The Jambalaya Shoppe

Don’t go for the atmosphere-​go for the food. Every time we drive through Louisiana we look for the Jambalaya Shoppe, and the Jambalaya is banging every time. We have learned to order extra to take with us. No need to go hungry on the road! Nice staff also.

We were visiting from Arizona and had just been turned away from another restaurant with a very similar menu because it had run out of «everything.» We were disappointed because we really wanted to try «authentic» jambalaya and gumbo so we turned to Unilocal and found this location just down the road from this «other» restaurant. We really like to try «new» things and patronize local restaurants over the big chains or fancy restaurants. Thank goodness they turned us away because we had the BEST experience here! First, we were greeted by the friendliest employee, Vee. She answered our questions with enthusiasm and even offered a taste of their potato salad when I asked if she thought it was good. My hubby and I got the meal combo that consisted of jambalaya, gumbo, 2 sides and a roll. The portions were extremely generous and we may have even been able to get away with sharing one meal because there was A LOT of food — and trust me – we’re no skinny-​minis and like to eat! Both the jambalaya and the gumbo were EXCELLENT! Now with that said — I’m not a jambalaya or gumbo expert – as I said before I’m from the Wild West and am more an expert on authentic Mexican food – but for being jambalaya and gumbo «virgins,» we were happy and would definitely eat it again! I had the white beans and potato salad –both yummy – and my hubby had a green salad and potato salad (no complaints as he was part of the clean plate club). Now… back to service… Vee was so personable and made the experience that much better. She checked in on us and made sure we were enjoying the food (even though this is a fast casual type of restaurant). She even gave my hubby 2 choices for ranch dressing and brought 2 coupon books to our table so we could make the most out of the rest of our visit in Baton Rouge. Pay attention Jambalaya Shoppe – Vee is a keeper! Although we don’t live here, you’ve gained a customer for life and we will stop in every time we’re in town as well as recommend your restaurant to others!

This place was just ok to be full on Jambalaya Shoppe. I was expecting to be wowed but that did not happen. I went on lunch and they were not packed, that should have been indicator number one. I stayed and ordered the Gumbo/​Jambalaya combo. It was bland in flavor, and I should have ordered something with less rice. The Gumbo and the Jambalaya had so much rice that it was overwhelming for one meal. Additionally they add a salad to your plate that is just a pile of lettuce and tomatoes. It was hardly a salad, it could be better described as a hamburger topping. I did like the fast and friendly service, and the food wasn’t horrible. I’d go back on a rush day and maybe just order the gumbo or the jambalaya not the combo with both. I would surly opt out of the salad. The combo also came with crawfish pies. They were really good. I’d go back just for a good order of those. All in all, it wasn’t a horrible experience. But be prepared to add a little salt and pepper to your food :-)

If I could give more stars I would! There were many things that I loved about this place. First, the staff was super friendly and helpful. They noticed it was our first time there and they let us sample some of the food first. We sampled the chicken and sausage gumbo, the chicken and sausage jambalaya, the pastalaya, and the crawfish and it was all DELICIOUS! I decided on having the chicken and sausage gumbo and it was really good! I also had a side of potato salad and the crawfish pie and they were also very tasty. They served very good portions of food and the service was very fast. The restaurant was also very clean and organized. I definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone that wants to eat some local food! It’s worth every penny!

This place has really good jambalaya and gumbo. Great for feeding a crowd. The staff was very nice and service to go was fast. We went in on an LSU game night and they were turning folks away because they had run out of food to sell, so keep that in mind when you are making plans.
The only suggestion I have is to stay away from the boudin. I couldn’t get into the texture of it. I’m sure they don’t make it themselves, but whoever did overprocessed the filling. It wasn’t bad, but certainly not as good as you can get at most restaurants or your corner gas station.

Quick service, large portions for a great price. My favorite place to get jambalaya and gumbo in Baton Rouge.