Red River Revel Food Guide: The Best Bites to Try Before It Ends

The Red River Revel is my absolute favorite way to log 10,000 steps while taking in amazing local art, only to completely undo every single calorie burned at the food booths. And honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way.

This year, I went in with a single mission: taste as much as humanly possible.

From iconic crowd favorites to surprising new hits, the culinary lineup at Festival Plaza did not disappoint. If you're heading out to finish off the festival season, here are the standout bites that stole the show, and why you need to get your hands on them before the gates close.

The Unbeatable Classics: The Cajun Asian’s Crawfish Lafitte

You simply cannot talk about Red River Revel food without paying homage to the absolute legend of the festival circuit. Every single year, foodies across Shreveport-Bossier eagerly await the triumphant return of The Cajun Asian, and as always, their signature Crawfish Lafitte delivered pure, creamy, decadent deliciousness. It’s rich, packed with flavor, and worth every second of standing in line. It just wouldn’t feel like the Revel without it.

Deep-Fried Greatness: Benton Booster Club’s Nutter Butters

While classic festival eats always hold a special place in my heart, the Benton Booster Club completely stole the show in the deep-fried department this year.

Their headline creation? Deep-fried Nutter Butters.

Listen... those things should honestly be illegal. How does a warm, crispy batter around melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter and chocolate taste that good? It’s rich, gooey, savory, sweet, and totally addictive. If there was a trophy for the most surprisingly delicious treat at Festival Plaza, this one takes the gold hands down.

The Surprise MVP: Mr. Grilled Cheese

Walking through the food court, one vendor immediately caught my eye: Mr. Grilled Cheese. The line was wrapped around the booth, and I couldn't help but wonder—why is the line this long for a simple grilled cheese?

Naturally, I had to investigate.

When I reached the counter, I asked the man behind the grill which item was his personal favorite. Without hesitating for a single second, he pointed to the Breakfast Sandwich. Y'all, this man did not come to play.

It was easily one of the yummiest, most comforting bites of the entire week. Perfectly toasted, loaded with melted goodness, and ridiculously flavorful. My only complaint? Why can’t I have this served to me every single morning? Will I be tracking down Mr. Grilled Cheese from festival to festival across Northwest Louisiana from now on? You betcha.

Don't Miss Out: Final Weekend at Festival Plaza!
If you haven't made it downtown yet, or if you're already craving a second round of festival eats, time is officially running out.

This weekend is your last chance to soak in the live music, shop from incredible regional artists, and indulge in all the crave-worthy bites. Head on out to Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport before Sunday, October 18th, grab your friends, bring your appetite, and revel on!