An awesome fish taco and a kicking cup of gumbo was my introduction to Bayou Fish House. I am looking forward to the shrimp etouffee when it comes back around as a special. I will be back soon to sample more of the menu. Fantastic food!
The only negative is that they do not have a liquor license, but you can hardly blame them with what it would cost to have one these days. A Dixie Blackened Voodoo or Abita Purple Haze would have went so well with my meal.
I can't say enough good things about Bayou Fish House. Tasty food, friendly atmosphere, and a great model for local restaurants. They run a Groupon every few months, post a Catch of the Day and/or daily specials on their fb/twitter, and the owner Grant makes sure to engage each customer on every visit. It's nice to feel like a regular whose feedback is appreciated.
I'm enjoying working my way through all the fish selections and catches of the day. You can never go wrong with fish tacos, which are frequently 99 cents with purchase of drink and a side. I've also had the 12 piece shrimp, mako shark (not what I would've expected it to taste like, in a good way), and the shrimp gumbo.
Things to know: closed on Sundays, make sure to get the rewards card, bring your smartphone in so you can take advantage of check-in deals, carry-out meals are encouraged but they don't do individual phone take-out orders during Lent.
I was really happy with my first visit to the Bayou Fish House. Â I had been wanting to come here for quite some time, and once I saw they had a Groupon deal, I had to jump on it. Â The formula of this place is easy to see, and they pull it off perfectly: serve the freshest fish possible at reasonable prices, and keep it simple. Â You get your choice of fish, which is then fried and served with fries and bread. Â The owner is very active on Twitter and Facebook and you can tell that he really cares about only serving the freshest fish. Â They constantly have rotating specials on fish as it comes in daily. Â When I was planning on going, the owner offered on Twitter to give me and my dining companion a sampler of specials they had that day. Â We both got sample platters that consisted of one frog leg, one conch fritter, one piece of walleye, and one piece of grouper. Â I couldn't turn that down, since walleye and grouper are my two favorite fish (especially fried, sushi's a different story). Â I also love frog legs and conch fritters, and hadn't had either in a while, so the whole meal hit the spot. Â We got all of that for around $8, and after a drink and a side it was only $12! That was of course before my Groupon which knocked the price down to $2.
My whole meal was cooked perfectly. Â For my side, I got some bayou bites, which are fried jalapeno slices. Â These were nice because they were fried very lightly, and came with a sweet sauce that seemed half Thousand Island dressing and half tarter sauce. Â Too many places put too much breading on their peppers, but these were just right, and had the lightness of tempura almost. The frog leg was really tender, not chewy at all, and the breading was light and flaky. Â The conch fritter was dense, and had a nice chewy bite from the conch (for some reason I like conch and clams extra chewy). Â Both the walleye and grouper were also fried to perfection, and both were fresh as hell and had amazing flavor. Â The fries, that I got cajun style, were warm and crisp, but maybe could have used more cajun seasoning. Â The owner was nice to chat with us throughout our meal, and made sure everything was to our liking. Â The place is pretty small, but it has a good vibe, and there's plenty of parking in the area. Â I imagine it gets crazy on Fridays in lent season though. Â Overall, I really loved this place, and can't wait to introduce some of my fish-loving coworkers to it!
I got a gift card to the Bayou Fish House several months ago and then the location nearest to me unfortunately closed. Â I finally got to the Newport location and I wish I got there a long time ago. Â The food there was outstanding! Â I had the fish tacos with slaw and my friend had the Louisiana redfish with seasoned fries. Â Both dishes were breaded, spiced, and cooked perfectly. Â Two lunches with sides and drinks only came to $22. Â Service was very fast and we had a nice time talking with the chef (he mentioned that they will start selling their breading, and when they do I will be all over it). Â I not only recommend the Bayou Fish House, but you will probably see me there again by the end of the week!
Review Source:Hot, fresh and fast. We shared fish & chips (haddock), slaw, gumbo and gator bites. I'm from the deep south and found even the gumbo legit! The gator bites are craveable and I foresee a longstanding relationship. Friendly proprietor, too. We will happily patronize this joint when we have the hankerin' for some good fried eats!
