While many mid-city restaurants are easy to miss, Bistro Byronz is not only easy to spot but worth finding.
After an 18-year absence, the restaurant, formerly known as Byronz Deli, reopened in late January on Government Street as the new Bistro Byronz, bringing back a quality family-owned restaurant to Baton Rouge. The distinctive Louisiana and French cuisine and atmosphere make this eatery a gift to the city.
Several of the original Byronz restaurants were eat-in and take-out delis serving traditional lunch items such as sandwiches and salads. The old locations were on Government Street, College Drive and Sherwood Forest Boulevard and closed soon after owners Mike and Jill Kantrow moved to Shreveport in 1985 when they consolidated their beer and liquor business, the Vignes-Bombet Company.
The Kantrows returned two years ago to reopen their restaurant at a new location on Government Street across from Superior Grill.
The new bistro serves lunch and dinner cuisine ranging from soups and sandwiches to pastas and steaks, including items from the original menu such as shrimp remoulade or Louie salad, Abita beer chili, avocado supreme sandwich and the Heavenly Hash dessert.
The corn and shrimp soup has a tomato base giving it a light and different taste from the usual creamier versions. Their signature sandwich, The Big Byronz, is similar to a club sandwich but has a more homemade taste than at an average deli. The Big Byronz Lite is a delicious choice for someone who prefers less meat or is watching calories, and it is just as filling and tasty as the original. The restaurant even cooks its own chips, Byronz Home Fried Chips, and serves them warm.
Bistro Byronz also serves a range of drinks such as wine, beer and cocktails. The draft beer is limited, and most of the bottled beer choices are the standard options. But they do have an extensive wine list, and the menu even ranks them from “pretty good” to “really good.” They also have specialty cocktails such as the Nola Streetcar and the Cajun Martini – their secret Southern version of a martini.
With jazz softly playing in the background and a quiet, relaxed environment, this bistro feels like a familiar New Orleans restaurant. The atmosphere is classy yet comfortable. People with business suits or students in T-shirts and jeans could easily feel welcome.
Although this little bistro is not right off campus, the short drive is worth the visit. In a city that is striving to be unique, Bistro Byronz is a big step in the right direction.
 
Contact Christiana Johns
at cjohns@lsureveille.com