Natchitoches is home to many favorite restaurants including Peggy’s Homemade Pizza, Mayeaux’s Steak & Seafood and Pioneer Pub. These restaurants are important to the community, as they are cultural gathering places for residents and they support the local economy.
Luckily for on-campus students at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, they reside in a charming small town with history and allure. Natchitoches has staple restaurants that bring flavor and unity to the community.
But does Natchitoches have enough variety of restaurants?
Aside from the fast food chains known across the country, it’s hard to find a good spot to grab a bite to eat which is tailored toward college students. Many places in downtown Natchitoches are close to campus but aimed to attract tourists at local events and festivals.
Downtown Natchitoches’ newest riverfront restaurant, Patio Cantina and Grill, was an exciting new addition for the community that opened in late July 2024. Its patio view of Cane River and elegant interior attracts customers while the services and high quality dishes keep them satisfied.
Patio Cantina and Grill is perfect for a lunch to impress or a special dinner night out, but regular dining there is not in the price range of an average college student. The addition of this new restaurant was exciting and important for the Natchitoches economy, but it wasn’t targeted toward the NSU student population.
Restaurants with larger dining areas, such as Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, offer plenty of space for large parties such as student organizations. With its family-friendly environment, it’s perfect for students of all ages, and they even offer discounts for NSU students on Thursday nights. They also host events like trivia nights which attracts the community to gather for a fun time.
Similarly to this, Mama’s Oyster House hosts events like karaoke nights on Wednesdays, but the smaller dining area can create a crowded environment.
A wider selection of restaurants that offer larger dining areas and fun, community building events can be appreciated by NSU students. This could also provide more job opportunities for students. Most restaurants in Natchitoches are proud to hire students and support them through their time at NSU.
Is it time for Natchitoches to bring larger, college student budget-friendly restaurants into its community? I think so, it’s time for something new.
