- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Bayou Kitchen
Categories: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants Cajun/Creole Breakfast & Brunch, Cajun/Creole [Edit]
543 Deering AvePortland, ME 04103
(207) 774-4935
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
33 reviews for Bayou Kitchen
Review Highlights
-
"i love their corned beef hash, Mmm mmm." In 2 reviews -
"both had tasty cajun home fries on the side." In 3 reviews -
"Cornbread was great, red beans and rice (with pulled pork..." In 3 reviews
Loading...
33 reviews in English
-
Review from Xiaoshan Z.
South Portland, ME
5/17/2012
Perfect food!
Maybe I've been here too long to be picky... But the food there was the best southern food I had for months...
Small, family-owned cozy place with friendly people; you can see them cooking behind the counter.
And they serve the best hash browns ever!!!! -
Review from Rob K.
2/12/2012
This is a place you go to before you take a shower.
I turned into a greasy, red-faced Scotsman after breakfast here. Although I have never been to Louisiana, I imagine this greasy spoon accurately portrays a cafe down south.
It's like eating in grandma's kitchen, except it's missing the plume of cigarette smoke.
I enjoyed sitting at the counter, next to the Cajun cook-off trophies. At the counter you can get a feel for the whole operation that happens right before your eyes, from the dishwasher, to the home fries sizzling on the portable griddle, to the grill master, to the chili stirrer.
The staff is friendly and the food is affordable. Everything on the menu is under $10. Bayou is popular with the locals and distanced away from the Old Port. Excellent variety on the menu, with all that bayou charm and spice. Only open for breakfast and lunch.
So many things that I didn't get a chance to try:
Classic Jambalaya
Chicken Piquant
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Scramble with crawfish, andouille, jalapenos, and cheddar
My mouth is watering. I'll be back.Listed in: Irresistible New England!
-
Review from Steve T.
Rochester, NH
12/10/2011
First visit today. Most excellent! We had a mud bug omelette and a Cajun scramble with grits, home fries and corn bread. All were great.
The place seats 24 including 8 at the counter. There was a short wait to get inside. The pancakes and French toast looked excellent as well. The chef did a whole lot with a 40" griddle.
The owner told us they were going to close for three weeks to expand rearward and make more space. I will surely return for more. -
Review from Gary B.
Portland, ME
5/24/2012 3 Check-ins Here
This place is great ! I love the 3 alarm with the crawfish meat added ! The hash is awesome and the jalapeño cornbread is amazing ! Great prices ( nothing on the menu over $10 ) you will walk out full !!!
-
Review from han c.
New York, NY
10/4/2011
I grew up in a small Alabama town called Bayou La Batre, which was fun for a kid who liked poking crawfish that would appear in the gutters. Aw, childhood memories of innocently torturing animals!
I have always associated crawfish with the Bayou - so seeing those mudbugs on the menu here at the likenamed Kitchen instantly excited me. The BFF and I ordered: two single pancakes (ginger and the special pancake of the day - peaches and cream), a plate of the Cajun scramble (crawfish + cheddar + andouille sausage + pickled jalapenos) to share with home fries + pieces of jalapeno and blueberry grilled cornbreads. Yes. BREAKFAST FEAST.
The service here is homey and so personable. The kitchen split our breakfast entree for us which I always looove!
The moment the plates hit our tables, our noses were swoooning from the spice of the eggs and cornbread and the sweetness from the pancakes. And then we stopped talking to each other. We communicated only with nods after each bite. A confirmation that there were no words to describe the perfection. Everything was just divine. Mudbugs were ultra-plump, the sausage was so perfect, the cornbread crisped and golden, and the pancakes light and fluffy. Seriously too good.
And not to call us geniuses (but you can feel free to call us that!), but I'd say we ordered the perfect amount of food for two - complete satiation without food baby impregnantion. Sweet! -
Review from Lindsay P.
Gray, ME
1/31/2012
Excellent breakfast. Banana bread French toast is nothing short of amazing!
-
Review from Kelley K.
East Watertown, MA
2/7/2011
It's small, but packs a big punch! My first attempt at this cajun diner was New Year's Day. Alas, Bayou Kitchen, and most of Portland, was closed. But this weekend presented another opportunity.
The gods were clearly with us this time. We found parking on the street right in front of the place, and there were two empty stools calling our names.
The menu is small, but everything sounded tempting. Do I go with an egg sandwich with andouille? Gumbo? an omelette? pancakes? In the end I opted for home made hash with an egg and corn bread. My options for corn bread were plain, blueberry or cheese and jalapeno. Oh, or toast.
Regular, but un-boring, grilled cornbread was for me.
My companion is not a breakfast guy, so he opted for the other side of the menu. Jambalaya. And wow, it was spicy. But not just that, it was also very complex in flavor. It tasted like black pepper, red pepper and fresh peppers all developed into a smoky, deep bowl of warm goodness.
