Located in Little Burgundy, Le Boucan is a rustic little restaurant with a curious décor made up of brick, metal and wooden walls that make you feel like you’re waiting for your food just outside an authentic southern smokehouse. Located around the restaurant and bar are gigantic vintage signs that add to the southern atmosphere. This mismatched setting as well as the fun music choices (R&B, Hip Hop and Motown should help you get the picture; try not to chair dance, I dare you!) makes you feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment you enter. Also, the chatter and laughter from other patrons is infectious and you can’t help but feel like you’re part of the crowd.
The food at Le Boucan is succulent, juicy and very well done. Exactly what you’d expect from a smokehouse, this food is southern comfort at its most delicious. The 5 napkin burger is one of my favorites; with its dripping BBQ sauce and savory meat, it makes you question why everything in life isn’t dripping in BBQ sauce. The pulled pork is also very well done; as is the BBQ chicken and their Cajun fries are a mix of sweet and spicy. The fries may not be for everyone, but it’s worth a try because they are different and very tasty. It should also be mentioned that they have an extensive bar with several beers on tap and in bottles, a collection of wine and a complete selection of bourbons and whiskeys to whet everyone’s whistle.
The service is quite simply exceptional, very friendly and non intrusive. They accommodate with a smile and the staff seems to be having a good time together. To be in such a small space with the same people day in and out must get tricky from time to time, but every time I’ve been, the staff at Le Boucan seemed to work together like a well oiled machine.