FIRST VISIT & NOT THE LAST VISIT …read more.. They had two specials to choose from with several side options. Today I opted for the chicken with artichoke and spinach with a side of roasted potatoes and bok choy. The portion size is definitely suitable for one and possibly even two. It was absolutely delicious, seasoned very well. As I said, in the beginning, this will not be the last time I visit. Everyone was kind and answered my questions with enthusiasm. They also have a store front with many pasture raised, vegan, vegetarian, and organic food options. Off to the side, they had a dining area if you want to sit and enjoy your meal; I opted to take mine to go. Don't skip out or miss out on this jewel in our downtown Alley area of West Monroe.

We've been here a few times, and the food has always been good. We really like the kale power…read moresalad. The dressing is really light and slightly sweet and tangy at the same time. Today we ordered the egg roll in a bowl with the kale salad. The entree could have been hotter temperature wise. Flavor was good but not really special or interesting. Today more than a few bites of my kale salad seemed to have dirt in them, which was a first and not pleasant. Staff were friendly. Love the local artwork on the walls. Would still eat here again but have had better experiences here in the past for sure.

Gene Cox's Grocery & Meats has been in business for over 50 years, which is a great, boast-worthy…read moreaccomplishment! Cox's is a small, family-run, grocery store with the best meat market in town. Despite the many large grocery store competitors around town, the locals remain loyal to Cox's because of their Southern hospitality and quality products. From the moment you walk in to check-out, the staff are eager to help and answer any questions. On our first visit, we felt very welcomed as we took our time to browse the store. Hot foods are available most of the day, breakfast biscuit sandwiches in the morning and then typical lunch food fare(fried chicken/fish, meat pies, boudin, boudin balls, sausage links) for the rest of the day. We were surprised to find fresh, homemade cracklins for $16.99/lb. A majority of the hearty bite-sized pieces had a good meat:skin proportion. The cracklins had a nice crunch and seasoning, but not too spicy. (Most natives are used to the spicy seasoned cracklins from south La). There is an extensive selection of packaged specialty meats and foods (seasoned pork chops/pork tenderloin/chicken/ribs, stuffed chicken, certified Angus beef, smoked beef patties, twice-baked potatoes) and it was hard to select a few choices because everything looked deliciously mouthwatering! We grabbed a few of them to cook up at home- duck wrapped in bacon and chicken stuffed with crawfish dressing. Catering options are available too, just let them know in advance. The rest of the store is similar to what you would find in the typical convenient store with snacks and beverages, including some local brews. With the Mardi Gras season upon us, Abita Mardi Gras Bock is in stock too! I saw a small display of various jerky flavors and local jarred goodies like fruit, jams, and seasonings. Remember to visit Gene Cox's Grocery & Meats the next time you can't decide what to make for lunch/dinner. You'll be sure to find great food here should you need a little snack or a meal. The carnivore in you will surely be screaming to buy all the specialty meats. And as a rule of thumb, eat and shop local!

Located inside a gas station on corner of Arkansas rd. Being in the gas station is the biggest…read moreneagative in my opinion. Small meat selection in case as well.

It was ok. Nothing was really homemade so not crazy impressive but the Boudin balls were REALLY…read moregood.

This place is not a friendly environment for people of color. We came in and there was hardly…read moreanyone there. We were sat at the very back of the restaurant away from everyone. As we watched people come in the same party size of Caucasian race, they were all sat near the front away from us. Our waitress only saw to us when time to get order and bring food. No checking in on us throughout our time. Food is not an issue. My husband and I both hunt and fish thinking this would be something we would enjoy instead we felt awkward the whole time and just wanted to eat and get out of there. We visit the area at least once a year and have never been treated like this until today. We will not be going back which is sad because the place has great potential.

Let's be honest…read more Ruston isn't exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think of craft coffee, fresh pastries, thoughtful small plates, and palate-forward cocktails. Then there's Common Goods. On a recent trip from New Orleans to North Louisiana, my friend Jacob rounded up a mix of locals and out-of-towners and said, "Trust me." He was right. Where do I even start? I use this word sparingly, but this place is a vibe. I walked in not knowing what to expect and immediately noticed the velvet yellow sectional, the clean design, and a room that was the perfect blend of curated and comfortable. Nothing was working too hard, yet everything felt intentional. Then came the cocktail menu. Whoever put it together understands balance. Sweet. Sour. Spice. Earth. The presentation was superb. I ordered the New Fashioned. Then another. Then...well...let's just say I quit counting after three. The Earl Grey infusion works, it somehow it makes a great Old Fashioned feel lighter, brighter, and completely new. The personal chocolate cake with salted caramel disappeared almost as fast as it hit the table. It was the unanimous favorite. My friends Paul and Racheal loved it so much they got their own, in chocolate and raspberry. The bread service deserves a mention. Fresh bread with balsamic and infused olive oil sounds simple. But there was complexity and finish in both. The bread had crisp edges and a soft middle. By the end of the night I was spellbound by their magic. Common Goods isn't just a great spot for Ruston. It's a place that could hold its own in New Orleans, Nashville, or Austin without anyone batting an eye. This place is a gem. And I'm officially obsessed. If you live in Ruston, this should be a weekly spot.

I really like this place. The vibes were there as soon as you walk in the door and the design was…read moresuper chill. The food and service were both really good!

Customer service is excellent. They have a lot of great products. I'm so glad I stopped here.read more

Best craft beer section in Monroe so far. Fresh dates on beer like Ghost in the machine. Also they…read morehave Jester King.

Love this donut shop! Owner is always incredibly nice, donuts are always phenomenal, and the…read moreKolaches are always delicious!!

Stop by for donuts at 4:30 and they had no donuts. Just food from the day before. The hours say…read morethey open at 4:30. We went out of our way to get breakfast while traveling

The service is Outstanding, the food and coffee is Outstanding. I'm a regular here, they offer…read moreVeteran's discount. I'm a Veteran and will always support Veteran own businesses. Great place to relax and study.

I went to PJ's Coffee and ordered a breakfast sandwich with a chai tea and it was a really good…read moreexperience. The sandwich was fresh and filling and the chai tea had just the right amount of spice and sweetness. It was a perfect combination to start the morning and I could tell the food and drinks were made with care. The atmosphere at PJ's was also really nice and the staff was friendly and welcoming. They made sure everything came out quickly and checked in with a smile which made the visit even better. Between the good food, the quality drinks, and the great service PJ's Coffee is definitely a spot I would go back to. The location was convenient and near my office.

Man, I absolutely love this place. Donuts, donut holes, the standard. They're really simple, but…read morethey do their menu much justice. I bought a donut and two dozen donut holes the other day, and although I haven't gone through them yet, they have been excellent so far. 12 Donut holes for a dollar? Are you kidding? You could buy 2 dozen donuts here and be satisfied for a week but still have spent less than you normally would in a day. I guess it doesn't hurt that the food is sublime (worth mentioning many times). The place is great if you're an LaTech student. It's situated to the southeast of the BME/IfM building and basically right behind Davidson Hall, so even though it's a bit tucked away, it's still accessible. The people inside are really nice. Keep in mind, however, they're only open until noon.