Savor the Spices: Exploring Cajun Food in Cincinnati

Laura Williams

Photo by Sidney Pearce on Unsplash
Cajun cuisine is a unique blend of French, African, and Native American influences that originated in Louisiana. It is known for its bold flavors, spicy seasonings, and hearty ingredients. While Cincinnati may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of Cajun food, the city has a surprising number of restaurants that serve up delicious and authentic dishes.

 

Cajun cuisine is often grouped together with Creole and Southern cuisine, as they all share similar roots and ingredients. Creole cuisine, also from Louisiana, is a fusion of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences and tends to be more refined and elegant than Cajun cuisine. Southern cuisine, on the other hand, is a broader category that encompasses dishes from all over the southern United States and includes classics like fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and collard greens.

 

If you’re a fan of spicy, flavorful food, then you’re in for a treat when you try Cajun food in Cincinnati. From gumbo and jambalaya to po’ boys and crawfish étouffée, there are plenty of dishes to choose from that will transport you straight to the bayou. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch spot or a romantic dinner destination, there are plenty of restaurants in Cincinnati that serve up delicious Cajun cuisine. So grab a cold beer or a hurricane cocktail and get ready to experience the bold flavors of the South right here in the Queen City.

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=645044394328929&set=a.601786965321339">Photo Source</a>
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen – Photo Source
11975 Northwest Blvd Springdale
(513) 671-4473
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen Menu
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is a must-visit restaurant for seafood lovers. The menu offers a wide variety of seafood dishes that are cooked to perfection. The seafood spinach dip, alligator, seafood pasta, and rainbow trout are some of the dishes that are highly recommended. The lobster claw is huge and comes out ready to eat. The gator bites are perfection and the shrimp and grits are a must-try. Vegetarian options are also available on the menu.
The customer service is exceptional, with attentive and friendly servers who go above and beyond to make your dining experience memorable. The ambiance is beautiful and perfect for special occasions. The complimentary strawberry cheesecake is a sweet touch for celebrating birthdays. The only downside is that the food may take a little longer to arrive during peak hours, but it’s worth the wait. Overall, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is a splendid restaurant that offers delicious food, great service, and a beautiful atmosphere.

Swampwater Grill

Swampwater Grill - <a href="https://swampwatergrill.com/">Photo Source</a>
Swampwater Grill – Photo Source

3742 Kellogg Ave Cincinnati
(513) 834-7067
Swampwater Grill Menu

Swampwater Grill is a must-visit restaurant in Cincinnati! The decor and antique mall attached to the restaurant make you feel like you’re on vacation. The service is prompt and attentive, and the food is top-notch. The menu has a large selection of dishes that you don’t normally see around here. The Tomahawk shrimp porkchop with swamp sauce is one of the best dishes you’ll ever have in your life. The ribs are tender and well-seasoned with a nice BBQ sauce, and the Sweetheart Ribs deal is fantastic with 4 sides to share.

The smoked jalapeno poppers are a must-try, and the shrimp and grits are cooked perfectly. The drinks are strong, and the flavors are bold. If you need more bold, go back to the “Hot Sauce Wall” to find some hidden gems to spice it up. The prices are reasonable for the amount of food you get, and you will leave full and satisfied. The cloth dividers between booths provide a bit more privacy, and the staff is friendly. Even if you’re an hour away, it’s worth the trip to come here once a month.

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BrewRiver Creole Kitchen

BrewRiver Creole Kitchen - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=578221454396318&set=pb.100066254062838.-2207520000.">Photo Source</a>
BrewRiver Creole Kitchen – Photo Source

4632 Eastern Ave Cincinnati
(513) 861-2484
BrewRiver Creole Kitchen Menu

BrewRiver Creole Kitchen is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for a great atmosphere, delicious food, and excellent service. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with live music daily that adds to the ambiance without being too loud. The portions are generous, and the food is made from scratch using locally sourced products, which you can taste in every bite.

