Big Easy Creole Cafe: A Taste of New Orleans in Montgomery, Alabama

Located on Montgomery's East Side, the Big Easy Creole Café gave the city something it has long needed: a decent place to get Andouille gumbo. With a casual atmosphere and quick service, the restaurant is a great place to get together with friends after a long hard day. Between the helpful staff, the great food, and the jazz playing in the background, no one can leave the Big Easy without feeling a little bit better.

One of the best ways to begin the visit is with the Catfish Sampler. Using Alabama freshwater catfish, the sampler contains lightly breaded filets that are so tender they melt in the mouth. To add some spice to the filets, the Big Easy's Cajun tarter sauce is included on the side.

Fried oysters are also included as part of the sampler when they are in season. As with the catfish filets, the oysters are tasty and are great with or without the sauce. Boudin Balls, made with sausage, rice and blend of spices and vegetables is also a great way to pass the time while you wait for the meal to arrive.

One of the signature foods at the Big Easy, in addition to the gumbo, is the wide selection of Po-Boy sandwiches. A wide range of options ranging from beef and sausage to chicken and fish are available, all served on Leidenhemier Po-boy bread. For anyone who wants to try something different, go for the French Fry and Gravy Po-Boy. People with more conservative tastes can also get cold sandwiches, with a choice of turkey, salami roast beef, or ham.

No restaurant that claims to produce authentic New Orleans' cuisine would be complete without such favorites as jambalaya, red beans and rice, or crab cakes. Each of these are spiced to perfection, and the servings are enough to make anyone happy. Try the Seafood Etouffee, a combination of Gulf shrimp and crawfish that is served with a light cream sauce. Onion, bell pepper and celery help to add color to the dish, which is infused with just the right amount of white rice.

Even in summer, the Anduouille Gumbo is a welcome treat. Made with Anduoille sausage and the finest cuts of chicken, the gumbo is just thick enough to please and thin enough to not leave the mouth feeling dry. The gumbo is slow cooked, so it is always ready for anyone who wants a large or a small bowl. When accompanied by a small Po-Boy, the combination makes for great comfort food.

If you have kids that may be wary of all the spicy food, the Big Easy has a simple children's menu including corndogs, hamburgers and chicken tenders. Your child can even enjoy a plate of spaghetti and meatballs. French fries and onion rings are cooked when ordered, so they arrive at the table piping hot and crispy.

Located at the corner of East Boulevard and Atlanta Highway, the Big Easy also offers live entertainment on weekends. With plenty of great food and an ambiance that puts everyone at ease, the Big Easy is the perfect bridge between Montgomery's Midtown and East Side areas.