Thanks to its strategic location on the Texas/Louisiana border, one of the best things about Beaumont is its unique blend of cuisine. A culinary crossroads that combines Cajun, Creole, and soul food with Texas-sized portions and appetites, Beaumont has no shortage of restaurants designed to satisfy a craving or two. Here’s everywhere to eat and indulge sure to fill your soul and fatten you right up.
Republic Chicken
Despite only being open a few months, Republic Chicken already has a cult following. The crispy fried chicken and catfish is a thing of dreams, but it’s the family style dinners and all you can eat sides that really steal the show. Enjoy endless mac and cheese, biscuits, mashed potatoes, green beans, and creamed corn but be sure to save room for their famous banana pudding – rumored to be the best in Beaumont.
Suga’s Deep South Cuisine & Jazz
Fine dining Southern-style, Suga’s is one of the pricier restaurants in town, but that’s just because you get dinner and a show. With regular entertainment on their upstairs stage, listen to a rotating bevy of soulful, sultry crooners as you chow down. Southern favorites include homemade shrimp and grits, brown sugar chicken, and gumbo, but the homemade ice cream is nothing to sneeze at either. The restaurant has a bit of a New Orleans vibe since it’s more of a celebratory meal.
Richards Café
It’s nothing fancy, but man is it good. Soul food served from a counter cafeteria style, Richard’s dishes up everything from smothered pork chops, beef tips, and pig’s feet to oxtail and the mustard greens and cornbread are a thing of dreams. Come hungry because the portion size is astronomical.
Rosie’s Soul Food
If the smell doesn’t draw you in from the street, the rave reviews surely will. Home cooking in a modest setting, Rosie’s doesn’t just have one standout dish. You’ll want to try the meatloaf, beef tips, pork roast, and pig’s feet and tails. All entrees come with two sides from yams and okra to beans more ways than you can count. And be sure to save room for the heavenly peach cobbler.
Vautrot Cajun
Fried alligator, frog legs, and etouffee served out of a converted RV, what Vautrot’s lacks in ambiance, they make up for in flavor with one of the best rues around. The seafood sampler platter and boudin balls are a good introduction to Cajun cuisine.
Juju's Cajun Crawfish Shak
Open seasonally January through June, Juju’s crawfish is some of the best around with people known to drive hours for a taste of those mudbugs. BYO and served with three dipping sauces, get them spicy…if you dare. Make sure to call ahead before you make the trek because they do regularly sell out.