Cafe Zydeco — Restaurant in Helena

I am passing through Helena, Montana on work. I did a google search for restaurants in Helena. I came across Cafe Zydeco. I was shocked to find that they serve Cajun food mostly found in Louisiana and the Southeastern United States. Cajun food in Montana? 4.6 star rating as well out of 400 people. I was shocked. I am from the south and I've had the chance to eat authentic Cajun food from New Orleans multiple times in my past. This was too unbelievable I had to give this place a try. I brought my friend with me. Being a little skeptical my friend and I decided to share a plate of jambalaya and a bowl of shrimp and corn chowder. As a military vet I was able to get a free drink. The jambalaya was wonderful the the flavors and spices were perfectly balanced. The food was spicy enough to satisfy that spice craving for those that love spices but mild enough for those sensitive to really spicy food. (A variety of hot sauces are there for your convenience if there is not enough heat for you). The shrimp and corn chowder was amazing. My friend was totally in her happy place. We had to order another bowl of shrimp and corn chowder. We also ordered the hush puppies and the Beignets. I asked the wonderful lady that works the counter if she had honey to drizzle on our beignets she suggested a praline sauce which I tried on our beignets. AMAZING! I almost forgot we are in Montana. The two ladies that own/run the restaurant I'm sorry I didn't remember your names but thank you for being so warm and welcoming. I couldn't believe it. Southern hospitality in Helena, MT. We have definitely found a real go to spot in Helena. We will definitely be back along with a host of our friends. Thank you Cafe Zydeco for the wonderful...

Been really looking forward to eating here but I was rather underwhelmed. It wasn’t very welcoming upon entering because for a non-experienced customer we were not greeted and didn’t know to go to the very back to order and then seat ourselves...and then clean up after ourselves, I guess? The food choices were great, seemingly authentic New Orleans fair and reasonable prices...but we ordered two dishes and one of them (the jambalaya) was way under salted which was weird and just ok. The other dish (catfish) was pretty good. The most disappointing thing though was the high chairs; they were pretty grimy, and I’m no germaphobe by any means. I get that kids are messy but honestly I hated to touch the highchair I put my infant in because my fingers kept sticking to it. There’s carpet on the floor which is also kind of icky. The staff at the till was patient and helpful though and the dishes were at least ready quite promptly. Also I loved the personality of the atmosphere. Just wish the place didn’t make me feel like I needed to wash my hands when I entered. Won’t go back sadly, could be done so...

Honestly, it's okay. I lived in the deep south for many years and was excited to try this, albeit skeptical given the strong "back the blue" vibes that made me doubt if they were going to really honor the cultural traditions they're profiting on. Unfortunately I think I was right; it seems sort of watered down to meet a more northern, homogenized clientele which I really wish restaurants would stop doing. The spicy food is spicy, but still somehow underseasoned for my taste. Everything is just kind of okay, but missing the soul I missed from southern food. The restaurant itself feels like a chain-style commercial parody of Louisiana kitch with no authenticity or heart behind it, like it was decorated by people who've been there maybe but didn't really understand what it was all for. Really hopeful that the new influx of out of state residents will bring us some more authentic food options, but this...