They are the unsung heroes of any visit to a local restaurant. You walk in, you’re starving, and you’re worried about how long the food will take. Then, a server brings over a basket of warm, flaky bread, a bowl of salty snacks or a plate of spicy naan.
You can relax, knowing you have just enough to munch on and keep you a pleasant dinner companion—all thanks to the welcoming complimentary items that more and more restaurants are putting thought into. While the menu is why we’re there, the friendly gesture of a tasty snack while we wait is what brings us back. Read on for a few of our favorites.
You know you are in for a treat when the famous white paper bag comes to your table. Wrapped inside and piping hot, Mansurs’ fresh and flaky French bread is accompanied by creamy butter to start your food adventure. 5720 Corporate Blvd., Suite A, mansursontheboulevard.com
Quite the opening act, the sweet and buttery biscuits at Le Creole are made fresh daily. These flaky snacks are served with freshly whipped butter with just a touch of salt mixed in. 18135 Petroleum Dr., lecreolebr.com
It’s like starting with dessert first when you sample their feather-light Southern-style drop biscuits served with a sweet honey counterpart that comes from Bocage Bee & Honey Co. 3723 Government St., doesbatonrouge.com
The basket of piping hot hushpuppies is a traditional favorite in southern Louisiana. These golden balls of deep fried cornbread, with a hint of sweetness, are served with fresh, cool butter and have been a staple at the restaurant since day one more than 40 years ago. 6110 Bluebonnet Blvd., ralphandkacoos.com
You’re more likely to find pork rinds at a gas station in Acadiana, but Beausoleil offers them up at the table and bar like stand-ins for salted nuts. These aren’t the traditionally fatty and oily cracklins, but offer just enough crunch and spice to keep you happy. 7731 Jefferson Hwy., beausoleilrestaurantandbar.com
The naan bread at this friendly Indian restaurant is cooked to that perfect texture between soft and crispy. Request the garlic naan, drizzled with oil and flecked with bits of herbs, and you won’t regret a single savory bite. 11904 Coursey Blvd.
The best preface to a great steak may just be their crunchy baguettes with a hint of Parmesan. The white chardonnay feta spread and roasted roma tomato and basil butter served alongside help out as well. 7321 Corporate Blvd., flemingssteakhouse.com
Choose between white or whole wheat versions of their hot, fresh baked pita bread and you’ve got the perfect vehicle for their popular hummus. Multiple locations. romanscafela.com
The dense, focaccia-style bread is served with a rich olive oil dipping sauce that might make you opt for a salad entre instead of the carb-centric Italian fare on the menu. Multiple locations. portobellos.net
It’s hard to highlight the chips and salsa at just one Mexican restaurant, but Baton Rouge’s Ninfa’s location offers a unique and smooth green sauce along with their traditional spicy salsa. 4738 Constitution Ave., ninfaslouisiana.com
