When you have a craving for Cajun or Creole cooking, you don’t need to drive all the way to Louisiana. You can explore the Springfield area and find some great options right here in town! Let’s check out some of our favorite spots serving savory Southern cuisine.
La Roux Bistro
The ever-growing food scene on Commercial Street has brought a new kid to the block: La Roux Bistro. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a beautiful mural of the one and only Chappell Roan! La Roux has three levels: the ground level is the Nola Bar, a New Orleans–themed bar; the second level is the Stone Bistro, a wonderful dining area with open views of the kitchen; and the third level is the Phenix Vault, an underground vault discovered during the building’s renovation! The menu is a great mix of Cajun and Creole dishes, including blue crab beignets, alligator bites, Po’ Boy sandwiches, and, of course, an oyster bar. Reservations are recommended, so plan your next meal at La Roux Bistro today!
Address: 300 E. Commercial St., Springfield
Big Easy Grill
When it comes to Cajun cooking, you can’t overlook the classics like Big Easy Grill. I’ve followed Big Easy Grill from one location to another, enjoying their wonderful menu each time. The fried green tomatoes and boudin balls are a must-try, and don’t sleep on the slaw dog! If you’re craving something heartier, the red beans and rice with andouille sausage or a large bowl of sausage and chicken gumbo will hit the spot. Whichever dish you choose, you’re sure to leave very satisfied!
Address: 3641 E. Sunshine St., Springfield
Seafood Express
Chris Perkins has been known as the “Seafood Guy” in the 417 area for over 20 years, bringing in seafood from coast to coast for you to enjoy at home or at your favorite restaurants. Now, you can step inside the Seafood Express Deli and enjoy some great Cajun cooking while you shop! The team offers daily lunch specials, from muffulettas and lobster rolls to Cajun pastas. There’s also a soup station serving delights like seafood pozole and crab & lobster bisque. Don’t forget to grab a bowl of boiled peanuts before you leave, they’re perfect for the drive home!
Address: 2805 W. Chestnut Expy., Springfield
TT’s Southern Cooking
The moment you see the food truck, the smell of delicious Southern cooking hits you! Not only does the food taste amazing, but it’s also presented like a work of art in the to-go boxes. The boudin balls are the size of a baseball—crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. You could make a meal out of the boudin balls alone, but don’t stop there. Other must-try items include the seafood gumbo, packed with perfectly seasoned shrimp, and the shrimp Po’ Boy, served with French fries and hush puppies if you’re still hungry!
Address: 910 E. San Martin St., Bolivar
Papa Frank’s Cajun Foods
In the small town of Highlandville, you’ll find a hidden gem: Papa Frank’s Cajun Foods, serving all your favorite Cajun staples. Papa Frank himself makes all the boudin fresh in-house, along with his own seasonings and hot sauces. You can enjoy lunch specials like red beans and rice or meatballs in gravy. There’s also a grab-and-go section with sausages, gumbo, and even homemade desserts. Jump in the car, head south of Nixa, and treat yourself to some tasty Cajun cuisine!
Address: 226 Woodfield Drive, Highlandville
The Bayou Bandit
If you need to feed family and friends at an event or just want a nice dinner at home, why not have classic Cajun favorites delivered from The Bayou Bandit? You can order crawfish, a whole alligator for your cookout, crab cakes, salmon, or a hearty bowl of chicken and sausage gumbo. They also offer an assortment of seasonal seafood for boils. Keep an eye on their website and social media for order and pick-up dates.
Address: 305 N. Grand St. Suite A, Greenfield
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