Ryan's, Number 2354 of Deridder, Louisiana 70634

The next time you're in Southwest Louisiana, and you're hungry, take my advice and hop on over to the friendly little town of DeRidder, Louisiana (we're a bit northeast of Beaumont, Texas). We have a real treat waiting for you here that we all call Ryan's of DeRidder. Your mouth will thank you. My sweetie and I went there tonight and I found the experience so pleasant that I must share these beautiful people with the world.

Where exactly is Ryan's of DeRidder, LA?
You'll find them at:
735 North Pine Street
Deridder, LA 70634

Call them at:
(337) 462-1122

Why Pick Ryan's of Deridder, Louisiana?
Janet came in from another long day, and I had just finished talking my new boss into letting me go full time, when I'd started the prep work on some home-made stew. She looked tired. Knowing she hadn't felt well these past couple of days, and with a hungry look in both of our eyes, I decided to take her out to eat. She'd already bragged on this place called Ryan's before, so the logical thought was to go with what I know, and go for the all-you-can-eat option.

When Did we visit Ryan's of Deridder, Louisiana?
We arrived in Ryan's on a Monday evening, during a time when the rush wasn't so bad that we'd end up fencing with little old ladies over that last piece of fried chicken, yet with enough other customers around to know someone else liked them too. Seeing the time was around 6 pm I was truly impressed how clean the lot and building were.

This Ryan's experience in Deridder, Louisiana wasn't my first.
I have been to other Ryan's locations back in Arkansas before, so my memories of this company were good, and to no surprise this experience was just as good. Here's how it all went:

We were greeted by the cashier, Shaquinta, who was quick, friendly, and efficient, without seeming rushed. The kid had a beautiful, friendly smile, and her personality was such that you just know you're in a friendly place.

How is Ryan's of Deridder, Louisiana after you pay for the meal?
After picking our seats, and then choosing our chairs, the buffet beckoned to us: "Over here!" I heard it call to me, anyway.

First, to the salad bar we went. The food was fresh, and with plenty of variety, as to please any diner. Not only was every item well-stocked, the staff took the extra care to keep the salad bar clean. You might not know it, but I'm as finicky about my salad bars, as I am picky over clean dishes. These folks deserve a perfect score on both points.

Let me tell you about our server at Ryan's of Deridder, Louisiana
Coming back with the first course, our server Lori, came over with our drinks. She was friendly, professional, thorough, and quick. After finishing my salad (plenty of greens, olives, jalapenos, and who can pass up a little seafood salad?) it was on to the hot-foods table.

Ryan's of Deridder, Louisiana is a carnivore's delight.
As I approached, I met one of the cooks, Dan. I usually make it a habit to ask the staff what's best to start on, when everything looked as good as these dishes did. He gave his honest opinion that he couldn't decide since he liked it all, and somehow the topic changed to the salad bar. Now, you know you're in for some great food when the cook says "I'm the Anti-Vegetarian. If it's not meat, I don't eat." While I might not agree with his dietary choices, and it's none of my business after all, I was left with no doubt I was in for a carnivore's delight.

What else is good at Ryan's of Deridder, Louisiana?
Fish? Perfect! Fried chicken? Perfect! Steak? As tender, as it was juicy, as it was spiced oh so right! Add onto that a spoon of greens, mashed potatoes, gravy, macaroni & cheese, and ooh-la-la you got yourself a meal! On my way back, I met the Manager-on Duty - Eugene - and told him it was my first visit. "I want you to know...this place smells like heaven," brought a grateful smile to his friendly face. Something told me he'd been working a long, tiring day, but he wasn't about to let on to a customer. His reply of "We really appreciate that," and not "I really appreciate that," told me this is a man who knows how to perform the whole restaurant experience, and not just the bare minimum. He's a true professional.

Make room for dessert at Ryan's of Deridder, Louisiana
After this delicious meal, it was time for dessert. Looking over the choices, what else is there but, that incredible coconut creme pie? I might not have had room for much else, but Tonia had done such a fine job, as to guarantee that I'd be getting on the outside of one of those slices real quick.

The overall, point-by-point assessment, of Ryan's of Deridder, Louisiana
On all of the points of a restaurant experience, I'll rate these folks with the following, on a scale of one to five:

Hospitality: 5 (Can I go 6? Really, these folks are a real pleasure to meet)
Food quality: 4 It's not a 5 only because I prefer my steak well done. You might enjoy medium rare.
Service: 5 There was nothing I feel, they wouldn't have done - within reason, to make Janet and I comfortable.
Price/value: 5 Price can't be held against any business. The market is what it is, after all. Ryan's does put forth the effort to make the price worth it, though. I'm not going to tell you what we paid since the prices might change tomorrow for all I know, and I'd sure hate to cause any misunderstandings for folks as friendly as these.

I wanted to also share what I saw posted on the wall of Ryan's here in Deridder, Louisiana. It explained a lot about these beautiful people:

"Words of Wisdom"

Do all the good you can
To all the people you can
In all the places you can
In all the ways you can
With all the love and time you have
And pay your vows to the Most High.

I truly believe they mean every single word.

Source:
Personal Experience on June 7th, 2010, in DeRidder, Louisiana