Gator's Bayou — Restaurant in Lubbock

I ate there late one afternoon after running errands, they were maybe 30% busy. I had the blackened catfish with corn on the cob, a cup of gumbo with shrimp added, a cup of red beans and rice, and the bread pudding. It was all pretty authentic but not too (spicy) hot, which is fine for the Lubbock region. The only regret was the bread pudding. It was too dense, very very dry, and a bit lacking in flavor. I've had much better when I used to live in southeast Texas and Louisiana, I'm not sure what went wrong with that dish (maybe microwave reheating contributed). Next time it's going to be cheesecake for dessert, because I'll definitely be coming back. I always tip generously if my server refills my glass and check on me regularly, and my waitress earned it this time. Gator's Bayou has been a favorite of mine since they opened. I'm dying to return for the crawfish bisque, etoufee, and maybe jambalaya next time!! They have excellent beer selection and great cocktails, but I can't have them with my COPD right now, or I would have ordered them just to improve my review. Definitely should try them...

I was super excited to try this place but couldn’t have been more disappointed. The waitress was not attentive, my drink remained empty while she stood at the corner of the bar talking and drinking from her Stanley. Asked for extra shrimp on my pasta it came with a total of 7 small shrimp literally the tiny shrimp not even the medium. Asked if this was extra- the waitress said she asked the kitchen and they said yes they put extra, then said she went and talk to the manager and was told 4 for normal and 3 when you order extra. Ummm 5.99 for 3 tiny over cooked shrimp?!?! As a previous manager when someone came to me with a complaint I would always follow up with the customer but nope not here.. It was also suppose to be mild but has so much heat I couldn’t eat it. Yes I can handle heat but I didn’t want heat today. My husband’s crawfish was also way overcooked. The prices are ridiculously high for what you get. We will not...

If you're looking for exceptional service paired with mouthwatering Cajun cuisine, look no further than Gators, where Taylor serves up an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment we walked in, Taylor's warm smile and genuine enthusiasm set the tone for an extraordinary evening. Their impeccable attention to detail ensured that every aspect of our meal was flawless, from recommending the perfect dishes to promptly fulfilling our every request. Taylor's extensive knowledge of the menu and genuine passion for Cajun flavors elevated our dining experience to new heights. Their professionalism, coupled with a genuine sense of hospitality, made us feel like honored guests rather than just customers. Without a doubt, Taylor's exceptional service at Gators has left a lasting impression, making it a must-visit destination for anyone craving authentic Cajun cuisine served with a side of Southern...