Rascals Cajun restaurant offers a buffet experience where the all-you-can-eat pricing structure makes sampling their bold Louisiana flavors easy on your wallet. The rascals cajun restaurant buffet menu with prices is a popular search for locals and tourists alike who want hearty Southern food without breaking the bank. You get gumbo, crawfish étouffée, fried catfish, and more—all laid out in steam trays ready for seconds.
This article breaks down exactly what you pay, what you get, and how to make the most of your visit. No fluff, just the facts about portions, pricing, and daily specials. Let’s get straight to it.
Rascals Cajun Restaurant Buffet Menu With Prices
The buffet at Rascals is a self-serve setup where you grab a plate and load up on classic Cajun and Creole dishes. Pricing varies slightly by location and time of day, but here is the current standard breakdown.
Buffet Pricing Overview
- Lunch Buffet (Monday–Friday, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM): $14.99 per person
- Dinner Buffet (Monday–Thursday, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM): $18.99 per person
- Weekend Brunch Buffet (Saturday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM): $16.99 per person
- Friday Night Seafood Buffet (5:00 PM–9:00 PM): $22.99 per person
- Kids 4–10 years old: Half price on all buffet options
- Kids under 4: Free with a paying adult
- Drinks (soft drinks, iced tea, lemonade): $2.99 each, unlimited refills
Prices are subject to change based on location and seasonal availability. Always check with your local Rascals for the most current rates.
What You Get On The Buffet Line
The buffet rotates dishes daily, but the core items are consistent. Here is what you can expect to find most days.
Main Dishes
- Gumbo: A dark roux-based soup with chicken, sausage, and okra. Served with rice.
- Crawfish Étouffée: A creamy, spicy stew over white rice. Plenty of tail meat.
- Fried Catfish: Cornmeal-crusted fillets, crispy and flaky. Served with tartar sauce.
- Red Beans and Rice: Slow-cooked red beans with smoked sausage and ham hock.
- Jambalaya: A one-pot rice dish with chicken, sausage, shrimp, and vegetables.
- Fried Shrimp: Lightly battered and golden. Available on seafood buffet nights.
- Baked Chicken: Simple roasted chicken with Cajun seasoning.
Sides and Vegetables
- Collard greens with smoked turkey
- Macaroni and cheese (creamy, baked style)
- Corn maque choux (corn, peppers, and cream)
- Buttered green beans
- Dirty rice
- Potato salad (mustard-based, Southern style)
- Coleslaw
Bread and Extras
- Garlic bread or French bread rolls
- Cornbread muffins (sweet, buttery)
- Hot sauce selection (Tabasco, Crystal, Louisiana)
Dessert Station
- Bread pudding with rum sauce (warm, soft)
- Banana pudding (layered with vanilla wafers)
- Peach cobbler (seasonal)
- Chocolate cake or brownies
Drink Options
Beyond soft drinks, Rascals offers a few signature beverages. These are not included in the buffet price.
- Sweet tea: $2.99
- Unsweetened iced tea: $2.99
- Lemonade: $2.99
- Bottled water: $1.99
- Beer (domestic): $4.50
- Beer (imported): $5.50
- Hurricane cocktail: $7.99
How To Navigate The Buffet Like A Pro
Buffets can be overwhelming, especially when you want to try everything. Here is a step-by-step plan to maximize your meal.
Step 1: Scan The Entire Line First
Walk the full buffet before grabbing a plate. See what is available. Note which dishes are running low. This helps you decide what to prioritize.
Step 2: Start With Soup Or Stew
Gumbo or étouffée are best eaten first because they are hot and filling. Take a small portion so you have room for other items.
Step 3: Move To Proteins
Fried catfish and baked chicken are the main proteins. Take one piece of each to start. You can always go back.
Step 4: Add Sides
Choose two or three sides per plate. Mac and cheese, collard greens, and dirty rice are crowd favorites. Do not overload your plate.
Step 5: Save Room For Dessert
Bread pudding is the signature dessert. Take a small bowl first. If you like it, go back for more after a short break.
Step 6: Use Hot Sauce Sparingly
Rascals food is already seasoned. Taste first before adding hot sauce. You can always add more heat later.
