By Jeanni Ritchie
I’m always down for an old-fashioned road trip if it means good food. This one was a double feature: dinner at Mayeaux’s and a show at NSU—and the restaurant absolutely shared the spotlight.
My friends Carlina, Tawney, and I arrived to “pre-show” (the theatre version of pre-gaming). We ordered three appetizers to share: BBQ Shrimp, Steak Ends (medium-well—Carlina doesn’t do “red” meat), and Mini Meat Pies.
Every bite had me declaring this one my favorite. The Steak Ends were perfectly seasoned—honestly, just go ahead and order the full Filet and thank me later. The Mini Meat Pies were classic Natchitoches comfort; if that’s all you want, make a meal of the six minis. The BBQ Shrimp arrived in a spicy butter that nodded to Gumbo, with French Bread for dunking. Tasty—though next time I may try the straight Shrimp Cocktail. Sometimes nothing beats Cocktail Sauce with cold Shrimp.
Beyond our trio, the appetizer lineup runs deep: Crab Cakes, Crab-and-Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms, Oysters Rockefeller, and Crawfish Pies. You’ll also find Salads (the Mahi-Mahi Salad has a loyal following), Crawfish Étouffée, and Chicken & Sausage Gumbo.
On the entrée side, house favorites span surf and turf: Catfish Acadiana, Front Street Potatoes, Fettuccine Alfredo, Hamburger Steak, Prime-Cut Steaks, Lobster Tail, Redfish, Salmon, Oysters, Pepper Jack Chicken, Frog Legs, and the boldly named Redfish Cocodrie. There are Po’boys, Burgers, and classic sides like Creamed Spinach and Grilled Squash. Little diners are covered with Chicken Tenders, Corn Dogs, Fried Shrimp, Fried Catfish, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Grilled Cheese.
Save room for dessert: Buttermilk Pie with ice cream or Bread Pudding with rum sauce—both worth loosening the belt a notch.
If You Go
Mayeaux’s Steak & Seafood
512 Front Street, Natchitoches, LA
(318) 521-8080
Owned and operated by Clay and Jana Mayeaux.
Bottom line: Whether you’re pre-showing like we were or making Mayeaux’s the main event, this is classic Natchitoches—a little fancy, a lot friendly, and exactly the kind of place that makes a road trip taste like home.
