The Yummiest Cajun/Creole in Chicago

Lowcountry Lakeview

★★★★★ 4.5 (717) • $$$

"I ordered two 1 pound shrimp combo bags. One bag had their "everythang" sauce with heat level 1. The other bag had Cajun with heat level 2. They honestly both tasted the same two me. Couldn't tell the difference. Most importantly, it was delicious. The heat level was just right as well as the sauce. The sauce also made the corn and the potatoes taste delicious. I hate peeling shrimp. Especially when all the sauce comes off the shrimp when you're done peeling it. So I peeled all my shrimp first, threw it back in the bag and shook it up to make sure all my shrimp was coated in the sauce before it went it my mouth. Absolutely delicious. I ordered online and this is the best service I have ever received with an online order. They text you, call you to confirm your order and call you when your order is complete. Will definitely be returning."

Bluegrass

★★★★★ 4.5 (568) • $$

"This is an excellent restaurant I'd love to revisit over and over! It's 4 stars, not 5, now because the service is bordering on frustrating. That isn't to say it's anything but polite, but it is anything but timely. This restaurant has been around for awhile; they should be aware that the outdoor seating section's most remote part, with a lovely pergola shading it, is still part of the restaurant and should be visited for check ins. It took 20-25 minutes just for someone to come take our drink orders. Even in a huge restaurant (footprint wise), this would be pushing it. We had moments where my friend, who was facing more of the restaurant, would try to politely flag down our waiter (or anyone), but they would all walk right past us without any acknowledgement. We were not difficult customers in the slightest, not requesting anything odd, and giving nothing less than thank you's and smiles. 0:)Even so, the food continues to be impressive. Their menu gets different refreshes and additions, which is very cool (and a contrast with their dated interior). The jambalaya is worth ordering, whether you choose seafood or (for lack of a better term) regular. The gumbo is on the thinner side but NOT bland in any way. My friend liked her rosemary chicken sandwich. You can't go wrong with the menu, and there are many options, but not so many that it's Cheesecake Factory levels of "where are they keeping all of these seldom-used ingredients?" I just wish the service could be less frustrating, but that is something that I'm sure can change for the better!"

Lowcountry South Loop

★★★★☆ 3.9 (447) • $$

"In my experience, a low country boil includes seafood, sausage, egg, potatoes and corn. But at this restaurant, if you want sausage or egg, you have to pay extra. I already paid over $50! Really?"

Madison Crab House

★★★★☆ 3.9 (228) • $$

"My go-to order for 2 is a pound of the head-on shrimp medium with mad sauce, a side of rice and corn, and fried shrimp (comes with fries). Since this was a special occasion we also got garlic bread and Mad wings. We got this for takeout and the food was delicious eaten 20 mins after picking up.The star of the show is of course, the shrimp. I grew up eating shrimp so I prefer it with the head-on for extra flavor. The corn comes in small slices and is thrown in the bag of shrimp so it soaks up the delicious sauce. If you don't know what sauce to get, try the Mad Sauce. The Mad wings comes with 6 pieces and were surprisingly super juicy and had great seasoning. They were larger, juicier and more tender than the equivalent from Wingstop, and includes Ranch dipping sauce. For lack of better phrasing, the garlic bread was perfectly garlicky and buttery. Rice is perfect to soak up all the extra sauce from the shrimp. I usually like to spoon sauce from the bag directly over my rice. The food goes well with a squeeze of lemon to cut through all the butter. When you order the shrimp, they give you a bib and gloves so you don't have to get your hands or shirt dirty, even for takeout orders (how considerate!) You'll have to peel the shells off the shrimp, but this bit of work is so worth it because it allows the shrimp to soak up all the seasoning.Fun fact: I learned recently from Netflix's Ugly Delicious that this style of food is actually Vietnamese/Cajun fusion. Apparently the traditional Cajun seasoning doesn't include garlic or butter. This reminds me of the Boiling Crab and Kicking Crab chains from California. Do yourself a favor and pick up some shrimp from Mad Boiler, and set aside some extra time for a food coma nap afterwards!"

