If youâve ever been to West Monroe, you know the charm doesnât stop at the riverbank. Just cross over and boomâyouâre in downtown Monroe, home to a little slice of foodie heaven called Planterâs Gastropub. This spot is upstairs above Restaurant Cotton, and itâs got that perfect blend of historic brick-and-wood charm, a balcony that stares right out at the Ouachita River, and a menu thatâll have you rethinking what âpub foodâ even means. Itâs casual without being sloppy, cool without being pretentious, and just straight-up fun to hang out in. Whether youâre here for dinner, drinks, or a slow, lazy brunch, Planterâs delivers every single time.
The Food That Steals the Show đ€đđ
Planterâs menu doesnât just check the boxesâit writes its own playbook. Youâve got:
Wood-Fired Pizzas â crispy crust, gooey cheese, and toppings that range from classic pepperoni to local flavor bombs like andouille sausage
Roasted Oysters â smoky, buttery, garlicky goodness youâll wish came by the dozen đŠȘ
Duck-Fat Fries â salty, crispy, and unapologetically addictive
Burgers & Sandwiches â stacked high, dripping with flavor, and perfect with a cold pint
Southern Comfort Plates â think shrimp & grits, hot chicken sandwiches, and all the soul you can handle
Every dish feels like it was made for kicking back on the balcony, laughing with friends, and letting the river breeze do its thing.
Drinks That Deserve a Spotlight đčđșđ„
If youâre a cocktail person, welcome home. Planterâs bartenders know their stuffâmules in copper mugs, fruity spritzes for hot days, smoky bourbon pours for when youâre feeling fancy, and local beers that keep you sipping slow. Whether youâre in the mood for something crisp and refreshing or dark and smooth, youâre gonna find your glass filled with something worth savoring. Bonus: sipping a cold drink while watching the sunset over the Ouachita? Pure magic. âš
Weekend Brunch Worth Waking Up For đłđ„đ„
Brunch here isnât just a mealâitâs an event. Mimosas that keep refilling themselves (or at least feel like they do), chicken & waffles that hit that perfect sweet-savory balance, cinnamon roll skillets big enough to share (but you wonât want to), and eggs Benedict with a Southern twist. Itâs the kind of brunch that turns âjust an hourâ into âweâve been here all afternoon.â
Why Planterâs Feels Like the Place to Be đ¶đ
The atmosphere is relaxed but aliveâyouâve got a mix of locals, visitors, couples on date night, groups of friends catching up, and the occasional solo sipper just enjoying the view. The buildingâs history gives it that old-school warmth, while the menu and music keep it feeling fresh. The balcony is easily one of the best seats in townâyou can watch boats drift by, catch a little breeze, and see downtown light up as the evening rolls in.
Quick Highlights â
đ Waterfront Balcony with unbeatable river views
đ Creative Pizzas & Pub Bites that raise the game
đč Craft Cocktails & Local Brews for every mood
đ„ Brunch Thatâs Basically a Party
đ Historic Downtown Location with walkable charm
Make It Part of Your West Monroe Adventure đ
Planterâs is the kind of spot you can plan a whole outing aroundâgrab a car, cross the bridge, eat, drink, relax, and explore the downtown shops and riverfront before heading back đ Need wheels to get there? Let Sands Of Time Car Rentals make it happen. Book your ride today at Sands Of Time or call +1 318-592-3330. From date nights to brunch squads, weâll get you to Planterâs and beyondâbecause every great meal deserves an easy ride.
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