Located in Lafayette’s southern region, The Cajun Table invites customers to experience the rich tapestry of Cajun and Creole cuisine. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and authentic flavors, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone wanting to discover the culinary culture of south Louisiana.
Starting as a food truck in 2015, the founders began serving classic Cajun dishes mobily, allowing them to share their passion for authentic Louisiana cuisine at local events and festivals. This transportable approach helped them build a loyal following and gain recognition in the community. Due to its popularity, it eventually opened as a restaurant on Ambassador Caffery Parkway in March 2017.
They have an enticing menu that beautifully showcases the rich culinary traditions of Cajun and Creole cuisine with prices ranging from $10 to $28. Starters like cajun nachos, crab cakes and fried alligator set the tone for a flavorful experience. The gumbo, particularly, provides a comforting introduction to the meal.
The entrée selection contains classic dishes with authentic flavors, including the crawfish étouffée and seafood platters. Their po’boys, featuring crispy shrimp and fish, are standout sandwiches that highlight fresh, local ingredients.
My photographer, coworker and I had the pleasure of visiting this fine establishment on Thursday, Sept. 26. As we walked in, we were seated quickly at our table. We decided to order one of the starters, ‘Frickles’ (fried pickles). What sets these fried pickles apart is the blend of spices in the batter. The seasoning not only enhances the pickles’ natural tartness but also adds a hint of heat, elevating the overall flavor.
For our entrées, my photographer and I decided to get the crawfish étouffée while my coworker got the grilled shrimp and bacon wrap. The crawfish étouffée arrived steaming, rich and inviting, served over a bed of fluffy white rice. The sauce was creamy and well-seasoned, showcasing the tender crawfish tails that were perfectly cooked.
Meanwhile, our coworker’s grilled shrimp and bacon wrap was equally impressive. The shrimp were rich and infused with smoky flavors from the bacon, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. Accompanied by fresh greens and a tangy sauce, it was a satisfying and hearty choice that balanced well with the richness of our étouffée.
Looking around the restaurant, the decor is a perfect blend of rustic charm and Louisiana flair, with wooden beams, colorful murals depicting local scenes, and tables adorned with cheerful checkered tablecloths.
After finishing our meals, I decided to interview our waiter, Damon Romero. “I’m a manager, server, bartender and boil house king…I’ve been working here since June of 2021, and I feel that I have played a tremendous part in facilitating the environment we have here…I love all my employees, we’re like a family.”
I also interviewed the “front of house” manager Kyle Monson, a University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduate. “I’ve been here for seven years, since they opened. My favorite part about working here is that it’s local aka Mom and Pop, we get our recipes from our grandmothers. I love the authenticity of this restaurant, the crowd that it brings and the good food that we are able to give to our city.”
It was not difficult to get these interviews from these wonderful workers. Their commitment to southern hospitality is evident, as they take pride in ensuring every guest has a positive experience.
Many staff members are locals, fostering a sense of community and connection with their customers, often sharing recommendations for local events or attractions.
I was informed by Monson that the owners are fourth generation crawfish farmers. “The owner is out fishing four o’clock in the morning and four o’clock in the afternoon during crawfish season.” I found this to be quite impressive since I do not often hear of the owners catching their own seafood for their restaurant.
Our total was $95.16, which included three drinks, two servings of crawfish étouffée and a grilled shrimp and bacon wrap. Considering that the étouffée came with potato salad and the wrap came with fries, I think that their meals were well priced. The quality of the food is exceptional, which makes the prices so high but I was not surprised by the total.
All in all, I enjoyed my experience at The Cajun Table. The food was delicious and the service was exceptional. My favorite part about this experience was the staff. They were attentive and helpful. If you want authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, they are open Monday- Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