Daily Specials And Seasonal Offerings
Rascals runs themed buffet nights and seasonal specials throughout the year. These can change pricing and menu items.
Friday Night Seafood Buffet
This is the most popular option. For $22.99, you get everything on the regular buffet plus:
- Fried shrimp (unlimited)
- Crawfish tails (boiled or fried)
- Oysters (fried, on some nights)
- Seafood gumbo (richer stock than regular gumbo)
- Grilled fish (usually tilapia or catfish)
Holiday Buffets
On Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve, Rascals runs a special holiday buffet. Prices increase by $3–$5 per person. The menu includes:
- Turkey and dressing
- Ham with pineapple glaze
- King cake (Mardi Gras only)
- Sweet potato casserole
Seasonal Seafood Boils
During crawfish season (March–June), Rascals sometimes offers a boil buffet on weekends. This includes boiled crawfish, corn, potatoes, and sausage. Price is market-based, usually around $25–$30 per person.
Location Variations In Pricing
Rascals has multiple locations across Louisiana and neighboring states. Prices can differ by a dollar or two depending on the area.
| Location | Lunch Buffet | Dinner Buffet |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA | $14.99 | $18.99 |
| Lafayette, LA | $13.99 | $17.99 |
| New Orleans, LA | $15.99 | $19.99 |
| Houston, TX | $15.49 | $19.49 |
| Mobile, AL | $14.49 | $18.49 |
Call ahead to confirm the exact price for your location. Some franchises also offer military or senior discounts (usually 10% off).
Is The Buffet Worth The Price?
For the amount of food you get, the buffet is a good value. A single fried catfish plate at a sit-down restaurant costs around $12–$15. Here you get that plus gumbo, sides, and dessert for roughly the same price.
The quality is consistent. The gumbo is dark and rich. The étouffée has real crawfish tails, not imitation. The fried fish is never greasy. Portions are generous.
Downsides: The buffet can get crowded during peak hours (Friday dinner, Sunday brunch). You might wait for refills on popular items. Also, the dessert station runs out of bread pudding fast—go early.
Tips For First-Time Visitors
- Arrive early for the dinner buffet (5:00 PM–6:00 PM) to avoid lines.
- Bring cash or card. Most locations accept both, but some rural franchises are cash-only.
- Ask about military or senior discounts before paying.
- Do not take more than one plate at a time. The staff monitors portion sizes.
- If you have dietary restrictions, ask the manager about gluten-free or low-sodium options. They can sometimes accommodate.
- Takeout is not available for the buffet. You must eat in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Hours For The Rascals Cajun Buffet?
Most locations serve lunch buffet from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and dinner buffet from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Weekend brunch runs 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Check your local store for exact times.
Does Rascals Offer A Senior Discount On The Buffet?
Yes, many locations give a 10% discount for seniors aged 65 and older. You must show ID. The discount applies to the buffet price only, not drinks.
Can I Get The Buffet To Go?
No, the buffet is dine-in only. You cannot take food home from the buffet line. Leftovers are not allowed.
Is The Rascals Cajun Buffet Gluten-free Friendly?
Some items are gluten-free, like the gumbo (if made with rice flour) and the red beans. But the fried fish and bread pudding contain gluten. Ask the staff for a gluten-free menu.
How Often Does The Buffet Menu Change?
The core items stay the same, but daily specials rotate. Friday nights always have seafood. Holiday menus are seasonal. Check their Facebook page for weekly updates.
Final Thoughts On The Rascals Cajun Buffet
The rascals cajun restaurant buffet menu with prices gives you a solid deal for authentic Louisiana cooking. You get variety, generous portions, and consistent flavor. The pricing is fair for the amount of food you can eat. Just plan your visit around peak hours to avoid crowds. Go hungry, take your time, and enjoy the gumbo.
If you are in the South and want a filling meal without guessing the cost, this buffet is a reliable choice. The staff is friendly, the food is hot, and the bread pudding is worth the trip alone. Bring your appetite and a little patience during rush times. You will leave full and satisfied.
One last tip: Do not skip the cornbread. It is sweet, moist, and pairs perfectly with the red beans. Grab two pieces on your first pass. You will thank yourself later.