DiCarlo's Food & Spirits — Restaurant in Louisiana

I lived in the French Settlement/Maurepas area for 17 years and have frequented DiCarlo’s many times for many different events. Church events, family dinners, etc. On many of those occasions, the food has been very good, and the atmosphere off the Diversion Canal has been exceptional. It is a well-respected spot-it’s even a starting point in our Catholic community’s annual Reverence on the River, our Eucharistic Procession by boat. So when I recommended it to my husband, who had never been to DiCarlo’s with me, I had thought I had picked a good place for after-Mass dinner. Usually it has been filled with good conversation, friendly servers, and good food.

This evening, DiCarlo’s was none of those things.

We walked in, in our Sunday attire, to a band playing absolutely too loud, with frequent feedback and sound engineering problem, for about three tables of people. The crowd was mostly older, and not at all lively-unusual for our older crowds who love to chat and have a good time. We had to search for a host to serve us. The staff explained they closed the main area after a certain time (I could NOT hear what time), and so only the back porch was available. This was news to me. Perhaps that was a change under the new management.

A big issue of the evening was that we could not hear ANYTHING-not the server who came to bring our drinks, not any conversation around us, and I could not hear my husband directly in front of me. We spoke through TEXT the entire dinner THROUGH necessity. I have no problem with music during dinner, especially if it adds to the atmosphere. After all, for Louisianans, food and music are our bread and butter. But when it causes clear communication issues between ourselves and the server, it is a major problem. I felt EXTREMELY uncomfortable, but decided to power through it for the food.

The dinner menu has undergone significant changes. It has shrunk from a large menu with many choices to about two pages of basic Cajun food and a couple of Italian dishes. Which in itself is not a bad thing-focusing on a few specialties instead of an overloaded menu is something a lot of restaurants do well. DiCarlo’s currently does not seem to be one of those locations, at least for dinner.

We waited 10 minutes for basic non-alcoholic drinks and did not get them, so we gave up and ordered cocktails when we got the drinks menu. The Asian Shrimp was okay. The Chocolate Martini was fine. The crab cakes were dry and over fried. The onion strings were decent, but no Rocky and Carlo’s. For the $87 dollars we spent, the portion sizes were generally quite small and not at all worth that tag.

The atmosphere continued to be difficult for the entire evening. I was overstimulated and unable to relax. The servers spent most of the time talking to each other and seemed generally uninterested in the restaurant, though our server seemed to do his best to be friendly. I could not get his name-again, too loud. In hindsight, I should have walked out. But I wanted to take a chance on a local restaurant which I have frequented through many changes through the years, and to introduce my husband to more local restaurants I have loved over the years. After this experience, I do not believe DiCarlo’s will continue to be one of those places.

Thank you for taking the time to read this review. I hope the new ownership will take the time to consider what DiCarlo’s has meant to our community, and how painful it is that it has seemingly suffered such a decline. We want the best for our local, family-owned restaurants, and to let people know that Southern Livingston Parish is a worthwhile investment. That process needs to include our eateries, which are at the heart of Livingston...

If you're searching for the ultimate dining experience that combines mouthwatering cuisine with scenic views and lively entertainment, look no further than DiCarlos restaurant. From the moment you step onto their inviting waterfront patio, you know you're in for a treat.

Let's start with the star of the show - The Super Yacht seafood platter. This culinary masterpiece is a seafood lover's dream come true. From succulent shrimp to crispy fried fish, each bite is a burst of flavor that transports you to the shores of the Gulf. The freshness of the seafood is unparalleled, and the generous portions ensure that you'll leave feeling satisfied and content.

Next up, the Dirty River Roast Beef Po-boy. This Cajun-inspired sandwich is a true taste of Louisiana's rich culinary heritage. The tender roast beef is perfectly complemented by the tangy remoulade sauce and crisp lettuce and tomatoes. It's comfort food at its finest, guaranteed to leave you craving more.

And let's not forget about the shrimp gumbo. A classic Creole dish that warms the soul with its rich, savory broth and plump, juicy shrimp. Each spoonful is a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds.

But what truly sets DiCarlos apart is their waterfront seating and summer entertainment. As you dine al fresco on their spacious patio, you're treated to breathtaking views of the river, with boats gently gliding by and the sun setting in the distance. And with live bands and outdoor games scheduled throughout the summer, there's never a dull moment at DiCarlos. It's the perfect destination for a fun-filled evening with friends and family, where good food and good times go hand in hand.

Overall, DiCarlos restaurant is a culinary gem that offers the perfect blend of delicious cuisine, picturesque views, and lively entertainment. Whether you're a seafood aficionado, a po-boy enthusiast, or just looking for a good time, you won't be disappointed. So grab a seat on the waterfront patio, soak in the scenery, and get ready to indulge in a dining experience...

We got fried mushrooms for an appetizer and the plate was overflowing with deliciously flavored fried mushrooms with ranch dressing for dipping. YUMMY. I got the Shrimp Trawl and even though I had only eaten a few mushrooms I had enough leftovers for another meal. It came with a small lettuce salad (plenty of cheese & a few croutons - could use a few tomatoes, cucumbers and maybe shredded carrots to make it more worthy of the name salad vs a bowl of lettuce & cheese) a cup of seafood gumbo, shrimp stew, abt 8-10 fried shrimp, 1 big stuffed shrimp and a shrimp cocktail which was served in a small gumbo cup with the sauce under about 8-10 shrimp rather than hanging off the sides of a cocktail dish. The cocktail sauce was very spicy so for me, just a tiny dab was plenty. The fried shrimp were scrumptious, not too coating covered, and HOORAY not still partially in the shell so you could just bite in without worrying about shell in your teeth. The seafood gumbo was good but the shrimp stew was superb!! Haven't eaten the stuffed shrimp yet so cant comment on it here. Opted for baked potato instead of fried and it was huge. Came with the usual toppings but also real bacon crumbles. Definitely a 5-star meal and having enough leftover for another meal made the price extremely reasonable. Hubby went for the Soft Shell Crab Maurepas...a fried softshell crab topped with crabmeat au gratin. Came with a baked potato and salad. He loved it and he took the leftover crabmeat au gratin and added it to the rest of his huge baked potato to bring home for another meal. So because there was so much food, including the appetizer (which also had leftovers) we essentially got 4 meals for the price of two. As for service, our waitress was very friendly and on the ball. Will we go back? Most...