Bayou Kitchen

Original Mac Mac's matchbook (courtesy of Robert McEwen)

The Bayou Kitchen opened in the Spring of 1988 on E. 7th St in the Elizabeth neighborhood. The building had several previous tenants ranging from Mac Mac's (a beverage store in the '70's), the Blarney Stone (an Irish bar), and (up to the opening of the Bayou Kitchen) a short-lived unsuccessful pizza joint.

"The Cajun Cowboy's Bayou Kitchen Restaurant & Bar" was the full name of the restaurant and it featured a menu that was a combination of Cajun and Texas-style dishes. Owner David Ammann was born in Texas and raised in Louisiana. This mixed background served for the foundation of the restaurant's menu. The Bayou Kitchen was popular for its Cajun creoles (shrimp or crawfish) and gumbos as well as its Texas barbecue and steaks. Its neighborhood bar-vibe helped it achieve a loyal and diverse following.

The Bayou Kitchen would continue it successful run until its close in mid-2005. Throughout its operation, it was known for its consistent food and for its inviting atmosphere.