Faculty Club is an LSU secret worth sharing

• Restaurant reviewer
• Published: Nov 6, 2009

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There’s something rejuvenating about a college campus. So we were already in a good mood when we strolled into The Faculty Club at LSU. We were in an even better mood when we walked out.

The dining area is open and airy with tall French doors on both sides that let in lots of natural light. High ceilings, arched doorways, a fireplace and white tablecloths give it a gracious, yet comfortable feel.

Although The Faculty Club caters receptions and banquets, it is open to the public for lunch every weekday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Glancing at the menu, we were surprised by its variety — from continental fare to Louisiana cuisine — and reasonable prices.

One guest sampled the grilled tilapia Napoleon ($9.50). The two filets of fork-tender tilapia sat upon a plank of lightly fried, slightly crunchy eggplant. The fish was topped with a light, but creamy corn and garlic sauce dotted with bits of red bell pepper and parsley. The combination of the mildly flavored fish and the eggplant was delicious, as was the sweet and savory mix of corn and okra tossed with bits of onion and red bell pepper.

The bacon-wrapped petit filet ($10.50) is a 4-oz. filet mignon (ordered medium well) that was topped with baby shrimp and melted Havarti cheese. The meat was melt-in-your-mouth delicious, but the shrimp and cheese topping were unnecessary. Although it was a tasty addition, the flavor of the petit filet is enjoyable enough to stand on its own. It was served with the same corn and okra mix mentioned above, and wild rice.

The gourmet burger ($7.75) was described as a favorite among Faculty Club diners, and the guest who ordered it said it was “simply great.” It’s 10 ounces of ground chuck topped with mozzarella cheese and bacon, served on a seeded bun, with stick-thin fries on the side. And this sandwich will satisfy even the biggest appetite.

The Faculty Club Chef’s daily specials include a soup du jour; academic special (entree); catch, po-boy and wrap of the day; along with other items. Salads range from the grilled chicken and strawberry spinach salad to a hot smoked salmon and crisp pancetta Caesar salad. Sandwiches range from the Highland Reuben to the glazed crabmeat sandwich. In other words, something for every taste.

We shared a dessert at the end of our meal — a warm cherry tart ($3.75). It had a crunchy, crumbly crust and was topped with whipped cream. Absolutely scrumptious. 

Our waitress was friendly and helpful, even though she was extremely busy and the restaurant was full at the time of our visit.

The Faculty Club is a true gem tucked away in the heart of the LSU campus. And it’s a gem worth discovering.