If you’re anything like me and my friends, the first thing you do when you get back to Baton Rouge is eat at all the restaurants you missed while being home for the summer. In light of the pandemic, here are my picks for the best places to eat close to campus that offer outdoor seating and won’t break the bank.
The Chimes
With the addition of a rooftop patio, The Chimes on Highland offers fresh air and a great view. The Chimes is the place to go for a get together and to catch up with those friends you haven’t seen since the beginning of quarantine. I recommend starting with the spinach and artichoke dip with fried bowtie pasta chips; you really can’t go wrong with any of the entrees. If you do plan on spending an evening at The Chimes, you should call ahead or show up early to avoid waiting in clusters that are not socially distant along Highland.
Highland Coffees
Although this is more of a coffee shop than an actual restaurant, Highland Coffees offers a large shaded patio area that is perfect for coffee dates and caffeinated gossip sessions. You can grab a quick bite from its pastry case to accompany your beverage; its banana bread beats any recipe you’ve tried on TikTok out of quarantine boredom. Highland Coffees earns extra brownie points for doubling as the perfect place to escape from your dorm or apartment to do online classes for an energy boost and a change of scenery.
Red Zeppelin
Red Zeppelin is the perfect place to dine for music lovers and pizza connoisseurs. With a large area for outdoor seating in front of the restaurant, Red Zeppelin is hard to miss as you drive along Perkins Road. Treat yo’ self to specialty pizza pies cleverly named after rock classics or get creative and make your own. Red Zeppelin doesn’t just stop at pizza; you can also try calzones, poboys or a signature Zepp-Which. Any way you want it, this pizza joint positively rocks.
Zippy’s Burritos, Tacos & More
Located on Perkins Road, Zippy’s is an LSU staple. Known for its clever game day signs that are reposted on Instagram stories, Zippy’s is frequently packed with LSU students. Like a Subway for tacos and nachos, Zippy’s lets you take control of your meal. Zippy’s also has a large, covered patio attached to the restaurant with flat screens adorning all the walls, making it the perfect place to catch a game while having dinner. Zippy’s recently added an outdoor tent with tables to expand its outdoor dining. I recommend the famous Joey Burriteaux, a meal originally ordered by LSU’s newest Heisman winner that is sure to have you feeling like a national champion.
Caliente Mexican Craving
I had to include one more Mexican restaurant to round out this list. Caliente not only has great food and drinks, but it also has a lively outdoor atmosphere. With multicolored string lights and a stage for bands, DJs and karaoke nights, there is never a dull moment on the Caliente patio. This is definitely my go-to place for birthday celebrations as well. Nothing beats the Caliente team crowding around your table to sing to you on your big day; they’ll even give you a complimentary shot if you’re of age. Caliente is the place to be if you’re looking for a vibrant place to catch up with your pals while downing bottomless chips and salsa.