I supposed Bayou Kitchen would not be great for a large group of people, or people who prefer chain restaurants. But if you want real cooking, authentic flavors and character, check this out. -
Review from Unkl- T.
Oakland, CA
10/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great breakfast spot. Short wait on a Sunday
-
Review from Matthew M.
Denver, CO
4/5/2010 2 Check-ins Here
The Bayou Kitchen is a motherf%$*ing bad-ass place to eat.
Mark it, dude.
This is the place for breakfast. Good folks, good prices, great eggs.
For once I am just going to keep it short and sweet.Listed in: de Facto Portland, ME
-
Review from Deanna D.
5/31/2009
The Bayou Kitchen has a great breakfast menu. Its puts a Creole touch on the typical menu. My bf had the corned beef hash omelet with black beans and rice and cornbread which he really enjoyed. I had the mud-pie omelet which was a craw-fish and Cheddar omelet topped with tomato salsa and served with veg. black bean and rice and jalapenos cornbread. That was also super tasty. The craw-fish was well cooked and the dish was well seasoned.
The crowd and vibe in restaurant was definitely laid back and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. The restaurant has lots of character and the service was great.
We would come back for breakfast again! -
Review from Rachel D.
Portland, ME
1/10/2012
This is our absolute favorite place for breakfast! The food is consistently delicious every single time. I tend to always get the three alarm omelet, it is so delicious. I also love their cornbread. The staff is always friendly and the food comes out quickly. Now I just need to get there for lunch to try their gumbo because I have a feeling it's probably amazing.
-
Review from Mike T.
Portland, ME
8/16/2009 5 photos
This place is a real "hole-in-the-wall. There are, maybe eight tables: three or four two-seaters and two or three four, five or (if you're friends) six-seaters. There is counter space, but be forewarned: it's two steps up to the stool. If you're on the short side, your feet will dangle. More importantly, when you leave, if you don't remember it exists, missing that second step guarantees your departure will be noticed by all.
There is usually a crowd waiting outside, which on a cold winter morning can be a lot of fun. But the wait is well worth it.
Where else can you get a taste - and a good-sized taste - of New Orleans while lounging in Maine's largest city?
The food is very, very tasty, Doesn't matter what you order. It's just downright good. Me? I'm a crawdad, jalapeno man, so I go straight for the Cajun Omelete. My wife enjoys the hash dish. Either one is savory, and all dishes come with grits, or beans or fries and toast. Cornbread, either plain or peppered with jalepenos is a big half-buck extra. Can't beat that with a stick.
This is an early-morning place, so figure on being there no later than Noon. Earlier is better. Sit down, order, and enjoy. -
Review from Lolita W.
Boston, MA
1/21/2011
This is breakfast worth finding in Portland. A charming little place with mismatched tables and a high counter looking at the kitchen. i love their corned beef hash, Mmm mmm. The staff is always courteous and efficient, ready with the coffee refills.
-
Review from N K.
Boston, MA
10/18/2010
Wow, this was a great find. Spent the weekend in Portland and we had the Bayou on our to do list and so glad we went.
Small place so be prepared to wait. We went on a Sunday morning at 9:30 and told it would be a 30 minute wait for a table for 4. They were ready for us in in 20. Great wait staff and fun menu. We had the corned beed hash omlette, eggs over hash, 3 sausage with eggs and huevos.
Silence at our table as we enjoyed every bite. Check out the 3 or 4 types of cornbread and wall of hot sauces that you can sample with your dish.
Better than Becky's and the Porthole and worth the wait. -
Review from P L.
Boston, MA
2/17/2009
What a delicious discovery! After a tiring long weekend of fantastic food and cheer in the Old Port, this little place ended it on a high note.
We sat at the counter, right in front of the cook, and we ordered their spicy scrambled eggs with andouille sausage, and a breakfast tortilla with black bean chili (huevos something or other) to share .. both had tasty cajun home fries on the side.
We also had a couple bottomless coffees and an OJ and walked away feeling supremely satisfied, but not greasy, with a $25 bill (including decent tip). Bargain. Next time I'll be brave and do a crawfish omelet. -
Review from Liz H.
Somerville, MA
2/15/2010
After brunch here this morning, The Bayou Kitchen will be added to my list of delicious, unpretentious Portland breakfast spots worth frequenting.
I had eggs over easy with red beans and rice and cornbread, as well as the bottomless cup of coffee. Cornbread was great, red beans and rice (with pulled pork, yum!) were superlative.
More importantly, there were about a dozen things on the menu I was eager to try. And the trivial pursuit cards made for a fun activity. I will most certainly return, hopefully soon. -
Review from Adam M.
St Paul, MN
7/30/2011
This place is awesome! I've been on the road on tour for 11 days all throughout the East Coast and stopped here En Route to a Festival in Maine. By far the best food we've eaten on the tour so far. Get the Tri-Sausage Omelet and cornbread. Killing!!
-
Review from ld f.
