The Absolute Best Cajun Restaurants in Chicago [Updated 2024]

Having tried and tested several establishments, I'm excited to share my top picks with fellow foodies. Whether you're looking for spicy gumbo, hearty jambalaya, or crispy fried catfish, this list has got you covered.

From hidden gems to popular hotspots, these 12 restaurants have all earned a spot on my radar for their delicious cajun cuisine. So grab your napkins and get ready to indulge in some mouthwatering dishes!

Joker's Cajun Smokehouse

Highlights
Amazing Cajun dishes
Delicious smoked BBQ
Fantastic homemade sauces and pickles
Soft and good bread on the po boy
Hands down favorite mashed potatoes with gravy

From the moment I walked in, I could smell the amazing aroma of Cajun spices and smoked BBQ. My taste buds were already getting excited! I started with their famous po boy sandwich, which was accompanied by soft and good bread that made it all the more enjoyable to eat.

The menu offered a wide variety of dishes but my favorite was definitely their mashed potatoes with gravy. It was so good that I had to ask for the recipe, but they wouldn't give it up! Their homemade sauces and pickles were fantastic too and added an extra zing to every bite.

Joker's Cajun Smokehouse knows how to get their flavors right. Every dish was cooked to perfection, leaving me feeling satisfied and craving more. The service was fast, friendly and knowledgeable about their menu, making it easy to choose what to order.

If you're looking for a spot in Chicago where you can enjoy some great cajun cuisine with delicious smoked BBQ, Joker's Cajun Smokehouse is definitely worth checking out!

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Ragin' Cajun Gumbo

Highlights
Authentic gumbo
Tasty creole
Fresh ingredients

First off, let me tell you that this place is the real deal! From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for a treat. The aroma of spices and fresh ingredients filled the air, making my mouth water with anticipation.

I started off with a bowl of authentic gumbo, which was simply amazing. The perfect combination of savory spices and tender meats made it clear that the chef knows what he's doing. And don't even get me started on the creole - it was so tasty that I could have eaten it all day!

What really impressed me about Ragin' Cajun Gumbo was their commitment to using fresh ingredients. Each dish was bursting with flavor and it was obvious that they take great care in preparing their food.

Overall, if you're looking for a cajun restaurant in Chicago that truly delivers on taste and quality, then look no further than Ragin' Cajun Gumbo. It's an experience you won't soon forget!

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Nita's Gumbo

Highlights
Great service
Amazing fried chicken
Closest to homemade
Customizable options

First of all, let me tell you that the service was nothing short of fantastic. The staff was friendly, attentive and made me feel right at home. Now let's talk about the food. Oh boy! I have to say that their fried chicken was simply amazing! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside and seasoned to perfection. It was definitely one of the highlights of my visit.

When it comes to cajun food, I always look for something that tastes as close to homemade as possible, and Nita's Gumbo didn't disappoint. Their dishes had a homely feel to them and tasted just like something my grandma would make if she were from Louisiana.

But what really sets this place apart is their customizable options. You can choose your spice level and add or remove ingredients according to your taste preference. They truly cater to their customers' needs which is a huge plus in my book.

Overall, if you're looking for some authentic cajun cuisine in Chicago with amazing fried chicken and great service, then Nita's Gumbo should definitely be on your list. Trust me, you won't regret it!

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Lowcountry South Loop

Highlights
Hand washing stations
Build-your-own seafood bucket
Friendly and strong drinks
Great seafood and atmosphere
Provides gloves and tools to eat

First of all, let me just say that this place knows how to make you feel safe and comfortable during these unprecedented times. They have installed hand washing stations throughout the restaurant to ensure a clean dining experience. They also provide gloves and tools for you to eat your seafood with ease.

Now, let's talk about the food. The build-your-own seafood bucket is a must-try! You get to choose from a variety of seafood options like shrimp, crab legs, and crawfish. And don't forget to add their special seasoning which gives it that extra kick.

The atmosphere is great too! It's perfect for those who love a casual yet fun dining experience. The staff is friendly and always ready to help with any questions you may have.

And let's not forget about their drinks! They are strong and delicious. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet or sour, they have it all!

