The Blue Bayou Restaurant & Oyster Bar in New Orleans, Louisiana, offers a vibrant and atmospheric dining experience specializing in local Louisiana and Southern cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood.
What Makes it Unique
The restaurant is known for its distinctive atmosphere, designed to transport guests to a serene bayou setting right on Canal Street.
- Atmosphere: The interior features a captivating bayou ambiance with a large, faux oak tree, Spanish moss, charming lanterns, and sometimes live music, contributing to a lively, “joie de vivre” feeling.
- Oyster Bar: It has a bustling oyster bar where guests can get fresh Louisiana oysters shucked or cooked to order, including their specialty chargrilled oysters.
- Live Music: The inclusion of live music, often featuring classic New Orleans anthems, enhances the overall authentic experience.
Note: There is also a very famous and long-established “Blue Bayou Restaurant” in Disneyland, CA, which is located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. The New Orleans location is a separate establishment.
History
While a detailed long-term history of the Canal Street location is not widely available, it is a relatively new establishment compared to some other New Orleans dining institutions. It has quickly become a prominent seafood spot on Canal Street, aiming to capture the essence of New Orleans dining for both locals and tourists.
Highlight Menu Items
The menu focuses on fresh seafood and classic Cajun and Creole dishes.
- Oysters:
- Blue Bayou Famous Chargrilled Oysters: Fresh shucked oysters chargrilled over an open flame with a zesty Cajun garlic-herb sauce and a blend of Parmesan and Romano cheese.
- Raw on the Half Shell
- Appetizers/Starters: Fried Alligator, Crawfish Cakes, Gulf Shrimp Ya-Ya, and Kickin’ Corn.
- Bayou Favorites/Entrees:
- Cajun Stuffed Redfish: Southern Gulf fish fillet stuffed with Louisiana crawfish dressing, baked, and topped with a crawfish cream sauce, often served with jambalaya.
- Shrimp & Grits Napoleon: Fried green tomatoes and creamy grits surrounded by Gulf shrimp and drizzled with a Cajun cream sauce.
- New Orleans Po-Boys: Including classic options like Hot Roast Beef or Fried Gulf Shrimp.
- Desserts: Popular options include the Bananas Foster Cheesecake and New Orleans Bread Pudding with praline rum sauce.
- Drinks: The Category 5 Hurricane and various specialty Bloody Marys, like the Pickle Mary, are highlighted.
Customer Feedback
Customer feedback generally praises the:
- Atmosphere and Ambiance: Described as stunning, lively, and a great New Orleans experience, often enhanced by friendly service and live music.
- Food Highlights: The chargrilled oysters and the Cajun Stuffed Redfish are frequently mentioned as must-try dishes.
- Service: Many reviews commend the staff as attentive, personable, and friendly.
However, some less favorable feedback has noted that the establishment is considered a “tourist spot” on Canal Street, and some local discussions have suggested inconsistencies in food quality or service, and that prices can be on the higher side.
Significant Events
Specific, historically significant events at the restaurant are not widely documented. The restaurant is a popular venue for general celebrations and events, with the capacity to host birthday bashes, holiday parties, corporate events, and wedding festivities. Holiday dining, such as their Thanksgiving service, is also noted as an event.
Key Information
| Category | Detail |
| Address | 717 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
| Phone Number | +1 (504) 291-3788 |
| Website | https://bluebayourestaurantnola.com/ |
| Social Media | Check the official website for current links to social media accounts, as they are not explicitly provided in the search snippets. |
| Typical Hours | Mon–Thu, Sun: 7:00 am–1:00 am; Fri, Sat: 7:00 am–3:00 am (It is always advisable to check the official website for the most current hours.) |
