountains.
12 moradores locais recomendam
American Rose Center
8877 Jefferson Paige RdMany visitors to Shreveport won’t know that the largest rose park in the United States is actually situated here at the American Rose Center.
The park in which the roses grow spans an impressive 118 acres and has up to 20,000 individual rosebushes on show.
As well as these amazing blooms, you will also find other foliage like sculptures and other architectural features like delightful fountains.
The Betty Virginia Park is one of the premium green spaces in Shreveport and cover 23 acres of lush lands in the city.
If you want to spend an afternoon here then you will find scenic picnic areas where you can enjoy a spot of lunch, or there is also a walking trail that skirts around the part if you want to get in some exercise.
Younger visitors will be delighted to find playgrounds in the park as well as softball and baseball diamonds where you might catch an all-American game in full swing.
21 moradores locais recomendam
Betty Virginia Park
3901 Fairfield AveThe Betty Virginia Park is one of the premium green spaces in Shreveport and cover 23 acres of lush lands in the city.
If you want to spend an afternoon here then you will find scenic picnic areas where you can enjoy a spot of lunch, or there is also a walking trail that skirts around the part if you want to get in some exercise.
Younger visitors will be delighted to find playgrounds in the park as well as softball and baseball diamonds where you might catch an all-American game in full swing.
Many people may be surprised to see a statue of Elvis Presley in Shreveport, although this is actually a commemorative monument that dates back to the 1950s.
The statue is made of bronze, and you will find it in front of the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium.
The reason for its placement is that Elvis Presley performed as part of the famous Louisiana Hayride in October of 1954, and the statue was erected so that this act is never forgotten.
Elvis Presley Statue
705 Grand AveMany people may be surprised to see a statue of Elvis Presley in Shreveport, although this is actually a commemorative monument that dates back to the 1950s.
The statue is made of bronze, and you will find it in front of the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium.
The reason for its placement is that Elvis Presley performed as part of the famous Louisiana Hayride in October of 1954, and the statue was erected so that this act is never forgotten.
For a slice of spooky Shreveport, head to the Logan Mansion that dates back to 1897. The house is built in the classic Victorian style, and is said to be haunted.
As such, you can go on a tour here with a friendly and knowledgeable local guide who will take you around the home and tell you of all the ghost stories that exist here.
There are special holiday tours that you can join as well, particularly around Halloween and Christmas, so if you like feeling scared then this is one place not to miss.
The Logan Mansion
725 Austen PlaceFor a slice of spooky Shreveport, head to the Logan Mansion that dates back to 1897. The house is built in the classic Victorian style, and is said to be haunted.
As such, you can go on a tour here with a friendly and knowledgeable local guide who will take you around the home and tell you of all the ghost stories that exist here.
There are special holiday tours that you can join as well, particularly around Halloween and Christmas, so if you like feeling scared then this is one place not to miss.
A really fun zoo featuring alligators, kangaroos, monkeys and some other surprises! You can feed any of the animals there by hand, hold a baby gator and ride some of the best go-karts and zip lines around!
14 moradores locais recomendam
Gators and Friends
11441 US-80A really fun zoo featuring alligators, kangaroos, monkeys and some other surprises! You can feed any of the animals there by hand, hold a baby gator and ride some of the best go-karts and zip lines around!
If you are here during the summer season, especially with children think about spending a day at the waterpark, located just west of Shreveport in Greenwood. If you are heading here - check out my recommendation for Gator and Friends just a little further west as a great compliment to a day west of town!
9 moradores locais recomendam
Splash Kingdom Waterpark Shreveport
7670 W 70th StIf you are here during the summer season, especially with children think about spending a day at the waterpark, located just west of Shreveport in Greenwood. If you are heading here - check out my recommendation for Gator and Friends just a little further west as a great compliment to a day west of town!
One of my favorite places just outside the city limits - Chimp Haven is close to my heart. Please check out their info and consider supporting them! https://chimphaven.org/
7 moradores locais recomendam
Chimp Haven, Inc
13600 Chimpanzee PlOne of my favorite places just outside the city limits - Chimp Haven is close to my heart. Please check out their info and consider supporting them! https://chimphaven.org/
Bar Scene and Libations
Just down the way from the air bnb, Strange Brew features HUNDREDS of beers from all over the world. They have excellent live music, several full sized pool tables, video and arcade games, beer pong - this place is huge and gets crazy on the weekends!
Strange Brew LLC
235 Wall StJust down the way from the air bnb, Strange Brew features HUNDREDS of beers from all over the world. They have excellent live music, several full sized pool tables, video and arcade games, beer pong - this place is huge and gets crazy on the weekends!
We are all very proud of Great Raft - certainly Shreveport's most famous brewery, the vibe and atmosphere is ALMOST as good as the beers themselves!
32 moradores locais recomendam
Great Raft Brewing
1251 Dalzell StWe are all very proud of Great Raft - certainly Shreveport's most famous brewery, the vibe and atmosphere is ALMOST as good as the beers themselves!
My pick for Friday or Saturday night Karaoke! There are others, like the Wayward Sons and Sandbar but if you're like me, Karaoke is about fun with friends enjoying the singing without the B.S...
