The Bayou — Restaurant in DeCordova

My husband and I stopped by for a late lunch today (Sunday). I'd read the reviews and knew this was a new restaurant, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Long story short, we loved it and will definitely go back!

We're not foodies, chefs, or experts on Cajun foods - we're just average people who like good food. We were happy to see quite a few cars in the huge parking lot. And the smells wafting out to the parking lot made us glad we'd decided to stop here. We were seated at a small table right next to a window that looked out at the outdoor area which has multiple picnic tables, a small stage, and what appears to be a bar (they're waiting on a liquor license). It looks like it'll be a nice place to spend a spring or summer evening.

The little cornbread muffins brought to the table were served with soft, sweet butter - no complaints. Our server, Kendall, was, as she would say, "awesome sauce!" LOL! She was a diligent server, but also very friendly. If I were 80 years old, I'd have called her a "peach."

We ordered the Boudin Balls, Shrimp and Grits, Burnt Ends, and Dirty Rice. Everything was absolutely delicious! The Boudin Balls were crispy on the outside, and soft inside. The remoulade had just the right amount of spiciness - a little bit of heat that lingered in your mouth, but didn't make your eyes water. My husband raved about the shrimp and grits - said it was some of the best he's ever had. My dirty rice was perfect - nice bits of sausage, moist rice, and, once again, just the right amount of spiciness. The burnt ends were also very good. I liked the way they were cooked and served in a small cast iron casserole dish.

Some reviewers complained about the portion sizes - I found the portions to be just right. In fact, I ended up taking home 1 1/2 boudin balls, half my burnt ends, and 1/2 my dirty rice. My husband almost finished his shrimp and grits - he just left a little of the grits. And the drinks are served in average-sized glass mugs. Maybe people are now so used to the ridiculously huge drink sizes now, that an average sized beverage seems small? I didn't finish all my Diet Coke/Pepsi, but my husband did have one sweet tea refill.

As Kendall handed us the check, we received an unexpected surprise - my husband's entree had been comped due to his veteran status! He had been wearing one of his Desert Storm ballcaps, and someone had noticed.

Anyway, we had a wonderful lunch, and will definitely go back again. Give this cute...

Tonight was our 6th try. First visit was the first week of March. We tried to order multiple items on the menu, only to be told they were unavailable. Second visit end of March. Ordered and told the truck didn't come, items unavailable. 3rd visit. They had a fire in the kitchen. 4th visit in May. They had a busy Friday so they were out of everything on the menu but shrimp. 5th visit in July. Went in for early afternoon drinks. Watched the server walk past us numerous times. Went to the bar to order drinks. Sat at our table n waited. After 20 mins left with no drinks or explanation. We recently bought a house close by, thought we'd give another chance. Invited friends from out of town. 6 people. We ordered only to find out they "had another busy night before " were out of most of the menu. We ordered from what they had. It was subpar at best. Our bill was 166 dollars for 6 people. We did order shots then were informed we were cut off. We had too many drinks in 3 hrs. We were singing karaoke and trying to recover the evening. Save yourself the trouble. We've experienced 6 months of excuses. We tried to come in and have a good time but the bartender said we ordered too many drinks too soon. Also charged us a large party for 6. The printed receipt said large party@8. There was 6 for 2 hours. 3 drank 3 didn't. Avoid this place like the plague. I felt sorry for our server at first until the autograd for 6. The absolute worst place in...

Ok so I appreciate someone starting a new business in the community, and welcome that. The owners stated from California. I am giving a truthfully assessment of food . I can say this food is not cajun at all and does not have Cajun flavors at all. Shrimp and grits way off. Tasted like a spicy Mexican chili sauce poured over the shrimp and grits. Crab cakes flat and tasteless. Burnt ends were not burnt ends it was a clump of shredded pork with mostly fat and gristle, Cheese sauce is not a Cajun dish. Cornbread from the south is not sweet. Need some bread pudding also. I know they have growing pains . I am a former chef, and know how to prepare gumbo and other Cajun dishes all from spending time actually in Louisiana where the real deal is.good luck but attempting to undertake Cajun with no experience is going to be difficult. The staff was very friendly and love the atmosphere. But other than food need zydeco music .but the food needs tons of improvement. Was very expensive for food I did not enjoy. Also I thought was inappropriate the owners shirt read about hate and racism. Granbury is a prominent Republican southern town which bringing democratic political views is not a good thing...