Junebug Café

★★★★★ 4.8 (95)

"I was looking for some late afternoon coffee on my way home from work and figured it would be a good place to check out. I've had their other location bookmarked for months. Great to have one on the Northwest side that is a little closer to my place. I ordered coffee, a meat pie, and potato salad to go. The coffee was good. The meat in the meat pie was seasoned well. I would order the coffee and meat pie again. The potato salad wasn't bad, but not a must have for me. I look forward to trying other food items in the future."

Daisy's Po' Boy and Tavern

★★★★☆ 3.9 (129)

"I saw Daisy's Po' Boy and Tavern on Tik Tok and I had to try it because I love me some New Orleans style food. Me and the mister decided that we would make it a day date. We arrived and was asked if we would like a seat at the bar or a table we decided to sit at the bar. We were greeted by the bartender and asked if we would like anything to drink and we ordered a soda and it was just a can soda didn't know that. We ordered the Catfish Plate which came with Fries and a Biscuit, Fried Shrimp Po Boy with Mayo and Lettuce, Roast Beef Po Boy with Mayo, Barbeque Gulf Shrimp Po Boy, Hot Honey Chicken Sliders and King Cake.I asked for Mayo only on the Roast Beef and Received it with everything on it. They did redo it. The Shrimp Po Boy was amazing. I did end up taking the Roast Beef Po Boy home as they had to redo it. The Catfish was seasoned to perfection. The mister enjoyed his Sandwich and sliders. The King cake was okay but I had better.Overall I would definitely try there again."

Junebug Cafe

★★★★★ 4.5 (81)

"We only came for their beignets but will definitely be returning to try their Po boys, gumbo and Muffeletta. The girl the took our order was very inviting and very quiet. A nice smile and a good morning is really all that's necessary, but received neither. The inside is small, and the decor is simple with a few Mardi Gras type decorations. In my opinion, if you're going to go for New Orleans route, you have to go all out party type theme, too get that authentic Mardi Gras feel. It's honestly not that big of a deal but just something I noticed. We arrived early on a Sunday with no one dining in. I wonder if it's gets just after lunch time. The beignets are fairly prices at 2 for $5, and were pretty tasty. You get these perfect rectangular and dense beignets. I prefer mine if a little bit more airy but these were still pretty delicious. I will definitely be trying soon to get some more."

Buffet City/Cajun Seafood Boil

★★★☆☆ 2.6 (71) • $$

"Their food was mediocre. No crawfish, or crab. Shrimp was tasty, but a little tough. The drink bar is self serve, which is fine.Busy, but not crowded. Staff was friendly. Place was clean, and inside temperature was appropriate for the outside temp.Bathrooms has graffiti all over it. Not their fault"

Chicago Food on the Run

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (39)

"I recently came up with a "I Can't Stop Talking About How Good They Are" list. Food On The Run is now on the list. In my usual fashion, I arrived at the restaurant just as they were opening. Ordered lemon pepper salmon with sides of collards, candied yams, and macaroni and cheese.I have gone to enough Northern soul food restaurants to not have high expectations. Food On the Run blew my mind. The salmon was tasty and juicy without being undercooked. The collards actually had flavor; Lord knows that a lot of restaurants get that wrong. The macaroni and cheese was of the variety that you bring to family dinner with bragging rights. And the candied yams only needed crust. For takeaway, I had a slice of sweet potato pie that was real deal goody-goody.Because I got to the restaurant as early as I did, the dining area wasn't quite ready to receive seatings. However, they made a quick adjustment and I was able to enjoy everything right from the kitchen.I don't know what magic ball they have. They kept telling me I'll be back. They weren't lying."

Cajun Boil & Shake

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (39)

"This place was great!A few things to note.1) it has a bar type feel and they play their music loud. This is a feature, not a bug, and if you are offended by loud rap music this is just not the place for you.2) mixed drinks are strong. Again, feature not a bug. If you don't like strong mixed drinks stick to beer.3) food is a bit slow to come out. Most seafood boil places are, so it must be something about how long it takes to cook.Now, getting that out the way, the place is great. The workers are very friendly and attentive, the food delivers, and has spice levels appropriate to everyone. Wife went medium and I went fire, and medium was perfectly savory and fire definitely delivered the heat.It's got a fun vibe, it's casual enough while still giving you. Good time. Definitely recommend."