The menu has a great selection of Creole favorites, and the healthy options are hard to find. The Jambalaya and Pasta Monica are must-try dishes, and the weekly special with salmon is incredible. The cocktails are delicious, but they can be a bit pricy.

The service is top-notch, with knowledgeable and friendly staff who give great advice on the menu. Even when the restaurant is busy, the staff still manages to provide excellent service.

While there are some negative reviews, the food is the star of the show at BrewRiver Creole Kitchen. The poutine, shrimp & grits, and pasta Monica are all amazing dishes that will knock your socks off. Even if the atmosphere isn’t perfect, the food is worth the visit.

Overall, BrewRiver Creole Kitchen is a fantastic restaurant that you should definitely check out. The food is delicious, the service is excellent, and the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends, BrewRiver Creole Kitchen is the perfect spot.

 

Knotty Pine On the Bayou

Knotty Pine On the Bayou - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=635979091905833&set=pb.100064812425737.-2207520000.">Photo Source</a>
Knotty Pine On the Bayou – Photo Source

6302 Licking Pike Cold Spring
(859) 781-2200
Knotty Pine On the Bayou Menu

Knotty Pine On the Bayou is a hidden gem that offers a unique and pleasant environment for its customers. The menu is filled with a variety of dishes that are sure to satisfy any craving. From the pan-seared sea bass to the Cajun sampler, the food is cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. The appetizers are a must-try, especially the frog legs, alligator bites, and stuffed jalapenos. The sautéed shrimp and crab cake appetizer are also highly recommended.

The service is exceptional, with knowledgeable and kind staff who offer excellent recommendations. The bartenders are also fantastic, making some mean Voodoo Rum punch drinks. The atmosphere is casual, relaxed, and pleasant, making it the perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends. Even though some negative reviews mention the absence of happy hour prices and a mix-up with an order, the overall experience is still worth it. The Knotty Pine On the Bayou is a must-visit restaurant that will leave you wanting more.

 

Allyn’s Cafe

Allyn’s Cafe - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=531197689013302&set=pb.100063692257423.-2207520000.&type=3">Photo Source</a>
Allyn’s Cafe – Photo Source

3538 Columbia Pkwy Cincinnati
(513) 871-5779
Allyn’s Cafe Menu

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Allyn’s Cafe is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique twist on bar food. The Cajun-inspired dishes are a standout, with the gator bites being a must-try. Even the standard fried fare like mozzarella sticks are elevated with their flavorful take. The drinks are also top-notch and the service is great.

The cozy atmosphere is perfect for a fun night out with friends. And for those with dietary restrictions, there are plenty of options, including vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. While there may have been a negative review, it’s important to note that everyone has different tastes and experiences. Don’t let one bad review deter you from trying out Allyn’s Cafe for yourself.

 

Million’s Crab Boiled Seafood

Million’s Crab Boiled Seafood - <a href="https://millionscrab.com/">Photo Source</a>
Million’s Crab Boiled Seafood – Photo Source

7866 Tylersville Square Dr West Chester
(513) 644-9038
Million’s Crab Boiled Seafood Menu

Million’s Crab Boiled Seafood is a must-visit restaurant for seafood lovers. The restaurant may not have the most impressive exterior, but once you step inside, you’ll be greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The menu is filled with delicious seafood options that will leave you wanting more. The Mac and Cheese is a standout dish that is a must-try. The chicken fingers are also a great option for those who want something different. The seafood bags may not have a lot of food, but the taste is worth the price. The restaurant is also kid-friendly, making it a great place for families to enjoy a meal together.

The customer service at Million’s Crab Boiled Seafood is exceptional. The waitstaff, especially Georgia, go above and beyond to make sure that your dining experience is exceptional. Georgia is knowledgeable about the menu and is always willing to help you choose the perfect sauce for your seafood. The drinks are also amazing and are a great complement to the food.