Review Source:My wife and I have eaten here a few times. Unfortunately, the first time we ate there, we ordered the fried fish with french fries. Although the fish was well cooked, it was just too much fried food. HOWEVER, the new two times we ate here, we had the fish tacos...and I fell in love with them. They are amazing! Just the right amount of fish with some lettuce type slaw and a Cajun sauce wrapped in a small tortilla. Every time I get them, they are fantastic. So, moral of the story, if you want great fried fish, but straight fried fish is just too much for you, get the tacos!
Review Source:I purchased a few coupons for Bayou. I had a very unplaseant experience. My mom and I both brought a coupon in a few months ago and the owner/other manager allowed us to each use one in serpate payment. I just went back on 11/23 to the Newport location and the worker was extremely rude. Said "I can not allow you to use that. Only one coupon per party." I said I would pay for mine as a to go/carryout, or walk back in the door and not sit with my mom so that I could use my coupon and all he said was "I cant let you do that." He was very defensive, very rude, and unpleasant to try to come to a compromise with. I informed him the owner/other manager had allowed us to use it in the past. I said I came all the way over here to get the fish tacos and im disappointed that I can not use my coupon. Had I of known that I wouldnt be able to use the coupon on this trip, I wouldnt of come.
I gave in and said I will just pay full price then. So I did, I did not get the chance to use my coupon. I ordered fish taco's and a cup of water. Paid $8.96 and waitied for a second for my cup of water. The employee didnt notice I was still standing there as he started making the order. I went to sit down figuring maybe he was bringing the water with the food. When he brought the food over my mom asked for a cup of the cilantro dip and I chipped in "I asked for a cup of water with my order..." and he said "Oh we dont have cups of water. only bottled. I charged you for it. (as he reached into the pop cooler and pulled out a bottled water and set it on the table)." I was probably rude but looked at him and said "If i would have known i was being charged for a bottle of water I wouldnt have gotten it- I woudl have just shared my moms drink with her" and he said NOTHING and went back to his cooking station for the next customer order.
I was more than disappointed in the service. Fish taco's were ok but I do like other menu items better there. I won't go back because I didn't feel welcomed or appreciated. This employee was not a good respresentation of the company or the mission. I felt as if my money was taken advantage of, i was charged for something and I didnt even know it until after the fact. He could easily have been responsible and said "we dont have that only bottles if you'd like to buy one" but instead it was easier to push a button to charge me than deal with the reality and be honest about it.
Note sure it was the same employee or not but on a seperate occastion at the westside location before it shut down another similar indicent happened, one which was very discrimiatory and I should have not purchased coupons after....
I went to use a coupon at the westside location and an african american mom with two young kids was in front of me ATTEMPTING to use a coupon as well. I overheard her semi-arguing that "your coupon says good through [hypothetical date i am making up as i dont remeber the exact date] 9/19." the worker kept arguing back with her and saying he wasnt allowed to use it the coupon was only good until close of business on 9/18....9/19 it isn't valid. The conversation went back and forth with the same arugment that she should be able to use the coupon. I didn't want to chime in but I knew that I had the same issue that would come up as I was using the same coupon. She argued and was nearly desperate saying I can' tbuy just one meal tonight...and that I need to feed two children as well. The guy would not accept the coupon.
I step up with my coupon and go in blindly as if i didn't hear anything ahead of me. My coupon was accepted....no arguments....no warnings about 'next time I cant accept this...nothing...." pure discrimination and I just still cant believe I witnessed it!!!
The food is good people!!! BUT, I wouldnt go there for customer service... be prepared to get the minimal !
As a New Orleanian I know about how fried seafood is done here and unfortunately Bayou Fish House does not have it. I know its hard to have good seafood in the midwest but the quality of the product was not the problem, it was they way in which it was cooked. I ate here twice to give a local guy a little action but both time I was not impressed. The catfish was extremely greasy and the batter was horrible. On the gulf coast we fry our seafood in corn meal or corn flour and you can also use the pre-mixed box Louisiana Fish Fry, any of which would be better than what they fry their fish in. The second time I came I had the gumbo and the cod plate, the gumbo was ok, you can't critique anybody trying to make gumbo that far north. The cod was better than the catfish but still both times the grease left me with an upset stomach and guilty feeling later on like I had just eaten a grease bomb. One thing I did like was the strudel from the bakery across the street and my great haircut I got next door.
