Howe's Bayou — Restaurant in Ferndale

I went to Howe's Bayou last Saturday.. Atmosphere was great!! I was greeted at the door with a smile and a 15 minute wait. It honestly looked like everyone just got there because there were lots of tables with no food and menus in hand. 15 minutes later as stated, I was seated and Patti was our server.. She was great, knowledgeable and was always around to ask if we needed anything. I did have an issue with my Rib-eye though. First, it only came with a squirt of mashed for $25, maybe add red beans or a salad to that or something. Second, it had a huge amount of fat around the edge. As as a sous chef myself, know that there is a fair amount of fat on this cut, but it was just not presentable. and third, I ordered it medium, and it came out rare. I told Patti about the fat and temp, she immediately took it back to the kitchen, and the owner (I believe) came up to me embarrassed and apologetic. I know kitchens and how they work, so If they did get swamped right away, so can the thoughts of timing all the food your cooking in front of you. I thought I'd get a new plate. I did, but the meat and everything else was the same, including that huge piece of fat that was now folded and covered by my potato's and red beans and rice.. Not cool.. Also, my steak was still med rare on one side and cooked more on the other. I was given a free desert. I'm not here to bash this place, that's why I gave them 4 stars. I feel that it was an unfortunate experience that may have had to do with the timing of all other guests. The food was good and will defiantly will be...

I'll start this review by saying I used to wait tables, therefore, I expect the same kind of service I used to give. This place gave NO service at all! I'm being kind by giving two stars, the extra star is because the etouffee was OK (NOT great).

I went to Howe's Bayou to grab a quick carry out on my way home from work and was COMPLETELY disappointed! I ordered my carry out and drink shortly after arriving and after more than TWENTY MINUTES watching 4 bartenders (not blaming all) including the one that took my order walk back and forth filling and taking everyone else's drink order (never got my drink), someone brought out my carry out. I literally ended up having to yell across the bar to the bar tender that originally took my order to even get my carry out! He TOTALLY ignored me once he took my order!! He didn't even apologize once I said "take that drink if my ticket, since I never got it". There is NO WAY I should've had to yell across a bar to get a bartender's attention! Also, if it isn't clear, I was there for more than 20 minutes and never got my drink!

As for the food, objectively, my etouffee is better and their cornbread had possibly the worst texture I have ever experienced in cornbread. I took one bite and threw it away.

The only thing worse than mediocre food is a bad bar tender. I will not be...

I have been wanting to visit this restaurant for a pretty long time. My roots are Cajun and Creole based foods, so I was really looking forward to some excellent, Louisiana cuisine. I was terribly disappointed!! I ordered Gumbo and The Voodoo Shrimp. The Gumbo lacked in seasoning as well as creole flavors. They served the Gumbo with corn bread, which is not traditional, which is ok! I had to drown the Gumbo with Tobasco sauce to add some form of flavor. In my opinion the Gumbo was not fresh, and the rice was sticky and tasted old! However, the rue was excellent in appearance and texture, but the Gumbo itself needed a lot of work! The Voodoo Shrimp were flavorless and a very small portion (I ordered the dinner entree). This dish was not good at all! The shrimp were limp, not a full seafood flavor that most Louisiana cuisine is known for. Needless to say I was disappointed and will not return. This was my first and last visit! Since my roots are Louisiana based, my expectations were definitely not met! I understand this restaurant is in Ferndale, but when your sign displays Howes Bayou, CREOLE...crawfish, I expect nothing less than that. SORRY! This Creole girl will...