Reviews for 121 Artisan Bistro in Lake Charles, LA

121 Bistro has to be one of, if not the best place in town! The food was amazing and the service was fantastic! Had a great time... there and highly recommend this place! Read more

I visited Lake Charles for a work trip. My coworker who had frequented the area said there is nothing of note in town. Boy was... he wrong! My meal at 121 Artisan was truly memorable. I got seated in no time at all (I got in at 5pm and beat the dinnerrush). Then I ordered the Jucifer IPA, Killer Kale Caesar Salad, and Filet Mignon with Brown Meuniere Sauce and Asparagus. Thedrink was great. The salad (order entree size) was fresh, flavorful, and sufficiently dressed. The filet stole the show thoughas it was cooked perfectly medium rare (crispy on the outside, like actual crunch and moist on the inside). As far as I amconcerned there is no reason to have any other sauce on the menu than the brown meuniere (they have a cilantro basil pesto,lemon butter, and marsala reduction). I am going back to try out other stuff on the menu. Please do yourself a favor and trythis neighborhood gem out, too! Read more

Food and serving was great ! Cheyenne was our server, very kind and friendly . We ate Shrimp and Crawfish Diavoli and... Aldovina?s . Very good food . Thank you! Definitely coming back Read more

There's a good sized parking lot next to the restaurant. They've got a large open dining area as well as a bar area that I did... not check out. The staff were excellent. I was seated right away. The music was at an appropriate volume. The server was helpfuland told me about the menu. He gave me some complimentary bread to start. The bread was soft with a nice crunchy crust. Thespicy tomato basil soup wasn't spicy at all so not quite sure about the name, but it was perfect for dipping the bread in. Themushrooms were alright. The beef tips and grits portion size was quite large in my opinion. The taste was good, but I could seetwo people sharing it. Wish they reduced the meat and grits by 1/3 each and increased the amount of French beans. The dessertslooked amazing. I watched the table next to me receive their chocolate mousse cake with a scoop of ice cream on top. They onlyhad three dessert options and they all sounded pretty heavy so I took a pass on dessert. Overall, the meal was pretty tasty. Read more

Overall a positive experience, but not as impressed as I hoped I would be. Went at 315pm on a Tuesday and it was dead (only 3... other small tables occupied). Atmosphere: cozy, comfortable. Not white table cloth, but it is nice inside. Casual/office attireis fine. There are many tables, and a bar area (didn't see any booths). Location: easy to miss. Plenty of parking. Pullingin/out was easy. Food: good variety: calamari, fried mozzarella, mushrooms, pizza, pasta, steak, fish, lasagna, salads, etc.Price is a little high for the quality of food. We ordered the calamari ($13) and it was a little over cooked, but the flavorwas good. Also ordered the ribeye ($41) and while it was cooked as requested (medium rare) they did NOT trim or render it. Thesteak had alot of fat on it that my fiance had to cut off bc he couldn't eat it (think slimy, gooey and chewy fat, not the meltin your mouth fat). My fiance ordered asparagus with his steak and it was not cut properly- the ends were inedible. My fiancealso ordered the killer kale ceasar salad and he liked that. I ordered the Mona Lisa (shrimp and lump crab meat pasta with acream sauce) ($20) and I enjoyed it. It was flavorful and I was full after eating half. I do wish there were big pieces of crab(it was shredded crab meat). We paid $94 for calamari, steak, pasta, small salad, tea and coke. Overall, it was good but not $94good. Staff/service: friendly and welcoming. A little distracted even though there were only 4 tables dining. There were 2other staff members just walking around, but not really doing anything. The chef could be seen from the dining area and heseemed/looked bored. Know before you go: they charge 4% to used a card when you pay. However, they do have an ATM onsite thatcharges $1.25 to use. If you pay cash, you won't have the 4% card charge added to your ticket. I dont think I would go back. Wehave dined at equally expensive restaurants in the area that have better food overall. Read more

I?m giving Artisan Bistro 3 stars based on the pizza which my wife and kid said was good The beef tips and grits was so bland... that I had to doctor it up with salt and pepper to just eat it. Not impressed and would of thought the beef tips would have sometype of flavor. Read more

A great little spot! In town for a graduation and needed dinner 121 was awesome! We had 2 orders of the stuffed mushrooms they... were outstanding. The bread given was very good, I got the Meatloaf with the potatoes they have on the side menu. The meatloafhad this light gravy with onions. It was so so good especially with the potatoes. My mom got the pasta with short rib she ateevery bite and she never does that. Everyone in my party was fully satisfied and full!!! Definitely a must try!! Read more

This place has GREAT food. I've dined here for dinner and lunch quite a few times. Servers have an upbeat attitude and food... comes out quick. The beef tips are legendary. Mushrooms and fried mozzarella wedges are tasty appetizers. Definitely put thisone your list. Read more