Nestled just south of LSU’s buzzing campus, University Acres is an inviting Baton Rouge neighborhood beloved for its leafy streets, charming homes, and, increasingly, its dynamic dining scene. If you find yourself hungry near Lee Drive or Stanford Avenue, get ready for a delightful culinary adventure. Whether you’re a longtime local or a visiting foodie, here’s your definitive guide to some of the best places to eat and drink in University Acres, from beloved bakeries to inventive food trucks and everything in between.
Classic Favorites That Never Disappoint
University Acres’ location near campus means you’ll find both time-tested haunts and trendsetting newcomers. Many of these are clustered around the Lee Drive and Stanford Avenue corridors — easy to walk, bike, or park nearby.
- The Chimes East (Lee Drive & East Boyd Drive)
- Cuisine: Cajun, Creole, Southern Comfort
- Price Range: $$
- What Makes It Special: The Chimes is a Baton Rouge institution, and its University Acres outpost is where students and locals gather for legendary crawfish boils and hearty plates of jambalaya. The casual, wood-lined dining room buzzes with energy, and the extensive local beer menu pairs perfectly with spicy gumbo or fried catfish. Don’t miss their oyster bar or the rooftop patio when the weather’s right.
- Zippy’s Burritos, Tacos & More (3155 Perkins Rd, near Lee Dr intersection)
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Price Range: $-$$
- What Makes It Special: Laidback vibes and generous portions rule at Zippy’s, a local legend for quick, flavorful Tex-Mex. Their drive-thru is a staple for students craving breakfast tacos or enchiladas, and margaritas flow liberally inside. Pro-tip: Try their queso-smothered “Surf n’ Turf” burrito for a serious hunger fix.
Cafés and Bakeries for Your Morning Ritual
The neighborhood’s tree-lined character is perfect for leisurely coffee breaks and sweet treats. Start your day (or take a study break) at these standout spots:
- Coffee Call (3132 College Dr, just off Lee Dr)
- Cuisine: Coffee Shop/Bakery
- Price Range: $
- What Makes It Special: Famous citywide for its pillowy beignets and café au lait, Coffee Call is pure Baton Rouge nostalgia. The open, airy space is perfect for catching up with friends or pulling out the laptop, and the beignet fingers (perfect for dunking) are a local secret.
- Elsie’s Plate & Pie (3153 Government St, a short drive from the southern edge of University Acres)
- Cuisine: Southern, Bakery, Café
- Price Range: $-$$
- What Makes It Special: Worth the couple minutes’ drive for house-made pies in flavors like lemon icebox or chocolate peanut butter banana, plus hearty Southern breakfasts and blue-plate specials.
- La Divina Italian Café (3535 Perkins Rd, across from Raising Cane’s HQ)
- Cuisine: Italian Café/Gelateria
- Price Range: $-$$
- What Makes It Special: For something less traditional, hit La Divina for locally roasted coffee, authentic gelato, and fresh panini. Their patio is a hidden gem for a relaxed morning.
Quick Bites and Food Trucks for Flavor Adventurers
Looking for a lunch break treat or late-night fuel? University Acres has some unbeatable street eats and fast-casual options.
- Curbside Burgers (4158 Government St, close to University Acres’ border)
- Cuisine: American, Craft Burgers
- Price Range: $-$$
- What Makes It Special: What was once a food truck sensation is now a bricks-and-mortar local landmark. Curbside’s fiery “KGB” burger slathered with bacon onion jam and their hand-cut fries are the definition of comfort food done right.
- Local Food Trucks (often parked near the Lee Dr. circle or Perkins Rd)
- Cuisine: Varies (BBQ, Vietnamese, Jamaican, Ramen)
- Price Range: $-$$
- What Makes It Special: The beauty of University Acres’ proximity to the LSU corridor is its rotating cast of food trucks. Try Queen’s Jamaican Cuisine for jerk chicken, or Pho U for steaming Vietnamese noodle bowls. Follow them on social media for daily locations.
Hidden Gems and Unique Finds
Beyond the popular spots, savvy eaters know that University Acres is home to a handful of lesser-known eateries worth the trek.
- Magpie Café (3205 Perkins Rd, at Stanford Ave)
- Cuisine: Farm-to-table Café, Coffee
- Price Range: $$
- What Makes It Special: A haven for the health-conscious and creative brunch crowd, Magpie shines with seasonal quiche, local honey lattes, and plenty of vegan and gluten-free sweets. Their sunny patio, surrounded by greenery, is the ideal University Acres hangout.
- Kolache Kitchen (4245 Nicholson Dr, walkable from southern University Acres)
- Cuisine: Texas-Czech Breakfast, Fast Casual
- Price Range: $
- What Makes It Special: This cheerful spot puts a Louisiana spin on the Texas kolache — think boudin-stuffed pastries and spicy chorizo variations. Breakfast on-the-go has never tasted so good!
Local Food Traditions and Community
Food here is about more than just flavor — it’s about gathering, especially on game days or during crawfish season. University Acres is prime territory for tailgate spreads, neighborhood crawfish boils, and holiday potlucks.
- Weekend mornings are for coffee and beignets, often picked up from Coffee Call or Magpie Café and enjoyed under the oaks.
- Springtime means crawfish boils, with The Chimes bringing buckets of spiced mudbugs to shared tables.
- Don’t overlook the “plate lunch” tradition — neighborhood joints like Elsie’s and old-school Southern diners offer daily meat-and-three combos, a true Baton Rouge classic.
Planning Your Food Crawl
If you’re new to the neighborhood, plan your visit around the heart of University Acres — the crossroads of Lee Drive, Perkins Road, and Stanford Avenue. This is where the best of the local food scene comes together, blending casual eats with a distinctly Baton Rouge sense of hospitality.
So whether you’re here for a morning coffee, an indulgent lunch, or an evening out with friends, University Acres delivers flavors to remember. Grab your appetite, explore the tree-shaded streets, and see why locals and newcomers alike make this their go-to Baton Rouge dining destination.