Overall, I highly recommend Lowcountry South Loop for anyone looking for an excellent cajun seafood joint in Chicago. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you later!

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Ina Mae

Highlights
Gumbo is amazing
Live music
Large portions
Buttery biscuits
Great value

First things first, the gumbo at Ina Mae is out of this world. I could taste the rich flavors and spices in every bite. It was so good, I had to order a second bowl!

What really stood out to me was the live music. It added an extra layer of entertainment and ambiance that made my meal even more enjoyable.

The portions were also very generous. I couldn't finish my plate, but luckily they offered to-go boxes so I could enjoy it later.

And let's not forget about the buttery biscuits. They were a perfect addition to my meal, and I may or may not have asked for some extras to take home with me.

Overall, Ina Mae offers great value for the quality of food you receive. The atmosphere is inviting, and the staff are friendly and attentive. If you're looking for a cajun restaurant with great food and a fun vibe, Ina Mae is definitely worth checking out!

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The Boil Cajun Seafood

Highlights
Delicious, fresh food
Efficient service
Kind and attentive staff

Firstly, I must say that the food was absolutely delicious! The spices used in their dishes were authentic and flavorful, making it one of the most memorable cajun experiences I've had in a long time. Not only was the food delicious, but it was also very fresh which is always a plus.

The service at The Boil Cajun Seafood was efficient and quick. Our food came out promptly and our server made sure to check on us regularly to see if we needed anything else. The staff was also incredibly kind and attentive, making us feel welcomed from the moment we stepped in.

One dish that stood out to me was the crawfish boil. It was cooked to perfection and had just the right amount of spice. It's safe to say that I'll be craving this for days to come.

Overall, my experience at The Boil Cajun Seafood was nothing short of amazing. If you're looking for authentic cajun cuisine with great service, then this is definitely the place for you!

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Joker's Cajun Kitchen

Highlights
Delicious food
Kind servers
Fast-paced ambiance
Mouth-watery smell
Convenient parking

The moment I stepped in, the mouth-watery smell hit me hard, and I knew I was in for a treat. The ambiance of Joker's Cajun Kitchen is fast-paced, perfect for those who want to satisfy their cravings quickly without compromising on quality. The servers were exceptionally kind and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed.

Now let's talk about the star of the show - the food! Oh my goodness, it was delicious! Every bite was packed with flavor that made me close my eyes and savor every morsel. From their signature gumbo to their spicy crawfish étouffée, every dish was cooked to perfection.

What impressed me the most about Joker's Cajun Kitchen was their convenient parking. You won't have to worry about finding a spot amidst Chicago's busy streets.

Overall, I'd highly recommend visiting Joker's Cajun Kitchen if you're looking for authentic cajun cuisine in Chicago. With its delicious food, kind servers, fast-paced ambiance, mouth-watery smells, and convenient parking - what more could you ask for?

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Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar

Highlights
Amazing Food
Reasonable Prices
Friendly and Helpful Staff
Fresh, Crisp Corn and Potatoes
Knowledgeable and Detailed Server

Firstly, let me start by saying that the food at Crab King is absolutely amazing. I had the pleasure of trying their shrimp and crawfish boil and it was an explosion of flavors in my mouth. The cajun seasoning was spot on and not too overpowering, just the way it should be.

What's even better about this place is that they offer reasonable prices for their dishes. You won't have to break the bank to enjoy some delicious cajun food.

The staff at Crab King are also a standout feature. They were incredibly friendly and helpful throughout my visit, making sure that I was comfortable and satisfied with my meal. Plus, our server was quite knowledgeable about cajun cuisine and gave us detailed explanations of each dish we ordered.

One thing that impressed me was how fresh the corn and potatoes were that came with our boil. They were crisp and added a lovely texture to the meal.

Overall, I highly recommend Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar for anyone looking for some authentic cajun food in Chicago. From the amazing food to the friendly staff, this restaurant has everything you need for a great dining experience.

