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 to eat and 🍸

We had the most amazing cocktails and meal tonight at White Lightnin'! Best blackened fish I have ever had.

The management and service was beyond accommodating! If you have big parties of 5 or more reservations are definitely recommended. The NY strip was phenomenal. Great seasoning. You want top notch cocktails this is the place to visit in town.

Great atmosphere and the best craft cocktails. Haven’t been disappointed yet!

Service was great! Options for food and drink were wonderful. Friendliness was akin to being with family. The only downside was there really aren't any plant based options other than the sides. I'd love to go more often but they really need some healthy vegetarian/vegan protein dishes. Healthy smoked wild rice and red beans would fit nicely on their menu eh? Sausage on the side (veggie or real) would be amazingly low cost and easy too ;)

Excellent food and service! I ordered the pork chop and it was grilled perfectly and my partner had the red fish Louisiana style and it was also very good! We’ve only lived in Ruston a short time but so far, this was definitely the best meal we’ve had here. Can’t wait to go back!

The seafood dishes were absolutely outstanding - every single dish was expertly prepared and bursting with flavor. The redfish was particularly delicious and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for an incredible seafood experience. The service was also top-notch. The staff were friendly, attentive and went above and beyond to make sure our experience was perfect. The atmosphere was also great. Overall, I would give White Lightning’ a solid 5 stars. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an excellent seafood meal and great cocktails. I can't wait to go back again soon!

Food's good. Waitress was rude after our table ordered waters and only got apps, except a few people who got burgers. I assume she was rude because we were getting cheap things.

Very disappointed. Paid $8 for a sliver of a salad and $12 for pork rinds that were nothing special and watched numerous people get served, eat and leave as we sat there waiting. We ended up talking to the manager and leaving after waiting 45 minutes to get our food. We are from a much bigger city with more choices and competition. Perhaps that is why this place is rated well but don’t bother unless you are ok with paying gourmet prices for mediocre food and service.

White lightning is hands down the best restaurant in Ruston. Great atmosphere, amazing food, and nice decor. It’s among top 5 restaurants I have gone to, and I have gone to many restaurants in big cities. %110 percent recommend it. White lightening is not Ruston good, it’s NYC good.

Great folks that own this place. It was pretty loud and crowded but to be expected. BBQ shrimp and Grits...no. oif you order Parmesan Truffle Fries, ask for more parmesan and garlic powder so you can dress it up to your liking. Ours were more like regular French fries. BUT his cheeseburger was good!

I tried the shrimp beignets, but unfortunately, they lacked flavor. I had to use hot sauce and salt to enhance the taste. The burger lacked seasoning, and the caramelized onions were minimal. The maple bread pudding was underwhelming in both texture and flavor. On a positive note, the service was excellent.

This is the first time that I've ever left a review. The food was so good that I felt that I owe it to the lovely people of Ruston to inform them of this awesome restaurant. I had the porkchop w/potatoes. It was AWESOME. My friend had the Blackened Gulf Fish (Redfish) and raved about it. I can't wait until I come home from Maine again. I will eat here again. 5 stars

This is our favorite date night or any night we don't want to cook place to go ! Everything on the menu is exceptional and the cocktails are always amazing. Tonight we had the special, Duck Confit over rice grits. Very light, so tender, and definitely a favorite now.

I dropped in for cocktails and appetizers with a couple of co-workers this evening. Absolutely fantastic! The Bloody Mary is one of my favorites with just enough spice for a little kick that goes down smooth. The bread and fancy butters were a nice treat, but the Parmesan truffle fries with malt vinegar aioli are life changing! As a person with serious vision issues, it is a little darker inside than I'd like, but I get the vibe and I do like the decor. The apps and drinks are reasonably priced for a more trendy sort of place, and the service is phenomenal. I can't wait to have my first proper meal here, but if you only have time for something quick, the truffle fries and malt vinegar aioli are divine.

10/5 - Wonderful atmosphere and attention to detail. As a frequent customer, I’m torn between the filet with mushroom cream sauce, the blackened red fish, and the roast beef debris poboy for entrees. The bar specialty is well-balanced cocktails and an insane whiskey selection that I haven’t seen outside of a very big city. There are constant specials running for food and drink which encourages lots of repeat business if you’re a local. The live music of Saturdays and Fridays adds even more warmth and intimacy to a cozy space!

We had the sweetest waitress ever! My friend had the burger and I had the red fish. Absolutely amazing! The dark chocolate bread pudding with a scoop of icecream almost brought tears to my eyes- perfection. Entire experience was 10/10 and we will definitely be back!

Happened to stop by while driving through the state. Didn’t realize what “white lightening” stood for, so I didn’t check out their cocktails. However, the staff service and food were fantastic. Had their burger, ahi tuna, and banana pudding, and it did not disappoint. Would definitely recommend stopping here for food.

White lightning is hands-down, the best place to eat in Ruston La. Great atmosphere, polite staff, fantastic food, and top notch drinks! This New Orleans chef has brought southern flavor to North Louisiana! My fiancé and I have not had one item on the menu that was not absolutely delicious!!! 10/10 recommend

Great experience. Caesar salad is as good as any you’ll eat. I had the strip; menu says salt and pepper seasoned, but it’s actually Cajun seasoned. That said, it was very good. Smoked salmon appetizer was also very good. Bananas foster dessert was good, but without the “show” which was why we ordered it. Recommend.

Delicious cocktail drinks Highly recommended the redfish. And tuna was delicious with gerger on the side. And make sure ask how the doness you would like! Excellent Service!!! The server was exceptional. And of course the Management. Experienced is fine dining and Bar Restaurant. Shout out to Rebecca!!!

Easily the best food I've had in Ruston. Great cocktails, and the tuna special was one of the best tuna dishes I've ever had. I highly recommend White Lightning if you're looking for a great dinner experience.

Brilliant. Wonderful food and atmosphere only to be out done by the AMAZING cocktails and Whiskey selection at great prices(Best in Ruston hands down). If you are a Bourbon or Whiskey love or just love expertly made craft cocktails this is the place for you. Big shout out to Eric. Well Done!

Wow, wow and wow! Great food and better vibes! There is no other word to describe it.Great bar staff, atmosphere and restaurant as a whole is a great time one of the best restaurants I’ve been in Ruston. Service was excellent! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tried 4-5 things that I’ve never tried in my life here and each one was better than the last!! Everything from this place is AMAZING! Great service, incredible food, warm atmosphere & a wonderful staff / owner.

Went there after being recommended by locals (we are from out of town) ... it is dark in there, but it didn't cause a problem. The FOOD AND DRINKS WERE AMAZING! THE SMASH BURGER AND NEW YORK STRIP ON POINT! Raspberry Mojito- perfection. Flavors were perfectly combined. 10 out of 10 on food and drinks and service.