Cajun Cafe on the Bayou is a beloved restaurant offering authentic Louisiana treats, and you can experience it at 8260 66th Street North. The restaurant was originally established in February of 1996, and the owners are prepping for the concept’s 25th anniversary.

“Our history includes: 45 Cajun or Zydeco bands, 19 Crawfish Festivals, 12 Fall Beer Festivals, 9 Spring Beer Festivals, 6 Sour and Lambic Festivals, 2 Cider & Mead Festivals, 2 Wine Festivals, 1 change of ownership, 1 change of location, numerous floods and storms, and 1 pandemic!” wrote the owners in a Facebook post.

Authentic Cajun Cuisine in Pinellas Park

“No one has cooked our food longer than owner, Paul Unwin (18 years) and kitchen manager, Genaro Munguia (17 years) and they’re both still with us today. We’ve added a few things and deleted a few things on the menu, but we’re mostly still serving the menu Joe Thibodaux (original owner) started with in 1996.”

Cajun Cafe spent 23 years on the bayou before moving to its new location in Pinellas Park.

The restaurant’s signature dish is Crawfish Étouffée. It’s roux-based Cajun stew with a buttery, tomato-based sauce, mildly spiced, served over white rice.

Looking for a simple pleasure? Sink your teeth into the Cajun Cafe’s Po’Boy. Their Po’Boys are dressed with lettuce, lemon mayo, and French Fried onions. Seafood fillings are traditionally fried, and you can choose from the following varieties: Shrimp Po’Boy, Crawfish Po’Boy Soft-Shell Crab Po’Boy, Gator Bites Po’Boy Oyster Po’Boy, Boudin Ball Po’Boy, Meatloaf Po’Boy (grilled or fried) Burger Po’Boy (grilled, blackened or BBQ’d) Catfish Po’Boy (grilled, blackened, fried or BBQ’d).

Sensational crawfish cornbread on the menu

Fried mushrooms, fried okra and fried chicken livers are on the menu, and I could eat all of these delicacies by the bucket.

The Crawfish Cornbread is a must-try item for first time diners. A hearty piece of cornbread, big enough to share is loaded with crawfish tails, cheddar cheese, corn, onions and jalapenos.

Another signature is Cajun Crab Cake dinner. Enjoy a blue lump and claw crabmeat Crab Cake with a hint of Cajun spice. Served with a side of your choice.

Save room for dessert 

Y’all ever had whiskey bread pudding? It’s on the menu at Cajun Cafe. Here’s what it includes: Our secret ingredient? Real french bread from our local french bakery, Café Croissant. Once baked, the pudding is soaked in Cajun Cafe’s own whiskey-butter sauce, then topped with french vanilla cream just before serving.

See the full Cajun Cafe menu on its website.

Cajun Cafe, 8260 66th Street North