Poor Boy's Riverside Inn

Appetizers

Crabbies

Six crunchy French bread squares topped with our creamy, cheesy crab meat topping then baked till bubbly.
$11.25
Crab Cakes

2 pieces. Jumbo lump crab meat in a creamy cheese filling served with Creole honey mustard glaze.
$20.80
Cajun Crab Fingers

Marinated crab fingers served with Fr. Coco's famous dressing and marinade, or fried.
$26.25
Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms

Tender caps stuffed with our delicate seafood stuffing then baked or fried.
$20.00
Shrimp En Brochette

Shrimp wrapped in bacon, deep fried and served on a plank of garlic French bread.
$20.00
Alligator Tidbits

Deep fried or grilled, this bite-sized Louisiana gator is easy to tame and tasty to boot.
$19.50

From the Garden to the Gumbo Pot

Our Famous "House Salad" - Famous for a Reason

Jumbo lump crab meat, shrimp and crawfish tossed on a bed of mixed greens, with cheese, bacon and a mild dressing then garnished with a selection of pickled vegetables. (Seafood subject to availability)
$33.75
Cup of Crawfish and Corn Soup

Creamy soup with sweet corn and Louisiana crawfish.
$10.00
Bowl of Crawfish and Corn Soup

Creamy soup with sweet corn and Louisiana crawfish. Served with green salad.
$22.50
Cup of Seafood Gumbo

Chef Richard's Cajun "stew" with jumbo lump crab meat and shrimp served with Louisiana long grain rice.
$11.25
Bowl of Seafood Gumbo

Chef Richard's Cajun "stew" with jumbo lump crab meat and shrimp served with Louisiana long grain rice. Includes green salad or potato salad.
$27.50
Shrimp Caesar Salad

Fresh romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing, garlic croutons and grated Parmesan cheese.
$22.50
Chicken Caesar Salad

Fresh romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing, garlic croutons and grated Parmesan cheese.
$21.25

Crawfish

1/2 and 1/2 Crawfish

A plate of fried crawfish and crawfish etouffee over rice.
$32.50
Crawfish Etouffee

Smothered crawfish and seasonings over Louisiana long-grain rice.
$32.50
Crawfish Dinner

A special sampling of many fine crawfish dishes including: crawfish salad, crawfish and corn soup, crawfish pie, crawfish etouffee over rice, crawfish boulettes, crawfish au gratin and fried crawfish tails. Soooo...good!
$41.60
3 lb. Boiled Crawfish

Back by popular demand - Boiled Crawfish will be back this season at Poor Boy's Riverside Inn! Each order includes boiled potatoes.
$28.29
5 lb. Boiled Crawfish

Back by popular demand - Boiled Crawfish will be back this season at Poor Boy's Riverside Inn! Each order includes boiled potatoes.
$45.51

Shrimp

Gulf Coast Shrimp Platter

Served fried to a golden brown or grilled to perfection.
$27.50
Half and Half Shrimp

A plate of fried shrimp and shrimp etouffee over Louisiana long grain rice.
$27.50
Stuffed Shrimp

Delicious homemade stuffed shrimp served deep fried or oven baked.
$27.50
Shrimp Dinner

A delicious array of shrimp including shrimp salad, shrimp gumbo, fried shrimp, stuffed shrimp, shrimp en brochette, shrimp Imperial, shrimp etouffee served over rice and shrimp boulettes.
$36.25

Fresh Fish

Whole Grilled Flounder (Bone & All)

Grilled to perfection and served to delight the taste buds. Try it stuffed with the center bones removed.
$35.00
Stuffed Filet of Flounder

Stuffed then grilled with our delicious homemade crabmeat stuffing.
$35.00
Stuffed Tilapia

Stuffed then grilled with our delicious homemade crab meat stuffing.
$32.50
Stuffed Catfish

Stuffed then grilled with our delicious homemade crab meat stuffing.
$32.50
Stuffed Redfish

Stuffed then grilled with our delicious homemade crab meat stuffing.
$36.25
Fried Fish

Over 1/2 lb. of tilapia or catfish fried to perfection.
$30.00
Grilled Fish

Over 1/2 lb. of tilapia or catfish grilled to perfection.
$30.00
Riverside

Your choice of grilled redfish, tilapia, flounder, catfish or Ahi Tuna topped with jumbo lump crab meat and sliced mushrooms sauteed in butter.
$41.25
Extravaganza