While there may be some negative reviews, it’s important to note that the restaurant is constantly improving. The crayfish may not have been up to par in one review, but the other dishes are definitely worth trying. The restaurant is also accommodating to children of all ages, making it a great place for families to enjoy a meal together.

Overall, Million’s Crab Boiled Seafood is a great restaurant that is worth visiting. The food is delicious, the drinks are amazing, and the customer service is exceptional. Don’t let the exterior fool you, the interior is where the magic happens.

 

Crafty Crab Kenwood

Crafty Crab Kenwood - <a href="https://www.craftycrabrestaurant.com/menus/">Photo Source</a>
Crafty Crab Kenwood – Photo Source

7677 Montgomery Rd Cincinnati
(513) 407-8500
Crafty Crab Kenwood Menu

Crafty Crab Kenwood, a seafood restaurant, boasts a menu filled with a broad spectrum of seafood boils and other delectable dishes. The seafood boil, in particular, is a standout item, consistently prepared to perfection and served promptly by an amiable team. Many patrons also vouch for the value for money, citing the satisfactory quality and fair pricing of their meals.

On the other hand, it’s worth noting that there have been instances where patrons were inconvenienced due to the restaurant’s tardy opening hours and occasional issues with delivery trucks blocking parking spaces. Despite such challenges, the level of service seems to generally remain commendable, with some customers voluntarily tipping over 25% even after encountering delays.

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There have also been a few hiccups with the catfish meal, specifically during the early opening hours. This might have been an isolated event and it’s possible that the restaurant had not yet completed its morning cleaning routines. Despite these few challenges, Crafty Crab Kenwood continues to attract seafood lovers, offering an enjoyable seafood boil experience and an array of other seafood delights.

 

Dee Felice Cafe

Dee Felice Cafe - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Dee-Felice-Cafe/100057407231743/">Photo Source</a>
Dee Felice Cafe – Photo Source

529 Main St Covington
(859) 261-2365
Dee Felice Cafe Menu

Dee Felice Cafe is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for a unique dining experience. The menu is fantastic, and the dishes are cooked to perfection. The fried gator is a must-try, and it’s definitely the best part of the experience. The shrimp Po boy is also a great choice, and the spicy yogurt sauce is a perfect complement to the dish. The red beans and rice are also worth trying, although they could use a bit more flavor. The live music is exceptional, and it adds to the overall ambiance of the restaurant. The service is great, and the staff is very attentive.

Although there were a few negative reviews, the restaurant is still worth visiting. The ladies’ room could use some improvement, and the service could be better, but the food is definitely worth it. The dessert options are fantastic, and the menu is diverse. Overall, Dee Felice Cafe is a great restaurant, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a unique dining experience.

 

Conclusion

Crafty Crab Kenwood is a seafood restaurant in Cincinnati that offers a delightful experience for seafood lovers. The seafood boils are the standout items on the menu, cooked to perfection and served promptly by a friendly team. The quality and pricing of the meals are commendable, providing great value for money. Although there seem to have been some challenges with opening hours and occasional parking issues, the overall service remains impressive, with customers willingly giving generous tips. While there have been a few isolated incidents with the catfish meal, the restaurant continues to attract seafood enthusiasts with its enjoyable seafood boil experience and a variety of other delicious seafood dishes. Crafty Crab Kenwood is definitely a place worth visiting for a satisfying seafood feast.

 

In conclusion, Cincinnati may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of Cajun cuisine, but the city offers a surprising number of restaurants that serve up delicious and authentic dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for gumbo, jambalaya, po’ boys, or crawfish étouffée, there are plenty of options to satisfy your Cajun cravings. From Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen to BrewRiver Creole Kitchen and Knotty Pine On the Bayou, each restaurant has its own unique charm and flavors that transport you straight to the bayou.

With bold spices, hearty ingredients, and a warm Southern hospitality, Cincinnati’s Cajun food scene is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So, grab your appetite and get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with the vibrant and mouthwatering flavors of Cajun cuisine right here in the Queen City.

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