Welcome to Ponchatoulas
Ponchatoulas is a vibrant culinary gem located in Ruston, Louisiana, where the spirit of Cajun cuisine thrives. With a diverse menu featuring delightful offerings like stuffed catfish, crawfish étouffée, and rich jambalaya, each dish tells a story infused with Southern charm. Guests rave about the inviting atmosphere and attentive service, making every meal an enjoyable experience. Signature cocktails such as the Peach Margarita and Dirty Shirley perfectly complement the food. From the friendly staff to the eclectic décor, Ponchatoulas ensures that every visit is memorable. It’s a must-try for anyone craving authentic Cajun flavors in a welcoming setting.
- 109 E Park Ave, Ruston, LA 71270, United States Hotline: +1 318-254-5200
Welcome to Ponchatoulas, a delightful haven for those seeking authentic Cajun and Southern cuisine nestled in the heart of Ruston, Louisiana at 109 E Park Ave. Whether you are a local or just passing through, this vibrant eatery promises a culinary experience that will linger on your palate long after the last bite.
At Ponchatoulas, the menu is a delicious homage to the rich culinary traditions of the South. Diners rave about the stuffed catfish drenched in savory Crawfish Etouffee, while the fried pickles serve as a crispy, tangy appetizer that sets the stage for the feast to come. Each dish is expertly crafted, showcasing fresh ingredients and a passion for flavor.
- Signature Dishes:
- Stuffed Catfish with Crawfish Etouffee
- Muffaletta
- Grilled Crawfish Pasta Salad
- Fried Shrimp and Catfish Platter
- Sampler Platter featuring Fried Shrimp, Fried Oysters, and Onion Rings
- Boudin Egg Rolls with Spicy Sauce
- Signature Cocktails:
- Dirty Shirley
- Irish Redhead
- Black & Blue Señorita
- Bayou Water
- Peach Margarita
- Champ's Fuzzy Navel
- Ever Loyal Be
The service at Ponchatoulas has drawn as much praise as the food itself. Friendly and attentive staff members, including standout servers like Cameron, Madelyn, and Emily, enhance the dining experience, ensuring that each guest feels welcomed and valued. Customers have noted the restaurant's ability to handle bustling crowds while maintaining a high standard of service, which speaks volumes about its commitment to excellence.
Many have discovered Ponchatoulas through glowing recommendations, and the buzz is well-deserved. As one satisfied customer, Phillip Cole, put it, “Some of the best, if not the best, Cajun food I've ever had.” This sentiment reflects the collective enthusiasm surrounding the restaurant, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling in the area.
For those in search of a place that combines delectable Southern fare, a lively atmosphere, and stellar service, look no further than Ponchatoulas. With every bite savored and every cocktail raised, you will understand why this restaurant has captured the hearts (and appetites) of its patrons. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in this culinary gem—your taste buds will thank you!

Some of the best, if not the best, Cajun food I've ever had. Started with the fried pickles and the wife had a salad. Both excellent. I had the stuffed catfish covered with Crawfish Etouffe and a side of jambalaya. Sooooo good! The little lady had a muffaletta and it was badass as well. Highly recommended. Server Cameron was fantastic as well. Cant wait to go back.

We were so happy to have come here for our southern food experience! Our waitress Madelyn was so friendly & awesome!

Passing through while traveling, I had the sampler which had lots of options. I chose the catfish with red beans and rice. It was really great! Exactly what I was craving!

I have been hearing about this restaurant from several people, so tonight I got to try it out. We were seated right away. It was pretty clean, and they were a little busy, but I didn't mind. Started with a hurricane and picked the grilled crawfish pasta salad with ranch dressing. SO GOOD!!!! My husband got the combination platter, which came with fried shrimp, fried oysters, and onion rings and came with a side salad. Didn't get an appetizer because we didn't want to fill up on that and not be able to eat our main meal. Our waitress, Anna, was SO nice and very attentive to our needs. Prices were really decent. People definitely need to try this place out if anyone travels to Ruston. Also, the ceiling had a unique decor going on.

We've visited this restaurant twice, the first time made such an impression from the food to the service we had to try it again yesterday, 2/8. So the wait was long but the service and food was worth every minute waited! The greeters are kind and so accommodating; after waiting about 40 minutes, we were seated, and one of the best waitresses (Emily) came to the table which made the whole experience at Ponchatoulas even better! After a long day with volleyball, it was so refreshing to have amazing service, and the food was so delicious, fresh, and hot! We are a family of 6 from Texas, and the kids enjoyed it so much; they said we need to make coming here after tournaments in Ruston a tradition! We are looking forward to dining at this restaurant whenever we're in the area! Thank you, Ponchatoulas, for providing the best food and customer service!

Recently received the recommendation from the sister restaurant Log Cabin to try this place on Sundays. Not disappointed. Food was good, service was phenomenal, and reasonably priced. Recommend to visitors if in the area. Can’t say enough positive about the servers-constantly moving food out of the kitchen and working hard. A couple of the girls look like celebrities.., go see for yourself.

I had them last night and man they did not disappoint. Our server was friendly and the food was hot and ready to serve. I got the boudin egg rolls for the appetizer and they were so good with their spicy sauce! For my entree, I got the stuffed catfish, which was even better! 10/10 recommend!

Wonderful friendly service, I got the stuffed catfish and it was excellent! My husband got the fried shrimp and catfish platter, all delicious. I'll be marking this place as a favorite for when we travel through again.