Filets of redfish, tilapia, flounder or catfish stuffed with crab meat stuffing then topped with crawfish, crabmeat and mushrooms sauteed in sweet cream butter. A favorite meant to impress!
$45.00
Grilled Redfish

Redfish filet grilled to perfection.
$33.75

Crab Meat

Crab Meat Imperial

Originated by Mrs. "Poor Boy" Landry. Jumbo lump crab meat, mushrooms and pimientos, gently cooked in a rich cream sauce and baked to a golden brown.
$41.60
Lump Crab Meat Sauteed in Butter

Our simplest dish and a favorite with our guests. It's what put us on the Acadiana Dining Map!
$48.75
Crab Meat Au Gratin

Jumbo lump crab meat folded into a deliciously rich American cheese sauce and baked.
$42.90
Stuffed Crabs

Our own homemade stuffing made with crab meat and seasonings in crab shells and baked.
$35.00
Crab Dinner

A mouth-watering sample of many of our finest crab meat dishes including crab meat salad, crab gumbo, crab meat etouffee over rice, crab meat Imperial, crab cake, fried crab fingers, and stuffed crab.
$46.80

Oysters

Oysters on the Half Shell

Served with cocktail sauce, lemon, and horseradish.
$13.75
1/2 Dozen of Oysters Bienville

A blend of fresh-grated Romano cheese, heavy cream & aromatic spices on top of steamed oysters served piping hot.
$23.75
1/2 Dozen of Oysters Rockefeller

This classic blends spinach and flavorful seasonings on top of steamed oyster, baked and served piping hot.
$23.75
Fried Oysters

Select oysters battered and fried.
$40.00
"For the Oyster Lover" Oyster Dinner

This popular eight dish offering includes an oyster shooter, oyster gumbo, oyster pie, oyster jambalaya, oyster en brochette, fried oysters, oyster Bienville and oysters Rockefeller.
$46.25
Charbroiled Oyesters

Select oysters charbroiled.
$18.75

Chef's Page

Bowl-Chef Richard's Chicken & Andouille Gumbo

An award-winning dark gumbo with moist chunks of chicken and slices of Richard's Andouille sausage. Go ahead and dunk your bread - we won't tell!
$21.25
Seafood Platter

For those who can't decide - an assortment of seafood. A cup of shrimp gumbo, a stuffed crab and portions of these deep-fried seafoods - catfish, shrimp, alligator boulettes, stuffed shrimp, shrimp en brochette and crab fingers.
$45.00
Shrimp & Catfish Pirogue

A plank of fried eggplant loaded with shrimp stuffing, topped with a grilled filet of catfish then topped with a creamy pesto sauce swimming with baby shrimp.
$27.50
Cup-Chef Richard's Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Chef Richard's award-winning dark gumbo with moist chicken and Richards andouille sausage.
$10.00

Beef and Poultry

Pork Steak

A special 8 oz. "ribeye" of pork steak. Juicy and delicious--the new white meat.
$21.25
Pork Chops

Thin cut pork chops either fried or grilled. "Richard's favorite!"
$21.25
Steak and Shrimp

A tender Ribeye steak and half order of golden fried (or grilled) shrimp.
$45.00
Filet Mignon and Shrimp

A tender filet mignon and half order of golden fried (or grilled) shrimp.
$67.50
8 oz. Filet Mignon (8 oz Center Cut)

The tenderest of all cuts, charcoal grilled and basted.(Up charge for Riverside topping)
$61.25
Ribeye

U.S. choice grade. A rich tasting, well-marbled cut, trimmed and charcoal grilled.
$37.50
Hamburger Steak

Cajun spiced ground beef wrapped in bacon and charcoal grilled with smothered onions.
$21.25
Pepper Jack Chicken

Our newest creation. Chicken breast stuffed with your choice of shrimp or alligator stuffing, wrapped in bacon, grilled, then covered with pepper jack cheese and sauteed mushrooms.
$25.00

Maine Lobster

Broiled Stuffed Lobster

Split lengthwise then filled with our own homemade crab stuffing.
$93.75
Boiled Lobster

