White Lightnin’ Cocktail and Culinary Company — Restaurant in Ruston

Gave this place a try knowing it was new. We were attracted to their "knowledgeable bartenders" claim. We arrived before 6PM trying to beat the rush; We didn't. Seated at a small table for two right by the door, in the middle of the traffic pattern of arriving guests and wait staff. No one stepped on us but the din was incredible. She ordered a gin gimlet, I ordered a simple gin Martini with olives, no vermouth. She got what she ordered, I didn't. Instead I was served a lowball glass with a 2" square 🧊 cube sitting in a puddle of gin, garnished by a lime wedge! So much for knowledgeable bartenders. I had to describe what type of olives I should have received and I eventually got them. I personally removed the cube from my glass and replaced it with a few smaller pieces from my water glass. Our wait person explained that they make their large cubes from bottled water to avoid the chlorine flavor of the tap water. She ordered the ribeye steak, rare but not blackened. To get it this way required a visit to our table by the chef to clarify her order. She got what she ordered. I ordered the Beef Desbris Po Boy sandwich which was wonderful. It came with fries, more specifically raw fries. These are made from raw potatoes in a single step. Cut potatoes, fry potatoes. These are limp and not crunchy at all. I ordered crispy French fries but didn't get them. Had I known I was getting raw fries, I would have ordered a different option cuz its impossible to make raw fries crisp. We split an order of chocolate bread pudding which was wonderful and delicious for dessert. If they get their act together then this may be a really nice place...

A Flavorful Evening at White Lightning Cocktail and Culinary Company – Ruston, LA

Dinner for two at White Lightning Cocktail and Culinary Company was a delightful experience marked by creative cocktails, warm service, and a few standout dishes. Though the space is small, the restaurant makes an impression with its eclectic decor, inviting cleanliness, and cozy atmosphere.

🌟 Service Excellence Our server, Linzy, elevated the evening with her knowledgeable and enthusiastic guidance through their extensive cocktail menu. The Raspberry Ramble and the Paloma were both well-balanced and refreshingly crafted—definitely worth ordering again.

🍴 Small Plates That Impress We began with the Smoked Salmon Crostini, a distinctive appetizer that paired smoky richness with the crisp freshness of cucumber. It was elegantly plated and flavorful—an ideal start to the meal.

🥩 Entrées and Highlights For our main course, we ordered the filet, accompanied by golden Yukon mashed potatoes and cheese grits. The steak was cooked to the correct temperature, though it leaned slightly bland and required more seasoning than preferred. The mashed potatoes were smooth and satisfying, but the real revelation was the cheese grits—creamy, savory, and full of flavor.

My wife chose the BBQ shrimp and grits, which was the undeniable highlight of the night. The shrimp were perfectly cooked, the BBQ sauce rich and well-balanced, and once again, the grits stole the spotlight.

🍮 The Sweet Goodbye (That’ll Have to Wait) Although we were too full for dessert, the strength of the meal ensures we’ll be returning to see what sweet...

A Tale of Two Dishes My recent visit to White Lightening Restaurant in Ruston, LA, offered a glimpse into their culinary approach with two distinct dishes: the salt and pepper steak and the redfish with moux choux. Dining early meant the atmosphere was quiet and relaxed, which I appreciated. The staff were notably attentive, ensuring our drink glasses remained consistently full throughout the meal – a small detail that significantly enhances the dining experience. Turning to the food, the salt and pepper steak was prepared precisely as requested in terms of cooking temperature. The generous application of pepper was certainly noticeable. While those with a penchant for bold, peppery flavors will likely appreciate it, individuals accustomed to more subtly seasoned dishes, perhaps those less familiar with traditional Southern preparations, might find the pepper level quite prominent. The highlight of the meal, however, was undoubtedly the redfish paired with the corn moux choux. This combination was truly exceptional. The delicate flavor of the redfish was beautifully complemented by the creamy, slightly sweet, and savory notes of the moux choux. The two elements worked in perfect harmony, creating a delightful and memorable culinary experience. Overall, my experience at White Lightening was positive, marked by attentive service and a peaceful ambiance during an early dinner. While the salt and pepper steak offers a bold flavor that may not appeal to all, the redfish with moux choux is a standout and a dish I would...