Pleasant summer days that make you want to sit and soak up the sun do still exist in the midst of a Baton Rouge June. There are a few top spots in the city that give you a glimpse of what Baton Rouge does best: shady oak trees, clear blue skies and blooming magnolias.
The Chimes on Highland is a Louisiana staple in every sense. A prime LSU gameday location, quality dishes like crawfish étouffée and gumbo, and a rooftop view that includes everything from campus to the Mississippi River—they check off every box. The tradition of sitting in a booth on a summer weekend, laughing, talking and sharing a plate of spinach dip with friends will never grow tired.
A restaurant rooted in the “urban garden” aesthetic, BLDG 5 has curated a cohesive vibe all around. From décor to dishes, everything feels fresh and natural. Elements of wood, leaves and fragrant aromas embrace every customer who dines on their outdoor patio. Of course, one of the best drinks for cooling off happens to be BLDG 5’s signature lemonade. You can even buy a bottle or two on your way out!
SoLou captures the essence of Southern Louisiana flavor in its cooking as well as its name. Alongside their Cajun spin on salsa and chips, enjoy a complimentary basket of cracklins once you get seated. Garage door-style walls create an airy, open environment whether you’ve chosen to sit inside or out. The real gem is the patio, though. In a balance of French countryside charm and cascading Louisiana oaks, SoLou can take you on a mini-vacation over brunch. Meshing Cajun heritage with innovation is at the heart of the SoLou brand.
Naturally, any native can’t discuss the best views in Baton Rouge without mentioning Tsunami Sushi. The downtown location, situated at the top of the Shaw Center for the Arts, is notorious for its prime view of the Mississippi River. The Mississippi may not exactly be the open ocean, but it delivers that breeze you can only feel along a coast. At Tsunami, freshness is a consistent factor, from the air to the dishes. The view from Tsunami’s balcony is the closest you’ll get to a view of the Baton Rouge skyline, and the lights at night give it a real cityscape feel.
A picturesque view can beat the heat, and all of these locations offer the respite that makes a Baton Rouge summer day feel like an escape from the humidity. Whether you’re looking for a backdrop of city lights, nature or Cajun comfort, there’s a place just for you.