Select your own from our tank or let us choose one for you.
$85.00
Surf and Turf

1/2 a broiled stuffed lobster and choice of steak options.
$80.00

Eat Fit Menu

Poor Boy's Salad

A healthier version of our Famous House Salad. Shrimp, Crab Meat and Crawfish on a bed of lettuce and garnishes with your choice of dressing.
$31.25
Chicken Riverside

A 4 ounce chicken breast topped with 2 ounces of steamed jumbo lump crab meat and mushrooms. Served with green salad, baked potato and steamed vegetable.
$28.75
Steamed Lump Crabmeat

4 ounces of steamed jumbo lump crabmeat. Served with green salad, baked potato, and steamed vegetable.
$36.25
Grilled Blackened Catfish

Our special blend of blackening seasoning brings a robust flavor to our 4 ounce filet of fish. Served with green salad, baked potato and steamed vegetable.
$21.25
Grilled Blackened Tilapia

Our special blend of blackening seasoning brings a robust flavor to our 4 ounce filet of fish. Served with green salad, baked potato and steamed vegetable.
$21.25

Poor Boy Sandwiches

Shrimp Poor Boy

Served on toasted French bread spread with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomatoes, and served with French fries.
$18.75
Oyster Poor Boy

Served on toasted French bread spread with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomatoes, and served with French fries.
$18.75
Catfish Poor Boy

Served on toasted French bread spread with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomatoes, and served with French fries.
$18.75
Alligator Poor Boy

Served on toasted French bread spread with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomatoes, and served with French fries.
$18.75
Fried Crawfish Poor Boy

Served on toasted French bread spread with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomatoes, and served with French fries.
$22.50
Hamburger Poor Boy

Served on toasted French bread spread with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomatoes, and served with French fries.
$17.50
Chicken Poor Boy

Served on toasted French bread spread with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomatoes, and served with French fries.
$17.50
9 oz. Ribeye Steak Poor Boy

Served on toasted French bread spread with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomatoes, and served with French fries.
$36.25
Cheeseburger Poorboy

Served on toasted French bread spread with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomatoes, and served with French fries.
$17.50

Sides

Baked Potato
$4.00
Stuffed Potato
$5.00
Sweet Potato
$4.00
Mixed Veggies

Steamed or grilled.
$3.00
Green Beans

Steamed or grilled.
$3.00
French Fries
$4.00
Sweet Potato Fries
$4.00
Potato Salad
$4.00
Onion Rings
$9.00

Desserts

Sweet Potato Beignets--Undescribably Delicious

Chef Cleve's cinnamon-spiced sweet potato "beignets" with an orange-hazelnut sauce. (2)
$8.75
Homemade Bread Pudding

Our signature dessert--served warm with whiskey sauce.
$7.50
White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

Classic cheesecake baked with a rich raspberry swirl on a chocolate Oreo crust with a crowning touch of shaved white chocolate and raspberry glaze.
$11.25
Chocolate Caramel Mud Pie--Scrumcious

A five layer Oreo cookie crust with a dark and light chocolate and caramel mousse and topped with a chocolate and caramel sauce to make a favorite dessert a "sin-sation".
$11.25
Ice Cream

Rich and creamy Golden Vanilla ice cream with or without Hershey's syrup.
$5.00
Reese's Peanut Butter Pie--OMG

The popular candy bar in a pie! Delicious dark chocolate and peanut butter mousse, topped with whipped cream full of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups on a graham cracker crust. Can't stop at one bite!
$8.55

Ambe C.

