J. Gumbo’s
Although this is technically a chain restaurant (and we don’t review chains here…we all know what they taste like), this place (formerly Gumbo-a-Go-Go) started here and it’s still kinda small, unlike the taste and portions of this cajun fast-casual restaurant.
I flew solo on this lunch excursion and decided to stop in at one of our usual places in the Highlands. I’m really surprised I haven’t written about this place before. I typically go for the gusto and order the Voodoo Chicken ($5.99), which according to their “spiciness gauge” is off the charts. For good reason…that stuff doesn’t play around. It’s spicy. I decided to play it down a bit this time around and ordered the Chicken Etouffée ($5.99).
The Etouffée was very creamy and had some nice tender chicken chunks generously scattered about. All of their $5.99 Bowls (which used to be $5…stupid rice prices) come served in a hefty bowl filled with rice and smothered in your choice of cajun goodness. It’s served with a piece of garlic bread (I always get an extra piece!) and it’s a miracle if I finish the bowl. It’s a LOT of food.
The Drunken Chicken (also $5.99) is also on my long list of favorites here. Chicken, onions, tomatoes and Cajun spices cooked with beer. Abita, I hope!
They always seem to have beer specials for happy hour, which we’ve never taken advantage of, and also have a good selection of Louisiana beers: Abita, Dixie, etc…
If you haven’t been there yet, I suggest it highly. I hope this franchise takes off nationwide. It’s a great concept and has great food.
Rating: 7/10
Cost: $8.81
Address: 947 Baxter Ave. | Louisville, KY 40204 (Other local and regional locations as well)
Phone: (502) 454-5507
Website
I LOVE the VooDoo Chicken. But, I can only eat about half a serving at a time with out feeling like a dragon.
Good stuff.
The Drunken Chicken is my fav. If you are not sure about what you want here they will be happy to let you sample before you order.
I ATE AT THE ONE ON 4TH STREET LIVE. IT WAS VERY CROWDED. BUT, THE WAIT WAS SHORT AND THE FOOD WAS OKAY! GOOD PRICES!
Star-I appreciate the comments, but you don’t have to yell!
(In other words, turn off yer CAPS-LOCK, please!)
😉 Just a friendly reminder from the Internet Police.
My experience hasn’t been as good. I’ve visited New Orleans and other cities in LA and this place doesn’t even come close to real cajun/creole food.
I tried the mufaletta sandwich at the 4th Street location and was very disappointed.
I tried a few of the rice bowls and while there’s spice and seasoning in the food, it’s a bizarre hodgepodge of flavors that don’t go well together, not to mention that aren’t authentic.
My advice – skip J. Gumbo’s and eat somewhere else.