Get a Little Bit More at Lagniappe in Marquette

These days, it’s not hard to find Italian, Chinese or even Thai food in our neck of the woods. But Cajun cooking? Surely Marquette County couldn’t support an authentic Louisiana eatery!

Actually, it can — and a darn good one at that. Amid the bustle of downtown Marquette, Lagniappe serves up some of the tastiest and (to the Northern palette, anyway) exotic food you’ll find in the U.P. How did this place pop up in Marquette, and why should you visit?

The Lagniappe Story and Setup

Lagniappe has been in business for nearly a decade, and its chef/owner has more than 40 years of experience in the restaurant business — both in Marquette and down Louisiana way. Now that Lagniappe is an established force on the local restaurant scene, it’s hard to imagine Marquette without it. “Lagniappe” is a Creole word that roughly means “a little bit more” — and that’s the philosophy that the restaurant lives by.

These days, Lagniappe is a cozy (but not too cozy) eatery in the basement of the busiest block in Marquette. One wall is devoted to high-backed booths that are perfect for a first (or 50th) date and/or intimate gatherings of friends. The middle of the dining area features two- and four-tops that are perfect for setting up camp and enjoying the Voodoo Bar’s frequent live music sessions. (More on the Voodoo Bar in a bit.)

Before you leave Lagniappe, don’t forget to patronize the Gris Gris Shop, a cute gift shop that caters to visitors but often ends up drawing in locals too. “Gris Gris” roughly translates to “charm” or “swag,” which should give you a sense of what you’ll find there.

What’s on the Menu at Lagniappe

Lagniappe’s menu is like nothing else you’ll find in Marquette — quite literally. According to the restaurant’s website, only about 30 percent of the menu can be considered “spicy,” so if you’re averse to hot food, you’re sure to find something to love here. Click here for the full menu or scan the list below to get a sense of what’s available at Lagniappe:

• Farm raised alligator bites – and yes, it tastes like chicken!
• Crawfish nachos
• Fried frog legs
• Hush puppies
• Deep fried pickles
• More than a dozen types of po’ boy (New Orleans-style sandwiches with meaty, saucy fillings)
• Jambalayas and etouffees (stews)

The Voodoo Bar

If you like craft beer and live music, the Voodoo Bar is hard to beat. You’ll find more than 20 Michigan craft brews here, plus a rotating selection of specialty bottles and a full wine and spirits menu. (And 16 special, in-house cocktails!) Plus, the Voodoo Bar has some of the most sought-after live music acts in the U.P. Check this page regularly for the latest news about shows and events.

When and Where to Go

Lagniappe is located in the heart of downtown Marquette, with a front entrance on Washington Street between Front and Third, and a secondary entrance (with parking lot) out back on Jackson Cut. It’s closed Sunday and Monday (bummer). Both the eatery and Voodoo Bar are open from 11 am to 9 pm Tuesday through Thursday. The eatery stays open till 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, with the party continuing at the Voodoo Bar till midnight both nights. To make reservations or learn about catering and private parties, call (906) 226-8200.