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Spicy Fingers Seafood Kitchen—Asian Cuisine & Seafood Boil

Highlights
Delicious beignets
Low sodium dishes
Fun atmosphere
Great for date night
Complimentary dessert

First off, let me just say that their beignets are to die for! They were soft, fluffy, and tasted like they were made fresh. It was the perfect way to start my meal at Spicy Fingers.

I also appreciated their commitment to providing low sodium dishes. As someone who tries to watch their salt intake, it was refreshing to see a restaurant take this into consideration without sacrificing flavor.

The atmosphere at Spicy Fingers is definitely on the fun side. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and there's a lively energy in the air. It's a great spot for a casual night out with friends or even a date night.

Speaking of which, if you do go on a date here, make sure you save room for dessert because they offer a complimentary one! Who doesn't love free dessert?

Overall, I highly recommend checking out Spicy Fingers Seafood Kitchen—Asian Cuisine & Seafood Boil if you're looking for some delicious cajun-inspired dishes with an Asian twist. With their tasty beignets, low sodium options and fun atmosphere - what more could you want?

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Buffet City/Cajun Seafood Boil

Highlights
Delicious food
Great service
Impressive decor

First of all, let's talk about the delicious food. The restaurant offers a wide variety of cajun dishes that will make your taste buds dance with joy. From spicy jambalaya to succulent crawfish, everything tasted fresh and flavorful. I especially enjoyed their gumbo, which had just the right amount of heat and was brimming with tender chicken and sausage.

But it wasn't just the food that impressed me; the service was top-notch as well. The staff were friendly, attentive, and made sure that our glasses were never empty. They even offered us extra napkins without us having to ask - now that's what I call great service!

Lastly, I couldn't help but notice the impressive decor of the restaurant. The walls were adorned with colorful murals depicting scenes from New Orleans and jazz music played softly in the background. It felt like we had been transported to Louisiana itself!

Overall, I highly recommend Buffet City/Cajun Seafood Boil for anyone on the hunt for fantastic cajun cuisine in Chicago. With tasty food, exceptional service, and impressive decor, this restaurant definitely deserves a spot on the list of best cajun restaurants in Chicago - trust me!

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Storyville Chicago

Highlights
New Orleans vibes
Incredible flavors & cocktails
Must-try Bananas foster dessert

As soon as I walked in, I was transported to the vibrant streets of New Orleans with their upbeat jazz music and colorful decor. The ambiance was perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic date. The menu had a plethora of options, but I decided to stick to the classic cajun dishes.

I ordered the gumbo which was incredible. It had the perfect balance of spices and seafood that left my taste buds dancing. To complement my meal, I also ordered one of their signature cocktails - the Hurricane. It packed a punch and was deliciously sweet.

Now let's talk about dessert - oh my goodness. If you're a fan of bananas foster, then you must try it at Storyville Chicago. They flambeed it right in front of me and served it over vanilla ice cream. It was simply heavenly.

Overall, Storyville Chicago exceeded my expectations with their flavors and impeccable service. If you're looking for an experience that will transport you to New Orleans without leaving Chicago, then Storyville is the place to go!

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Cajun Boil & Shake

Highlights
Outstanding service
Delicious food
Great music selection
Newly renovated restaurant
Reasonable prices

As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted by the friendly staff who provided outstanding service throughout my entire visit. The newly renovated restaurant had a modern and clean ambiance that made me feel comfortable and at ease.

But let's talk about the most important thing: the food. Oh boy, was it delicious! From the perfectly seasoned crawfish to the mouth-watering shrimp po' boy, every dish was packed with flavor that left me wanting more. And if you're a fan of spice like me, their signature Cajun seasoning will definitely satisfy your taste buds.

Not only did they excel in food and service, but their music selection was also on point. The upbeat tunes of jazz and blues added to the overall atmosphere and made for a memorable dining experience.

And let's not forget about the prices. With all these amazing highlights, one would expect to pay an arm and a leg, but Cajun Boil & Shake offers reasonable prices that won't break the bank.

Overall, if you're looking for an incredible cajun dining experience in Chicago with outstanding service, delicious food, great music selection, all in a newly renovated restaurant at reasonable prices - look no further than Cajun Boil & Shake.

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