Located in downtown Lafayette, Johnson’s Boucanière is a beloved spot in Lafayette that captures the essence of Cajun cuisine. The small, unassuming eatery has become a local favorite for its delicious smoked meats, house-made boudin and classic Southern dishes.
They offer a variety of favorite Cajun dishes along with BBQ, creating a unique fusion that allows diners to enjoy everything from boudin and jambalaya to perfectly smoked ribs, brisket and sausage.
The story of Johnson’s Boucanière began at Johnson’s Grocery in Eunice, which was founded in 1937 by Arneastor Johnson and his daughter, Marie Johnson Fruge. Known for its world-famous boudin, smoked sausage and Cajun specialty meats, the grocery store became the first to commercially sell boudin in the 1940s. After serving the community for decades, the Johnson family closed the store in 2005.
In 2008, Arneastor’s granddaughter, Lori Johnson Walls, opened Johnson’s Boucanière in Lafayette, continuing the family’s legacy of serving authentic Cajun flavors.
This restaurant has a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. When you walk in, one side of the space is where you order and get a glimpse of the kitchen in action, while the other side is set up for casual dining—both indoors and outside. The walls are decorated with local artwork and vintage photos.
My colleague and I had the pleasure of visiting this Cajun and BBQ restaurant on Friday, Nov. 23. As we walked in, we were hit with the mouthwatering aroma of smoked meats and spices, instantly making us excited for the meal ahead. We grabbed a menu and began to browse our options.
They offer a wide variety of BBQ and classic Cajun-style dishes. Their meals range from classic BBQ sandwiches, poboys, stuffed grilled cheese, boudin, gumbo, ribs, jambalaya and a variety of meats.
These options all sounded delicious which made it difficult to make a choice. I finally decided to order the Parrain Special (boudin stuffed grilled cheese) with jambalaya. My colleague decided to order a pulled pork sandwich with green beans.
After we ordered, we made our way over to the other side of this establishment where you are seated. Looking around at the walls, I noticed hundreds of handwritten testimonies from customers over the years. Windows covered the walls, allowing ample amounts of light into the building.
Our food was brought to us in no time—within about ten minutes. The moment it hit the table, the smell was amazing. My stuffed grilled cheese was filled with boudin and a combination that I would have never thought of. The boudin was perfectly seasoned, with just the right amount of spice and a deliciously tender texture. My colleague’s pulled pork sandwich was tender and juicy, with the perfect amount of BBQ.
Our side dishes of jambalaya and green beans were a perfect balance, with the jambalaya rich and flavorful, and the green beans tender and lightly seasoned, providing a refreshing contrast to the heartier main dish.
After we finished our meals, I decided to interview some employees. Andreas Broussard, a senior in marketing at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, stated, “I have been working here for about six months. It’s very positive here. The staff and customers are wonderful and my favorite aspect about this place is the people.”
I also interviewed a UL Lafayette graduate, Kevin Toms. “I have been working here for about five and a half years, so I worked here my whole college career. It was always a great college job, they were always super flexible with my school hours and events.”
“My favorite aspect of working here is the culture and people. Like, we get so many regulars that come in and get the same order every week on the same day.”
Overall, I enjoyed my experience at Johnson’s Boucanière. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was welcoming and the staff was friendly and attentive, making the entire visit feel relaxed and enjoyable.
If you would like to visit this establishment, they are open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.