Best in Beaumont

Laini Parker

Join Beaumont native Laini Parker as she takes you on an immersive journey through the vibrant culinary landscape and cultural heartbeat of Southeast Texas in "Best in Beaumont." Every week, we delve into the diverse array of flavors, iconic eateries, and beloved community spots that define this dynamic city. From the hottest new dining experiences and treasured local favorites to unmissable events and hidden gems, each episode brings you face-to-face with the individuals and stories that enrich the soul of Beaumont. Whether you're a lifelong resident, a newcomer eager to explore, or just passing through this charming area, tune in for insider interviews, concise reviews, and exclusive insights that reveal Beaumont's unique charm and character. There's so much more happening in Beaumont than you might expect — let us uncover it together.

Episodes

  1. Episode 6: Soul on a Roll: A Southeast Texas Taste Tour

    09/06/2025

    Episode 6: Soul on a Roll: A Southeast Texas Taste Tour

    Join Laini Parker as she spotlights six Black owned businesses in Beaumont and SETX—from Cajun comfort and soul food classics to smoked BBQ, fried goodness, and upscale downtown dining—highlighting the flavors, stories, and community spirit that make these places shine. Shā Bébé Cajun Café – – Creole cuisine: gumbo, po’boys, spicy wings • Address: 1625 W Cardinal Dr, Beaumont, TX 77705 • Website: https://www.facebook.com/ShaBebeCafe/ Richard’s Café – – hearty cafeteria style soul food favorites • Address: 1087 Magnolia St, Beaumont, TX 77701 • Website: https://richards-cafe.restaurants-world.com/menu Jones Old Fashioned Sausage & Restaurant – – fried chicken, oxtails, house made sausage & sides • Address: 2950 S 4th St, Beaumont, TX • Website: https://www.facebook.com/jonesoldfashioned/ Trust Downtown Bistro – Casual brunch spot that serves American comfort food. • Address: 672 Orleans St, Beaumont • Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566972145742 Big John’s Grill – – fried chicken, catfish, shrimp po’boys in a neighborhood setting • Address: 1465 Gladys St, Beaumont, TX 77701 • Website: none Sponsored by 409Plumbing.com

    15 min
  2. Episode 4: Orange You Glad It’s a Day Trip?

    09/04/2025

    Episode 4: Orange You Glad It’s a Day Trip?

    Join Laini Parker as she embarks on a scenic and cultural tour from Beaumont to Orange, TX—featuring gardens, art, history, theater, a charming café, and hearty local eats in one unforgettable day. Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center – 252 acres of bayou gardens and sculpture • Address: 2111 W. Park Avenue, Orange, TX 77630 • Website: https://shangrilagardens.org/ Stark Museum of Art – – premier Western and Indigenous art • Address: 712 Green Avenue, Orange, TX 77630 • Website: https://starkmuseum.org/ W. H. Stark House – – restored 1894 Victorian mansion museum • Address: 611 W. Green Avenue, Orange, TX 77630 • Website: https://whstarkhouse.org/ Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts – – regional performing arts venue hosting touring shows • Address: 707 Main Street, Orange, TX 77630 • Website: https://lutcher.org/ Old Orange Cafe & Catering Company – – historic dairy turn café serving nostalgic American lunch classics • Address: 914 W. Division Avenue, Orange, TX 77630 • Website: https://oldorangecafe.com/ Jak’s Pak It – – local smash burgers, hot meals, deli • Address: 4505 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, TX 77706 • Website: https://www.jackspakit.com/ Sponsored by Local Biz Buzz, https://localbizbuzz.co/leverage

    10 min
  3. Episode 5: Where Gators Meet Garden Parties in Beaumont

    09/01/2025

    Episode 5: Where Gators Meet Garden Parties in Beaumont

    Join Laini Parker for a six-stop family day trip across Southeast Texas featuring reptile rescues, nature boardwalks, botanical gardens, swamp paddles, gourmet deli delights, and a festive seafood finale—all in one unforgettable day. Gator Country Adventure Park – – rescued reptiles, feeding shows, educational tours • Address: 21159  FM 365, Beaumont, TX 77705 • Website: https://www.gatorrescue.com/ Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands & Boardwalk – – wetlands preserve with boardwalks and wildlife spotting • Address: 4233 Babe Zaharias Drive, Beaumont, TX • Website: https://www.beaumontcvb.com/things-to-do/cattail-marsh/ Tyrrell Park & Beaumont Botanical Gardens – – greenspace, gardens, and conservatory tours • Address: 5305 Tyrrell Park Rd, Beaumont, TX 77705 • Website: https://www.bbgtx.org/ Neches River Adventures / Big Thicket National Preserve – tours departing near Kountze, TX – guided kayaking through scenic swamp • Address: 6790 Bigner Road, Beaumont, TX 77708 • Website: https://www.nechesriveradventures.org/ Katharine & Company – – gourmet lunch café, sandwiches, soups, and scratch-made desserts • Address: 1495 Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX 77701 • Website: https://katharineandcompany.com/ Floyd’s Cajun Seafood – Beaumont, TX – crawfish boils, fried seafood platters in a family-friendly setting • Address: 2290 Interstate I-10 S, Beaumont, TX 77707 • Website: https://floydsseafood.com/index.php Sponsored by https://409Plumbing.com

