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.

Alex Latin Restaurant & Cafeteria: The Latin influence is tasted throughout the menu items from Chicken Milanesa 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 far away trip for your taste buds.

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: Honduran foods and delicious coffee are what make this restaurant a must-try!

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!

Catahoula's: They offer a casual dining experience with Louisiana flair. Their indoor and outdoor seating options offer a mesmerizing view of the bayou. Tasty eats include customer favorites such as Catahoula Dip, fried catfish, fried shrimp, fried catfish bites, Natchitoches meat pies, po’boys, Trash Can Nachos, salads, six different kinds of wings, specialty burgers, and sandwiches. Round off your meal with dessert offers such as homemade bread pudding and key lime pie.

Flying Heart: This brewery offers six beers served year-round and a rotating variety of seasonal brews that are sure to please any palate. They're known for unique craft pizzas made with fresh ingredients on thin, NY-style dough. They also have rotating monthly pizzas, so you can look forward to a new recipe every few weeks. You can find a variety of other foods, like big, German pretzels, wraps, and chicken wings. They are open every day of the year, so you can always enjoy a cold brew and a hot pie!

Granny's Family Restaurant: In the mood for some good country cooking? Then pull up a chair and try a home-style plate lunch with choices like fried chicken, beef tips and rice, fried pork chops, black-eyed peas, smothered squash, okra and tomatoes, lima beans and hush puppies.

Javi P's: Choose from burritos, tacos, quesadillas, salads, and bowls... then add what you like! This restaurant lets you customize the ingredients in your meal with fresh, delicious options.

Jay Pappa's: Located on the Ouachita River, this restaurant specializes in steaks, seafoods, specialty pizzas, and spirits.

Papi Loco: Downtown taco shop serving trendy tacos! They have a fully stocked bar and an abundance of margaritas to choose from!

Planter's Gastropub: Located in downtown Monroe above Restaurant Cotton, they offer pizzas, oysters, specialty drinks, and great river views.

Restaurant Cotton: Start your meal with the Duck Wraps and then try the North Delta Shrimp Grits. The sandwiches come with a side of Duck Fat Fries, that are not to be missed. You'll love the atmosphere and the food!

Ronin Hibachi Grill: Gather friends at this trendy spot around the hibachi grill as you are entertained by trained chefs or try a fresh sushi roll with local flair like the Louisiana Roll with tempura shrimp, crunchy, snow crab, asparagus and mayo topped with fried catfish. For those wanting Sashimi, Nigiri or combos, there is a large selection of fresh fish, octopus, quail eggs, and crab.

The Burger Grind: They are a fast-casual concept specializing in great burgers with a Texas flare. They use only top quality meats, veggies, and ingredients. Best. Burger. Ever.

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.

Waterfront Grill: Resting on the quiet banks of Bayou DeSiard, this restaurant was featured in Southern Living magazine and is known for its grilled entrees and rustic charm. Try the Catfish DeSiard, named for the bayou that flows beneath the deck, or Shrimp Rahkee, shrimp in a spicy cream sauce with mushrooms and fresh vegetables over pasta. Other menu options include the local favorite, Shrimp Remoulade Salad and grilled steaks. Reservations recommended for Friday or Saturday and for parties of 8 or more.

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.

Belle's Ole South Diner: A working man's diner with options like hamburger steak, beef tips and rice, catfish and pork chops. They also serve breakfast starting early in the mornings! Stop by for a taste of the Ole South!

Café Rawz: A quaint café located in West Monroe that has a large variety of sushi entrees. The Louisiana special adds crawfish to the roll for a distinctive flair. They also offer Thai specialty dishes such as Pad Thai, Pepper Steak, Sweet Basil Chicken and Garlic Shrimp.

Coney Island Connection: Serving some of the best chili dogs and old-fashioned hamburgers around.

Corner Coffee & Provisions: This coffee shop offers a wide variety of options when it comes to coffee. They can serve anything from craft coffee to your favorite frapp. Customers love the Gold Rush latte. They serve breakfast items & sweet treats all day long. Be sure to order a breakfast sandwich or kolache. They also serve delicious açaì bowls. Make sure to try their Elvis Bowl! Follow them on Instagram to stay up-to-date with all of their new specials.

Daily Harvest: Locally owned and operated deli serving sandwiches, wraps, salads & soups and bakes their muffins, cookies & homemade breads daily. They use natural sweeteners and no preservatives in baked goods. You can also order a healthy drink from the juice bar.

Doe's Eat Place: Known for their steaks and tamales, you can also sample their homemade chili. Cuts include porterhouse, T-bone, ribeye, filet and sirloin.

Don Tomas Taqueria y Cantina: Look for the big bull, you can't miss him! You'll know you are where beef is on the menu. They offer established recipes to tempt you. Tamales are available as well as seafood fajitas of shrimp, scallops, and tilapia.

Fasta Pasta: Choose your own pastas, sauces, meats, and toppings at Fasta Pasta!

Iron Cactus: The Tex-Mex eatery serves the customary Mexican dishes, but if you are in the mood for something unique, try the avocados stuffed with beef or chicken, then deep fried. Also on the menu, po-boys and hamburgers. They are known for their mexican corn bread and fish taco's.

Seventh Square Coffee: This coffee spot in Downtown West Monroe serves up delicious specialty coffee. Stop by the shop for a treat or order off their website!

Simply Southern Restaurant: Homestyle cookin' just like your grandmother used to make! Try their delicious mac 'n cheese or a scoopful of the corn casserole. This restaurant is open for lunch on weekdays and serves up tasty plate lunches. The menu changes daily, so check their Facebook page each week for updates!

Smith Street Coney Island: Famous for their homemade chili, made fresh daily. You'll love it!

Tailgators Sports Bar & Grill: Located in Downtown Monroe, this sports bar and grill is serving up delicious items ranging from flatbreads and burgers to alligator bites and more.

The Original West Monroe Coney Island: Just two words -- chili cheeseburger! It's messy, but it's oh-so-good!

The Platter: This place specializes in beautiful and creative platters! For breakfast, try the Donut Platter, piled high with every donut flavor you can imagine. Grab a Fruit and Cheese Platter or a Sandwich Platter for a big gathering. Or you can go classic with The Best Charcuterie-- an art piece you can eat!

Vannah's Drive-In: Homemade classic American cuisine with hamburgers, hot dogs, po'boys, sandwiches, ice cream, malts, and shakes.