Bayou Kitchen — Restaurant in Portland

One of Portland's BEST breakfast spots. You start outside where you are greated by the sign and the front of the diner where it just looks and feels like your at a diner on the Bayou. As soon as you walk thru that front door it's like all your worries are washed away. My sense of smell was going haywire. Hash, eggs, bacon, sausage, beef, cornbread, and so many other senses just fill you with a delight that is like a kid in a candy store. This was my first ever visit, but it surely will not be my last. I'm originally from Portland, Maine. So I try to support all the local restaurants and shops in this city rather then where I live now. (Now back to the review). The atmosphere, the waitstaff, even the cooks add so much friendliness and laughter that it's hard to ignore. It's as if nothing in the world bothers them, which is exactly the feeling I got the moment I walked through the front door. All my worries were gone. COVID-19 and the rest of the struggles of life, just didn't exist. The only thing that mattered was that you were among friends (even if you don't know them), and let the laughter and stories wash the darkness of the world away, even if just for the time you're here. There is a large alligator on the wall (not sure if real or not, but still cool) as soon as you walk in the front door you would see it on the wall across the front dining area. Now on to the food....... To-die-for... is all I can say. I ordered the Homemade Hash. Which comes with a large order of the Homemade Beef Hash, 2 eggs any way you like, home fries, and choice of bread (I got 2 blueberry cornbreads). The Hash is better then any of the other Hash I have ever tasted, and it has real shredded beef in it. And the cornbread is a taste-buds dream come true. I also ordered an omelet as well which was absolutely tasty. Overall I wish I could give this restaurant 10 stars. It's well deserved. But that's all I have for now, and please remember to support your local businesses, especially during these tough times. They all have families too and a business to run so please get out there and help them out. Thanks for taking the time to read this review, have a wonderful day... Take Care Of Yourselves, Take Care Of Each Other, and Take Care Of Local...

New Orleans-style food in Portland?! You bet. The Bayou Kitchen is a slice of the South, right here in Maine. I won’t lie, I was a bit skeptical at first, but after a handful of visits, I can confidently say I’m a fan. This no-frills, diner-style restaurant fills my soul — and my belly — in all the best ways. The portions are huge (we actually had to take some home once, and we’re not usually those people), the Bloody Marys are strong, and the coffee seems to be endless. The service is always great too, in a way that genuinely reminds me of the South — and I mean that as a compliment.

I’ve had their (humongous) omelets, homemade cornbread (so good), andouille sausage, grits, jambalaya… basically half the menu by now. The portions, as mentioned, are generous, but I think the prices reflect that (most dishes range from $16–$20 before any add-ons; ie replacing sides). The flavors are usually on point, and everything is pretty delicious, though I’ve had a few semi-misses — the grits and jambalaya were a little bland on one occasion. Nothing a little hot sauce couldn’t fix, and thankfully, they’ve got plenty of that!

As others have mentioned, they don’t take reservations and it can get packed on weekends, but it’s worth the wait. From the moment you walk in, you’re transported to a place like no other in Maine — and that, plus the food, will keep us...

Every time I shop at Artist & Craftsman across the street I have seen this little place and am kicking myself for not trying it sooner. It was my daughter's choice for breakfast this morning and I am so glad we went! We were able to park right in front as it was about 8:30 in the morning. The tables are small, but the server offered to take some of the stuff away that we didn't need. We both got the breakfast sandwich, which was egg, sausage, and cheese on a toasted English muffin. I chose grits as my side while my daughter got the rice and beans, which were delicious! A little spicy for me first thing in the morning, but super good. We both got pancakes as an extra. I got blueberries in mine. Most places use the big fat blueberries but Bayou Kitchen uses the Wyman's wild blueberries, the small ones, which I prefer. We chose to upgrade our syrup to the real stuff, which made the already delicious pancakes even better. As a side note for me, thank you for not contributing to plastic waste by serving your cream and your syrup in those cute little pitchers. ❤️ The staff was very friendly, said hello as soon as we entered, and our meal came out in good time. The atmosphere was pleasant and comfortable. We will definitely be going back to try the rest...