    16 min
  4. Episode 1: Brunchin’ and Brewsin’ Through Beaumont

    08/02/2025

    Episode 1: Brunchin’ and Brewsin’ Through Beaumont

    Join Laini Parker on Best in Beaumont for a journey through North Beaumont’s top spots for brunch, craft beers, and smash‑burgers. Whether you're starting the morning right or ending the evening with local flavor, this episode celebrates the best of our beer scene and eats. The Toasted Yolk Cafe • Address: 6455 Phelan Blvd, Beaumont, TX 77706 • Website: https://thetoastedyolk.com/locations/beaumont-tx/ Rao’s Bakery & Coffee Cafe – multiple locations in Beaumont – long‑running local favorite since 1941 • Address: 4440 Dowlen Rd, Beaumont, TX 77706 • Website: https://raosbakery.com/ Oz Café • Address: 2417 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, TX 77702 • Website: https://www.theozcafe.com/ Struggle Street Brewing Company – Beaumont’s first microbrewery with about 20 taps and an expansive outdoor patio • Address: 2140 Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX 77701 • Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100051338995057# Smash Wagon – now operating at Struggle Street Brewing’s location • Address: 2140 Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX 77701 • Website: https://www.facebook.com/SmashWagonBeaumont/ Buckstin Brewing Company – – award‑winning brewery and artisan pizza spot with craft beer and community events • 6280 Phelan Blvd, Beaumont, TX 77706 • Website: https://www.buckstinbrewing.com/ Sponsored by Orange County Local Scoop, https://OrangeWorthy.com/subscribe

    9 min
  5. Episode 2: Mansions, Museums & Mesquite: A Taste of Beaumont’s Legacy

    08/02/2025

    Episode 2: Mansions, Museums & Mesquite: A Taste of Beaumont’s Legacy

    In this episode, Laini Parker uncovers six historic treasures around Beaumont, connecting the city's oil-boom origins to the architecture, culture, and flavors that define Southeast Texas today. Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum -- (replica oil-boom town with reenactments, gusher) • Address: 5550 Jimmy Simmons Blvd, Beaumont, TX 77710 • Website: https://www.lamar.edu/spindletop-boomtown-museum/index.html Texas Energy Museum - - interactive oil-history exhibits and robotics storytelling • Address: 600 Main Street, Beaumont, TX 77701 • Website: https://www.texasenergymuseum.org/ Tyrrell Historical Library - - historic Romanesque library with Texana collections • Address: 6010 Gladys, Beaumont, TX 77706 • Website: https://www.beaumonttexas.gov/269/Tyrrell-Historical-Library McFaddin-Ward House Museum - - historic Beaux-Arts family mansion tours & seasonal exhibits • Address: 725 North Third Street, Beaumont, TX 77701 • Website: https://mcfaddin-ward.org/ Chambers House Museum - - preserved home reflecting the timber-oil era Beaumont • Address: 2240 Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX 77701 • Website: https://chambershouse.org/ Patillo's Barbeque - multiple generations and locations in Beaumont, TX - renowned Texas pit-smoked barbecue tradition • Address: 2775 Washington Boulevard, Beaumont, TX 77705 • Website: https://patillosbbqtx.com Sponsored by Orange County Local Scoop, https://OrangeWorthy.com/subscribe

    7 min
  6. Episode 3: Guitars, Grease, and Good Decisions... Probably

    08/02/2025

    Episode 3: Guitars, Grease, and Good Decisions... Probably

    Join Laini Parker as she takes you through downtown Beaumont’s nightlife—six venues pulsing with live music, energy, and late-night flavor from dive bars to historic theatres and neighborhood pubs. The Logon Café & Pub – – open mic, live bands, pool, karaoke, full bar • Address: 3805 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, TX 77706 • Website: https://logoncafe.net/ Madison’s on Dowlen – – late night bar & grill, live music, wings & burgers • Address: 4020 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, TX 77706 • Website: https://www.facebook.com/MadisonsOnDowlen/ MacKenzie’s Pub – – neighborhood pub with local live music • Address: 299 Dowlen Road #9B, Beaumont, TX • Website: https://mackenziespub.toast.site/ Red’s Icehouse – – sports bar with live music, open till 2:30 AM on weekends • Address: 7665 College St, Beaumont, TX 77707 • Website: https://www.facebook.com/RedsIcehouse/ Pine Tree Lodge – – rustic lodge-style live music bar • Address: 3296 Pine Tree Road, Beaumont, TX • Website: https://www.facebook.com/thepinetreelodge/ Jefferson Theatre – – historic 1927 theatre for concerts, comedy & performances • Address: 345 Fannin Street, Beaumont, TX 77701 • Website: https://beaumonteventstx.com Sponsored by Local Biz Buzz, https://localbizbuzz.co/leverage

    8 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

Join Beaumont native Laini Parker as she takes you on an immersive journey through the vibrant culinary landscape and cultural heartbeat of Southeast Texas in "Best in Beaumont." Every week, we delve into the diverse array of flavors, iconic eateries, and beloved community spots that define this dynamic city. From the hottest new dining experiences and treasured local favorites to unmissable events and hidden gems, each episode brings you face-to-face with the individuals and stories that enrich the soul of Beaumont. Whether you're a lifelong resident, a newcomer eager to explore, or just passing through this charming area, tune in for insider interviews, concise reviews, and exclusive insights that reveal Beaumont's unique charm and character. There's so much more happening in Beaumont than you might expect — let us uncover it together.

Information

  • Creator
    Laini Parker
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean