Bossier’s reputation for entertainment precedes itself with places like the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets, casino gaming, and the Brookshire Grocery Arena but there’s always a wealth of interesting entertainment options just below the surface too. 

You don’t have to look very hard or very far across Bossier Parish to find some unique places that can make a memorable weekend. These hidden gems in Bossier boast some Southern charm and a small-town feel.

La Dolce Vita

Italian food lovers rejoice! There’s a serious restaurant in Bossier City that serves what some are calling the finest Italian food in the area. La Dolce Vita is located at 2369 Airline Drive, suite 500, and is set back from the road making it easy to miss if you don’t keep an eye out.

The family-owned restaurant offers a fine dining environment with fan favorite and traditional dishes, but the chef, Izzy, shines when offering up weekly specials. Our favorites are the braised beef and lamb ravioli and any of the seafood pastas.

Find out more at their website! 

East Bank and V. Cook Galleries 

The East Bank and V. Cook Galleries, located inside the Bossier Arts Council at the East Bank District, is a FREE art gallery offering various exhibitions throughout the year. The East Bank Gallery offers various exhibits designed to celebrate and promote the diverse talent within Bossier Parish. The Virginia Cook Gallery is a platform dedicated for up-and-coming artists to showcase their work, connect with audiences, and gain exposure. 

Supported by the BAC, their staff provides professional support in event planning and coordination for local artists.

Exhibitions vary in length and topic. Check what’s coming up on their website. 

Walker Place Park

Walker Place Park is a small but impressive greenspace that can be literally overshadowed by the Brookshires Grocery Arena just down the street.

Located at 2010 Arthur Ray Teague Parkway in South Bossier City, the urban-style park features a small pond, paved walking path, restrooms, and a small curved drive for parking.

The premiere attraction is the footbridge that crosses the four-lane Arthur Ray Teague Parkway. The suspended bridge connects the park to the parkway walking path that runs along the Red River and offers biking and jogging trails, picnic pagodas, and a boat launch.

Depending on the time of day and year, you can find everything from proud dog parents playing fetch and groups of locals practicing yoga to a peaceful seat for catching the sunset. 

The Basement 

Don’t worry, The Basement’s namesake isn’t literal but more of an inspiration. The veteran-owned business located at 4116 Airline Drive in Bossier City may be hidden behind a small strip mall, but their sign is a beacon for all proud geeks.  

The store is steeped in hobbies from board games and classic video games to model building and pop culture collectibles. The store offers the unique experience of a gaming lounge. This gives seasoned and beginning collectors the ability to relax on a couch and play the 80s version of Super Mario Bros. or commandeer a table for friends to indulge in a game of Dungeons and Dragons.

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer, a collector, or someone just looking to discover the world of hobbies, The Basement is aiming to be the neighborhood hub for fun. 

Find out more here. 

El Jarrito Mexican Grill

For years, El Jarrito Mexican Grill & Cantina restaurants have offered Mexican cuisine in a fun family-friendly atmosphere across north Louisiana. While the restaurant has eight different locations, the 2650 Airline Drive location is the only one in the Bossier/Shreveport region. 

Boasting a large menu of dinner and lunch specials, combination plates, children’s options, salads, desserts, and drink options, their most unique offerings might be from the grill. While Bossier is blessed to have a wealth of Mexican restaurants, but El Jarrito offers the unique option of a tomahawk steak and even a traditional quail dish. 

If that’s a little too rich for your blood, they offer what they call a Mexican Poboy, which is a Louisiana spin on the traditional torta with meat, cheese, avocado, and veggies on grilled bread.

See their menu here.