Taste of the Trail: Minden Restaurant Guide
The City of Minden is known for its small-town charm, unparalleled hospitality, and friendly people. The “friendliest city in the south,” as it was named, is home to both incredible holiday celebrations and delicious locally-owned eateries. As you visit Minden’s holiday attractions, like its Fasching Fifth Season Lights Fantastic, be sure to stop at these local restaurants and dig in! Roma Italian Bistro This family-owned restaurant recently opened in Historic Downtown Minden, and it is the third location in Louisiana. Conveniently located on Minden’s Main Street, Roma is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. The restaurant’s slogan, “nothing fancy, just great Italian food,” is so fitting, as the laid-back atmosphere truly enables diners to enjoy the most important part of the Roma experience: the food. I recommend trying the Chicken Carciofi—pasta and chicken served with sautéed artichoke hearts and mushrooms, tied together with a sherry wine sauce. Yum!
The Grace Estate A bed and breakfast, tea room, and event center all in one, the Grace Estate is the perfect place to have lunch in Minden. Between the splendor of its daily lunch specials and the gorgeous setting, Grace Estate will win your heart over before you even take a bite. With daily lunch specials during the week and buffet-style lunches on Sundays, Grace Estate is becoming one of Minden’s hot spots—so you’ll want to call and make a reservation, just to be safe! I recommend trying the Estate’s Signature Salad, with fresh greens, toasted pecans, feta cheese, and cucumber ribbons, served with raspberry chipotle vinaigrette; and the half brisket sandwich and crawfish bisque (one of the 2 for $20 lunch specials).
Habacu’s Mexican Restaurant A fun Mexican restaurant famous for its gigantic margaritas and burrito challenge, Habacu’s is another Minden must-try. Locally-owned, Habacu’s interior is comfortably unique in that its walls are adorned with framed soccer team photos that the restaurant’s owner has coached and sponsored over the years. The local involvement of the owner combined with the delicious food keeps everyone coming back for more, making Habacu’s a Minden staple. I recommend the white queso, the 2 for 1 margaritas, and, if you’re feeling up to it, the “Monster Burrito Challenge.”
Friends don’t let friends come to Minden without trying at least one of these local favorites. As you plan your holiday travels along the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights, be sure to stop in Minden to see over 100 life-sized nutcrackers lining the streets, drive through the amazing Christmas light displays, and indulge in the city’s yummy dining options. For more information on holiday events in Minden, visit the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights website. While you’re at it, go ahead and “like” us on Facebook. We hope you enjoy your “Taste of the Trail” in Minden, Louisiana!
