Louisiana is full of delightful restaurants where the story behind the building is just as good as the food. This particular place in Ruston is no exception, and it’s worth your while to pay them a visit.

You’ll find Ponchatoulas tucked away in a historic building up in Ruston, Louisiana.
Ponchatoulas Restaurant/Facebook
The building itself has seen quite a few tenants over the years. Back in the early 1900s, it was a fire station. Years later, it was the KRUS radio station where none other than Elvis Presley recorded in an upstairs music studio. In the 1980s, it was converted into a restaurant, and Johnny Gaudet opened Ponchatoulas in 1996.
This laid-back restaurant has become a popular neighborhood eatery.
Robert A./Trip Advisor
For over 20 years, locals have been coming to enjoy the authentic Creole/Cajun cuisine.
The menu offers a wide variety of Louisiana classics.
Ponchatoulas Restaurant/Facebook
You'll feel like you've been transported to the French Quarter!
From boudin balls to crawfish étouffée, there’s something on the menu for everyone here at Ponchatoulas.
Ponchatoulas Restaurant/Facebook
Their muffulettas are absolutely incredible. The homemade olive mix really sets it apart from the rest.
And the pasta dishes will have you licking the plate.
Management/Trip Advisor
Pictured above is their Crawfish Shirley; fettuccini pasta with crawfish tails sautéed in butter and green onions and tossed with a white wine and cheese sauce. Yum!
Crawfish season is sacred, and you’ll find a smorgasbord of this Louisiana favorite here.
Ponchatoulas Restaurant/Facebook
Do yourself a favor and order the homemade onion rings. They’re some of the best you’ll ever taste!
Ponchatoulas Restaurant/Facebook
Ponchatoulas also offers a pretty epic drink menu with a wide selection of brews and cocktails.
Ponchatoulas Restaurant/Facebook
And don’t you dare leave without having dessert! Ponchatoulas cheesecakes are delightfully decadent.
Ponchatoulas Restaurant/Facebook
The restaurant keeps its musical roots alive and well by offering live shows on weekends!
Ponchatoulas Restaurant/Facebook
You'll also find fun events like darts tournaments and game day specials during football season.

You can find Ponchatoulas at 109 E Park Ave., Ruston, LA 71270. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, including a peek at the menu, check out their website here, and stay up to date on events and daily specials on their Facebook page here.

Have you ever dined at Ponchatoulas? What’s your favorite dish on the menu? Let us know in the comments below!

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