In a city weaved with French, Spanish and English influences that meets the diversity of college communities and the state’s political hub, Baton Rouge has something for everyone.
For incoming students, it is easy to get lost among the stately oaks and the Spanish moss surrounding campus, First Year Experience representatives shared some of their favorite spots in the city.
Kathryn Knaus, FYE coordinator
When trying to experience the University or Baton Rouge culture, Knaus said finding a place to continue pursuing your passions is most important .
As a runner, Knaus said the LSU lakes immediately appealed to her because they offered an easy place to exercise. She said the lakes provide a distinctive experience because they unite the community in one area.
“It’s really fun to watch everyone use that space, because you will literally see children to older people, LSU students, community members,” Knaus said. “Everyone comes out and does what they like to do the most.”
Connor Gonzales, Office of Orientation graduate assistant
To get a taste of Louisiana culture, Gonzales suggested first looking at your companions.
“Immediately, [what] I think of if anyone is asking where to visit and where to eat when they come to LSU are, ‘Are you with your parents?’ If you’re with your parents, go to Chimes,’” Gonzales said. “That’s like more traditional Louisiana food.”
Gonzales recommended the restaurant’s stuffed bell peppers and macaroni and cheese.
However, when out with friends and classmates, Gonzales recommends something more casual.
“Going with your friends to the first Raising Cane’s is cool — the history of it and how it’s tied to LSU,” he said. “This one is unique and it feels very homey. It was built by hands that live here, not just a construction company.”
Ramon Lopez, FYE assistant director
If you want a taste of historical Baton Rouge, Lopez suggests the community staple Mike Anderson’s Seafood.
Lopez said the seafood restaurant has a long-standing historical tradition with the University, stocked with memorabilia. He said his favorite dish is the catfish creole.
“For Louisiana food, fried catfish is always really good, and shrimp is really good, so when you have them both together, it’s just really good,” Lopez said.
Kelli Webber, Office of Orientation assistant director
Webber offers something a little cheesy when trying to get closer to the University and Baton Rouge — Johnny’s Pizza.
“Johnny’s Pizza has a pizza called ‘Sweep the Kitchen’ and they also have the ‘Sweep the Swamp’…which is an everything kind of pizza,” Webber said.
She said the pizza house’s use of seafood and other native ingredients capture the city’s flavors.