If you want to plan a trip to a southern bayou, where you can indulge yourself in some of the best Gulf Coast seafood possible, you might assume that Louisiana is your best bet. After all, cities like Lafayette and the underrated, authentic Lake Charles are well-known for having incredible food and culture, and they’re practically right next to the Gulf of Mexico.
However, much like Bay St. Louis in Mississippi, Alabama is home to one of the coolest, tastiest, and most underrated small towns in the South. Bayou la Batre (pronounced Bye-yoo la Bat-tree) is a name that might sound familiar if you’re a fan of the movie “Forrest Gump” (it’s where his friend Bubba lived). However, outside of the film, few southern visitors — and perhaps even residents — know about this hidden gem.
But if you’re a fan of Gulf Coast seafood (like shrimp, oysters, clams, and mussels), then you must make a pilgrimage to this corner of Alabama. What it lacks in population and big city infrastructure, it more than makes up for with a delicious meal. Bring your bibs and see what Bayou la Batre is all about.
A brief history of Bayou la Batre, Alabama
The story of Bayou la Batre began in the late 1700s, when the Spanish empire controlled the area. However, while the land technically belonged to Spain, the government gave a 1,200-acre plot to a Frenchman named Joseph Bousage. Afterward, the French seized control and installed a battery of cannons for protection. As such, the French renamed the city from Riviere d’Erbane (River of Erbane) to Riviere la Batterie (Battery River). Over time, Riviere was changed to Bayou, and Batterie became Batre…