Ragin Cajun Piano Bar — Restaurant in Alton

Perhaps the Ragin Cajun is too hip for Alton? My husband and I dined in the restaurant (downstairs) after sampling their food at the Taste of Alton. The service was excellent and the food was excellent. We had the Voodoo Chicken Sandwich (grilled) and the Taste of New Orleans entree. The chicken was moist and properly seasoned; the voodoo sauce is hot (spicy) and flavorful. The etouffee and red beans and rice bring it! Cajun food is supposed to be flavorful and spicy, so if you're looking for bland food, go somewhere else (Alton has a lot of those). The Ragin Cajun has an expansive selection of beers - some local brews, some hard to find brews (for example, Tangerine Wheat), and many brews from New Orleans (several Abita beers, Dixie Blackened Voodoo lager). If you have sticker shock for the price of a beer, then go during the week when they have drink specials. When you go, definitely save room for the White Chocolate...

Went to Alton looking to eat at Fast Eddies since it was an extremely nice day out and as expected it was beyond packed. So we went to 3rd st. Alton (downtown) expecting there to be outdoor seating everywhere and Ragin was the only one to have it set up. This place has super fun architecture, pictures, art, and is open with a balcony all the way around the top to a deck off the front. The menu was packed with delicious, New Orleans styles of food. Salmon sandwich, sweet potato fries, and voodoo wings were all beyond delicious and splitting it filled up two, so the portions are more than considerate. I'm honestly looking forward to trying out the menu. Also partaking in the nightlife that looks like it would be more than fun on the inside; considering we ate outside and had to walk inside to give ourselves a tour. Nice place, honestly awesome food, and...

The piano bar aspect of this place has been truly amazing every time I've been which is what they claim to be. So bravo! It does sometimes get crazy busy which is what every business wants but it gets crowded and service gets slow. The bathrooms have always been functional and the dual levels add a super cool aspect. I mean the beer is cold and it's a really fun atmosphere. There is a covered patio in front with tables and chairs for the smokers. Parking can be tricky but that can be said for every location on this strip. I've been multiple times and...