LOGGERHEADS

3748 Highway 3059, Lake Charles, 491-6794

On Memorial Day, Chelsea and I were out riding around on the river. We decided to swing into Loggerheads for some lunch and a beer.

This wasn’t our first time there. As a matter of fact, we’ve probably been there a dozen times. But I’d never thought to write about it because those other times, we were there for parties. Food wasn’t really why we came.

But this time we went strictly to have some lunch. We ordered the loaded nachos and a chopped beef sandwich to split. We’ve had the sandwich before. As always, on our Memorial Day lunch, this sandwich really hit the spot.

The meat is always tender, and the richness of the barbecue sauce brings the flavors together for a bold and enjoyable taste. The sandwich comes on a nice seeded bun, and more fries than you can eat after you put that sandwich down.

The nachos were not some new spin on a great bar food, but they were a great loaded nacho. There was plenty of meat and cheese, which is never bad. It came with all the right additional toppings, such as olives, tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream — and did I mention a ton of meat and cheese? Next time I go in, I plan on asking if I can get the barbecue beef on top. I think eating that would be like having a food bomb going off in your mouth.

Loggerheads is the only place of its type around here. By that I mean it’s the only place where you can really get the feel of being on the river and have drinks and eat a meal at the same time. We’re in an area that lives and dies on the water, whether it’s hunting, fishing, water sports, or just riding the rivers on a beautiful day. We love the water here in SWLA.

Loggerheads is open seven days a week, and is one of only two places I know of where you can get all the fuel you need right there on the docks. (The place over by Sam Houston Park but only offers regular gas. A lot of the newer boats and jet-skis require premium fuel, and Loggerheads has it.)

Loggerheads always has some live music. I’ve seen four different acts there; each was very enjoyable. You tell me: does it get any better than being able to get out on the water and have fun, then go have some lunch, grab a cold beer and listen to some good music — all while you’re sitting outside looking out on the river and relaxing?

If the gossip I’ve heard is correct, Loggerheads is building a new spot for its restaurant. It will be right on the water, next to the bar, which should make for some nice evening dinners.

My only knock on the entire time was the Lady of the Lake boat, which, given where it was anchored, blocked a huge part of the view, which is a big reason people want to sit outside and enjoy the weather. My understanding is that the future plan is for the boat to be docked 100 yards upstream at a new location that has yet to be completed. If that’s the only negative I could find, then they’re doing very well.