Herby-K’s

There’s a full menu of gumbos, po boys, oysters, and catfish, but the not-to-miss dish is Herby-K’s Shrimp Buster, for which butterflied shrimp are breaded and fried, then stacked into a sandwich with Shrimp Buster sauce.

Herby-K’s, one of the oldest continually-operated restaurants in Shreveport, Louisiana (est. 1936), is a true Louisiana hole in the wall in the best way.  It is located on a mostly-shuttered downtown block. The restaurant proper probably seats less than 20 at a few bar stools and four booths. At some point, an enclosed patio with additional seating was added.

What should I eat at Herby-K’s?

The restaurant is best known for a signature sandwich they began serving in the 1950s, the Shrimp Buster. The Shrimp Buster is an open-faced shrimp po-boy. Jumbo shrimp are pounded flat with a mallet before frying, and are then stacked on the sandwich, which is served with coleslaw, lemon wedges and Shrimp Buster sauce. Regular po-boys (featuring non-flattened shrimp!) are also available.

Another standout item on the Herby-K’s menu is their crawfish etouffee, which is some of the best I’ve had in northern Louisiana. Cold beer here is served in heavy, icy goblets. But, truth be told, the place itself is the best reason to visit. The original seating area has a patina of time unlike any other restaurant in the area. The best experience that I’ve had at Herby-K’s was a long afternoon visit, seated at the bar, having a Shrimp Buster and a cold beer.