A popular Cajun-Creole restaurant in Pineville has been named one of the best in the country. Here's what you need to know before you go.
Alexandria Town Talk
At night, the sign of Quebedeaux’s Cajun Cafe in Pineville, including the protruding alligator head, is bathed in the glow of colorful lights. Now another spotlight is shining on it. This week, the local dining establishment made national news.
According to USA TODAY’s 2025 Restaurants of the Year list, the Creole Cajun style restaurant is one of the top 44 places to eat in America.
“That’s awesome,” said Executive Chef John Valenzuela of his family-owned business. “It’s more about the community. When I worked for the Prudhomme family, they always told me, ‘Build a restaurant for the community.’”
What makes Quebedeaux’s Cajun Cafe stand out
People expect the best and Valenzuela, his wife Leslie and sons Antonio, Armando and Amillo intend to give it to them. For Valenzuela, preparing a meal is an art form so their restaurant has chefs – not cooks. All the tasso, pasta and sausage in are made in house. They also make 17 blends of seasonings. Each pasta dish on the menu has their own so no two dishes ever taste the same.
Valenzuela trained under the renowned Prudhomme family in south Louisiana in the 1980s. It was from them that he learned that you build a restaurant for the people, not yourself.
He's passionate about giving the people in this part of Louisiana an experience along with a good, local place to eat. The restaurant is filled with Louisiana flair – from art featuring the late Louisiana artist’s George Rodrigue’s Blue Dog to murals of scenes in the bayou. Cajun and zydeco music play in the background. Even the restrooms have Louisiana motifs. Diners will notice that each of the tables are unique and feature one-of-a-kind designs. The restaurant also has a dance floor and a stage where local musicians perform.
Quebedeaux’s Cajun Cafe opened in 2019 and is the Valenzuelas’ signature restaurant. He always dreamed of having a restaurant like this one where people from all walks of life can came and enjoy a good meal.
The Valenzuelas have two other restaurants. Quebedeaux’s Boudin & Cracklins, 3710 S. MacArthur Dr., and Quebedeaux's Boudin & Cracklins #2, 6100 W Calhoun Dr. Suite B, both in Alexandria, La. A fourth restaurant, Quebedeaux’s Cajun Kitchen, is set to open at 1521 Bringhurst St. in Alexandria and will serve breakfast in addition to lunch and dinner. Future plans include opening three restaurants and a factory in Ruston, La.
What else to know
Quebedeaux is Leslie’s maiden name.
Valenzuela is a man of faith. All chaplains, priests and preachers eat free at any of their restaurants. The only payment he asks in return is prayers. He has a full-time preacher on staff, Lance Cypert, who provides moral and spiritual support for other employees.
What to order at Quebedeaux’s Cajun Cafe:
Gator Balz: Yes, there is alligator on the menu. The newest appetizer has Louisiana alligator meat mixed with jalapenos to give it an extra kick and deep-fried into a panko crusted ball.
Voodoo Mambo: This pasta dish is one of the most popular items on the menu. Chef John’s signature dish is "tasso, andouille sausage, shrimp and green onion cream on fresh pasta."
Redneck Burger: Everyone who sees the name on the menu wants to try it. It is also their biggest seller. All their burger meat is marinated in cognac. It adds and extra flair to the meat.
See the full menu at quebedeauxscajuncafe.com.
Details: 3800 Monroe Highway, Pineville, La.; 318-704-5935, quebedeauxscajuncafe.com