Voodoo Bayou is a vibrant, New Orleans-inspired restaurant located on the famous Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offering a unique blend of Southern, Cajun, and Creole cuisine.
What Makes It Unique
Voodoo Bayou stands out by transporting guests to the heart of the bayou and the vibrant culture of New Orleans. Its unique features include:
- Atmosphere and Decor: The interior has a rustic yet stylish, “Cajun Gothic” or “medieval-inspired fantasy” feel, with lush decor, purple and blue velvet details, and design elements that pay homage to New Orleans. The ambiance is described as fun, festive, and over the top, sometimes featuring an expansive bar and views of Las Olas Boulevard from an upstairs dining area.
- Cuisine and Cocktails: It specializes in Southern Cajun cuisine and is known for its exotic craft cocktails. The restaurant also features an extensive and rare collection of Whiskies and Bourbons.
- Live Entertainment: The Fort Lauderdale location frequently hosts live music on weekends, contributing to its lively and energetic atmosphere.
History
Voodoo Bayou is part of the True Grit Hospitality Group. The Fort Lauderdale location on Las Olas Boulevard was opened after the success of their first location in Palm Beach Gardens. The space it occupies was the former location of Cafe De Paris. The Fort Lauderdale establishment had its grand opening on Las Olas, though a specific date is less clear than the fact that it is an expansion of the brand.
Customer Feedback
General customer feedback often highlights:
- Positive Ambiance: Patrons frequently praise the fun, upbeat, and unique New Orleans-style atmosphere, sometimes enhanced by live music.
- Menu Favorites: Highly praised dishes include the Crab Cake Benedict, the famous Buttermilk Biscuits with honey butter and jalapeño pear jam, Wood-Fired Oysters, Gator Bites, and, for dessert, the Beignets.
- Cocktails: The handcrafted cocktails are frequently mentioned as a highlight.
- Service: The staff and mixologists are often commended for being attentive, knowledgeable, and providing genuine hospitality.
Highlight Menu Items
Signature and frequently praised dishes include:
- Buttermilk Biscuits: Served with honey butter and jalapeño pear jam.
- Shakey’s Gator Tail: Served chicken-fried with onions, charred lemon, and chipotle aioli.
- Jambalaya: Featuring shrimp, andouille pork sausage, chicken, okra, white rice, peppers, tomatoes, and tasso ham.
- Gumbo Ya Ya: A classic gumbo with shrimp, andouille, chicken, okra, and white rice.
- Fried Chicken: Including options like Chicken and BisCuit (with hot honey) and Fried Chicken and Waffle (with a cornbread cheddar waffle and bourbon maple syrup).
- Beignets: Described as “Delicious Little Sweet Clouds From Heaven.”
- Brunch Specials: Available on weekends, often including Bottomless Mimosas or Bloody Marys.
Significant Events
While the restaurant primarily hosts regular dining, key events and ongoing features include:
- Grand Opening: The establishment of the Fort Lauderdale location itself was a significant event as an expansion of the True Grit Hospitality Group brand.
- Live Music Weekends: A consistent and significant feature, with live bands performing most Fridays and Saturdays.
- Weekly Specials: These often act as mini-events, such as Fat Tuesdays (Smoked Wings specials), Wild Oyster Wednesdays (raw and wood-fired oyster specials), and Prime Rib Thursdays.
- Private Events: The venue is a premier location for booking special events, dinners, and brunch parties due to its unique setting.
Contact and Location Information
