Since opening in 2017, Elsie’s Plate & Pie has become a beloved Mid-City staple known for its comforting dishes and warm atmosphere. Inspired by the home-cooked meals of owner and chef Paul Dupre’s grandmother, Elsie Marie Campeau Rupe, the restaurant blends family tradition with flavors that keep customers coming back.
Pies were a centerpiece of Elsie’s table, and Dupre said it was only natural to continue that legacy at the restaurant.
“We wanted the menu to have a lot of items from our own families,” he said. “Pies were always part of the meals growing up, so we had to incorporate that.”
Today, customer favorites at Elsie’s include crawfish hand pies, tomato pies and an array of sweet pieces, from apple to lemon icebox to s’mores. Yet, one signature dish wasn’t part of the original menu. The seafood pot pie was a runaway hit during Restaurant Week and became so popular that the team added it permanently.
Other popular menu items include appetizers like crawfish queso, boudin cakes and fried okra.
Recently, Elsie’s is garnering culinary attention on a wider scale. In November, it was named a Michelin-Recommended Louisiana restaurant for its excellence in food. Elsie’s was the only Baton Rouge restaurant to receive the honor and one of only two eateries outside of New Orleans to earn the distinction.
When it comes to the restaurant’s vibe, Dupre said the goal is to keep the energy lively and the atmosphere laidback for the eclectic mix of diners, from retirees to business professionals to local families.
“We do have a lot of regular customers and familiar faces,” he said. “We’ve learned a lot about what customers are looking for as far as food and service. That helps us continue to put our best foot forward. I always have a growth mindset.”
With the holidays approaching, Elsie’s is preparing for one of its busiest seasons. The restaurant is gearing up to offer its popular Thanksgiving and Christmas pies, alongside a selection a holiday side dishes – a tradition that is returning after a brief hiatus.
Looking ahead, Dupre envisions expansion not through additional restaurant locations, but through catering and shipping. Plans are underway now to build a dedicated kitchen to support both.
“Our priority is always to stay focused on the quality of the food,” he said.
Elsie’s Plate & Pie is located at 3145 Government Street. Visit to learn more.