Review Source:This place is kickin. Â The fish is awesome. Â The obvious comparison is Alabama v Bayou. Â Plain and simple, Bayou is the best fried fish in this city. Â The rest of the food is allright, but the real reason to get there is the awesome fish.
Bottom Line: Â I'll be back the best fried fish in this city.
If you like fried fish, you will absolutely like the food at Bayou Fish House, guaranteed.  They do one thing, and they do it well. The fish is fresh, and very reasonably priced. I got  the Blue Marlin fish of the day, and it was perfect - crisp batter, firm but not dry, evenly browned. And at $7.95, I didn't feel guilty throwing out the fries. Which brings up complaint #1- they need a side salad.
My wife got the fish tacos. I can't share the enthusiasm shown them, nor can she, but it's purely a matter of taste. The fish was again, perfect, but ti's not a taco if it's not a corn tortilla, and neither of us cared for the sauce. Actually if we get them again, we'll have them leave the sauce off and let the fish speak for itself.
Point being, if you go for the fish tacos, either ask for the sauce on the side or ask if you can have a taste before you let them slather it all over.
BFH is not fancy, and there's only 4 tables, but that's cool, it keeps the price down. Cincinnati needs more places to get fresh, well prepared and reasonably priced fish, so yes, I'm a fan.
Came here because of the Yelp reviews on their Fish Taco's. Â I must say I was a little disappointed....not necessarily with the taco's, but the bait and switch I ran into and not so friendly staff. Â
I followed Bayou Fish House on Facebook and it came across my feed that they were running a 99 cent fish taco special that day. Â I hadn't been yet and this was all the motivation I needed. Â
Upon arrival we asked about the special which was catfish that day and I asked if they were doing the 99 cent fish taco's to which the guy replied, "Only if you ask about it." Â I ordered three fish taco's and was then informed that "The only way to get the taco's for 99 cents is to order a side item and a drink with it." Â I wasn't prepared for this as it wasn't disclosed on their Facebook feed. Â I would have been fine with this deal if it had been advertised from the beginning, but it gave me a bad initial impression of the place. Â
Fish taco's were decent. Â The Gumbo that I had as my side item was less than stellar, but my wife chose the catfish which was excellent!
I'll go back to give them another shot. Â Won't be ordering the fish taco's, even if they are advertising them as their "Special," but will definitely order the catfish. Â
This joint is worth a try, but beware of the "Special." Â It may not be as special as advertised.
This place has a big portion of good food at a reasonable price. The owner and the red head behind the counter are both very friendly and helpful. The fried fish with fries was very good and at a price you can't beat ($6.95).Next time I am trying the fish tacos - the sauce (they gave me a taste of it) is to die for. Atmosphere is just what it is - basic dive but functional. I'll be back!
Review Source:Clean establishment. Â Sparse seating as it is a small place. Â We were first in line on a Saturday at 3:30 pm so there was no wait to order. Â We ordered the haddock and whiting with gumbo and bayou bites. Â The price was reasonable. Â
Something smelled like it was burning as the grease was turned on to get the order under way, but it took no time to get our order. Â All of about 4 or 5 minutes. Â The fish was overly spicy and salty to my taste buds. Â The fries were pretty good - crispy! Â The Bayou Bites were too much for me but the sauce that comes with it was sweet and cool in a sour cream base which helped get the bites down. Â
I'd recommend the coating on the fish to be toned down a bit by adding more plain corn meal to the mixture, but no salt or spices are needed. Â I usually eat fish with hot sauce but I just couldn't with Bayou's fish. Â I'll be back to give it another shot, when they are serving rainbow trout or grouper!
I took a friend here based on Paige's rave reviews, although when I name dropped her it did nothing :( hah!
Anyway, we both opted for the special which was the catfish po'boy with fries and it was delicious! It was a big sandwich and plenty of fries.
It is a tiny place with only a couple of tables and a high ledge, which we started at after picking our soft drinks but then as others left we made our way to a table.
That night we learned that the fish tacos are a regular thing, not just Thursday nights.
It seems like they're trying to embrace social media so if you're on Twitter or Facebook, look for them because they share specials and deals (although the prices are pretty low to begin with).
