Blue Bayou: User Reviews

Underwhelming at best
By merevaudevillian from Budlong Woods, January 26, 2009

Overall rating:

The service was extremely fast on a Saturday night, which was a pleasant surprise. Unfortunately, the waitress failed to remove the mayonnaise from the green tomato wrap that my wife specifically requested, and the flavor of the wrap was hidden beneath gobs of mayo. My jambalaya was adequate--the chicken and sausage were not nearly as tender or moist as I've had at more authentic places, and the spices were more "hot" than "flavorful." Most disappointing was the dessert. I ordered a pecan pie, and my wife ordered a peach cobbler. While the cobbler was fine, as was the pie (nothing spectacular), the pie was accompanied by two dollops of Reddi-Whip. Frustrating for two reasons: I didn't pay $5 for a slice of pay with a side of canned whipped cream, and homemade whipped cream is so extremely simple to make and tastes so much better. An underwhelming experience.

Not Even Close to Cajun
By chicagowoman from Lincoln Park, October 21, 2008

Overall rating:

I'm from the South, and I can tell you that the only thing cajun about this place is the sign out front. They have MAYBE two real cajun dishes,with burgers, steaks, and other common American food. If you're lookin' for cajun or creole... keep lookin'

We've eaten there several times...
By L Kreh from Chicago, IL, February 10, 2007

Overall rating:

We've eaten there several times since it opened. The food is always good, but the menu has been pared down to the point where it's more American bar food that Louisiana creole. If there was a "0" selection for service, it would be well-earned. The service is consistently poor, which is odd b/c Michael Cullen's other self-named restaurant right across has good service. Maybe Cullen should spend more time supervising his wait staff at Blue Bayou.

I've been there 3 times...
By Kristy from Lakeview, IL, December 27, 2006

Overall rating:

I've been there 3 times and each time the food was great. However, they have cut down their menu so there aren't as many selections. The food available is always fresh, large portions, and quickly prepared and served. The servers are always friendly and attentative. I recommend it.

Blue Bayou is more of...
By Kevin from Chicago, IL, August 15, 2006

Overall rating:

Blue Bayou is more of bar than a authentic Cajun restaurant. The service was very slow, the wait for our food was long and it came burnt. I was very disappointed with my experience.

As the last review suggests,...
By K from Chicago, IL, June 2, 2006

Overall rating:

As the last review suggests, do not come here if you are looking for an authentic cajun/creole experience. On the other hand, they do a very good burger. Plus, the service is friendly and it is a good value, on the whole. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here (cf. Tango Sur across the street), but you could do a lot worse for a casual meal.

My husband and I tried...
By Tammy from Chicago, IL, May 31, 2006

Overall rating:

My husband and I tried Blue Bayou because we were excited to find a New Orleans-themed place close by. I don't think we'll go back. There was a fairly small selection of Creole/Cajun food. We found a list of pizzas on the menu, which seemed a little strange. They need to focus their menu--either have general bar food, or really do the New Orleans theme.

We both had crabcake-based dishes--I had the dinner, my husband tried the sandwich. The cakes were a little runny inside and the sauce tasted like yellow mustard mixed with mayo. The dinner came with steamed broccoli, which was fresh but had no seasoning whatsoever, and rice pilaf, which was the kind one would get in a bad hotel restaurant dinner--salty and kind of dry. My husband said his sandwich was just okay, the fries weren't crispy, and the gumbo he ordered was just average. Altogether, this place is just average.

I enjoy this place!! The...
By Peaches from Chicago, IL, May 27, 2006

Overall rating:

I enjoy this place!! The music used to be too loud but they toned it down...a whole lot. The Jambalaya is delicious. The party wings are wonderful. The hurricanes are the bomb! My co-workers and I try to experience all of the restaurants on Southport...but we keep coming back to the Blue Bayou.

the best place in the...
By Jenny from chicago, il, May 11, 2006

Overall rating:

the best place in the neighborhood for lunch or dinner. I have been going here for the last two years and I must say the service is very good but the food is even better. I plan to have my birthday party there in august and I know that it will be great!

This is the best place...
By Kate from Chicago, IL, March 15, 2006

Overall rating:

This is the best place for Sunday morning brunch. Try the french toast, it is the best in the city by far!