Discover the Hidden Gem of Olla: Why Burger Barn is Worth the Detour!


Story and Photos by Ken Hulsey

Whenever I travel through the more rural parts of our country, I enjoy experiencing the local flavor by avoiding chain restaurants and dining at small mom-and-pop eateries. This past weekend, Terri and I were on the road from Alexandria to West Monroe, so we decided to stop at one of our favorite roadside spots, the Burger Barn in Olla, Louisiana.

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We always make it a point to stop at the Burger Barn whenever we head north because, over the years, we have never had a bad meal there. It seems we subconsciously plan our trips to pass through Olla around lunchtime.

This time, I decided to try something different and ordered the Buffalo Chicken Wrap. I have had a lot of burgers lately and wanted something a bit lighter on my waistline. Meanwhile, Terri stuck with her trusted cheeseburger and onion rings. We thoroughly enjoyed our meals, which was no surprise—after all, we have never had a bad experience at the Burger Barn. 

Related: The Greatest Hamburger In America - Blake's Lotaburger Review | Discover New Mexico

What really stood out to me this time were the French fries. I honestly can’t remember the last time I had fries that delicious. They were battered, fried, and seasoned to perfection

If you ever travel through Olla, a stop at the Burger Barn is a must. The place is always filled with locals chatting about the high school football game or other local gossip. I often enjoy sitting quietly and listening to the conversations around me. It’s not that I want to eavesdrop on anything personal, but I appreciate being reminded of the charm of small-town life here in America.

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