Bon Creole

Bon Creole is more than just a restaurant; it’s a true legend of Southern cuisine, located in the historic part of New Iberia. This cozy establishment, housed in a simple yet colorful brick building on E St Peter Street, is the embodiment of an authentic Louisiana atmosphere. It instantly catches the eye of travelers thanks to the vibrant Creole mural on its facade, which has long been a recognizable symbol of the place.

The restaurant has gained fame across the USA for its incredible seafood poboys—traditional seafood sandwiches served here with exceptional generosity. The owner, Randall Montague, a fisheries expert, personally guarantees the highest quality of every ingredient, turning a simple lunch into a gastronomic journey through an old Southerner's cabin.

Despite its modest appearance, Bon Creole is recognized as a true gem of Louisiana. There’s no pretense here—just honest prices, massive portions, and that genuine home-cooked taste of Cajun and Creole cuisine that foodies from all over the world hunt for.

For those planning a visit to Bon Creole, we have prepared up-to-date contact information so you can easily book a table or check the menu before visiting.

The main goal for any visitor to Bon Creole is, of course, tasting the legendary seafood poboys. These sandwiches, literally overflowing with the freshest seafood, are considered some of the best in the region. As a side dish, be sure to order the thick potato wedges, which are seasoned here with a special blend of spices.

The restaurant's menu offers a full immersion into Louisiana culture. We recommend trying the shrimp étouffée, red beans and rice with spicy sausage, or the baked catfish stuffed with crab meat and shrimp. For meat lovers, the menu always features fried pork, steak, or classic home-style spaghetti and meatballs.

Beyond the food, Bon Creole is a great place to simply observe local life: the atmosphere here is steeped in hospitality, and the owners often come out to greet guests. If you’re lucky enough to be here during a special event, you might see a real crawfish boil—an exciting process that is an integral part of Southern tradition.

Bon Creole restaurant is located at 1409 E St Peter Street, which is one of the city's main streets. Thanks to its central location, the establishment is easy to find: look for the vibrant Creole mural decorating the facade of the brick building.

The city of New Iberia is conveniently connected to the region's main traffic arteries, such as US Highway 90 and US Highway 14. If you are traveling by car, the drive from New Orleans takes about two hours (approximately 140 km west). Travelers in the city center will find it most convenient to use local taxi services or ridesharing apps, as the trip will take only a few minutes.

Public transport in this area is somewhat limited, so most guests prefer private vehicles or walking through the historic streets if staying nearby. For GPS navigation, you can use the coordinates: 29.9936935°N, 91.7978067°W.

The history of Bon Creole began in 1982 thanks to Randall Montague. Randall is a man with an unusual background for a restaurateur: he holds a degree in fisheries biology and worked for a long time in a research program at a Louisiana university. His deep knowledge of seafood became the foundation for the quality of the cuisine in his future establishment.

Interestingly, the restaurant building was originally used as a processing plant. At first, they processed crawfish and crabs, and later—produced bowfin caviar (choupique). This rare caviar was a delicacy and was exported worldwide, including major markets like New York and Russia. However, the caviar season lasted only a couple of months a year, which prompted the owner to create a more stable business.

Inspired by the famous sandwiches of New Orleans, Montague opened a restaurant that initially only operated during lunch hours. Interesting fact: for the first 15 years, the establishment didn't even have a sign on the facade! The fame of the incredibly delicious home-cooked food spread exclusively through word of mouth, confirming its status as a true local gem.

To fully enjoy the authentic cuisine at Bon Creole, we recommend setting aside about 1–1.5 hours for your visit. This is plenty of time to leisurely browse the menu, place your order, and appreciate the impressive portions of hot dishes.

If you are short on time and plan to just grab a signature po-boy with fries, 30–45 minutes will be enough. The restaurant is perfect for both a thorough family dinner and a quick but high-quality lunch while traveling through the USA.

Bon Creole restaurant welcomes guests daily; however, the schedule varies depending on the day of the week. When planning your visit, please note the shortened hours on Sunday.

Opening Hours:
— Monday – Thursday: 11:00 – 20:00
— Friday – Saturday: 11:00 – 21:00
— Sunday: 11:00 – 14:00

Visiting Bon Creole is a great reason to get closer to the charm of New Iberia. The city is famous for its architecture and the hospitable atmosphere of the Southern states, and a walk through its surroundings after a hearty lunch will help you fully experience the spirit of Louisiana.

In the immediate vicinity of the restaurant, you will find several interesting locations: from historic buildings to cozy bars where you can continue exploring local drinks.