Sam's Tavern
3816 E Texas StMy pick for Friday or Saturday night Karaoke! There are others, like the Wayward Sons and Sandbar but if you're like me, Karaoke is about fun with friends enjoying the singing without the B.S...
My absolute FAVORITE bar - this is where I bring my friends who are in town visiting. There are tons of great bars in walking distance to Stray, but if you are looking for something unique - this is our equivalent to the show "Cheers" -- the Stray is also the home to the notorious "Film Prize" after party!
9 moradores locais recomendam
Straycat
222 Travis StMy absolute FAVORITE bar - this is where I bring my friends who are in town visiting. There are tons of great bars in walking distance to Stray, but if you are looking for something unique - this is our equivalent to the show "Cheers" -- the Stray is also the home to the notorious "Film Prize" after party!
Round Bar
3044 Youree DrExactly what you think - this bar is round, and rotates!
Not one of my personal picks although the food is out of this world and they always have incredible music!
Fatty Arbuckles Pub
450 Clyde Fant PkwyNot one of my personal picks although the food is out of this world and they always have incredible music!
Practically world famous at this point - the food is "acceptable" and people love to drink here. Not my pick but you might get made fun of for NOT going here at least once.
18 moradores locais recomendam
The Blind Tiger
120 Texas StPractically world famous at this point - the food is "acceptable" and people love to drink here. Not my pick but you might get made fun of for NOT going here at least once.
Breakfast Spots
This is MY personal favorite place for a weekend breakfast. While I do have recommendations for others, this is the one I take my friends and family to. For less than $6 you can get enough breakfast to put you right back to sleep ;-)
Southfield Grill - Bossier City
1810 Benton RdThis is MY personal favorite place for a weekend breakfast. While I do have recommendations for others, this is the one I take my friends and family to. For less than $6 you can get enough breakfast to put you right back to sleep ;-)
Talk about top of the line breakfasts - Lobster and Brie Omelet? Crab Cakes Benedict? Bloody Mary's with half a pound of bacon? YES PLEASE
Little tip - get on Yelp, and "check in online" about 30 minutes before you want to eat there. You still may have a 20-30min wait after you arrive and check in, but it's better than the typical hour+ that you would experience on a Sat or Sun morning. Parking is a NIGHTMARE!
15 moradores locais recomendam
Another Broken Egg Cafe
855 Pierremont RdTalk about top of the line breakfasts - Lobster and Brie Omelet? Crab Cakes Benedict? Bloody Mary's with half a pound of bacon? YES PLEASE
Little tip - get on Yelp, and "check in online" about 30 minutes before you want to eat there. You still may have a 20-30min wait after you arrive and check in, but it's better than the typical hour+ that you would experience on a Sat or Sun morning. Parking is a NIGHTMARE!
There are like 9 Strawns around town but THIS is the original, and it makes a difference. Come early, plan on it being VERY crowded, but unlikely you will have any wait for a table. The food is southern, fattening, and certainly over priced BUT --- "it's Strawn's" and if you don't go you might regret missing out on the best biscuits made in the south.
21 moradores locais recomendam
Strawn's Eat Shop
125 Kings HighwayThere are like 9 Strawns around town but THIS is the original, and it makes a difference. Come early, plan on it being VERY crowded, but unlikely you will have any wait for a table. The food is southern, fattening, and certainly over priced BUT --- "it's Strawn's" and if you don't go you might regret missing out on the best biscuits made in the south.
NOT for the budget conscious - but DEFINITELY for the foodie. This place is uppity and old fashioned but a delight.
Glenwood Tea Room
3310 Line AveNOT for the budget conscious - but DEFINITELY for the foodie. This place is uppity and old fashioned but a delight.
BRUNCH BRUNCH BRUNCH - this is where the natives go ;-)
35 moradores locais recomendam
Marilynn's Place
4041 Fern AveBRUNCH BRUNCH BRUNCH - this is where the natives go ;-)
Conselho para os viajantes
Transporte
Lyft over Uber
From my place a ride-share to downtown/boardwalk will not only save you time and convenience, but will only cost about $10 there and back! I personally choose Lyft in our area over Uber for a multitude of reasons - but have found specifically in our area that the drivers tend to be more polite and helpful to "travelers" during their Lyft fares vs. their Uber fares.
Transporte
Paying To Park Downtown
Fortunately from Friday at 5pm until Monday morning, street parking downtown is un-metered. There is no reason to pay for off street parking UNLESS there is an event going on (which you may or may not be in town for specifically) and you simply don't want to endure the extra walking. THAT said - if you do happen to have to park downtown during metered hours, most of the meters accept coins (up to 2hrs) or you will need to download the app and register with your license plate!
Costumes e cultura
OTHER THINGS TO DO
https://www.sbfunguide.com/
The Red River cities have more going on than you might think and it's actually hard to make a complete guide book - so I stuck to what I can personally recommend. We have SO many great restaurants, bars, casinos, events, venues, and history - so I dropped a link to the SBC Fun guide for you to find your own rabbit hole to go down! Facebook can be another GREAT resource for all that we have going on by just searching for local events on the dates you are here.