Harold and Belle’s does Vegan Creole Family Style

Harold and Belle’s is the kind of restaurant that’s open even when it’s not. The over 50-year Jefferson Park institution had to cut down on its daytime hours and fast-track a to-go window during the pandemic, but that doesn’t stop customers from knocking on the door to get a peek inside the iconic dining room anyway. Third-generation owners, couple Ryan and Jessica Legaux, recognize their responsibility to the community of South Los Angeles. They are honored to be the home of generations of events and memories. Harold and Belle’s Vegan Creole menu is just one way the couple is taking this 1969 treasure into the 21st century.

Tradition with a Twist

The first dishes served by the Legaux family in 1969 were Po-Boy Sandwiches, Red Beans and Rice and Filé Gumbo (served on Fridays). The dishes that Jessica and Ryan have chosen to veganize include two of those quintessential plates, and a few others added to the menu in the decades that followed. Jessica herself made the switch to an all-Vegan diet in 2015 and is the source of inspiration for the shift in thinking in the kitchen. While there was some pushback from some of the “regulars,” a forward-thinking menu is what this family restaurant has always been about.

What’s New on the Menu?

Harold and Belle’s Vegan Creole menu includes highlights like a Vegetarian Okra Gumbo, a Roasted Veggie or Oyster Mushroom Po’Boy, and a Vegan Jambalaya.

The texture of the Oyster Mushroom Po’Boy perfectly mimics what you find in the original New Orleans classic, thanks to the choice of mushrooms and the signature Harold and Belle’s seasoning.

Next, you must have the Red Beans and Rice, which is made without the pork bones but lacks none of the flavor.

What to try that’s not Vegan

Suppose you’re not sticking to solely vegan. In that case, some of the owners’ favorites include the Filé Gumbo with shrimp, sausage, sassafras, and ham, as well as a traditional Shrimp and Crawfish Étouffée that can only be found here.

How about that Happy Hour?

The bar area is actually the original restaurant space from generations ago, so it’s only fitting that they have a pretty epic Happy Hour menu as an homage to the early days. From 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays, you can enjoy a Gumbo and Hops pairing for just $14 (Vegan or Regular) as well as $9 Poutine Fries and Drink Specials for $8 and under.

You’ll also find live music on Fridays starting at 7 p.m.

When to Visit

Visit Harold & Belle’s daily from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dine-in on weekdays and as early as 11:30 a.m. on weekends. Takeout is available from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the “To-Geaux” window. Lastly, the bar is open for Happy Hour Monday to Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and is open daily from 4 to 9 p.m. The restaurant is located at 2920 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018.