Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou — Restaurant in Alpharetta

Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou, located in the heart of downtown Alpharetta, is a gem of a Cajun restaurant that delivers an authentic taste of Louisiana with every bite. As an independently owned establishment, it exudes a charm and character that sets it apart from chain restaurants. If you’re craving the bold, spicy, and savory flavors of the bayou, this is the place to be.

The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the food. Every dish I tried was rich in flavor, perfectly seasoned, and clearly prepared with care. Unlike many restaurants that mass-produce their dishes, Flatlands takes a custom, made-to-order approach. This ensures that every meal arrives fresh and tailored to perfection. From classic gumbo to mouthwatering crawfish étouffée, the menu captures the essence of Cajun cuisine beautifully. The portions were generous, and the quality of the ingredients was evident in every bite. If you’re a fan of Southern comfort food with a twist, you won’t leave disappointed.

The atmosphere at Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou is also worth mentioning. The cozy interior, combined with its rustic decor, gives off a warm and welcoming vibe. It feels like you’ve been transported to a vibrant New Orleans eatery, complete with a dash of Southern hospitality. The restaurant's bourbon selection is extensive, catering to those who enjoy pairing their meals with a well-crafted drink.

That said, there were a couple of areas where the experience fell short. The service, while not terrible, left something to be desired. Although the staff was friendly, the attentiveness was inconsistent. At times, it felt like they were stretched too thin, which led to delays in refills and a slower-than-expected pace of service. This was slightly frustrating, especially considering the level of care and effort that went into the food.

Another drawback is the parking situation. Being in downtown Alpharetta, parking is understandably at a premium. The limited parking options made it a bit of a challenge to find a spot, which could deter some diners from choosing Flatlands, especially during peak hours. My advice is to plan ahead or consider ride-sharing to avoid any parking headaches.

Despite these minor shortcomings, my overall impression of Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou is a positive one. The food alone is worth the visit, and the dedication to delivering authentic Cajun flavors is commendable. The service and parking issues, while noticeable, didn’t detract too much from the experience. For those willing to overlook these minor inconveniences, Flatlands offers a dining experience that’s hard to beat.

I would recommend Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou to anyone looking to explore Cajun cuisine in a laid-back yet lively setting. With its bold flavors, unique menu, and undeniable charm, this restaurant has a lot to offer. If the service improves and the parking situation becomes more manageable, it could easily become a top-tier destination in the Alpharetta dining scene. For now, it remains a must-visit for food lovers who appreciate...

Overall: 6/10 Irish coffee 5/10 Barrel aged old fashioned: 4/10 Makers mule: 8/10 Fried goat cheese: 7/10 Shrimp and grits: 7/10 Fried chicken 5/10 Rice & red beans: 3/10 Cajun street corn 9/10 Beignets: 7/10 Vibe: 7/10

Started by the late chef Francois Duquette, Flatlands Bourbon & Bayou boasts a true “Nawlins” vibe. The Cajun restaurant is set in an old fashioned home with seating available on two floors and Mardi Gras beads throughout. The entrance features a beautiful patio with a serene coy pond that contrasts with a busy Alpharetta main street. Their bourbon selection and cocktails are top notch but accommodations are tight and cozy, you end up eavesdropping on other diners whether you want to or not. We dined in for Saturday brunch, the restaurant was half full and the service was slow but accurate.

Irish coffee: A boozy mix, more baileys than coffee and served with inedible roasted coffee beans floating on top.

Barrel aged old fashioned: a pre-mixed drink that catches your eye on the cocktail menu. Unfortunately it was watered down and the sweetness really masked the taste of any bourbon.

Fried goat cheese: There is a lovely fry on these round fritters resulting in a great crunch with melting cheese inside. They were seasoned unevenly, one fritter almost covered in pepper and another without any. A light drizzle of honey provides great contrast but leaves you wanting more (which we asked for)

Shrimp and grits: This signature Cajun platter is saved by the creole cream sauce slathered on top. The sriracha Gouda grits were bland and shrimp felt unseasoned. The sauce is creamy with great texture and a spicy kick. I’d put that stuff on anything.

Cajun fried chicken: it’s hard to mess up fried chicken but I feel like they really tried. They served two breasts, slightly overcooked (not super dry) that shrunk in their delicious fry seasoning. You end up with a pile of fried “skin” next to the chicken meat.

Red beans and rice (side): between tasteless and tasting like it came from a can.

Cajun street corn: Best part of the meal, so so good. Solid ratio of a delightful Cajun seasoning on perfectly grilled corn.

Beignets: Solid, they are fluffy with flaky layers, a good fry on the outside and...

My brother-in-law invited us to this spot they started going to a while ago. I called about 4pm on Friday and added +2 to their existing reservation and they were happy to accommodate. The hiccup was that when we arrived they not only said they didn't have the+2 but said it was impossible for the call to have occurred because apparently the 8pm hostess answered every phone call during the 4pm hour. Moving on from getting that wrong and calling a patron a liar. Hate to begin with that but also dislike those interactions. And a checked my phone to me sure the 2 minute conversation I had wasn't with some other restaurant that happen to have a reservation under my sister in laws name... Negative

On to the good stuff. Started with alligator bites and a smoky old fashioned. Both executed perfectly. I usually upgrade my bourbon but the Old Forester was just fine, perfect smoke... the orange was a slither though. I do enjoy more expressed orange peel. Gator bites were nicely crunchy. After that had oysters on the half shell. Excellent with good presentation.

I ordered the shrimp and grits and 1 because I was looking for a little spice and the menu said spicy. It did not disappoint. Not the traditional shrimp and grits but with a bit of andouille. It was delicious. I also had a gumbo. To much but the spice was excellent. Not as hot as I would make for myself but not at all bland so as to still give a sense of Louisiana food. Here's a great theme for all 4 meals we ordered there was NO oversalting! It's a pretty peev and when Southern restaurants get it right I notice. My wife and brother-in-law enjoyed the blackened trout and the waiter made side adjustments to my wife's with no hesitation and got it right, not hard but ppl get it wrong too so worth noting when it is seamless. My sister in law had the catfish po boy that made me question my order. Looked great and tasted great according to her.

This place is just a really good place with well done food. I will be coming back, hopefully without reservation glitches. Good drinks, well...