Cajun/Creole Thanksgiving in Baton Rouge or Lafayette

We are taking a road trip over the holiday and will end up in either Baton Rouge or Lafayette LA on Turkey Day. Does anyone know of a local place that will be open? Local cuisine preferred. We are a family of four and not fussy/fancy and are just visiting for some great food. Any recs are most appreciated. Thank you.

The White Oak Plantation in Baton Rouge (my hometown) does a Thanksgiving lunch which is put on by Chef John Folse's organization -- see here for details. Not sure if you would still be able to get a reservation (or one at a favorable time) and I cannot vouch for the food, but the menu looks to be fairly local and the setting would be quintessentially Louisiana.

Elfin wrote:We are taking a road trip over the holiday and will end up in either Baton Rouge or Lafayette LA on Turkey Day. Does anyone know of a local place that will be open? Local cuisine preferred. We are a family of four and not fussy/fancy and are just visiting for some great food. Any recs are most appreciated. Thank you.

One piece of advice. My wife and I took a trip down to Mississippi and Louisiana during the Christmas season three years ago. We were surprised at how few restaurants were open not only the day of the holiday but the ENTIRE weekend. ALSO, nearly all the museums and other "tourist attractions" were closed.

Personally, I would try the usuals - Mulate's, Soops in Maurice, etc. However, call in advance for hours. Look for the "meat and three" places and the boudin stands and you cannot go wrong.

I am worried as this trip may be our first experience eating at a Waffle House! I am hoping to find at least some boudin places along the way as they serve other offerings to eat.

Elfin wrote:I am worried as this trip may be our first experience eating at a Waffle House! I am hoping to find at least some boudin places along the way as they serve other offerings to eat.

Especially on the holiday, that may be your best option, especially late at night.

We made it to the Blue Dog Cafe for the Thanksgiving Day brunch. Very good and affordable. The whole bill was 62$ (plus tip) for two adults and two kids. The place was packed in the morning but cleared out by 12:30 (football I presume). They did not replenish some items so getting there earlier was better. Good cajun food plus stuffing and turkey. Fun atmoshpere and plenty of locals-some dressed up and others in jeans. We went to Thyme the next day for oyster po boys and stocked up on goodies from Guidrots.