I finally made my way to Needville to check out what I've been hearing about for a while now. It's been a long time coming and I waited too long...but it was worth the wait! This place was recommended to me from some coworkers who happen to be Cajun from Louisiana. I had high expectations and let me tell you now, Bayou Boys met every one of them.
First the ambiance. I'm from a small town in west Texas and this place reminds me of the small cozy diners I used to frequent as a kid, where the service was great and the food was even better. When I walked in though, I knew I wasn't in Texas anymore Toto. I was in Lafourche Parish. Not transported by a tornado but by the aroma of some tres bien boudin, poboys and gumbo!
The service was excellent. Hannah was very customer oriented and made the whole experience very enjoyable. She answered questions, gave recommendations and knew the menu very well.
The food....come on now...the food? C’est bon!!!
Let’s start off with the fried green tomatoes. Thanks to my mom growing up and a healthy dose of Kathy Bates movies, I grew up eating fried green tomatoes. These were so good. Fried and crispy on the outside but tender and oh so juicy on the inside. Dipped in that blue cheese or ranch, it was going down!
If I drove all this way, I’m going to eat! So next up. The Butt Burner Boudin was fire! If you didn’t know boudin means delicious and this was some delicious boudin. I back doored the boudin with a boudin ball that was equally delicious. I’m sure somewhere there is a debate about boudin links vs boudin balls and it was hard to decide in this case but I’ll leave the ball in your court to decide.
The chicken and sausage gumbo was incredible. That dark, chocolate brown roux had a deep, rich flavor. The chicken and sausage was full of flavor and the rice soaked up all that good flavor.
Was I done? Oh no bebe! I still had to try them famous poboys! One catfish and one shrimp. The French bread was incredibly soft but with a very light crispy crust. The catfish and shrimp both were amazing. These poboys were stuffed! Lettuce, pickles and tomatoes packed in and overflowing! I put that tartar sauce on the catfish and that poboy was something serious!
I thought I was done but I let them talk me into trying that Tarte au la Bouillie. Let’s be honest. It didn’t take much convincing. I was ready. The translation is burnt milk tart but all I tasted was delight! It’s something between a custard and a cheesecake but not like either. It’s just good, ya heard!
The owner Joel made several stops by the table and talked about the food a bit. I appreciate when the owner or chef stops by and connects with the customer. It shows the passion for great customer service and incredible cuisine.
Y’all it took me way too long to make it to Bayou Boys in Needville, TX. Don’t be like me…be ready to eat some authentic Cajun cuisine and jump in your car and drive to Needville asap! You won’t be...
Read moreWhere do I even start with Bayou Boys PoBoys?? Our experience was WAY MORE than just spectacular. I can't even put into exact words how awesome this place is. It felt like home and the atmosphere just made you feel so welcomed which is a wonderful feeling anytime you experience something new for the first time. Joel was so kind and you can see his passion for his business through his communication with customers and the yummy food he serves!
We started off with boudin balls (which are my FAVORITE) dipped in the Bang Bang Sauce. MY OH MY! DELICIOUS!!! If you can, "bayou" a bottle of the Bang Bang Sauce for home, DO IT. ;) He served us a special entree with Blackened Catfish, Crawfish étouffée and garlic bread. I absolutely had NO problem finishing that off and hope this will be a newbie on the menu SOON!!
We then had a Fried Shrimp Po-Boy with fries which were perfectly crisped in every part. We also were blessed with Roast Beef & Muffuletta Po-Boys! Joel cooks his roast beef, low & slow, which makes it so tender and mouth watering. It's just the correct amount of spice too! Before experiencing Bayou Boys PoBoys I had nooooo idea that Po-Boy's were more than just fried shrimp or fish. They opened up my palette to newer and more awesome sandwiches and I'm so very thankful for that and we'll be back for more!!!
The Gumbo was all that I need...especially on a cold chilly day. The Sauce Piquante, Red Beans & Rice and Chicken Parm Po-Boy had me hooked. Drizzle ranch over your Chicken Parm...you will NOT be disappointed. I even got to try Hog Head Cheese! I know most people would be scared to try, but Joel uses the hocks to make it and it's a delicious ham pâté. He also has a kids menu for the youngins' - chicken tenders w/fries, a peanut butter & strawberry po-boy or a grilled cheese w/fries. Don't miss out on this gem! I will be driving back soon to take more of my family and hope you go out to...
Read moreFirst review: the best catfish! Also, good potato salad and rice with gravy. Bring that back! Also good boudin. Especially the spicy one. Great customer service!
I'm back Feb '22 for an updated review. I took away a star because there needs to be some quality control. I've been 3 times this year and every time something is disappointing. The catfish is still the best. But if shrimp is not in season, give more pieces, lower the price or offer an extra something on the seafood platter. Pay $16 for a seafood platter with tiny baby shrimp is a huge disappointment. Getting the shrimp dinner basket with 7 baby shrimp for the same price is also disappointing. Getting served half the amount of potato salad in an effort to stretch it out, for the same price, is disappointing.And being sold out of red beans and rice by noon is disappointing. It's probably the cheapest thing to cook. Its the inconsistency with what you will be served or what's on the menu every day that is frustrating. Drive 20 minutes to the restaurant craving a particular item only to be disappointed. It's good stuff, but less consistent. One time we couldn't even order water because it was brown due to the city plumbing work. How about run out and buy some bottled water for your customers who don't drink soda or caffeine?? I'm going to give it a few months before returning and hopefully it will...
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