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Have you ever eaten something that was so delicious that you dreamed about it later? Something so good you would drive for hours just to eat it again? I have and it was the best sandwich in the world! It is the Darrell’s Special at Darrell’s in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Here’s what you need to know to get one for yourself!
What is Darrell’s?
In southeast Louisiana, you will find the small city of Lake Charles, Louisiana. And in a small nondescript building on West College Street is a restaurant/bar combo called Darrell’s Famous Poboys.
Like many of the world’s most delicious eateries, there is nothing inside or outside of Darrell’s that give you any hints of the party your taste buds are about to experience. It looks, both inside and out, like a basic bar. But don’t let that fool you!
And even though Darrell’s is a bar, it is a family-friendly place, especially during the day and early evening. Chances are, you will see at least one other table with kids during your time at Darrell’s. So, don’t think twice about taking your kids with you.
What to eat at Darrell’s
As you might guess from the name, Darrell’s specializes in one thing: poboys. In fact, aside from a few miscellaneous things, that’s all they have on their menu.
The list of poboy options at Darrell’s includes ham, turkey, shrimp, barbeque, and surf and turf. There are also sausage and roast beef varieties.
However, the absolute best thing on the menu is the Darrell’s Special. This is the most delicious sandwich I’ve ever eaten in my entire life.
It starts with a slightly toasted hoagie roll that is soft with a hint of sweetness.
On top of the bun, they pile ham, turkey, and roast beef. The meat is then topped with three types of cheese. The sandwich is finished off with mayo and roast beef gravy. You can choose either regular or jalapeno mayo.
This sandwich is so good that when you take that first bite, your eyes will roll back in your head and you will feel like you have died and gone to heaven!
When the sandwich is brought to your table, you will also receive a huge stack of napkins. And trust me, you will need all of them!
While this sandwich is amazing, it is also messy. As you eat, the roast beef gravy will drip all over, but you won’t care one bit!
Now, all of the poboys at Darrell’s come in whole or half sizes. These sandwiches are huge. I can only eat a half sandwich in one sitting. My husband can eat about 3/4 of a whole one at a time.
But, because these sandwiches are so good, we usually order a whole one and save half of it to eat the next day.
For the kids, you will find both a grilled cheese sandwich and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the menu.
Tips for Visiting
The Darrell’s Special is so good that the only way you can go wrong with a visit to Lake Charles is to not get one. But, there are a few insider tips to make your trip even better. Here they are:
- First, get there early! Darrell’s is so popular that during the lunch rush, they get overwhelmed with orders and quit taking them. At dinner, they build up quite a wait to get a table. So, do yourself a favor and get there early!
- Don’t even think of getting anything other than the Darrell’s Special. This is one of those no brainers-you must get the Darrell’s Special. You will regret getting anything else!
- Don’t get an appetizer! It doesn’t matter how hungry you are when you go in, stick it out and save all your stomach for the Darrell’s Special. Don’t waste space on other things!
- Take your time. You’re in Louisiana. This is a laid back joint in a laid back state. You’re on vacation. So, sit back and enjoy your time at Darrell’s.
Conclusion
One indication of a successful vacation is when you have an unbelievable meal during your trip. Your visit to Lake Charles, Louisiana is guaranteed to be a hit when you stop by Darrell’s to eat a Darrell’s Special. It is truly the best sandwich you will ever eat in your life! I promise!
For more on traveling to Louisiana, see our best family-friendly activities and find out what Mardi Gras is really all about.
For ways to have an even better vacation, see our posts on:
- how to instantly improve your vacation
- ways to improve your trip
- tips to avoid losing your luggage
- how to plan an epic vacation
- tips to make any destination kid-friendly
- how to pack for road trips like a pro
Happy travels!
P.S. Need help finding the best places to go on your family vacations? My Ultimate USA Bucket List for Families will instantly give you 60 of the best vacation destinations for families in the United States! Get it for FREE in the box below and start planning your next trip today! Plus, as a bonus, you will receive my weekly email newsletter full of family trip tips and inspiration!
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