Succulent shrimp, seasoned crawfish, juicy brisket, spicy boudin—encompassing rolling pastureland between coastal Lake Charles in the south, and the vast Sabine National Forest to the north, Vernon Parish straddles sections of Louisiana that take their food seriously. From gas station eats to fine dining establishments (and everything in between), the flavors you’ll discover in Louisiana’s Legend Country will have you returning time and again in search of another taste.
No Louisiana road trip is complete without some good comfort food, and in downtown Leesville, the newly opened Nadine’s Soul Food Restaurant and More delivers. Veteran-owned and operated, Nadine’s does a roaring trade for breakfast and lunch daily, earning rave reviews for its great food and outstanding service, served at good prices. Test your mettle with the Nadine’s Belly Buster Breakfast—a hearty American start to your day that features eggs, bacon, buttery grits with cheese and seasoned hash browns with a pancake or waffle. Nadine’s lunch mainstays include wings, salads, burgers, and more, while a rotating cast of daily specials includes gumbo, steak, and brisket loaded potatoes.
Fox Stop's famous Country Burger
Tight on time? Fill both tank and belly by visiting the various gas station eats along the No Man’s Land corridor. Following the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, the strip hugging Louisiana’s western border remained disputed territory—serving as a buffer between the newly expanded United States, and Spain. Once a magnet for outlaws and pioneers, today the six parishes that comprise the No Man’s Land region offer distinctive history, a wealth of outdoor activities, and some of the best food around. In Vernon Parish, any visit to a participating local gas station brings the promise of mouthwatering fare in a convenient one-stop shop. The country burger at Fox Stop in Leesville is justifiably famous; while a fish basket, fried mushrooms, or hand-dipped ice cream from Anacoco Mercantile in Anacoco are worth a road trip all by themselves. In tiny Pitkin, Strother’s Country Store serves up home-cooked deliciousness, while Soileau’s Cajun Specialty Meats supplies Rosepine’s locals and visitors with boudin, cracklins, and fresh and smoked meats, too.
1 of 3
Battered Men's BBQ's Stuffed Meat Potatoes
2 of 3
Brenda's Puerto Rican Kitchen's Pork Chops
3 of 3
Sweet Doughnuts and More
Ready for some finger-lickin’ good BBQ? Head to Hickory Smoke House in Fort Johnson, Battered Men's BBQ in Leesville, or Pak-A-Pig in New Llano. For more international fare, stop by Brenda’s Puerto Rican Kitchen in Leesville. Those craving something sweet need to check out Sweet Doughnuts and More in Rosepine, or Hazel's Tea Parlor in Leesville.
Wherever your travels take you, visit Vernon Parish Dining for a comprehensive list of area restaurants.
