Dallas Restaurant Review:
At chain restaurants, they give you exactly what you expect -- decent food, but nothing memorable. (And no nasty surprises, either.) They're inoffensive. Personally, I don't spend much time in them. This place is an exception to the rule. If you eat there, you'll know why. There are 3 in Dallas. The long waits at Pappadeaux restaurant testify to the quality of the food.
SETTING - The Lombardy location is on "restaurant row" -- N.W. Hwy between
I-35 and Loop 12. There's also a sister on Dallas Parkway in far north Dallas. My favorite is the slightly more funky Oak Lawn location (pictured above), in the shadow of the Turtle Creek high-rises.
FOOD - You won't find any better Cajun food in north Texas, and the portions are generous. The menu at Pappadeaux is like an encyclopedia of Cajun cuisine -- gumbo, etouffee, jambalaya, fried catfish, oysters, crawfish, and much, much more. Unlike the cajun restaurants that confuse "well-seasoned" with "hot", Pappadeaux gets the spices right without overdoing the heat. But if you want some extra "hot" to sprinkle on your food, just ask. They also have blackened entrees (ala Paul Prudhomme), and numerous appetizers up to and including fried alligator, and some straight ahead seafood dishes.
BAR - Because of they tend to have waits during peak hours, they have a large bar. Put your name on the list and get yourself a beer. The bar can be lively when it's full.
AMBIANCE - Three-quarters French Quarter, one-quarter fishing camp. Brick walls, some wrought iron, stuffed fish & fowl, canoe paddles, etc. Fortunately they did not overdo it. And it's a busy place.
Downside? - You'll find that Pappadeaux's great Cajun cooking has brought out the crowds. But it's worth the wait.
BOTTOM LINE - Pappadeaux will not disappoint if you're looking for Cajun. You can reach their website here . |