Doesn't get the full 5 stars because the gumbo was pretty blah. The grouper was outstanding. Great seasoning in the breading. Battered french fries were excellent and terrible for you as a good french fry should be. Actually the whole dinner was terrible for you. Only fried options on this menu, so don't come expecting a light meal. I liked the simplicity of the offerings. Too often restaurants try to do too much, or screw with something that already works. Hope this place sticks to the formula.
Review Source:So it appears I'll be the odd man out on this place. As I've mentioned in several other reviews, I'm from way down South, where any fish you eat was caught that afternoon, so I'm super, super picky about finding seafood up here in Yankeeland. If I come across as harsh, it's because I'm writing this review specifically for those people who have the same tastes. Other people have already pretty much covered the average customer's experience, which I'll admit is probably just fine.
Here's the thing about Bayou Fish House: the name implies that you'll be eating cajun-style, or at least something from the bayou-ish part of the country. Don't be fooled. The standard menu consists of whiting, haddock, and cod. Cod! From the bayou! All three of these may or may not be served in the occasional Southern seafood restaurant, but I promise none of the natives is ordering them. As far as I know, all three are North Atlantic fish. An actual bayou fish menu would look more like shrimp, scallops, crab, catfish, tuna. Maybe some bass.
So if you're planning on eating any of these, you're rolling the dice at best. Catfish happened to be the catch of the day when I went, but they were sold out--at about 7 PM. Shrimp was available, at least, but at a much higher price than the other meals. The whole place is little more than half a dozen tables, and your meal comes in a plastic basket.
Now, all that said, as a seafood place of any kind I don't think it's too bad. Not super classy, but then even the best seafood places never are (except Pappadeaux, of course). The fries are kind of take 'em or leave 'em, and the actual fish are as much breading as they are fillet, but that's pretty normal. I will say that the fried jalapeno rings were by far the highlight of the whole thing. I'd go again just for those.
So if you're at all interested in some kind of authenticity, I'd save this place for when you're pretty hard up. If you just want fish, and you're not particular about what sort, honestly the only thing separating this place from Red Lobster is it's under ten bucks (unless it's shrimp), it's a little dirtier, and there are no cheddar biscuits.
Finding good fried fish has always been a quest for me.
It finally came to fruition in Newport. The Bayou has some of the best fish I've had in years.
The Bayou features real, southern-style fish fried to perfection. It also has these amazing friend jalapenos that are just to die for.
The real treat is the sauces, which are all house-made and maddeningly good.
And it's all cheap! So if you're craving some Creole, look no further than the Bayou.
Is it Thursday? If so, stop what you're doing and get to Bayou Fish House for Fish Taco Thursdays! The first time I tried it I loved it so much and returned the following week.
Located at 5th and York Street just a few blocks from The Levee, Bayou is a little slice of Louisiana hospitality. The building itself looks like it popped out of the French Quarter and the interior is decorated with just the right amount of seafood kitsch.
Both times I've been greeted by Chef Terry, who cooks in his open kitchen. All the food is his personal recipe and made to order, so you know you're getting a hot, fresh meal. There are plenty of tables inside the restaurant, or you can get food for takeaway.
The menu is simple: three types of fish, shrimp, a daily special, and a handful of sides.
- Whiting, Cod, and Haddock
- 12 piece shrimp meal
- Sides: gumbo, fries, cole slaw, potato salad, and Bayou Bites (fried jalapeno slices served with key lime sauce)
The Fish Tacos are some of the best I've ever tasted. Three large strips of fried cod wrapped in a soft tortilla shell, topped with cole slaw, key lime sauce, and a side of spicy peppers and onions. The portions are HUGE and only cost $6.95.
The Bayou Bites are an amazing appetizer; enough for two to share. The jalepenos are fresh, crisp, and not overly spicy; just the way I like them. The regular order of fish is crispy, moist, and not-at-all greasy. It's the perfect fried fish!
Terry remembers all of his customers and makes it a point to ask your name. His passion for cooking shines through in his personality; he'll tell you all about his recipes as you dine! After each meal, Terry graciously thanks the customers and says to come back soon. Oh yes, I certainly will.
