“Come for the catfish, stay for… well, more catfish.”
Flagstaff at night feels like someone dimmed the world just to see if you’d trip over a curb. Satchmo’s leans right into that vibe—tucked into a small strip mall, low lighting, jazz playing softly in the background, and a Louis Armstrong trumpet poster hanging in the bathroom. Not gonna lie… I don’t think I’ve ever been stared at by a jazz legend mid-pee, but Louis looked like he was about to really blow down the walls.
The only things keeping this from a perfect five stars? The gumbo desperately needed seasoning, and the beignets were a tad overcooked. But other than that—this place is phenomenal.
🍽 Dish Ratings
Fried Catfish – 9.2 Recommended by the genius at the counter—seriously, the kind of cashier who could probably sell sand to a camel. Best fish I’ve ever had—any type, anywhere. Perfectly seasoned, flaky, and borderline spiritual. Smoky, rich, and so good it makes you want to start talking with a Cajun accent you haven’t earned.
Jambalaya – 9.1 Flavor that dances like a trumpet solo—bold, warm, and with just enough kick. Could’ve used more meat, but still an absolute hit.
Macaroni & Cheese – 8.9 Some of the best I’ve ever had. The crumb topping deserves its own Instagram account. Slightly dry, but still miles ahead of most.
Gumbo – 5.2 Sadly, the rhythm section fell apart here. Flat, bland, and missing that deep, soulful note good gumbo should hit. My girlfriend’s first gumbo, and now she thinks it’s all like this. I promise it’s not.
Beignets – 6.8 Still sweet, still satisfying, but slightly overcooked—like a jazz note held just a little too long.
Service was warm, friendly, and thanks to the cashier’s spot-on recommendations, we ordered like pros. Between the moody lighting, the jazz, and the fact that this place turns “strip mall” into “Louisiana night out,” it’s a must-stop in Flagstaff.
Bottom line: 🐟 Best catfish ever. 🎷 Atmosphere as smooth as the soundtrack. 🍲 Gumbo’s a miss, but Satchmo’s still hits all the right notes.
Final Note: If Flagstaff had more places like Satchmo’s, I’d gladly get lost in the dark here every night. Order the catfish, tip the cashier well, and maybe give Louis Armstrong in the bathroom a wink—he’s clearly rooting for you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scott Plachecki
The Andouille Po-boy might have been the best sandwich I've ate all year. 10/10 delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nick J
If you know you know. If you don't, then by all means come check this place out. The food is so good. Lots of flavor and worth the price. I honestly don't think you'll be disappointed at all.
The menu is small and that is part of the appeal for me. What they do make, they make so good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Denis Oishi
Amazing service. Thanks for the wonderful tip to check out the coffee house down town.
Matt Murphy
This place was fantastic. The service was amazing, the front desk worker was more than warm and welcoming and the food was beyond words. I won’t claim myself a Cajun officianado but I can say that po boy, gumbo, and jambalaya kicked ass
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mary Stroube
The food is exceptional though expensive. It's in a little strip mall behind a gas station. There's nothing fancy about the decor. You order at the counter, take a number, and they bring your food. Service is on paper plates. The cajun-style food is to die for. We don't go often, but love it when we do. The ribs ribs just melt. Monday only are burnt ends. All the sides are good. Worth splurging on!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mikey S
Great selection of beers from all over. Adam and crew are friendly and knowledgeable
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Mr. Chez
Satchmo’s BBQ – Flagstaff, AZ If you’re in Flagstaff and looking for authentic Southern comfort food, Satchmo’s is a must. From the moment you walk in, the smell of smoked meats and spices lets you know you’re in for something special. The vibe is laid-back and welcoming—no frills, just great food and friendly service.
I ordered the catfish and gumbo, and both were absolutely outstanding. The catfish was perfectly fried—crispy golden crust on the outside, moist and flaky on the inside. It wasn’t greasy at all, and the seasoning had just the right kick. Easily some of the best I’ve had outside the Deep South.
The gumbo was rich, hearty, and full of flavor. Loaded with sausage, chicken, and just the right amount of spice, it had that homemade taste that’s hard to find. You can tell they put real care and soul into every bite.
Sides were on point too—cornbread was moist with a slight sweetness, and the mac and cheese was creamy and comforting. The portion sizes were generous, and everything came out fresh and hot.
Service was quick and friendly, even with a steady crowd. It’s clear that Satchmo’s is a local favorite, and now I see why. Whether you’re passing through or live nearby, this is a spot worth stopping for. Southern flavor done right in the heart of Arizona.
Highly recommend the catfish and gumbo, but honestly, I don’t think you can go wrong with anything on the menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Silver Runeblade Warden
Decor includes stone walls, fireplace seating, and Native art
kyle rosenfield
Friendly and attentive staff. Great BBQ and potato salad!!!
Finding Canjun cooking in the southwest such a pleasant surprise. Go get you a taste of Orleans
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
jeanine ives
I work around the corner from this amazing hole in the wall. I come in for lunch occasionally for the amazing gumbo! Service, gumbo, atmosphere is superb! I really need to bring home a platter of ribs, pork, and Mac and cheese!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ – “Creole in a strip mall? Believe it.”
