Fat Calf Brasserie is Chef Anthony Felan’s intimate French-inspired Southern restaurant at 3030 Creswell Ave, Shreveport, LA 71104, in the Highland neighborhood. Its story began as Fat Calf Boucherie, a stationary food trailer at Red River Brewing Company focused on locally raised meat, before moving into a brick-and-mortar dining room. Travelers come for polished but approachable cooking, craft cocktails, and a small-room dinner experience that feels equally right for date night and a celebratory meal.
What to Expect at Fat Calf Brasserie
The menu frames Southern ingredients and familiar brasserie ideas with imaginative technique. Begin with potato beignets dressed in chive-thyme crème fraîche, smoked trout roe, lemon, and chive beurre blanc, or order the truffle fries with Parmesan, herbs, and sea salt. Other opening-course options include crisp Brussels sprouts in Korean vinaigrette with pumpkin seeds and golden raisins, a deeply savory French onion soup with Gruyère, and spring pea hummus with everything-bagel seasoning, chili oil, lavash, and roasted pepitas.
Fat Calf is deliberately compact rather than formal or sprawling: reserve ahead, settle in, and treat the meal as the evening’s main event. The restaurant’s French-Southern direction continues through entrées, desserts, wine, and cocktails, while the Tuesday-through-Saturday Social Hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m. Diners seeking a more tailored occasion can arrange the Chef’s Table Dining Experience, built around a personally curated menu. The restaurant also caters private events and is the preferred caterer for the Shreveport Aquarium.
- Potato Beignets: A savory signature starter pairing chive-thyme crème fraîche and smoked trout roe with lemon-chive beurre blanc.
- French Onion Soup: Rich beef stock, a Dijon crostini, and melted Gruyère give this brasserie classic a substantial place on the menu.
- Social Hour: Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m., ideal for an early cocktail and appetizer stop.
- Craft cocktail and wine program: Drinks are designed to accompany the French-inspired food rather than function as an afterthought.
- Chef’s Table: A curated-menu format for diners planning a more personal, occasion-driven dinner.
Fat Calf Brasserie at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 3030 Creswell Ave, Shreveport, LA 71104 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Highland, near Centenary College and Line Avenue |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday-Saturday, 4-9 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday. Social Hour runs 4-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission; $$ à la carte dinner and drinks. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours; allow longer for a Chef’s Table meal. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Best reached by car in Highland; allow time for parking around Creswell Avenue. |
| Official Website & Phone | fatcalfbrasserie.com & (318) 351-2253 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book a table through the restaurant’s official website, particularly for Friday and Saturday dinner or a special occasion; limited seating is part of the appeal here. An early reservation lets you take advantage of Social Hour, while a later seating works well for a slower, entrée-and-dessert evening. The restaurant’s smart-casual atmosphere does not call for formal attire, but it rewards diners who come ready to linger rather than make a rushed stop.
Fat Calf sits in a car-oriented stretch of Highland, close to Centenary College’s historic campus and the Meadows Museum of Art, about 0.8 km away. Pair dinner with an afternoon at the museum, a campus walk, or browsing and dining along nearby Line Avenue. The dining room is small, so guests using wheelchairs, strollers, or requiring particular table clearance should include those needs when making a reservation; calling ahead is the most effective way to coordinate seating and arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Fat Calf Brasserie’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
Fat Calf Brasserie is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. and closed Sunday and Monday. Arrive between 4 and 6 p.m. for Social Hour, or reserve an early weekday dinner for a more relaxed pace.
Do I need reservations, and what does a meal cost?
Reservations are strongly encouraged because the restaurant has limited seating, especially on weekends and for celebrations. There is no entry fee; expect a $$ spend for à la carte French-Southern food, cocktails, wine, and dessert.
How long should I plan for dinner at Fat Calf Brasserie?
Plan on 1.5 to 2 hours for cocktails, appetizers, entrées, and dessert. A Chef’s Table experience merits a longer evening, as it is built around a curated menu rather than a quick meal.
Is Fat Calf Brasserie suitable for date nights or accessibility needs?
Yes—its intimate scale, composed food, and cocktail program make it particularly well suited to couples and celebratory dinners. The compact dining room requires advance coordination for wheelchair, stroller, or seating-clearance needs, so mention requirements when reserving.
When planning your Shreveport travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Shreveport, pair this stop with standout local spots including Courtyard Shreveport-Bossier City/Louisiana Boardwalk, The Remington Suite Hotel & Spa, Bella Fresca, and Meadows Museum Of Art (0.8 km away).
