Lav Luxe Living
Lake Charles, LA
“A Little Bit Country. A Little Bit Rock ‘n’ Roll.” While certainly not in the genre of Zydeco, this well-known song title just may be the definitive summary of Lake Charles, Louisiana. A blend of contrasts that magically works together in total harmony. A Cajun personality with a Texas flair. A love for big-city entertainment and a relished joy of nature. Bold and outspoken, yet equally laid-back and homey. Stylish and carefree — a little black dress paired with flip-flops.
About a 10 minute drive away (or a little over a mile walk), this is a little 24h greasy spoon local diner. It’s a great spot to feel some local color, as most people eating there live in Lake Charles. Good old comfort food, served 24h a day. Good portions for reasonable prices.
10 locals recommend
KD's Diner
240 W Prien Lake RdAbout a 10 minute drive away (or a little over a mile walk), this is a little 24h greasy spoon local diner. It’s a great spot to feel some local color, as most people eating there live in Lake Charles. Good old comfort food, served 24h a day. Good portions for reasonable prices.
Owner of this breakfast and lunch pastry shop was trained in France, and you can tell. They put out amazing croissant-based delights and likely have the best and lightest quiche you’ve ever had. They also offer salads and sandwiches with drip coffee. Limited seating, but a nice outdoor section. Located off major streets, but worth finding, about a 10 minute drive from the house.
21 locals recommend
The Bekery
2040 W 11th StOwner of this breakfast and lunch pastry shop was trained in France, and you can tell. They put out amazing croissant-based delights and likely have the best and lightest quiche you’ve ever had. They also offer salads and sandwiches with drip coffee. Limited seating, but a nice outdoor section. Located off major streets, but worth finding, about a 10 minute drive from the house.
A down-home family-style eatery with classic southern food, especially fried and boiled seafood. You can try alligator here, as well as fried okra, duck bites and boudin boulettes. It’s a great place to share plates and enjoy the different tastes. Red and white checkered table cloths and sports on the TVs above. About a 15 min drive.
24 locals recommend
Seafood Palace
2218 Enterprise BlvdA down-home family-style eatery with classic southern food, especially fried and boiled seafood. You can try alligator here, as well as fried okra, duck bites and boudin boulettes. It’s a great place to share plates and enjoy the different tastes. Red and white checkered table cloths and sports on the TVs above. About a 15 min drive.
Right down the street from KD’s diner, The Fiery Crab makes a lot of the same food as the Seafood Palace but is newer and with more upscale décor. They specialize in Shrimp Boils and will put out the butcher paper for the whole family to enjoy one together. Delicious Po-boy’s as well.
Fiery Crab
339 W Prien Lake RdRight down the street from KD’s diner, The Fiery Crab makes a lot of the same food as the Seafood Palace but is newer and with more upscale décor. They specialize in Shrimp Boils and will put out the butcher paper for the whole family to enjoy one together. Delicious Po-boy’s as well.
A huge, well-designed outdoor park in downtown Louisiana on the waterfront of Lake Charles. The kids will have a great time running around the pirate-ship themed playground which is modern and well-appointed. It also contains a large seasonal splash park. No food/drink in the park itself. After playing awhile, you can stroll right along the waterfront and admire the lake. Community events often take place here. There are shops and restaurants nearby as well.
25 locals recommend
Millennium Park
900 Lakeshore DrA huge, well-designed outdoor park in downtown Louisiana on the waterfront of Lake Charles. The kids will have a great time running around the pirate-ship themed playground which is modern and well-appointed. It also contains a large seasonal splash park. No food/drink in the park itself. After playing awhile, you can stroll right along the waterfront and admire the lake. Community events often take place here. There are shops and restaurants nearby as well.
Entertainment & Dining
This casino is only about 15 minutes drive from the house. One of the many things it offers is “Embers,” an upscale lounge that is perfect for cocktails and desserts later at night. They are also a steakhouse. It’s right off the elevators from the parking garage, so if you’d like some luxury without the rest of the casino it’s a great place to relax and spend time together.
66 locals recommend
L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles
777 Ave L'AubergeThis casino is only about 15 minutes drive from the house. One of the many things it offers is “Embers,” an upscale lounge that is perfect for cocktails and desserts later at night. They are also a steakhouse. It’s right off the elevators from the parking garage, so if you’d like some luxury without the rest of the casino it’s a great place to relax and spend time together.