Southern Trace in Shreveport exudes Southern elegance, lush golf courses, and family-friendly living—but did you know it’s also home to one of the most delicious and diverse dining scenes in the city? Whether you’re seeking a cozy bakery, mouthwatering comfort food, or an upscale date night spot, Southern Trace and its nearby hubs offer culinary delights that satisfy locals and visitors alike. Here’s your inside scoop on where to eat, what to order, and what makes each spot truly unique.
Southern Trace’s Signature Restaurants
While the heart of Southern Trace is its private country club, you don’t have to be a member to enjoy the area’s stellar cuisine. Just outside the gates, along Wallace Lake Road and Norris Ferry Road, you’ll find a mix of established favorites and new gems.
- Southern Trace Country Club Dining Room
- *Cuisine*: New American, Southern classics
- *Location*: 200 Southern Trace Pkwy
- *Why Go*: Perfect for celebrating milestones, the club serves refined spins on Southern comfort food in an elegant, sunlit setting overlooking the golf course. Don’t miss their signature crab cakes or buttermilk fried chicken when they’re on the rotating menu. Special themed nights, like Steak Night Fridays, keep the offerings exciting for food-loving locals.
- Fat Calf Brasserie
- *Cuisine*: French, American
- *Location*: 3030 Creswell Ave (a quick drive from Southern Trace, but a must-mention!)
- *Why Go*: Easily one of Shreveport’s most acclaimed restaurants, Fat Calf Brasserie boasts a welcoming bistro vibe with standout dishes like duck confit, steak frites, and indulgent desserts. Expect moderate-to-high prices, but the atmosphere and cuisine make every penny worthwhile.
Casual Eats & Local Hangouts
Food in Southern Trace doesn’t have to mean dressing up. There are plenty of casual spots perfect for family nights out, breakfast on the go, or decadent desserts.
- Sunshine Health Foods & Café
- *Cuisine*: Healthy café and organic fare
- *Location*: 5751 Youree Dr, Suite B (near Southern Trace)
- *Why Go*: A local legend for those who crave nourishing salads, fresh juices, and vegan treats. Popular for its laid-back feel, this café is a haven for anyone embracing cleaner eating or needing a quick, wholesome lunch.
- Counter Culture Frozen Yogurt
- *Cuisine*: Frozen yogurt & sandwiches
- *Location*: 7604 Youree Dr
- *Why Go*: A sweet-tooth staple in Shreveport, Counter Culture is famous for its “Humphrey Yogart”—yogurt piled high with fruit, granola, and honey. Locals love the nostalgic charm and quick service, making it a post-soccer-game tradition for Southern Trace families.
- El Cabo Verde
- *Cuisine*: Mexican, farm-to-table
- *Location*: 1023 Provenance Pl Blvd
- *Why Go*: This modern Mexican restaurant is just a stone’s throw from Southern Trace and well worth the drive. Ingredients are locally sourced, flavors shine bright, and the hand-pressed tortillas alone are worth a visit. Try the enchiladas verdes or wild-caught fish tacos—with house margaritas, of course.
Bakeries and Sweets
Artisanal bread, decadent cookies, wedding-worthy cakes—there’s no shortage of spots to indulge your cravings near Southern Trace.
- Buttercups Cupcakes
- *Cuisine*: Gourmet cupcakes & pastries
- *Location*: 2400 Line Ave (worth the short trip!)
- *Why Go*: Soft, fresh cupcakes in inventive flavors make Buttercups a dessert destination for birthdays, hostess gifts, or just-because treats. Their seasonal specials (like king cake cupcakes during Mardi Gras) fly off the shelves.
- Julie Anne’s Bakery & Café
- *Cuisine*: Bakery, light lunch fare
- *Location*: 825 Kings Hwy
- *Why Go*: Cakes, cookies, breads, and Cajun-inspired pastries abound at this local favorite, which has everything from king cake to petit fours to Old School French Silk pie. Stop in for a midday coffee and croissant—there’s always a new surprise in the display case.
Food Trucks & Hidden Gems
Southern Trace’s community-centric vibe extends to pop-up eats and local secrets.
- Craw-Kan’s on Wheels
- *Cuisine*: Cajun food truck
- *Location*: Rotates near Southern Trace entrances and community events
- *Why Go*: When that craving for crawfish étouffée or spicy gumbo hits, keep your eyes peeled for Craw-Kan’s truck. Locals rave about their boudin balls and Friday fish fries. The best way to catch them? Watch for signs posted at the Wallace Lake Road intersections or check local social media groups for updates.
- Marilynn’s Place (Pop-up Events)
- *Cuisine*: Cajun, Creole, Southern BBQ
- *Location*: 4041 Fern Ave, but regularly caters neighborhood events
- *Why Go*: Famous for po-boys, jambalaya, and all things Southern, Marilynn’s Place frequently brings its catering or food truck operation to Southern Trace parties and block events. The food is outrageously good—especially their beignets—and the infectious energy of their team makes every meal memorable.
Local Food Traditions
Food brings the Southern Trace community together:
- Neighborhood Crawfish Boils: Springtime means giant crawfish boils under the oaks, with long tables, local beers, and plenty of neighbors stopping by.
- Golf Tournament Brunches: The Southern Trace Country Club’s buffets and brunches during big tournaments attract diners from across Shreveport, featuring chef-made omelets, peel-and-eat shrimp, and carving stations.
- Holiday Treat Exchanges: Don’t be surprised if neighbors deliver homemade pralines, pecan pies, or cookies during the winter—home baking is a time-honored Southern Trace tradition.
Clusters of Culinary Goodness
For those who love to sample multiple places in a single outing, check out these food “clusters”:
- *Wallace Lake Road/Norris Ferry Road Intersection*: Near the country club entrance you’ll find a handful of sit-down restaurants, coffee shops, and grab-and-go eateries.
- *Youree Drive Corridor*: A 5-10 minute drive puts you in the heart of Youree Drive’s bustling food district, with everything from quick smoothie kiosks to sushi and ramen.
Savoring Southern Trace
Southern Trace is much more than manicured lawns and championship golf. The neighborhood’s restaurants, bakeries, food trucks, and homegrown traditions fill every meal with warmth, conversation, and flavor. Whether you’re a longtime local or a Shreveport newcomer, there’s always something new and delicious to discover—so bring your appetite and make every day in Southern Trace a little tastier!