“Come for the catfish, stay for… well, more catfish.”
Flagstaff at night feels like someone dimmed the world just to see if you’d trip over a curb. Satchmo’s leans right into that vibe—tucked into a small strip mall, low lighting, jazz playing softly in the background, and a Louis Armstrong trumpet poster hanging in the bathroom. Not gonna lie… I don’t think I’ve ever been stared at by a jazz legend mid-pee, but Louis looked like he was about to really blow down the walls.
The only things keeping this from a perfect five stars? The gumbo desperately needed seasoning, and the beignets were a tad overcooked. But other than that—this place is phenomenal.
🍽 Dish Ratings
Fried Catfish – 9.2
Recommended by the genius at the counter—seriously, the kind of cashier who could probably sell sand to a camel. Best fish I’ve ever had—any type, anywhere. Perfectly seasoned, flaky, and borderline spiritual. Smoky, rich, and so good it makes you want to start talking with a Cajun accent you haven’t earned.
Jambalaya – 9.1
Flavor that dances like a trumpet solo—bold, warm, and with just enough kick. Could’ve used more meat, but still an absolute hit.
Macaroni & Cheese – 8.9
Some of the best I’ve ever had. The crumb topping deserves its own Instagram account. Slightly dry, but still miles ahead of most.
Gumbo – 5.2
Sadly, the rhythm section fell apart here. Flat, bland, and missing that deep, soulful note good gumbo should hit. My girlfriend’s first gumbo, and now she thinks it’s all like this. I promise it’s not.
Beignets – 6.8
Still sweet, still satisfying, but slightly overcooked—like a jazz note held just a little too long.
Service was warm, friendly, and thanks to the cashier’s spot-on recommendations, we ordered like pros. Between the moody lighting, the jazz, and the fact that this place turns “strip mall” into “Louisiana night out,” it’s a must-stop in Flagstaff.
Bottom line:
🐟 Best catfish ever.
🎷 Atmosphere as smooth as the soundtrack.
🍲 Gumbo’s a miss, but Satchmo’s still hits all the right notes.
Final Note: If Flagstaff had more places like Satchmo’s, I’d gladly get lost in the dark here every night. Order the catfish, tip the cashier well, and maybe give Louis Armstrong in the bathroom a wink—he’s clearly rooting for you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Andouille Po-boy might have been the best sandwich I've ate all year. 10/10 delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you know you know. If you don't, then by all means come check this place out. The food is so good. Lots of flavor and worth the price. I honestly don't think you'll be disappointed at all.
The menu is small and that is part of the appeal for me. What they do make, they make so good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing service. Thanks for the wonderful tip to check out the coffee house down town.
This place was fantastic. The service was amazing, the front desk worker was more than warm and welcoming and the food was beyond words. I won’t claim myself a Cajun officianado but I can say that po boy, gumbo, and jambalaya kicked ass
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food is exceptional though expensive. It's in a little strip mall behind a gas station. There's nothing fancy about the decor. You order at the counter, take a number, and they bring your food. Service is on paper plates. The cajun-style food is to die for. We don't go often, but love it when we do. The ribs ribs just melt. Monday only are burnt ends. All the sides are good. Worth splurging on!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great selection of beers from all over. Adam and crew are friendly and knowledgeable
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Satchmo’s BBQ – Flagstaff, AZ
If you’re in Flagstaff and looking for authentic Southern comfort food, Satchmo’s is a must. From the moment you walk in, the smell of smoked meats and spices lets you know you’re in for something special. The vibe is laid-back and welcoming—no frills, just great food and friendly service.
I ordered the catfish and gumbo, and both were absolutely outstanding. The catfish was perfectly fried—crispy golden crust on the outside, moist and flaky on the inside. It wasn’t greasy at all, and the seasoning had just the right kick. Easily some of the best I’ve had outside the Deep South.
The gumbo was rich, hearty, and full of flavor. Loaded with sausage, chicken, and just the right amount of spice, it had that homemade taste that’s hard to find. You can tell they put real care and soul into every bite.
Sides were on point too—cornbread was moist with a slight sweetness, and the mac and cheese was creamy and comforting. The portion sizes were generous, and everything came out fresh and hot.
Service was quick and friendly, even with a steady crowd. It’s clear that Satchmo’s is a local favorite, and now I see why. Whether you’re passing through or live nearby, this is a spot worth stopping for. Southern flavor done right in the heart of Arizona.
Highly recommend the catfish and gumbo, but honestly, I don’t think you can go wrong with anything on the menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Decor includes stone walls, fireplace seating, and Native art
Friendly and attentive staff. Great BBQ and potato salad!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
The best restaurant food I’ve had in years
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
So good. Had the catfish and jambalaya.
Overprices snack sized poboy lacking smokey flavor.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
Finding Canjun cooking in the southwest such a pleasant surprise. Go get you a taste of Orleans
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I work around the corner from this amazing hole in the wall. I come in for lunch occasionally for the amazing gumbo! Service, gumbo, atmosphere is superb! I really need to bring home a platter of ribs, pork, and Mac and cheese!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...