The Cane River Commissary has turned into Natchitoches Parish’s hidden gem. Opening in September of 2017, The Commissary quickly earned a spot in the hearts of people of Central Louisiana and its visitors. The building has a long, rich history that precedes owners Ricky and Sylvia LaCour deciding to open a restaurant nearly three years ago. According to the National Park Service, The Commissary was first a school. Natchitoches natives may remember that it was later reopened as a store by the Lambre family who owned the cotton gin next door.

When you visit The Commissary for the first time you’ll notice the buzz of friendly conversation echoing off of its historic walls, the neon signs lighting up the bar, and some of the friendliest smiles welcoming you in. If these things don’t hook you, the menu definitely will. The Commissary offers a mix of family recipes and innovative specials all thrown in with classics like jambalaya and poboys. So maybe you’re a light eater? Don’t worry. They have a variety of specialty beverages endearingly named the Rickarita, the Cane River Iced Tea and the Rougaroo amongst others.

Like many other mom and pop restaurants across the state right now, The Commissary is learning how to operate according to the new normal. They are striving to provide the experience their customers have grown accustomed to while keeping their staff and patrons safe. All employees are wearing masks, they are using disposable menus to stop the spread of germs from customer to customer, available tables are staggered to enforce social distancing, additional outdoor dining tables are available, all tables are thoroughly sanitized after each party leaves, delivery through the EZ Street app is being offered and much more.

But until the dust settles, one of their fan favorites is on hold. The restaurant welcomed customers to breakfast, live music and dancing at The Commissary’s Zydeco Breakfast before the pandemic. Patrons could enjoy bottomless mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, a fresh meal and cut a rug the first Saturday of every month. In the meantime, The Commissary is taking care to maintain other traditions. Sundays are for specials like catfish Atchafalaya and chicken fried steak. Tuesdays are for tacos, Wednesdays for wine, and everyday there is happy hour from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

The next time you and your family want a taste of something special, take the short trip outside of the city limits to The Commissary. You won’t regret it.

To keep up with their latest, be sure to add The Cane River Commissary on Facebook and Instagram or visit their website at https://www.canerivercommissary.com/.

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