Taste of the Trail: Alexandria/Pineville Restaurant Guide

Alexandria/Pineville is home to many local restaurants, ranging from casual to fine dining. The localism that the two cities pride themselves on is so incredible, and the support that these locally-owned restaurants have received from residents of Alexandria/Pineville is a huge source of the success they’ve experienced. Here is my unofficial guide to Alexandria/Pineville restaurants—enjoy!

Quebedeaux’s Boudin & Cracklins

In just one year of operation, Quebedeaux’s has managed to take Alexandria by storm. The food is absolutely incredible; the owner, sweet-as-can-be; and the atmosphere, casual and comfortable. It’s a win-win-win. Serving Cajun plate lunches Sunday-Friday, this is a perfect place for a quick-stop lunch, but labeling Quebedeaux’s as a “plate lunch” restaurant would be a complete disservice—it’s so much more! Boasted as having “the best boudin in town,” the pepper jack cheese-stuffed boudin balls, the boudin rolls dipped in pepper jelly sauce, and the boudin king cakes are utterly divine. Also amazing are the ham skins, cracklins, and pork rinds, all made fresh in-house. In other words, you really can’t go wrong with anything ordered here.

Diamond Grill

A former jewelry store, the Diamond Grill in Downtown Alexandria offers an incredible dining experience. Pretty much everything on the menu is delicious and comforting, and a table upstairs provides a perfect view over the restaurant. My personal favorite is the Moscovy Duck Breast drizzled with a chipotle apricot glaze and served with parmesan risotto and green beans. Yum!

Spirits Food & Friends

An Alexandria staple since 1967, Spirits Food and Friends is the best place to enjoy great food, great service, and great live music. Offering everything from pasta to hand cut steaks, my absolute favorite dish is the Knob Creek Smoked Maple BBQ Burger, which was named Top 10 Burger in Louisiana by Thrillist.

Duck breast served with parmesan risotto and green beans at the Diamond Grill

Assorted boudin balls served at Quebedeaux's Boudin & Cracklins. Pictured are original, pepper jack cheese, and cream cheese & jalapeno. — Assorted boudin balls served at Quebedeaux’s Boudin & Cracklins. Pictured are original, pepper jack cheese, and cream cheese & jalapeno.

A trip to Alexandria/Pineville without dining at one of its many locally-owned restaurants is a wasted trip. Beyond these recommendations are other amazing restaurants like 1921 Jackson Street, Ember’s, and Critic’s Choice, to name a few. For more information on the best local dining experiences in Alexandria/Pineville and surrounding areas, I recommend visiting Eat Here Cenla’s website—they work to promote small restaurants in the area as part of the Central Louisiana experience. I hope you are able to try at least a few of these restaurants in Alexandria/Pineville during your next visit! With AlexWinterFête and the 12 Nights of Christmas events, the holidays are the perfect opportunity to join in on celebrating with festivities and food—lots of food. Bon Appétit!