Baton Rouge, LA: Where to Eat, Sleep & Tailgate
Planning a trip to Baton Rouge for an LSU football game? We've got your game weekend covered with tips on where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate!
Welcome to Baton Rouge, home of the Louisiana State University Tigers! If you’re heading to town to catch a game at LSU, here’s what you need to know about where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate. First, a few key facts:
- SEC Team: Louisiana State University Tigers
- Coach: Lane Kiffin
- Stadium: Tiger Stadium
- 2026 Schedule: lsusports.net
- Fun Fact: Legend has it that Mardi Gras influenced the team colors: purple and gold.
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WHERE TO STAY IN BATON ROUGE
From central spots right in the middle of the action to a bed and breakfast that offers some respite from the fanfare, Baton Rouge has a little something for every type of traveler.
Courtyard Baton Rouge Acadian Centre
2421 South Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 • (225) 924-6400
Courtyard Baton Rouge Acadian Center is located near campus and Tiger Stadium. This Marriott hotel has a bistro, a Starbucks, and a pool.
The Cook Hotel and Conference Center
3848 West Lakeshore Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 • (225) 383-2665
As far as convenience goes, The Cook Hotel and Conference Center is ideal. Located right on campus, this boutique hotel is used to hosting LSU event attendees.
WATERMARK Baton Rouge
150 3rd St, Baton Rouge, LA 70801 (225) 408-3200
Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, WATERMARK is a well-located, artsy downtown hotel with river views, eclectic rooms, an upscale restaurant, and a lively bar.
The Stockade Bed & Breakfast
8860 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 • (225) 281-7358
Built on a historic Civil War site, The Stockade Bed & Breakfast is a quieter option for your visit. It’s a bit further removed from campus, but still nearby. They also serve a complete Southern breakfast, which is a plus any day of the week, if you ask us!
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WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN BATON ROUGE
If you’re looking for a bite to eat ahead of the game or perhaps items to pick up for your tailgate, these are some of your best bets near campus.
Louie’s Cafe
3322 Lake St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802 • (225) 346-8221
Located at the north end of campus, Louie’s Cafe offers all the best American fare in a classic diner feel.
The Chimes
3357 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 • (225) 383-1754
The Chimes, a dinner-and-brunch spot serving up authentic Louisiana food, was so popular in its first location that two more locations opened. The original is right by campus.
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux
3838 Burbank Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 • (225) 757-8010
If you’re on the hunt for some true Louisiana comfort cuisine, look no further than Walk-On’s. From burgers to Cajun food to seafood, it’s all scratch-made. And it’s co-owned by Drew Brees!
Zeeland Street
2031 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 • (225) 387-4546
A local market serving up breakfast and lunch — both dine-in and to-go — Zeeland Street is a favorite spot. They have a large array of sandwiches, salads, and plates to choose from.
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BARS IN BATON ROUGE
If you’re in the market for a pre- or post-game drink, here are a few hotspots — equally well-suited to celebrating or drowning your sorrows.
The Bulldog
4385 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 • (225) 303-9400
Craft beer connoisseurs, this one is for you! The Bulldog offers an extensive selection of draft and bottled beer, plus one of the best dog-friendly patios in Baton Rouge.
The House
1003 Bob Pettit Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70820 • (985) 237-3331
The House is another Tigerland bar — stop by before or after the game to grab a drink and commune with fellow LSU fans.
Hayride Scandal
5110 Corporate Blvd, Suite B, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 • (225) 400-9677
Hayride Scandal is a rustic, Southern-style bar offering craft cocktails and live music. It’s particularly famous for its whiskey-forward libations.
The Station
4608 Bennington Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 • (225) 926-0631
Since 1988, The Station has been a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike. The sports bar offers over 100 beers and seltzers, big-screen TVs, and plenty of sports memorabilia for fans to fawn over.
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WHERE TO TAILGATE IN BATON ROUGE
Louisiana State University football is a big deal, and fans begin tailgating as early as 24 hours before a game, so get ready!
- LSU partnered with Revelry to offer full-service tailgating packages — they’ll set up your tent for you along South Stadium Drive.
- If you don’t wish to tailgate as part of a package, you can set up your own tailgate in designated areas around the stadium. Be sure to check LSU’s current gameday parking and tailgating policies before arriving, as rules vary by lot and location.
- If you’re just attending a tailgate, Uber or Lyft is a good option for transportation. If you choose to drive instead, you can buy a parking pass from LSU to park near the stadium. Some people also offer paid parking in nearby private lots and yards.
- Don’t forget to come hungry, because LSU tailgates feature plenty of food!
FAMILY-FRIENDLY TIPS
If you’re looking to use up some extra time during your stay at LSU, here are some good ideas.
- Visit Mike the Tiger’s habitat, located between Tiger Stadium and the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
- Louisiana’s capital city has some sights worth seeing, so be sure to check them out if you have time.
- You can shop at Red Stick Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning, where Louisiana’s local vendors come to Baton Rouge to sell their goods.
- At Perkins Rowe, you can enjoy great boutiques, movie theaters, and food.
- Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, built in 1847, is a Gothic Revival castle that now serves as a museum.
- The Louisiana Art & Science Museum offers immersive exhibits and a full-dome planetarium show.
Geaux Tigers!
Click HERE for the complete SEC City Guide!
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