Trail Restaurants

Located in the middle of Natchitoches' Historic Downtown, Merci Beaucoup is the perfect spot to unwind from all of your exploring. Family owned and operated, you will be greeted as soon as you walk in like an old friend. If you're feeling ravenous this is the only place to get the Cajun Potato, stuffed with crawfish etouffee and topped with a jumbo shrimp. They also offer an array of entrees, sandwiches and salads with homemade dressings. Make sure you save room for dessert, from bread pudding to lemon ice box pie each one is a perfect ending to your dining experience. Banquet facilities for groups, private parties and intimate weddings are available. Open for lunch seven days a week and later during the Christmas season. After your meal, drop on by the Merci Beaucoup Gift Shop located right next door in the Historic Nakatosh Building.

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Map to Merci Beaucoup

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Papa's Bar & Grill and Mama's Oyster House are locally owned and operated, located next door to each other in Historic Downtown Natchitoches. Papa's Bar & Grill, opened in August 1996, offers a wide variety of sandwiches, including hamburgers and Po-boys, fried seafood and USDA choice steaks. Mama's Oyster House, opened in October 2000, offers a menu specializing in seafood dishes and of course fresh Louisiana oysters. Mama's also features the Blues Room and outdoor covered patio and welcomes large groups. Mama's also has live music every Friday and Saturday night. Whether you're in the mood for steaks, burgers, catfish, shrimp, oysters or any other foods cooked in the great Louisiana style, stop on in. When you get finished with us, California Dreaming won't be the only thing you think of when you hear Mama's and Papa's.

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Map to Papa’s Bar & Grill and Mama’s Oyster House

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Open every day, The Pioneer Pub & Restaurant is right on the bricks of historic Front Street in downtown Natchitoches, Louisiana. Originally built in 1830 as the Pioneer Land Office and Bank, the Pioneer Pub has become a favorite among locals and tourists a like since opening in 2000. They offer the best and largest selection of domestic and imported draft beers in the area as well as bottled beer, wine, mixed drinks, custom Pub shots, and soft drinks. Come and choose from the great selection of seafood, steaks, burgers, sandwiches, nachos and fantastic pizza. All burgers and sandwiches are served with homemade pub fries, which are made in house from actual potatoes! Don't forget to check out their daily dinner specials. Sit inside or out in front watching the people of Natchitoches pass by. Live music every Thursday night, as well as frequent Friday and Saturday bands. Give them a call to find out what is happening this week. And where else can you also get free wireless internet access. By the time you'll leave, you have joined the proud family of the Pioneer Pub.

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Map to Pioneer Pub & Restaurant

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A century ago when paddle wheelers churned Lake St. John, then the Mississippi River, in Concordia Parish, fishermen and hunters the world over came to harvest the lake's bounty of fish and wildlife. President Teddy Roosevelt adopted the world's first "Teddy" bear near here. The steamboats have long gone but, today, the "Duck's Nest" Restaurant still plates up a rich harvest of golden catfish, shrimp and Blackened Crawfish Supreme, their signature dish. Diners enjoy their dinner while watching ancient cypress trees turn blood red at sunset on "the porch", while they sip on the Nest's famous "St. John Sunset", a cocktail of rum and brandy. Owners David and Fay Crews provide a complimentary appetizer of turnip greens and crispy homemade hushpuppies to begin. Then, the Duck's Nest offers entrees of Catfish or Tilapia Spokane, Frog Legs, Golden Fried or Grilled Shrimp and a Giant Seafood Platter that feeds at least two, all at reasonable prices. Their popular USDA choice steaks are grilled to perfection with a dusting of the Nest's secret seasonings. Finish up with the best Brandy Alexander this side of London. Escape to fresh, down home cooking, calm water and sunsets...That's the Duck's Nest. Located on the shores of beautiful Lake St. John, north of Ferriday on Highway 569.

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Map to Duck’s Nest II Restaurant

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Lasyone's Meat Pie Restaurant is the place to go for an authentic home cooked Louisiana experience. A favorite with the locals and travelers alike, this family-owned and operated restaurant, famous for their meat pies, lets you feel like a real Louisiana native the moment you walk through the door and take in the aroma of good, down home cooking. The meat pie is as old as the Civil War, but it wasn't until James Lasyone opened up his small restaurant in 1967 and began serving his meatpie that they became 'famous'. Lasyone's has been recognized and raved about by a score of national magazines and major newspapers who have found their way to Natchitoches and Lasyone's Meat Pie Restaurant. The meat pie, the most popular item on the menu, is not the only thing that makes this restaurant a proud favorite. Other highly recommended fares include the Cane River Cream Pie, Dirty Rice, Red Beans and Sausage, Chicken and dumplings, and not to forget the well known Louisiana Cajun and Creole cuisine that is native to the Lasyone Family. Make the trek to Lasyone's and sample the cuisine and friendly environment. You can't help but feel like part of the family, even if it is only for a meal.

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Map to Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant

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Full bakery, sandwiches, ice cream, king cakes.

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Map to Julie Anne’s Bakery & Cafe

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Open Tuesday - Friday for lunch, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Monday - Saturday for dinner 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Creole cuisine served in the ambiance of the Vieux Carre. Relaxing atrium bar with fireplace. Private rooms for groups from 6 - 140 seated. The cuisine is Creole with a continental flair.

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Map to Juban’s Restaurant

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