Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery

"Pastry chef-turned-restaurateur David Guas has been serving cooked-to-order beignets for almost a decade at his Arlington restaurant and cafe, and the price is a very reasonable $4 for an order of three sugar-dusted, New Orleans-style fritters. This bake shop also serves solid, affordable sandwiches for around $10 and gumbo for $6.50." - Tierney Plumb, Tim Ebner

"Located steps from the Arlington courthouse, the bloody mary here is done the Southern way. Topped with a pickled okra, slice of bacon, shrimp, olive, and celery, with a heavy dose of fresh horseradish in its homemade tomato juice. The drink is the ideal accompaniment for Bayou’s beignet or buttermilk biscuit with pimiento cheese and Ritz crackers." - Claudia Rosenbaum, Tierney Plumb

"For year-round Mardi Gras vibes in the center of Courthouse, head to Bayou for beignets and muffalettas from its New Orleans native owner/chef David Guas. Caffeinated concoctions like the NoLa (chicory, simple syrup, half and half) and guava latte hit a little differently here. There’s also frozen hurricanes and daiquiris and icy Abita beers, plus Louisiana crawfish boils on tap for the summer." - Missy Frederick, Kalina Newman

"Bayou Bakery has cornered the market on sweets and other foods from Louisiana and across the American South, from sugar-topped beignets to satisfying muffulettas stuffed with briny olive salad, cured meats, and cheese. Chef and owner David Guas is a Louisiana native and his knowledge of the cuisine is immediately apparent on the menu. Beyond the bakery, there are boozy daiquiris; soul-warming gumbo with a dark, complex roux; deviled eggs, and market items like pepper jelly. Indoor dining and patio seating. Take-out and delivery available on ToastTab." - Tierney Plumb, Stephanie Carter

"The Bayou BLT ($11) at Arlington’s New Orleans-themed cafe gives a little extra TLC to the T. It features oven-cured tomatoes, double-cut smoked bacon, greens, and mayo, sandwiched between two slices of toasted white bread. Order online for pickup." - Tierney Plumb, Lani Furbank