The Bayou Kitchen & Lounge

My partner and I went to the Bayou with a group of friends for dinner on a Sunday evening. The service was great and the food was delicious! My partner and I both had the jambalaya. It was seasoned well and a little spicy which I appreciated. He also had the okra and said it was delicious. We also both had drinks which came with an extra shot which I found interesting. If you're looking for creole food, I'd recommend checking this place out!

I'm sad to report this place overall is just terrible! 1. Went to order 2 things located on their menu and they told me they no longer have them and they are discontinued. You could have printed pretty inexpensive updated menus. That's sloppy and disappointing 2. Air conditioning did not work. They said they are working on it 3. Lobster mac and cheese was very expensive but had 3 bites of lobster in. Lots of shrimp but not lobster. Also was dry, asked for a side of sauce and was told it's not offered for the Mac. Paid my bill and left. Server was nice

SERVICE: 5FOOD QUALITY: 5DRINK QUALITY: 5ORDER TIME: 5AESTHETICS: 5NOISE LEVEL: 5MENU SELECTION: 5OVERALL EXPERIENCE: 5This review took a little longer than expected, but it had to be proper. This restaurant is right down the road from us and naturally we had to go because we love southern food. Flying to New Orleans gets expensive just to satisfy a craving. First impression when we walked in was delightful. It had an upscale New Orleans ambiance, smiling faces, and wonderful smells coming from the kitchen. Was a toned down Tibby's with a touch of class. The hostess was so polite and asked us where we would like to sit. We chose our usual and sat at the bar. For dinner we wanted everything so we ordered quite a few dishes to taste everything and then take it home. Everything was authentic and perfect. The red beans and rice were my favorite. Quite possibly the best red beans and rice I've ever had. The beignets were perfect, the cheese dip was out of this world, and the chicken n waffles sealed the deal. Perfectly cooked quality chicken, with fluffy waffles. The drinks were mixed well and they even have beer from New Orleans, which is delicious. After dinner the owner came over to say hi, and tell us a little about the restaurant. He moved here from New Orleans which was obvious that he had some creole blood in him from eating the food. Hands down our go to restaurant, from now on, which is nice because it's so close to home. Overall, a MUST go. If you think Tibby's is good then this place will blow your mind! They can be quite busy so call ahead if you're looking to go on a weekend at dinner time.

As soon as you walk in, the decor will send you straight into NOLA! You're usually seated straight away and if you're a regular, you'll get a hug! Love my hugs by the way, if you ever meet me, you're getting a hug! The food is full of flavor, that's why I keep coming back! Haha!Come in and sit a spell! You'll love it here!

The staff are attentive and very friendly! I sat at the bar. I ordered blackened shrimp and grits....best I've ever eaten! Loved the staff and the food!How long before you're in Tampa? Asking for a friend!

I can't believe it has taken me so long to leave a review here! This is hands down the best New Orleans kitchen in the Orlando area. From the moment you walk in you're taken to Nola! From the sounds off jazz and bounce music to the delicious food smells floating through the air. I have tried almost everything on this menu and nothing has been a mess. I love coming in for brunch and seeing what chef k's special is because I'm ordering it without hesitation. The staff is so friendly here and always offering suggestions. My favorites are the buck jump shrimp, the gumbo, the lobster mac & cheese, and Cajun fried rice. In true New Orleans fashions the drinks are done right. I'm not even a Saints fan, but I love coming here on game day because they make sure everyone is having a good time. If you haven't tried this place yet add it to your list immediately you won't be disappointed.

Authentic chargrilled oysters, gumbo, red beans and rice, jambalaya, the list goes on...New Orleans style and good! The beignets are better than Cafe Du Monde...iykyk! Bar is on point with delicious concoctions and specials! The spot is very nice and they play authentic bounce and jazz and other music from the culture of the crescent city! Ive been there for an event as well as for their specials they have most nights and its a nice space and even have outside seating with big screens outside as well. Definitely makes me fiend for a trip back to NOLA but does the trick while Im in between visits.

I went to lunch here with my bf and his mom. It has been on my list to try for a while. The inside is a casual ambience, a bit on the smaller side. It was busy when we arrived, but we were given menus to review and were seated after a short wait. Service was a bit slow, but makes sense since they were so busy and gave us time to relax and talk. Our server was friendly and checked on us regularly to top off drinks and make sure we had what we needed. I ordered the jambalaya, my bf ordered the Bayou Float which allows a pick of three items; he chose gator tail, buck jump shrimp, and red beans and rice. His mom ordered a catfish poboy and upgraded to fries instead of chips. All of the food was delicious. The jambalaya was full of flavor with a large portion packed with shrimp, crawfish, sausage, chicken, and tasso. I tasted a piece of gator, which was some of the best I've tried. It was super tender. The shrimp were well prepared, but needed the sauce to add extra flavor. The red beans and rice were delish. His mom enjoyed her poboy and I tried a fry which was crisp and tasty. My only complaint is some things on the menu aren't up to date. I asked for unsweetened tea which appeared on the menu, but was told they don't have it. The jambalaya description said it could be over rice or pasta, but pasta was not an option. It was still a great experience with great food that seemed to be made with a lot of care and love, so I'll be back for sure!

I have been there for lunch and dinner. food is excellent. The shrimp and grits is a delicious meal. Service was excellent. I would highly recommend.

The food, the atmosphere, the service was amazing! Definitely coming back again. I got the Cajun Fried Rice With Lobster and Shrimp and my partner got the jambalaya. 10/10