Part Truck-Stop And Part Casino, Rice Palace Has Some Of The Best Cajun Food In Louisiana

Peppered with stunning Victorian homes and a historic downtown, Crowley is a lovely mid-sized city in Cajun Country nicknamed the "Rice Capital of America." From gumbo to étouffée, rice plays a huge role in both Creole and Cajun cuisine, and no other town has quite the connection to rice as good old Crowley. Next time you find yourself driving through, you’ll want to pull into this one unassuming building just off of the interstate.

Part truck stop, part convenience store, part casino, and part restaurant, Rice Palace is your one-stop-shop for all your needs.

The truck stop’s convenience store is open 24 hours a day and offers everything from clean restrooms and showers to fishing and hunting licenses. There’s also a Vegas-style casino with 50 video poker machines that you may want to test your luck on.

The restaurant is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Since opening in 1994, Rice Palace has become a favorite spot for more than just truckers on the road, but also for locals in search of home-cooked meals outside of their kitchens.

The menu features a wide array of tasty creations.

Including several beastly burgers, like this one pictured above.

In addition to burgers and sandwiches, Rice Palace also features several daily specials like smothered pork chops, country-fried steak, and more.

And the portions? Huge! So be sure to come hungry.

While breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, not everyone wakes up that early.

Luckily, breakfast is served all day here at Rice Palace.

From Belgian waffles to crawfish-stuffed omelettes, this restaurant does it all.

These omelettes are almost too pretty to eat!

Of course, the Cajun and Creole creations are simply irresistible.

Just look at that overstuffed shrimp po'boy. Yum!

The chicken and sausage gumbo is a customer favorite. Just like Mama used to make!

Paired with that good Crowley rice? Pure perfection!

For more information, check out the Rice Palace website, and don't forget to give it a follow on Facebook so you never miss out on any of their specialty creations!

Have you ever dined at Rice Palace? Let us know in the comments! And if you know of an unassuming restaurant in Louisiana that you think we should know about, nominate it for a chance to be featured!