Juanita’s Kitchen

Juanita’s Kitchen

14088 US 171

Ragley, Louisiana

6am-8pm every day

It’s one of those things that come together by circumstance. Casually driving up US 171, glancing around at the roadside scenery and approaching the town of Ragley a familiar building catches my eye. Juanita’s Kitchen is written in signature Mardi Gras hues. I’d heard about this place and made a mental note to visit sometime soon

It’s been a busy week for our family. Our daughter, Ary, and her boyfriend, Eli, are in town from Tacoma, Washington. With the weekend approaching and their stay nearing its end, I think it’ll be nice to plan a breakfast outing––something I can advantageously write about.

I run a couple restaurant possibilities through my mind and then it dawns on me. Let’s take a little trip to Ragley.  The kids –yes, technically they’re adults now, but for us they’ll always be “the kids”– often ask about the menu if they’re not familiar with the restaurant. I keep the details limited and avoid giving much away. “They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner all day long,” I say. The 30 minute trip passes quickly with conversation. 

The building where Juanita’s Kitchen is now used to house T Doug’s, (now located in a new building just south of this location). Walking to the front door, I debate for a second if we should enjoy the perfect fall-like weather and eat on the patio, but end up  relenting that thought and going with an interior table.

Stepping inside, the walls are colorful and festive without being too dramatic or distracting, simple lighted feel-good quotes and quips dotted throughout. The hostess greets us with a smile and escorts our party of four to a wooden table in the front dining room. We meet Kourtnee, a genuinely personable and jovial server. It’s that perfect time of morning, kind of brunchish, kind of lunchish as she hands out laminated menus.

I would confidently say this is an all American style menu, with a southern essence. The menu includes okra, chorizo and Chilaquiles.

In accordance with my own self induced tradition, I must start with the house Bloody Mary, the family holding reserve to see my reaction before any of them commit, as some versions can be rather innocuous, and some quite appealing.  Appearing off of my shoulder, Kourtnee places the glass in front of me. Visually, a top contender. Garnished with picked beans, olives, lemon and lime, the rim dusted in a zesty salt. 

The first sip quantifies this as one of the best I’ve had. It’s not ridiculously spicy, it’s not overpowering on any one ingredient, it’s well balanced in flavor, and a little bit of that, “Oooh, what’s in that?!” While I don’t particularly like giving away secrets. However, if you order one, Charissa, the GM who hand made our drinks, may divulge what it is that makes it so unique. The rest of the table ordered one as well.

The advantage of having four people at a table is the ability to see a variety of different dishes without bugging strangers seated next to us. I start the table off with a delicious order of fresh zucchini coated with a crisp lemon pepper breaded crust, along with a trio of chorizo and egg breakfast tacos that rival my own home cooked version.

My wife, Shyla, sticks with the traditional breakfast, a massive Belgian waffle, fried and topped with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, served with a side of Nutella spread and maple syrup. Ary chooses the beef tips and gravy over rice. The thick gravy smothering the tender beef is rich in flavor and is more aligned with a shredded sirloin roast.  Eli chose a true southern classic: fried catfish and shrimp. Juanita’s serves genuine catfish, house seasoned and breaded in cornmeal, and fried to perfection.

Last, but certainly not least, comes what I feel is probably the highlight. When it comes to a big breakfast, two dishes will always get my attention. The first? Eggs Benedict. Equally as important–a good chicken fried steak and eggs.

If I’ve had the pleasure of retaining your attention thus far, you’ll realize Juanita’s Kitchen prides themselves in what they offer the guest. And, it doesn’t stop with the chicken fried steak. Here, they start with a cut of beef, needle and tenderize it, and pound it thin. Then, hand batter it along with your favorite seasonings and deep fry it, all while cooking the eggs to a perfect over easy.

The hash browns sizzle, rendering them golden brown crisp. Plate it, and then ladle a healthy portion of creamy white gravy across the top, and you have a perfect breakfast. I will say this with complete conviction: If you, like me, enjoy a chicken fried steak and you order this from Juanita’s Kitchen, there is a downside. The next time you’re at a different restaurant and order chicken fried steak, you’ll find yourself seriously disappointed.

Juanita’s Kitchen served wonderful meals in a fun, clean and inviting atmosphere. Kourtnee was on point, fun and professional, very attentive, adding to the overall experience.

Additionally, for the flat-landers who don’t trek to the rolling hills of Ragley, you’ll be pleased to know Juanita’s Kitchen is putting the final touches on the new Sulphur location, expected to open within days of this print.