New to Baton Rouge? Born and raised here? Either way, come hungry. I’m @acquiringambs, and I’ve planned the perfect foodie weekend featuring some of my favorite restaurants around the city, the places I keep going back to, recommend to everybody, and think every food lover should experience at least once. Let’s eat our way through Baton Rouge, one restaurant at a time.

Friday Night: A Baton Rouge Staple at Jed’s Local

Friday night calls for a Baton Rouge staple: Jed’s Local. Their pressed po’boys are hands down some of my favorites in the city. For me, the bread can make or break a po’boy and Jed’s gets it right every single time. Their regular menu never misses, but the po’boy of the month is always worth trying. The May special, the Crawfish Bread Po’boy, was so good and the perfect way to enjoy crawfish season before it wraps up.

Saturday Morning: Coffee and Beignets at The Vintage

Saturday morning means coffee and beignets at The Vintage downtown. Their monthly coffee specials are always worth trying, the vibe is unmatched, and the beignets? Fresh all day long because in Louisiana, beignets aren’t just a breakfast thing.

If you happen to sleep in and miss breakfast, don’t worry because their lunch menu is just as good, which is exactly why The Vintage stays on my BatonRouge favorites list.

Saturday Lunch: Burgers and More at Iverstine Farms

Saturday lunch is at Iverstine Farms Butcher, because if there’s one thing about me, I love a good burger. The Butcher Burger is always a solid choice, but the Cuban Sandwich Crisis is just as good.

What makes Iverstine really stand out though is that it’s the only whole animal butchery in Louisiana. So whether you’re stopping in for lunch or trying to figure out what’s for dinner, they’ve got you covered. Grab a sandwich, then walk over to the butcher counter and let them help you pick the perfect cut of meat for your favorite recipe.

And if cooking isn’t on the agenda? Don’t worry, I already have dinner planned for you too.

Saturday Dinner: Italian With a Southern Twist at Josephine’s

Saturday dinner is at one of Baton Rouge’s newer restaurants, Josephine’s Italian Cuisine. Think Italian food with a southern twist.

When I think Italian, I immediately think pasta and pizza andJosephine’s does both so well. I used to say lasagna was my favorite pasta dish until I tried the Spaghetti alla Bolognese. The tomato cream sauce and pancetta made it feel so light, fresh, and flavorful.

And the Polpetta pizza? Completely changed my idea of what pizza should feel like. Still comforting, still delicious, but made with fresh ingredients that don’t leave you overly full. Which is perfect, because you’ll definitely want to save room for dessert after dinner.

Saturday Dessert: A Sweet Stop at Gail’s Fine Ice Cream

Saturday dessert has to end at Gail’s Fine Ice Cream. I’m not someone who always needs ice cream after dinner, but when I do, Gail’s is the only place worth going to in my opinion.

They have plenty of great flavors, but I keep one on repeat every single time, the Lemon Berry Icebox Pie. Tangy, sweet, creamy and just perfect. The other flavors are good too, but trust me, this one is in a league of its own.

Sunday Brunch: Closing Out the Weekend at Café Americain

Ending the weekend with Sunday brunch at Café Americain just feels right. Brunch is served on Sundays only, and if you ask me, you have to order the sweet potato pecan pancakes.

Take it from someone who normally doesn’t even eat pancakes, these are the exception. They’re huge, simply sweet, and somehow still leave you wanting another bite. And the brunch doesn’t stop there. The pancakes come with three eggs, grits or hash browns, plus your choice of bacon, ham, or sausage.

The perfect Southern brunch to close out the perfect foodie weekend in Baton Rouge.