Sinfully Delicious: Lake Charles’ Top Restaurant Fare

by Kerri Cooke

SWLA has many must-try restaurants where everything featured on the menus is delicious. However, there are a few specific dishes from local establishments that have stood the test of time and have been passed on by word of mouth as Lake Charles’ necessary eats for residents and visitors alike. Here are some of the top entrees to try or recommend to out-of-towners:

The Darrell’s Special
In business since 1985, Darrell’s Famous Poboys is known, even outside of the Lake area, as a must-try restaurant. The most popular sandwich in SWLA by far is the Darrell’s Special, which consists of ham, turkey, and roast beef drenched in roast beef gravy. Enjoy the meats, but don’t be caught without a pile of napkins as the juices commonly drip on the hands and arms. Referencing this phenomenon, local Jamie Simon says, “Darrell’s sandwiches should be eaten with nothing reflective around you.” With a fresh bun, your choice of condiments, including jalapeno mayonnaise, lettuce and cheese, the Darrell’s Special is perfect for a quick lunch run or pairs perfectly with a cold beer after work.

Tony’s Special Pizza
With handmade sauces and fresh ground beef and Italian sausage, Tony’s Pizza has been serving the local community with excellent food since 1968. Step into the building with the red and white checkered roof and opt for the Tony’s Special Pizza in small, medium or large. Topped with pepperoni, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, ground beef, onions, bell peppers and mushrooms, it’s essentially a meat-lover’s pizza. Let the pizza tantalize your taste buds and order their popular spaghetti and meatballs on the way out.

Mama Reta’s Kitchen Fried Chicken
You’ve never had fried chicken like Mama’s Reta’s fried chicken. While previously located in the heart of downtown, Mama Reta now serves her plate lunches out of her childhood home at 1916 Belden St. Distinct in flavor and consistency from any other local fare, the chicken has been famous for years. No less impressive are her side dishes which include cabbage, cornbread, rice dressing, among others. Every lunch also comes with a delicious dessert.

Buffi’s Peaux Boys Cabbage and Tasso Soup
While Buffi’s features their famous sandwiches in the business name, it’s no secret that the hidden gem on the menu is their Cabbage and Tasso Soup. A great and nutritious option to warm you up on a cold day, the cabbage soup is smoked from the Tasso and enriched with a “Cajun” broth. You can also order it prepackaged in quart containers for easy meal prep.

Cotten’s Old Fashioned Hamburger
It’s easy to see how popular Cotten’s Famous Hamburgers is during lunchtime on any given day. Known for being inexpensive but extremely tasty, Cotton’s Old Fashioned Hamburger is easily the No. 1 menu pick for those being introduced to the fair. The patties are cut and prepared by hand, before being placed on buns with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato and grilled onions. Pair with thinly sliced onion rings and a sweet tea and feel the gastronomic satisfaction.

Nina P’s Voodoo Burger
Nina P’s has been a SWLA staple known for their homestyle cooking appeal since 2000. Their famous menu item is the Voodoo Burger, which reigns as one of the top burgers in the area. Smashed between the sourdough bun is gouda and muenster cheese, grilled onions, bacon, pepper jelly, jalapeno mayo, pepper jelly mayo and lettuce. It’s a decadent and flavorful masterpiece of a burger, perfect with a side of fries or some of their popular Crawfish Bread.