One of the best things about living in Louisiana is that you're never too far away from a good meal. Even if you find yourself in a small town, you can bet there's a local restaurant that will serve you one of the best meals you've ever had. Gaston's BBQ & Beer is a restaurant in Donaldsonville, Louisiana that easily fits the bill.

You’ll find Gaston’s BBQ & Beer tucked away in the heart of Donaldsonville’s Historic District.

Part of The Inn on the River, it’s the only hotel in Donaldsonville with an on-site restaurant. You don’t need to be a hotel guest to dine at Gaston’s.

The restaurant opened its doors in 2022 and has become a local favorite.

Gaston’s is open seven days a week:

Monday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. (lunch buffet)

Sunday:

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. (breakfast buffet all day)

When it comes to Southern BBQ, Gaston's really stands out from the pack.

It's easily worth a day trip.

In addition to having some of the best BBQ in Louisiana, Gaston’s also offers daily lunch specials you’ll want to try.

Every day is something different! You can peep the menu at Gaston’s to see the full rundown. Mondays are red beans and rice (obviously), Tuesday is meatloaf, Wednesdays are pork chops, etc.

Fan favorites at Gaston’s include brisket, pulled pork, and ribs.

Low and slow is the method here! Gaston’s offers smoked meats that are slow-cooked for 12 hours on-site. Trust me, it’ll melt in your mouth!

Of course, a good BBQ plate is only as good as its sides. Luckily, Gaston's knocks it out of the park in this department, too.

Traditional sides like Texas toast, macaroni and cheese, smoked baked beans, and smothered green beans all make an appearance at Gaston’s. I’d highly recommend the andouille corn macque choux—it’s delicious!

Visit Gaston's BBQ & Beer website to see a full menu, and be sure to follow Gaston's on Facebook, too. If you've dined at this restaurant in Donaldsonville, Louisiana before, share your experience with us in the comments.

If you want to turn the day trip into an overnight adventure, book a stay at The Inn on the River.