Eating in Louisiana is a pastime. Secret recipes are family heirlooms. Food is a significant part of the culture, but the locals don’t see it that way. For Louisianians, food is a celebrated part of life. And if it is going to be such a big part of life, why waste time eating food that sucks? Food in the Bayou State is world-renowned for a reason.
With such importance placed on good eating from an early age, the outcome is an abundance of great food and places to dine. Choosing where to eat is the hard part.
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Choosing a favorite restaurant is like picking a single favorite movie or song. It’s not the easiest choice to make for most people. As lists of favorites are ever-changing, there is one restaurant which continues to rank at the top of my list: Lasyone’s Meat Pie Kitchen & Restaurant in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Natchitoches (pronounced “NACK-uh-tish”) is the oldest settlement in Louisiana and the Louisiana Purchase, even older than New Orleans. Established by French explorers in 1714, it is nearly ancient by American standards.
The small city of Natchitoches is unique among small cities in Louisiana. It is one of the few smaller places in the state that is not an absolute dump. Sorry y’all, but it’s true. As a native Louisianian, I know first-hand the state is full of dilapidated, shitty places. It’s no mystery why the state has one of the highest rates of college graduates and others fleeing for greener pastures. But that conversation is for another day. To the point, Natchitoches is one of the few cities in the state that isn’t a beacon of depression.
To the contrary, the historic center of Natchitoches is quite nice and beautiful. Tourism has experienced a resurgence and the downtown has undergone a facelift. Despite modern changes, the charm still remains. And so does much of the architecture. Downtown Natchitoches is home to historic mansions, massive old trees and buildings that seem apropos for South Louisiana and Cajun country.
My Favorite Restaurant
Through all of the changes, the ups and downs, Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant remains a fixture in Natchitoches after more than 50 years. Housed in a building from the mid-1800s, the eponymously named Lasyone’s Meat Pie Kitchen serves one of my absolute favorite foods in the world: The Natchitoches Meat Pie.
Lasyone’s is tucked back in downtown, just a couple blocks from Front Street and the Cane River. The inside is like any old diner or forgotten country hangout. And just like any typical local diner, and in spite of widespread recognition, Lasyone’s remains popular with locals.
The Natchitoches meat pie is not the typical meat pie in comparison to the popular treats of the UK and Commonwealth countries. Personally, I love those, but the Natchitoches meat pie is shaped more like an empanada. The outside, golden-fried to a salty, crisp perfection encases the prize within. A blend of ground beef and pork with spices and a side of gravy, the meat is perfectly complemented by its crispy, golden package.
The Natchitoches meat pie has an advantage over its British-based relatives. It’s from Louisiana, home to some of the best food in the world. Adding a flair of Louisiana to any cooking is only going to make it better.
When it comes to eating in Louisiana, most of the attention is given to the southern part of the state. Fair enough. But North Louisiana has a healthy portion of damn good food, too. For one, good barbecue and soul food is far more plentiful in the northern part of the state. But this is not a competition. Instead, it’s about eating Louisiana’s best meat pies at Lasyone’s. Lasyone’s is a blend of all that is good when it comes to eating in Louisiana.
Lasyone’s takes the best bits of soul food and incorporates a taste of South Louisiana Creole cooking. The dirty rice is the best I have ever eaten. What’s a true southern meal if there’s not potato salad? The fried catfish is a delicious deal, and the bread pudding is a staple. But the reason you come to Lasyone’s is for the meat pies. For an additional twist, they now serve crawfish pies, an even more Louisiana version of the meat pie. You might want to get one of these for the road.
Make sure to stop in for lunch as Lasyone’s closes at 3:00 and is not open on Sundays – I have made this mistake far too many times. In addition to the meat pie, Natchitoches has plenty to do and see for tourists in a day or two. There is good food, local art shops and historic plantations in the area. If you happen to be driving along Interstate 49 in Northwest Louisiana, take the Natchitoches exit and head downtown.
Lasyone’s is not a secret. It has been featured in publications around the world. The Louisiana restaurant may not be your personal discovery, but some popular places on the tourist trail are still worth a visit. It is about an hour south of my hometown, Shreveport, and it was a happy 45-minute break on my many trips to/from Baton Rouge during college.
My first visit to Lasyone’s was in middle school, and I instantly fell in love. In high school, I skipped school for a day and drove down to get my meat pie fix (Sorry, Mom).
Anytime I am in Natchitoches (or passing through), I make the time for the world’s best meat pie. It is always a pleasure to introduce new people to my favorite restaurant, and someday (in many, many years) I’m sure I’ll be introducing my kids to the same joy.
Do not forget the strawberry shortcake!!!!