There’s one special regional restaurant in Louisiana that’s worth a road trip from any corner of the state. If you find yourself in Cajun Country with a hankering for some of the best Cajun food you’ve ever tasted, do yourself a favor and make your way to one of the Steamboat Bill’s locations.
The story of how Steamboat Bill’s came to be is one of the most inspirational stories you’ll ever hear.
It all started back in 1982 when Kathi Vidrine began selling her shrimp on the side of the road in Leesville, Louisiana. She would commute to Leesville from Lake Charles every day, because Leesville was welcoming to street vendors. Sure enough, they welcomed her with open arms and she quickly became the go-to gal for shrimp.
When her business grew large enough, she and her brother purchased a shrimp dock and purchasing plant in Hackberry, but were constantly facing legal battles with Louisiana’s unique Napoleonic Law. She and her brother fought for the business all the way up to the Supreme Court, which ruled in her favor.
Many years later, Kathi and Billy were joined by Bill Vidrine, a local fisherman with plenty of experience in the seafood industry. Together, they opened the two Lake Charles locations.
Today, Steamboat Bill’s has two locations in Lake Charles, one in DeRidder, and another in Pearland, Texas.
Each location has its own unique Cajun-themed decor.
Comfortable and quirky, it’s the perfect atmosphere to dig into some authentic Cajun food.
The menu at Steamboat Bill’s boasts a wide range of Cajun creations that locals just can’t get enough of.
Just look at this overstuffed po’boy.
We love it when the po’boys turn into a waterfall of fried shrimp. Yes, please!
From Cajun fried dinners to crawfish étouffée, Steamboat Bill’s does it all.
During crawfish season, the boiled crawfish (and shrimp) are a real crowd favorite.
Hopefully, Steamboat Bill's will continue to expand throughout Louisiana.
Until then, we'll gladly make the drive over.
Visit Steamboat Bill's official website to see a menu and hours of operation for each location.
While you're visiting Lake Charles, I'd highly recommend taking a road trip along the Creole Nature Trail. You don't have to drive the full 180 miles, but if you do, you'll be met with some stunning southwestern Louisiana scenery!
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