Price per person: $10.00
My fiance and I finally had the opportunity to try Bayou Fish House after I had purchased 2 $10 gift cards on Half-Price <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2FCincy.com&s=136d8b5cb0c53a1b884ae87232a068aa73b7daa4aeaac65758ddf8561a56640b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://Cincy.com</a> back in January. And it was one of the best ideas we've ever had. We absolutely love the food! We've collectively tried the cod, 12 piece shrimp, catfish, gumbo, and bayou bites. Not one complaint! It's all wonderful. My fiance says that the batter they use to fry everything in is the reason why its so good. I would recommend that you eat in rather than take out. It's so much better when it's fresh out of the fryer.
I have three wishes for this place. 1. A shrimp and/or fish po boy sandwich. Perfect for light dinners during lent! 2. Fish tacos EVERY day! 3. For them to succeed. I've never been treated so well by staff and owners, than when I visit the Bayou. Be sure to follow them on Facebook for the daily specials. I'm already looking forward to my next visit!!
My husband is off on a tangent this morning trying to figure out how to duplicate the gumbo recipe, this is all he has thought about since my family and I went last night because of a Groupon I had purchased. Â The owner said the recipe was handed down for generations and is very authentic. Â
We did not know what to expect from the restaurant or its food. Â Our first impressions were the parking area and exterior of the building looked like it could use some improvement. Â The parking lot had a couple of cars. Â When we entered there was one patron at one of the two eat in tables and no one along the long bar against the wall. Â The decorating seemed to be lacking and the menu had fried fish or shrimp, 4 sides and drinks. Â That was it. Â The owner/cook told us what we could get for our groupon and we ordered. Â
All I can say is WE WERE VERY THRILLED WITH OUR FOOD!! Â The Gumbo was worth a second purchase and a to-go order to boot! Â Planning on going back for Thursday fish taco night and, of course, some more gumbo. Â I had the Cod and found it very light and delicious, my husband had the cole slaw and he said quote "it was excellent and it was the perfect compliment to the gumbo" Â My daughter-in-law enjoyed her shrimp and fries and a yummy taste of my gumbo. Â The baby enjoyed the quietness of the atmosphere. Â
The owner talked and chatted with us during our visit. Â There were a few other patrons that stopped in to eat in and/or take out and the place and the owner all seemed to know these people, perhaps repeat customers. Â
Bottom line, we loved it and all of us plan on come back (and soon).
Before writing this review, I realized that the majority of restaurants I have given 4-5 stars have been criticized for having limited menus. Â It seems to me that being able to sustain a restaurant with a very limited selection means you are capable of doing that limited selection very well. Â Specialization gets you a superior product at a faster speed. Â This holds true for the Bayou Fish House.
The basis of the restaurant is fried fish. Â You choose your fish, you choose if you want coleslaw or gumbo, you choose a drink. Â It's a simple concept.
I can highly recommend going on Thursday nights when they have fish tacos. Â It was easily the best non-cantina style fish taco I have ever had. Â I couldn't help but smile through all three tacos. Â I was beyond filled for six dollars.
The service was extremely friendly and courteous. Â I think it is worth the trek from Lexington to Newport just to experience the food here.
Food is good. Â Best for pick up at this point. Â No tables even though there is room for them. Â There is a long bar type set up against the wall with bar stools where you can eat there if you want. Â The fries were good. Â I still don't get the slice of bread thing but some people seem to like it. Â They should invest in some tables and decor for the place so it doesn't feel so empty.
Review Source:This place is dangerous since it's about 2 blocks from my office. Â I find myself thinking, "fish sounds good" more than I've ever thought it in my lifetime. Â I've been back to the Bayou Fish house 3 times since my initial review (in 8 or 9 days?), so I thought I'd toss out an update--
I've tried all the fish selections, including today's special, New England Haddock and it's all wonderful. Â There is ample enough to eat a sandwich and bring back two pieces of extra fish to my co-worker or to eat for supper over a salad or something like that. Â The owner and chef are amiable and make you feel welcome (even if it IS your third time this week).
Today, I asked about the potential for other sides--"any hope for mac and cheese or how about some good greens?" Â There IS a mac and cheese in the works, just fine-tuning the homemade recipe, but I don't think greens were pondered. Â Maybe they will be now!
