The Bayou Restaurant and Jazz Bar specializes in Creole and Cajun food, offering entertainment as you dine. Located on historic Campus Corner, The Bayou has been in Norman, Oklahoma for 35 years. It is the only restaurant in Norman specializing in Creole and Cajun food. After being shut down for a short period, The Bayou is back and here to stay.

A coworker told me he once worked there, and that I would be impressed with the quality of food they served. I am a big fan of Cajun food, so I was more than willing to give it a try.

The Bayou offers a large selection of Cajun and Creole dishes. They have seafood, poboys, burgers, crab cakes, alligator tail, chicken, etouffe, gumbo, sweet potato fries, a large selection of beer and liquor, and much more. Depending on your taste, you can expect to pay anywhere from six dollars for a poboy to 22 dollars for pan-seared duck breast.

Upon my arrival, I noticed the restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere. A pretty waitress escorted me to the top floor, near the bar. People were leaning against the top floor railing, listening to the jazz band below. At the bar, a few men were watching the Red Sox game. The walls were painted red and decorated with paintings of jazz musicians.

I ordered Alligator tail and the crawfish etouffe. Five minutes later, the waitress brought me the alligator tail. I had never eaten alligator before, so I can't compare it to that of other restaurants. I thought it was delicious, though. The dish came with The Bayou's spicy house Creole sauce.

The band continued to play. I remember how beautiful it was, looking over the balcony and onto the band. They were situated next to large windows that gave me a clear view of Campus Corner.

The waitress brought me the etouffe. It came in a thick glass bowl and was piping hot. The etouffe was spicy and contained the perfect blend of herbs and seasoning. The cooks didn't get cheap on me, either. The portion of etouffe was more than I could eat.

The food was fairly priced and delicious. The waitress was friendly and she kept my glass full. One of the owners even stopped by my table to introduce himself and ask how everything was. I couldn't find one thing to complain about.

The Bayou is a wise choice for any hungry traveler looking for a place to wind down. It will fill your cup in more ways than one.

The Bayou Restaurant and Jazz Bar
584 Buchanan Ave.
Norman, OK 73069
(405) 360-0133