On the edge of the Garden District, popular local eateries like Kalurah Street Grill and City Pork Deli & Charcuterie have added new character to the Perkins Road overpass neighborhood in recent years. The Overpass Merchant has been a big part of that character boost.
The blue building, with its colorful new mural on the side, is clearly visible from the street, even in the shadow of the interstate. Opened in March 2016 in the space formerly home to longstanding bar Zee Zee Gardens, The Overpass Merchant has quickly made a name for itself as a late-night hotspot and even as part of the Baton Rouge brunch scene. However, the gastropub fare is just as palatable during a Tuesday lunch as it is on Friday night or Sunday morning.
While it’s normally packed on nights and weekends, especially on days when it hosts a pop-up event, The Overpass Merchant was much more laid-back during my afternoon visit. I ordered the Tuscan Chicken Panini, which comes with rosemary chicken, arugula, roasted cherry tomatoes and garlic aioli on warm, pressed focaccia bread. From the moment I smelled the bread I knew it would be a winner. It was easily love at first bite: The flavors paired deliciously together, creating a dreamy sandwich I won’t soon forget.
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The pasta salad was light and not overly creamy, with bits of feta cheese, oil and salt and pepper coating cavatappi pasta. The minimal approach to the dish made it a suitable side for the panini without being overbearing.
I’m always charmed by The Overpass Merchant’s chic but welcoming interior, and the small touches throughout give the place a personal feel, like the potted succulents dotting each table and framed antique posters and portraits. The look is simple and modern, but the eye-catching, quirky pieces give it character. It’s the little things, y’all.
At $10, the meal was more than filling and reasonably priced. I noticed the gastropub also has $8.99 plate lunch specials on weekdays, a sweet convenience for grab-and-go commuters, and its regular lunch menu ranges from $8-$14.
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For a more in-depth take on Overpass Merchant’s dinner menu, check out 225’s restaurant review from the November 2016 issue.
The Overpass Merchant is at 2904 Perkins Road. Hours are Monday through Thursday 11 a.m.- midnight, Friday and Saturday 11-2 a.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Fast Break is a 225 Dine series that celebrates lunch in Baton Rouge. Follow along as we tour different dining options for a quick bite around the city.