Saw this place as I was driving along York Street at about 230pm on a gorgeous Friday afternoon. The word "Bayou" and fact that it looked like a hole-in-the-wall got my attention. I immediately found a place to park the car and came back around the corner on foot.
Entering the the restaurant I was surprised to find no tables - this was getting even better! Â This joint does take-out, if you do choose to dine in, there is a long counter against the wall with some tall stools, across from the counter where you place the order.
As I entered I was cheerily greeted by a chap, who I assume is the proprietor. The special of the day today (Friday) is Catfish.
The menu is small. Most excellent take outs have small menus but do the items on offer superlatively!
Being unfamiliar with "Bayou" food, I asked the gent "What's good?". He told me his favourite is the Perch. I ordered the Perch lunch - $7.00. This is fried perch with fantastic battered, seasoned fries!!
I was offered the option of cole slaw or gumbo as a side for an additional couple of dollars. I elected to have the gumbo!
Waited around while my meal was being prepped and took a few pictures of the place (for reviews such as this). Â I also chose to have some grilled onions and chillies and tartar sauce (no extra charge).
In a few minutes I was called to pick up my order.
I raced home to nosh!! Â As I opened the brown paper bag containing the paper dish holding my meal. I was disappointed to NOT find the gumbo I ordered. However disappointment turned to wide-eyed joy as my meal revealed itself to me.
On a bed of delicious looking fries were layered succulent pieces of deep, batter fried perch. Both fries and fish were seasoned perfectly (I cannot stand over-salting as is for many fried foods in this area).
Each morsel of fish was perfectly tender, neither over - nor under - cooked. The breading was perfect and light. It offered just the right amount of crunch and gave in to each bite without requiring me to chomp down on it like some other crunchy batter-coatings and complemented the succulent fish perfectly.
Not much to say about the fries apart from that they were also perfect. I believe, but am not sure, they were dipped in the same excellent batter as the fish.
Also accompanying the fish and fries were two slices of bread. I made a sort of sandwich with the grilled onions and chillies to go with the rest of the meal.
My brief glance at the opening hours told me the place closes at 7pm every day but earlier on one of the weekend days. My glance was fleeting so call them to be sure. Or better yet go there yourself and ask in person.
I shall be eating this guy's food here again!!
As for the missing gumbo? Â Well what the heck? These things happen, mate. Â I Â am confident it is great. Â And I'll be sure to check the bag next time. Besides I was occupied taking pictures of the place for you to see.
I shall be dining here again.
I tried Bayou a few days ago and had the perch basket, which was good. I like my fish really well done, especially perch so next time I will ask for a little extra time in the fryer. I would suggest getting some quality buns for a sandwich and getting stools for seating at the counter ledges instead of standing only. Additionally, I love the "keep it simple" & "focus on doing a few things really well" mantra, but need a non-fish option. Yes, I know it is a fish house, but it is good to have an out for not fish lovers who are asked to go. Something simple like chicken wings or strips that you can still make with the kitchen infrastructure that they have. Anyway, good luck and I will be back to see how it progresses.
Review Source:I usually wait to eat at a new dining establishment until its been open a little while. This gives the owner a chance to iron out any quirks in the menu and get all the staff up to speed with their tasks. Just for a change though I thought I'd visit this place during its debut week.
I needn't have worried. The offerings at the Bayou are simple, your choice of fish with fries and bread for a bargain $7. The entire menu could be written on the back of a postage stamp.
The interior of this place is clean, tidy and appropriately décored, dominated by the fish fryer & counter on one side and a huge eating bar on the other. You can take your food away with you or stand up at the bar and eat it there.
I chose the cod option. Sizeable pieces of tasty cod arrived just a few minutes later. The batter is certainly different, and includes - by the owners admission - panko and some special Cajun spices. It was not greasy at all and actually made me feel quite full after I'd eaten just two of the three pieces.
However, the fries that came with the fish were a huge disappointment. They were obviously frozen and and tasted just like supermarket oven fries. I do think the place would be better served by offering freshly hand cut fries with each order than this second-rate variety.
That gripe aside, Bayou represents good value for money. There are already rumors that its Chicken Gumbo is pretty special so I will have to try that next time and maybe amend this review accordingly.