★★★★★

Feb 16, 2025

Poor Boy's Riverside Inn holds a special place in Acadiana's rich culinary history as the oldest restaurant in the parish. Despite having seen the restaurant's name many times, I had never dined there before. When searching for the perfect venue to celebrate my grandmother's 102nd birthday, I reached out to the Foodies of Lafayette Facebook group for recommendations. One of the owners, Lori, personally extended an invitation, and after seamless email communication, I secured a reservation for nine on February 15th at 6:30 p.m.The restaurant is nestled off a few back roads, which made navigation slightly challenging in the dark. However, upon arrival, we were charmed by its quaint and welcoming exterior. Situated near the water, the string lights and outdoor seating area created a warm and inviting atmosphere. A sign proudly highlighted the restaurant's legacy as the oldest in the parish, setting the stage for a dining experience steeped in tradition.Upon entering, we stepped into a separate bar area before reaching the main dining room. The hostess was friendly and acknowledged our reservation immediately. Given that we were celebrating a special milestone, we had balloons and plenty of attention, which made my grandmother's evening even more memorable. The restaurant's patrons and staff exuded warmth and hospitality, making us feel truly welcomed.Our server, Spence, was exceptional. He effortlessly managed our large party, providing attentive and personable service throughout the evening. To begin, we ordered a round of drinks, all reasonably priced, and I highly recommend their French 75, which was expertly crafted.For appetizers, we enjoyed fried and grilled crab claws, stuffed mushrooms both fried and grilled, and catfish bites. Each dish was flavorful and well-prepared. The restaurant's award-winning gumbo lived up to its reputation--my grandmother and 92-year-old aunt, both gumbo connoisseurs, thoroughly enjoyed it.For entrées, our table ordered a variety of dishes, including the shrimp dinner and the redfish extravaganza. I had the opportunity to sample several dishes and found the flavors well-balanced and satisfying. While the portion sizes were not oversized, they were appropriately portioned for individual servings. The highlight for me was the au gratin served with the shrimp dinner, which was absolutely fantastic. The freshly baked dinner rolls served at the beginning of the meal were so good that we requested a second helping.From the warm hospitality to the quality of the food, our experience at Poor Boy's Riverside Inn was outstanding. The restaurant provided the perfect setting for a memorable family celebration, and we are so grateful to have chosen this Acadiana gem for such a special occasion.

Rick F.

★★★★★

Feb 8, 2025

We enjoyed supper last evening, early. Had our usuals, lump crab in butter & the crab dinner; both their usual excellence. Another super special is their signature "Crab Imperial."This is a top-notch local seafood restaurant, and long time favorite. When I say "long-term", I'm almost 82 & have been a customer for over 65 years, since coming with my parents in the 1950's. I know of no other restaurant anywhere with that record of excellence & consistent performance.The specialty is Louisiana Atlantic blue crab, and in that genre, Riverside has no real peers. Yes, they offer a wider array including local crawfish, shrimp, & oysters; plus cold water lobsters & steaks. But our crab is delicate & must be handled with expertise. Riverside does that better than I could at home on the Teche.Secluded off street lot parking, swamp-ish theme landscaped grounds, locals bar, professional waitstaff. If unfamiliar w/ area, use your phone for directions.One can't go wrong here. 5+ Stars from me, every time. Don't stop until you get here !Caveat, may be closed Sundays & Mondays, call first.Rick

Andrew M.

★★★★★

Jan 14, 2025

My first time visiting today and the meal, service and experience was outstanding. Tessa was so friendly and helpful. The shrimp poboy was very good and the sweet potato fries were some of the best I've had. The complimentary cup of chicken noodle soup was delicious and the roll was so good. Took some bread pudding for later this evening and it tasted really good. Definitely recommend

Stacy E.

★★★☆☆

Dec 13, 2024

The service was outstanding but I was disappointed in the portion size for a $30 platter. We ordered the platters thinking we'd bring the rest home but this wasn't the case! The shrimp in the salad were rubbery and the fried & stuffed shrimp left an after taste. The gumbo had a small amount of rice and a few tiny shrimp! I was sad since I remembered this place to be delicious many years ago so I suggested & bragged about it to friends but it was just ok...not worth the $$$Another thing were the MANY raccoons that come right up to you as you're walking out. I think they're cute to look at until they run towards you, growl and try to bite you! I think this could potentially be dangerous for small children because the raccoons aren't scared! The inside of the restaurant looks the same to me as my first time here about 25 years ago with maybe new flooring but I'm not sure! Sadly, I don't think I'll go back

Gerald H.

