Unearth The Voyage
In Metairie, Louisiana Purchase Kitchen proves that comfort still comes by the plateful – and you can keep going back for more. This long-standing buffet favorite pairs soulful Creole classics with neighborly service that turns first-timers into regulars. With a 4.3-star rating and a reputation for hot, fresh, homestyle dishes, it’s the kind of spot families recommend and travelers hunt down. If you crave generous portions, easy prices, and flavors that taste like home, this is your next meal plan.
1. A Welcoming Metairie Institution
Set on Veterans Memorial Blvd in Metairie, Louisiana Purchase Kitchen hums with the easy rhythm of a neighborhood institution. You pay at the register, grab a drink, and settle in – no fuss, just an open invitation to savor a classic all-you-can-eat buffet. The dining room feels friendly and unpretentious, a place where large groups gather, solo diners relax, and servers greet regulars by name. It’s the kind of spot that locals recommend for real-deal Creole comfort and visitors discover by word of mouth. Clean, orderly, and warm, it’s as much about hospitality as it is about heaping plates. With steady operating hours and prices in the $10–20 range, it’s a practical go-to. And when the trays come out steaming, you’ll know why people keep coming back.
2. All-You-Can-Eat Creole Comforts
Louisiana Purchase Kitchen’s buffet showcases a rotating spread of homestyle Creole staples, served hot and replenished frequently. Expect fried chicken with a shattering crunch, golden fried fish, red beans and rice, gumbo, jambalaya, smothered cabbage, and country sides that round out a true Louisiana plate. The lineup shifts by day, keeping things interesting for repeat visits. Salads, cornbread, and seasonal vegetables offer balance, while heartier items like Salisbury steak or boudin pop up to keep meat lovers grinning. The key here is consistency of warmth and generous portions – plates piled high, flavors deepened with time. It’s the ideal spot to sample a spectrum of Creole signatures without committing to just one entrée. For travelers, it’s a greatest-hits tasting; for locals, it’s a comforting constant.
3. Stars of the Line: Fried Chicken, Catfish, and Gumbo
If there’s a trifecta that defines Louisiana Purchase Kitchen, it’s the fried chicken, fried catfish, and gumbo. The chicken arrives blister-crisp outside and juicy inside, a hallmark of the house. Catfish, often compared favorably to regional legends, comes in flaky fillets with light seasoning that invites a splash of hot sauce. The gumbo leans hearty and soulful, simmered to the kind of depth that keeps spoons returning for one more taste. These dishes anchor the buffet and make easy introductions for first-time diners. Pair them with rice, a wedge of cornbread, or smothered cabbage for a complete plate. When the trays are fresh out, the aroma alone sets the table – simple, satisfying, and undeniably Louisiana.
4. Southern Sides Done Right
The sides at Louisiana Purchase Kitchen turn a good meal into a feast. Red beans simmered to velvety comfort, cabbage cooked down until tender, and cornbread that leans pleasantly sweet make easy companions. Expect rotating vegetables – broccoli, whole corn, greens – plus mashed potatoes when you need pure comfort. On certain days you’ll find spinach dip, boudin, or a creamy mac that tips the plate into indulgence. These aren’t just filler; they’re little snapshots of Southern home cooking that bring balance and variety to the buffet. Build a plate that mixes textures – crispy chicken with creamy beans, flaky fish with bright greens, cornbread soaking up extra gravy. It’s all about personalizing the classics, one scoop at a time.
5. Desserts That Seal the Deal
Save room for sweets, because the dessert station carries serious nostalgia. Bread pudding with rum sauce is the headliner – custardy, warm, and draped in a sauce that regulars rave about. Banana pudding often appears, as do classic pies or cakes depending on the day. It’s a humble finale, but one that completes the Southern meal arc from savory to sweet comfort. The bread pudding, in particular, inspires return trips and happy debate about the perfect sauce strength. Whether you’re a spooner of sauces or a drizzle-and-dip purist, you’ll find a rhythm here. Pair your dessert with a fresh refill from your server and lean back – this is the kind of ending you get at Grandma’s table, only here you can go back for seconds.
6. Service with Heart and Room for Everyone
Part of the charm is a seasoned service team that blends buffet ease with sit-down attentiveness. You’ll pay upfront, but after that, expect drink orders, timely refills, and thoughtful table checks. Large parties are common – and accommodated – making it a savvy pick for reunions or game-day gatherings. Locals highlight friendly, attentive servers who keep plates clear and smiles ready. Management is known to support special events, with private bookings handled efficiently and graciously. It’s the kind of place where hospitality feels natural, not scripted. Even during busy rushes, the dining room maintains an easy, neighborly pace. Come as you are, bring the family, and let the staff handle the rest.
7. Practical Details: Hours, Price, and Location
Planning a visit is simple. Louisiana Purchase Kitchen sits at 8853 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, just a short drive from the airport and easy to find by GPS. Hours are generous: Monday through Thursday 11 AM–8 PM, Friday and Saturday until 8:30 PM, and Sunday 11 AM–5 PM. Prices typically fall between $10 and $20, making it a welcome alternative to fast-food costs with far better flavor. You’ll order drinks at the counter, choose your seat, and head to the buffet when ready. Call +1 504-468-3663 or check the website for updates, daily offerings, or group accommodations. Parking is straightforward, the dining room is clean, and the vibe is come-as-you-are casual. Simple, affordable, and delicious.
8. How to Eat the Buffet Like a Local
Start with a scouting lap: note what’s freshest and what’s turning over quickly. Build your first plate around standouts – fried chicken, catfish, gum – plus one or two sides you’re excited about. Keep portions modest to leave room for second and third tastes; the fun is in exploring. Hot sauce and cornbread can sharpen and balance flavors, while a light salad adds freshness between richer bites. Save dessert for last and time it when new pans hit the line; warm bread pudding with rum sauce is peak comfort. Most of all, relax – the team keeps things moving, and you’re here to linger. When you find your personal favorite combo, jot it down and make it your go-to on the next visit.
