Belle Chasse's Smokin' Secret: Finding Comfort at LA 23 BBQ

Some Saturdays just call for a drive. I had a free one recently and decided to stretch out a trip past the city, heading south down LA-23. There's something about the landscape changing, the pace slowing, that always appeals. I made a stop near Belle Chasse to browse the Riverwalk Outlets – you never know what you might find, or at least it’s a good excuse for a walk. Afterward, I detoured to Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park for some fresh air and a moment to watch the ships on the Mississippi. I even took a quiet moment at the Airborne X Harvey memorial, a poignant reminder of local history.

By then, my stomach was rumbling, and I was looking for something honest and satisfying. I’d heard whispers about LA 23 BBQ, and as I pulled up, the subtle scent of wood smoke in the air told me I was in the right place. It felt like a place that simply focused on doing one thing very well, without any fuss.

I appreciate a kitchen that understands the fundamentals and executes them with care. LA 23 BBQ does just that. I spent a good few minutes considering the menu, ultimately landing on their “2 Meats + 2 Sides” combo for $20. It's an excellent way to get a real feel for their offerings. My choices for the day were the Brisket and the Pulled Pork.

The brisket, which goes for $18.25 if you order it as a lunch plate, was exactly what I hope for: a beautiful pink smoke ring, remarkably tender but still holding its form, and a deep, beefy flavor that only comes from hours in the smoker. It arrived with just enough of its natural juices, not overwhelmed by sauce, letting the quality of the meat shine. The pulled pork, available as a $14 lunch plate, was equally impressive—moist, flavorful, and with just the right amount of savory bark to add texture. It's clear both meats are given the time and attention they deserve.

For my sides, I kept it classic: the Macaroni & Cheese and the Baked Beans, both $5 for a small size. The mac and cheese was creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting, the kind you wish you could replicate at home. The beans had a satisfying depth, a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with tender bits of meat adding to their hearty character. These weren’t just fillers; they were well-crafted dishes in their own right.

While I was thoroughly happy with my choices, I also eyed some other promising items, like the Sausage Sandwich for $11 and a plate of their Ribs ($19 for a lunch portion) at a nearby table, which looked perfectly charred and succulent.

What makes LA 23 BBQ truly special isn't just one standout item, but the overall consistency and comfort it provides. It’s the kind of reliable spot that delivers a genuinely good meal every time—unpretentious, straightforward, and deeply satisfying. If your travels take you south of the city, perhaps after some retail therapy at the Riverwalk Outlets, a quiet reflection at Airborne X Harvey, or a peaceful afternoon in Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and you find yourself craving authentic, well-made barbecue, make the stop. LA 23 BBQ offers a true taste of local flavor that’s well worth discovering.