★★★★☆

Aug 12, 2024

Can't believe we've been in Lafayette so long and not tried Riverside Inn. The location was great, and felt like we were going back in time but in a good way. The customer service was excellent, and was warmly greeted. We were able to receive our drinks quickly, (The Chardonnay was great). We were treated to a warm bread basket before we ordered our appetizer, the bread was fresh, warm and the perfect flavor, meaning the balance between sweet and savory, nothing was dominating. Our appetizer the crab cakes, let me repeat crab cake, was delicious, top three best ever, as we've never had it like this, crusted and fried however the filling, so light and airy filled with crab, just amazing. The Gumbo was delicious also, and had the depth of flavor that was a delight. The main course, I had the Ribeye that was cooked to perfection, and nice flavor from the fat, along with the baked sweet potato very nice. The grilled shrimp enhanced the taste. The shrimp pasta was amazing, and flavored with perfection. I also liked the cozy feeling inside which was intimate. Will definitely recommend.

Keaton R.

★★★★★

Aug 17, 2024

The food was excellent. The service was outstanding. The drinks were on point. The host was very hospitable.

Crystal C.

★★★★★

Oct 27, 2024

Riverside's Cottage hosted my sister's wedding last night and it couldn't have turned out better! The venue was beautiful, the food was amazingly delicious, but the staff blew my mind! Ms. Rhea helped me through the planning process, the owners, Richard and Lori showed up to greet us at the wedding and then Dolly and Spencer took care of the food and bar and us! I can't express how wonderful it is to know that there are still restaurants that treat patrons with such care and attention. Top Notch!!!! Thank you!

Nikki C.

★★★★★

Nov 2, 2024

My sister hosted my wedding at The Cooking Cottage @ Poor Boy's Riverside Inn last weekend, and it was perfect! The atmosphere & ambiance was magical, the staff went above & beyond and the food was PHENOMENAL! We enjoyed everything about the evening and look forward to dining at the restaurant again soon!

John N.

★★★★★

Sep 19, 2024

Love the location. Lunch special was outstanding. Atmosphere was conduciveTo business lunch. Service was excellent.

Irving P.

★★★★★

Nov 26, 2024

Awesome fresh seafood. Lobster and crabmeat o gratin were really exceptional. We are regulars an

Poor Boy's Riverside Inn

Menu

Appetizers

Crabbies

Crab Cakes

Cajun Crab Fingers

Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms

Shrimp En Brochette

Alligator Tidbits

From the Garden to the Gumbo Pot

Our Famous "House Salad" - Famous for a Reason

Cup of Crawfish and Corn Soup

Bowl of Crawfish and Corn Soup

Cup of Seafood Gumbo

Bowl of Seafood Gumbo

Shrimp Caesar Salad

Chicken Caesar Salad

Crawfish

1/2 and 1/2 Crawfish

Crawfish Etouffee

Crawfish Dinner

3 lb. Boiled Crawfish

5 lb. Boiled Crawfish

Shrimp

Gulf Coast Shrimp Platter

Half and Half Shrimp

Stuffed Shrimp

Shrimp Dinner

Fresh Fish

Whole Grilled Flounder (Bone & All)

Stuffed Filet of Flounder

Stuffed Tilapia

Stuffed Catfish

Stuffed Redfish

Fried Fish

Grilled Fish

Riverside

Extravaganza

Grilled Redfish

Crab Meat

Crab Meat Imperial

Lump Crab Meat Sauteed in Butter

Crab Meat Au Gratin

Stuffed Crabs

Crab Dinner

Oysters

Oysters on the Half Shell

1/2 Dozen of Oysters Bienville

1/2 Dozen of Oysters Rockefeller

Fried Oysters

"For the Oyster Lover" Oyster Dinner

Charbroiled Oyesters

Chef's Page

Bowl-Chef Richard's Chicken & Andouille Gumbo

Seafood Platter

Shrimp & Catfish Pirogue

Cup-Chef Richard's Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Beef and Poultry

Pork Steak

Pork Chops

Steak and Shrimp

Filet Mignon and Shrimp

8 oz. Filet Mignon (8 oz Center Cut)

Ribeye

Hamburger Steak

Pepper Jack Chicken

Maine Lobster

Broiled Stuffed Lobster

Boiled Lobster

Surf and Turf

Eat Fit Menu

Poor Boy's Salad

Chicken Riverside

Steamed Lump Crabmeat

Grilled Blackened Catfish

Grilled Blackened Tilapia

Poor Boy Sandwiches

Shrimp Poor Boy

Oyster Poor Boy

Catfish Poor Boy