Cajun is not just super spicy blackened seafood or chicken. It’s a distinct, flavorful and delicious style that comes straight out of rural Louisiana. A related but also distinct style is Creole, which comes from the city (New Orleans not NYC). If you want a dissertation on the difference between the two check out this article.
You don’t have to travel all the way to The Big Easy to get authentic flavor of Cajun or Creole. Just check out one of these Long Island southern cooking joints. You’ll find Cajun or Creole or both at most of these joint and a dash of Southern BBQ at some to boot.
Cajun Claws - Opened in 2019, this Louisiana-inspired restaurant concept features plenty of choices and specializes in a traditional Cajun Boil. Diners start by selecting their choice of fresh seafood and the chef puts it into a boiling pot with Cajun seasoning. They pair your seafood boil with bold sauces, adding a layer of flavor to the boil. Location: 6 N Ocean Avenue, Patchogue, (631) 714-4477.
Big Daddy's - With a name like that, you know what you’re in for. They serve up the foods of New Orleans, Cajun, Creole and the South. They also have a slate of live music to garnish your meal. Location: 1 Park Lane, Massapequa, (516) 799-8877.
Cajun Crab Shack - Another recently opened Cajun restaurant that is starting to heat up. Location: 230 Jericho Turnpike, Floral Park, (516) 519-8821.
Ben's Crab - Bringing the flavorful saucy, Cajun, lemony, garlicky blend of Louisiana to Long Island and making it fun. Locations: 3451 Long Beach Road, Oceanside, (516) 362-3424; 1002 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale, (516) 340-6050.
Hook & Reel - You might be surprised to find this seafood boil restaurant inside a mall but, there it is. This rapidly growing chain restaurant has new locations popping up across Long Island. Location: 363 Broadway Mall, Hicksville, (516) 719-0388.
Biscuits and Barbeque - Cash only BBQ and Cajun comfort food from a converted trailer, a real down-home joint. Plenty of unique combos including this roasted butternut squash filled with delicious Jambalaya, which sounds fantastic for an autumn afternoon. Location: 106 E 2nd St, Mineola, (516) 493-9797.
Mara's Southern Kitchen - Homemade Cajun and Creole favorites cooked daily in their cozy joint. Location: 236 W Jericho Turnpike, Muttontown Plaza, Syosset, (516) 682-9200.
Voodoo Crab - A Cajun seafood boil joint with two locations. Locations: 208 Sunrise Hwy., Rockville Centre, (516) 600-9595; 97 Carmans Rd, Massapequa, (516) 809-7777.
Louisiana Joe's Sandwich Shop - Serving up Cajun meals and more for breakfast and lunch. Location: 488 Merrick Road, Oceanside, (516) 442-9838.