New York, NY
10/12/2010
Seems like a local joint, but when I told the staff I found them on Yelp they said a lot of people have found them through Yelp as well. Anyway, it was a short wait to get in on a Sunday morning, but worth it. The place is very small, but it seems like authentic food. The staff is friendly and so are the prices. If a clean floor is not your thing, then this place is not for you, but if you like good food and a nice staff, this is it!
-
Review from Jamie B.
7/26/2011
Most underrated restaurant anywhere in my opinion. My wife and I travel here twice a year from Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada . . . It is that great. How this place has never been on a couple of certain food programs, is beyond me. Hell it seems none of our friends who live in the area have heard of it. Oh well, there loss.
-
Review from Sarah G.
Somerville, MA
3/9/2009
Wow, I don't know how I missed reviewing this place. I was probably still in shock from the best breakfast ever. Service was rushed, but that's because the place is small and everyone was probably as anxious to get their food as we were. Jalapeno corn bread is great, black beans were awe inspiring. I tried to re-create this breakfast for months afterwards. Husband had eggs and red beans and rice and was likewise awed. If you like spice and/or cajun flavors, this is your place. We've often talked about just driving up for breakfast and driving back down, but we're usually too hungry in the morning to imagine a two hour drive to food. Soon, though, soon.
-
Review from Michelle D.
Portland, ME
4/12/2010
The spicier, the better & the veggie jambalaya didn't disappoint. Fckng awesome!
-
Review from matthew f.
Portland, ME
6/15/2011
The balls and the taint. Don't miss out.
-
Review from Jeffrey F.
Boston, MA
Updated - 7/28/2010
We went again. Still great and consistent as always!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
7/12/2010
We love it! We go here almost every time we are in Portland, which is about 10 times over the… Read more »
-
-
Review from Sarah C.
2/17/2010
I was hungover, and Bayou Kitchen was the cure. Grits and biscuits, eggs and taters. Good coffee, quick service. Always a good time at BK.
-
Review from s w.
Los Angeles, CA
9/13/2011
Tasty food, friendly service, and good prices. Our family definitely recommends! Hash was great. Cajun Scramble omelet was great. Delicious jalapeno cornbread. Pecan pancakes - yum! We'll be back next time we're in Portland!
-
Review from Kayser K.
Brooklyn, NY
8/3/2011
Awesome breakfast. Get the cornbread. Cornbeef hash was amazing and the food that is supposed to be spicy actually is, so beware and enjoy!
-
Review from Mimi W.
Somerville, MA
1/30/2008
This place was really cute, and although I think my meal (french toast) could have been better, everyone else's meals of the people I brunched with, looked excellent.
-
Review from Fred S.
Portland, ME
12/28/2009
As a Woodfords neighborhood staple, The Bayou Kitchen has had its ups and downs. Over the last couple years, the whole operation runs better than ever! It is a small place with a set number of staff, but the food is excellent and the price is right! If you go on a weekday morning you won't have to wait, but on the weekends it can be 10-15 minutes. If I have to wait I usually go get a loaf of bread at the bakery across the street, in the old firehouse!
-
Review from Christina L.
Portland, ME
10/8/2010
One of my fav spots to eat in Portland. Although it is almost always a wait on the wkends (the place is very small) it is well worth the wait. The cajun spiced homefries are the reason I drag myself out of bed and get to the Bayou Kitchen. The service is prompt and the food always comes out hot. Great place to get some breakfast food that is a little out of the ordinary eggs and toast. Cajun spices, crawfish, blackbeans, and cornbread add pizazz to brunch :)
-
Review from Brian D.
Manchester, NH
10/5/2009
I tried a crawfish omelette, which was fantastic, served with a local hot sauce (their house sauce, "Lost in the woods", which leaves something to be desired but is reasonable), with a side of home fries and the cheddar jalapeno cornbread.
The cornbread gets a solid 5 stars, home fries were evenly cooked, crispy and well seasoned, but the taste was a little bit off for me -- perhaps I just have a mild aversion to cajun spices, though I generally love spicy food. The omelette / scramble was light on the crawfish and heavy on a cajun sausage which was much less tasty, though overall solid.
Coffee was average for a diner enviornment.
Service was modestly inattentive, but acceptable. I would certainly return, and I almost gave this place 4 stars, but I feel that the current set of yelp reviews somewhat overrate its appeal, so I rounded down from my "3.5 *" realistic rating. -
Review from Michele S.
Brunswick, ME
10/26/2010
Very disappointed in my experience here. The jambalaya had so much tobasco sauce in it I could not eat it. And that comes from someone who loves hot & spicy, Mexican, horseradish, you name it. The dish was inedible.
-
Review from at S.
Portland, ME
5/7/2009
Best place in Portland to get a spicy breakfast. Friendly service, good food... the only downside is really the location. Of course that might be the thing that keeps it from being obnoxiously packed as well.
-
Review from Bea K.
Cumberland Center, ME
4/26/2010
So good!!!!!
