Boutin's, Baton Rouge

It's hard to make a Cajun restaurant stand out in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but Lynn Boutin manages to do just that. Lynn leans on his Breaux Bridge upbringing and his big family of eaters to inspire the spicy dishes at Boutin's. Fresh seafood infiltrates almost every corner of the menu, from fried alligator appetizers to house specialties including crawfish enchiladas, crabmeat eggplant, and barbecue shrimp. Diners can also opt for deep-fried oysters, fish, and stuffed bell peppers, or dig into poboys filled with andouille sausage or grilled chicken. If the food isn't enough to keep guests entertained, the schedule of live performers at the Bluebonnet location just might be—bands take the stage around dinner time and continue late into the night.