Sunday and Monday are typically days when the restaurant industry takes a break, but we've got a list of delicious, local options in Monroe-West Monroe that are ready to serve you! Give 'em a try next time you're looking for a great start to your week.

Portico: Old décor meets new in this chic, trendy spot. A great place to get together with friends and try great salads, steaks, seafood, and their sweet potato fries. Pasta, fish, shrimp and even po-boys are on the menu. Their house dressing is one you'll want to try again.

Lea’s of LeCompte: Family-owned and famous for home-made pies, like chocolate, coconut, and lemon meringue. Daily lunch plate specials, ham sandwiches, and their roll-over hamburgers served on homemade sourdough bread, which are 2 for 1 on Friday. They are open daily for breakfast offering eggs, grits, biscuits with gravy, and other traditional Southern cuisine.

Athena: Try their homemade chickpea hummus or spinach pie to start and then choose from salads, gyros, lamb chops, moussaka, shawarma or distinctive kabobs. For lunch, there are unique specials to take you on a quick trip to the Greek Isles.

Latin Food: The Latin influence is tasted throughout the menu items from Chicken Milanese throughout the sandwiches of pulled pork. Enjoy Cuban coffee with your Honduran Dinner. Finish off your meal with flan, rice pudding or tres leche for a faraway trip for your taste buds.

Trio's: Make a selection from the pizza menu or try the Trio's Pasta, alone or add chicken or shrimp. Also on the menu are Crabmeat Moussaka, Greek salads, po-boys, and burgers. Don't miss their daily special and NOLA style brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Levee Grille: On the bayou in the neighborhood, this quaint grill has po-boys, specialty sandwiches, and salads. Their steaks, seafood, and distinctive Cajun dishes are a treat to the palate. Come casual as all their friends do! Get a Bloody Mary with vodka marinated vegetables, it’s a true southern delight!

Daq's Wings and Grill: Stop by with friends for wings that are marinated for 24 hours before cooking. They dole them out in a variety of flavors and hotness! Yum!

Catfish Charlies: Try their thin and crispy fried catfish, or get it grilled, blackened, or wrapped up in a taco. For a variation on the fish, order the grilled tilapia with a side of authentic jambalaya. Shrimp boiled or fried are superb, as well as the burgers and steaks on the menu. Order yours with the grilled veggies!

Podnuh’s Bar-B-Q: Try their zesty sauce on all the BBQ dishes you know and love: beef, sausage, chicken, and baked beans. A local BBQ joint throughout the twin cities for years.

Johnny’s Pizza House: This local favorite, in business for over 40 years, is home to the Sweep the Kitchen, which, as you may have guessed, is topped with everything they have. But for something a little different, try another Johnny's original, Sweep the Swamp, offered seasonally. This hot Cajun treat is topped with spicy, tender crawfish, shrimp, andouille sausage, crab, bell peppers, onion, and jalapeno peppers!

Miro's: With items ranging from burgers to pizza you are sure to find something for everyone! Enjoy a view of the beautiful Ouachita River and make sure to check out their drink specials!

Big Momma’s Fine Food: Daily plate lunches with good Southern vegetables like real mashed potatoes, butter beans, candied yams, greens (mustard and turnips), corn and black-eyed peas. Fantastic fried chicken and smothered pork chops too. You can't leave without trying some of Big Momma's hot water cornbread. And for dessert, a big piece of homemade cake, cobbler or pie.

Catfish Cabin: This local favorite has been serving appetizing seafood dishes like gumbo, baked fish, and fried fish since 1972. The combination plate gives you a taste of fried catfish, oysters and shrimp. Their grilled shrimp are available for those watching their waistlines. Offering whole catfish, and no meal is complete here without mouth-watering hushpuppies. You can even buy the batter to take home.

Kravins: Family-owned restaurant offering wings, chicken strips, burgers, catfish, and more. Yum!

Kayla’s Kitchen: Nestled in historic Antique Alley, this mother-daughter duo cooks up daily plate lunch specials, dessert and tea included. A favorite is their homemade chicken and dressing with side choices like butter beans and squash casserole. For dessert, try the Banana Caramel Pudding or Coconut Delight.

Danken Trail: They’ve been serving their tangy sauce with beef, turkey or sausage for over 30 years. Try their ribs, that are painted with a sweeter sauce. Step out and try the fried fish in The Corral! Finish your meal with a serving of hot peach cobbler.

Enoch’s Pub and Grill: An Irish pub with a Louisiana attitude! This old-world pub in the heart of Monroe is famous for its hamburgers. One of the local favorites is The Blarney Stone Blue Cheeseburger topped with cheese, blue cheese dressing, and bacon. So good it melts in your mouth.

Fieldhouse Bar & Grill: This local watering hole provides several large-screen televisions with a variety of sports. The menu offers choices like a straight from the ballpark Wrigley Hotdog or five specialty half-pound burgers. Or try the lighter side menu with salads and quesadillas. Dads and kids can enjoy a booth with their own TV to entertain the kids while Dad can watch his sport of choice. Onion rings, sweet potato fries or Cajun corn can complete any meal.

Magic Grill: Try their Mr. Ray’s famous fried chicken, hot fresh rolls, chicken salad sliders and Magical Po-Boys with a choice of roast beef, ham, fish, turkey, ribeye, shrimp, Philly or hamburger, along with a cup of their famous gravy and fresh-cut fries. For the kids, there are chicken strips, hot dogs with chili, malts, shakes, and ice cream. Also, they have plate lunches of pork chops, beef tips, fried fish, or red beans and rice. And don't forget to try the homemade onion rings!

Melvyn’s: You'll feel like a local in this hometown hangout, famous for award-winning, charbroiled, hand-patted burgers and hamburger steaks stuffed with cheese and onions.

Ray’s PEGE: A local favorite since its doors opened in the 60s, this grill is famous for its roast beef po-boys with gravy on the side, and kurly-Q fries. Other great items are the ham, ribeye, or Philly po-boys. The open-faced burger is another way to enjoy the gravy! Don't forget to order a malt or shake made from ice cream that's so good, you'll swear it's home-made.

The Creamery: This retro, 50s-style diner is serving up tasty, hand-patted burgers. Get yours with their grilled onions, some of the best in town. And be sure to ask for a malt or shake served in old-timey frosted glass.

Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant: Relax along the Ouachita River while you dine in this unique building that was once a cotton warehouse. Start your meal with fresh, hot hushpuppies. Choose from unique options like Jalapeno Cheese Grits and Corn & Crab Bisque or try the Peppercorn Steak, Grilled Salmon, Gumbo, or Citrus Grilled Tuna Salad. Finish your meal with an order of their homemade key lime pie.