Food & Drink· 1937· Lafayette Parish

Johnson's Boucanière

Wallace and Lula Johnson opened Johnson's Boucanière on St. John Street in Lafayette in 1937. The claim that this is the first place Cajun smoked sausage was sold commercially is old enough that nobody disputes it anymore. Their granddaughter Lori Johnson runs it today — three generations of the same family. The boudin here is loosely packed, heavily seasoned, with smoke-threaded rice — distinct from the tighter, wetter versions common elsewhere. The cracklins sell out before noon most days. Cash preferred. Arrive early for cracklins.

Quick facts

·Claimed as the first place Cajun smoked sausage was sold commercially — old enough that nobody disputes it anymore.
·Opened in 1937 by Wallace and Lula Johnson on St. John Street in Lafayette.
·Granddaughter Lori Johnson runs it today — three generations of the same family.
·Boudin is loosely packed, heavily seasoned, with smoke-threaded rice — distinct from the tighter, wetter versions common elsewhere.
·Cracklins sell out before noon most days.
·St. John Street, Lafayette. Cash preferred. Arrive early for cracklins.