Nestled just south of the LSU campus and bordered by Perkins Road, Southdowns is a Baton Rouge gem known for its walkable streets, leafy oaks, and distinctly upbeat, friendly vibe. But what truly sets Southdowns apart—and keeps locals and visitors coming back—is its joyful, diverse food scene. From celebrated cafés to hidden neighborhood nooks, here’s your guide to dining like a true Southdowns insider.
Perkins Road Overpass: The Heartbeat of Southdowns Dining
Step onto Perkins Road near the iconic Overpass, and you’ll find a culinary corridor packed with some of Baton Rouge’s most beloved bites. The area is as rich in flavor as it is in personality.
- Zippy’s Burritos, Tacos & More
*Cuisine:* Tex-Mex
*Price Range:* $
*Standout For:* Crowd-pleasing burritos, loaded nachos, and a spirited local vibe.
Renowned for its colorful patio, Zippy’s is a favorite casual hangout for taco Tuesdays, margarita nights, and pre-game LSU gatherings. Don’t miss their punchy house-made salsas and inventive burrito combos.
- DiGiulio Brothers Italian Café
*Cuisine:* Italian
*Price Range:* $$
*Standout For:* Comfort classics like lasagna, red beans & rice with sausage, and legendary house salad.
Warm, cozy, and always bustling, DiGiulio’s draws everyone from families to date-nighters. The romantic string lights on the patio make every meal a special occasion.
- Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant
*Cuisine:* Cajun, Seafood
*Price Range:* $$
*Standout For:* Local Gulf oysters, blackened gator, and the best bread pudding in town.
Sitting minutes from the Overpass, Parrain’s serves up the spirit of South Louisiana, with a lively bar, rustic interiors, and hearty portions perfect for sharing.
Beyond the Overpass: Southdowns’ Hidden Gems
Some of the neighborhood’s tastiest secrets lurk just off Perkins, tucked among residential streets and easy-to-miss strip centers.
- Elsie’s Plate & Pie
*Cuisine:* Southern, Comfort food
*Price Range:* $$
*Standout For:* Savory and sweet pies, fried green tomatoes, and a robust brunch menu.
Whether you’re craving a slice of crawfish pie or rich peanut butter chocolate pie, Elsie’s feels like a hug from your favorite aunt. The bright dining room is ideal for local meet-ups or lazy weekend mornings.
- Anthony’s Italian Deli
*Cuisine:* Italian, Deli
*Price Range:* $
*Standout For:* Authentic muffulettas, affordable lunch specials, and a beloved Italian grocery selection.
Operating since 1978, Anthony’s is generations deep in Baton Rouge tradition. Locals rave about their hearty portions—try the Sicilian sandwich with a cream soda.
- Rocca Pizzeria
*Cuisine:* Neapolitan Pizza
*Price Range:* $$
*Standout For:* Wood-fired pies, charred crust, and a sleek, modern space.
Rocca’s secret weapon? A chewy, leopard-spotted pizza crust and creative toppings like prosciutto, ricotta, and hot honey. Great for group gatherings with a high-energy, family-friendly buzz.
Bakeries, Sweets, and Coffee in Southdowns
No foodie route is complete without a sugar fix or a superb cup of coffee. Southdowns has you covered with both.
- La Divina Italian Café
*Cuisine:* Coffee, Gelato, Italian café fare
*Price Range:* $
*Standout For:* Rich, house-roasted coffee, hand-churned gelato, and hearty paninis.
La Divina blends cozy European charm with Louisiana hospitality. Grab a seat on the shaded patio and enjoy people-watching with your affogato or Nutella-filled croissant.
- CounterspaceBR
*Cuisine:* Bakery
*Price Range:* $
*Standout For:* Brown butter bourbon cookies, inventive cakes, and vegan/gluten-free options.
Behind a cheerful blue storefront, CounterspaceBR turns out some of the yummiest sweets in Baton Rouge. Their ooey-gooey bars and sea salt brownies have a cult following.
- City Roots Coffee Bar
*Cuisine:* Coffee, Vegan treats
*Price Range:* $
*Standout For:* Locally roasted beans, oat milk lattes, and an artsy, plant-filled space.
City Roots doubles as a local art gallery, making it a chill spot to start your day or fuel a study session.
Food Trucks and Southdowns Traditions
Southdowns’ easygoing spirit extends to its bustling food truck scene and neighborhood happenings.
- Food Truck Fridays
*Location:* Parking lots and open spaces off Perkins and Lee Drive
Throughout spring and fall, you’ll find a rotating lineup of food trucks—think Korean BBQ, Cajun fusion, and gourmet burgers—pulling in Southdowns regulars and adventurous eaters alike for affordable, flavor-packed lunches.
- Southdowns Mardi Gras Parade
Every February, neighbors gather for the family-friendly Southdowns Mardi Gras Parade, where food vendors dish out jambalaya, po’boys, and king cake as floats roll by. It’s a must for sampling Baton Rouge’s festive street eats and neighborly cheer.
Why Foodies Love Southdowns
So, what makes Southdowns a standout Baton Rouge destination for food lovers? Here’s why locals keep coming back:
- Unpretentious Variety
From white-tablecloth Italian to quirky, mural-covered taco joints, dining in Southdowns is refreshingly laid-back—no dress codes, just good food and friendly smiles.
- A Local Touch
Nearly every spot has a homegrown story. Many restaurants are owner-operated, and staff often know regulars by name. There’s a genuine sense of “neighborhood” you can taste in every bite.
- Central Location, Walkable Vibes
With so many restaurants, bakeries, and cafés packed into a few walkable blocks, Southdowns is made for food crawling—start with a coffee, stroll to lunch, linger over pie, and finish with a cocktail on a patio.
Plan Your Southdowns Food Tour
Hungry yet? Here’s a quick Southdowns starter itinerary:
1. Fuel up with a latte and cinnamon bun at City Roots Coffee Bar.
2. Enjoy a spicy chicken burrito or fish tacos on Zippy’s patio.
3. Sample the house special at Anthony’s Italian Deli.
4. Grab a fresh pastry from CounterspaceBR for an afternoon treat.
5. Wind down your day with oysters and a po’boy at Parrain’s, or savor a margherita pizza at Rocca.
No matter your tastes or budget, Southdowns offers a delicious snapshot of Baton Rouge’s ever-evolving local flavor. Grab your friends, bring your appetite, and eat your way through this vibrant, neighborly nook—your taste buds will thank you.