Sip a cocktail in a retro lawn chair with your pooch at Pelican to Mars. Soak in the swankness at the new downtown queer space, Mother’s Bar. And savor charcoal rotisserie chicken and other authentic Peruvian eats at Brasas Peru. The dining and drinking scene continues to evolve in Red Stick with a number of notable openings that ought to be on your bucket list. Here’s the action Baton Rouge has seen so far in 2023, from January through June.
Southern Cofé Scotlandville
Re-opened in January
8418 Scotland Ave.
The Main Street Market coffee shop welcomed the reopening of its original location in north Baton Rouge with a fresh look, podcast room and coffee and smoothie menu. Bright blue walls are a reminder this is Jaguar country.
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Cork’s
Opened in January
5131 Government St.
Created by the owners of Cou-Yon’s BBQ, fast-casual Cork’s serves fish and Gulf shrimp from a straightforward menu inspired by concepts like Raising Cane’s and In-N-Out Burger.
Overpass Merchant
Reopened in January
2904 Perkins Road
A brief closure after Christmas saw a fresh look, expanded menu and new chef for Overpass Merchant. Its more-than-bar-food line-up now includes pastas made with private-label homemade noodles, fresh tuna wraps, shrimp tacos, a broad brunch menu and craft cocktails.
Light House Pizza
Opened in January
8416 Scotland Ave.
Welcome to Detroit-style deep dish pizza served in the shadow of Southern University in a revived shopping center. The cocktails are made with fresh fruit. The pizzeria is temporarily closed but is expected to reopen after renovations.
Pizza Art Wine
Opened in February
7673 Perkins Road, Suite C1
Italian brick-oven pizza meets local art meets high-end wines by the glass served in a special wine dispensary. This inventive concept in Ichiban Square surrounds gourmet ‘za with a multitude of luxuries.
Pelican to Mars
Opened in February
2678 Government St.
Fur babies are welcome at this pet-friendly bar in Mid City. Brought to you by the team that created Hayride Scandal, it conjures a midcentury vibe with soda shop shades and tiki drinks.
The Library Wine & Provisions
Opened in February
7530 LA 44, Suite 103, Gonzales
Upscale dining came to Gonzales in the form of The Library, where the menu includes Wagyu beef meatballs, shrimp and ceviche guacamole and black truffle gnocchi. It’s one of many new arrivals in Ascension Parish.
Mulberry Market
Opened in March
8201 Village Plaza Court, Suite 1B.
A family run shop in the Village at Willow Grove, Mulberry Market stocks boutique gourmet goods from around the country and world. Sample New York bagels with a variety of spreads and toppings, Old World wines, cheeses, sweets and more.
KOK Wings & Things
Opened in May
1509 Government St., Building D
The Popular Lafayette wing shop had been eyeing Baton Rouge for a market expansion and settled on the lively Electric Depot back in the spring. Nosh on all manner of traditional and boneless hot wings, fried fish sliders, loaded fries and more.
Dark 30
Opened in June
151 Third St., Suite B.
Behind the shi-shi decor and creative cocktail menu at this new Third Street bar is a commitment to sourcing art and spirits from diverse makers.
Edge Lounge
Opened in June
777 L’Auberge Ave.
The newly renovated bar and lounge inside L’Auberge Casino & Hotel welcomes patrons with a polished look and more space to linger longer. Sample cocktails made with local spirits and enjoy live acts from the bar’s music stage.
Mother’s Lounge
Opened in June
143 Third St.
This glammy queer space in the former Roux House on Third Street serves craft cocktails and light bites. Dress to impress, and enjoy the glitter.
Belli
Opened in June
701 Spanish Town Road
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The iconic Spanish Town grocery was reimagined in the form of kitschy, colorful Belli, as in stuff your belly with all this good food. Stop by for a breakfast burrito, red beans and rice on Mondays, juicy burgers and more.
Brasas Peru
Opened in June
7520 Perkins Road, Suite 100
Crispy, “charcoal” chicken marinated for two days in spices like cumin and aji panca peppers and cooked on a special rotisserie is just one of the items on Baton Rouge’s first all-Peruvian menu.