Emeril Lagasse to Open New Signature Steakhouse in Baton Rouge

The legendary chef will bring his culinary expertise to L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge later this year.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Renowned chef Emeril Lagasse, who launched his career at Commander's Palace in New Orleans, announced plans to open a new American steakhouse called Emeril's Chop House at L'Auberge Casino & Hotel in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The restaurant will replace the existing 18 Steak at the casino property.

Why it matters

Emeril Lagasse is one of the most celebrated chefs in Louisiana and a key figure in the state's culinary landscape. His decision to open a new signature restaurant in Baton Rouge highlights the continued growth and evolution of the city's dining scene, which has attracted increasing attention in recent years.

The details

Emeril's Chop House will offer exceptional steaks, fresh seafood, signature dishes, and handcrafted cocktails, all featuring Lagasse's bold flavors and Louisiana hospitality. The restaurant will replace the existing 18 Steak at L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge, further elevating the property's dining options and solidifying its status as a premier entertainment destination in the region.

  • Emeril's Chop House is slated to open later this year at L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge.

The players

Emeril Lagasse

A legendary chef who launched his culinary career at Commander's Palace in New Orleans and now operates four restaurants in the city, including his flagship Emeril's, which earned two Michelin stars in 2026.

E.J. Lagasse

Emeril Lagasse's son, who is the top chef at Emeril's in New Orleans and recently earned the Michelin Young Chef/Culinary Professional Award.

Jeremy Fontenot

The vice president and general manager of L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge, who expressed excitement about partnering with Emeril Lagasse to bring his signature flair to the property.

L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge

The casino and hotel property in Baton Rouge that will be home to Emeril's new Chop House restaurant, replacing the existing 18 Steak.

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What they’re saying

“With Emeril's Chop House, we are excited to create a restaurant that delivers the very best — exceptional steaks, the freshest seafood, signature dishes you won't find anywhere else, and handcrafted cocktails that complete the dining experience. It's about the best quality ingredients, bold flavors, and that unmistakable Louisiana hospitality that makes every meal feel like an occasion.”

— Emeril Lagasse (weeklycitizen.com)

“Emeril is synonymous with Louisiana cuisine, and bringing his signature flair to our Baton Rouge property creates another exciting attraction that levels up the fun for our guests. We're thrilled to work with Emeril and his talented team to refresh our steakhouse, which elevates our dining options and furthers our standing as one of the premier entertainment destinations in the region.”

— Jeremy Fontenot, Vice President and General Manager, L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge (weeklycitizen.com)

What’s next

Emeril's Chop House is expected to open at L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge later this year, replacing the existing 18 Steak restaurant.

The takeaway

Emeril Lagasse's decision to open a new signature steakhouse in Baton Rouge underscores the growing culinary reputation of the city and the continued expansion of Louisiana's dining scene, which has attracted increasing attention in recent years.