Cajun Connection
2958 IL-178, North Utica
(815) 667-9855
Recent Reviews
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Heard so much about this place and finally got there.We got the boudin balls, alligator, shrimp and jambalaya. All was good to ok. I was expecting better. Seemed toned down for the Midwest palette. Service ok
I ordered the fried catfish and jambalaya. For appetizers we got fried alligator, mild boudin balls and hush puppies. Literally everything tasted absolutely amazing except for the fried catfish. It had a horrible mud taste to the meat that was just unbearable. I would recommend all other options but the catfish blackened and or fried.
Having been here a few times before (though the last time was over a year ago) I was excited to be in the area again. I was raised in the deep South and my friend is from the same area as the owner so I've always appreciate this place).Ordered the app combo of fried alligator (a favorite), fried shrimp, and boudin balls (always a favorite). It was a super hot day and I'd been outside most of the day so this was the perfect size. However I feel that my small order caused the next.My server didn't really seem happy to be there and that was my first disappointment having in the past always felt very welcome. Sweet tea was good, Southern style.My food came out and I was excited! The server didn't speak or even tell me about the 3 sauces or what they were. Again, she seemed annoyed with me. This was the Last time I saw her until I stopped her to ask for my check.The alligator was good, happy to have that. Fries were perfect. Shrimp was ok but a bit overcooked and chewy which was a bummer. The boudin balls....complete disappointment. The rice was very bland (I've ordered the mild before...they had taste in the past) and very overcooked and mushy. I mean...not good at all. Those and the alligator were the two things I wanted most.Yes, could have got up and hunted my server but after feeling unwelcome already I just waited until she came out later and asked for my check. The food set there mostly uneaten and she didn't even ask if it was ok.I tipped. I left. I'm disappointed and not sure when or if I'll be that way again and if I'll even stop. This was such a great place when it opened.
Drove 1.5 hours to get there and I’d do it again…Atmosphere is odd…feels like we were sitting in someone’s house…..service was slow….food was outstanding….blackened shrimp and fried gator were a solid 9/10…. Shrimp ettouffee was just a tick lower….Highly recommend it….we’ll be back
Great place. It was my first time there, and Ron, the owner, came out and was full of jokes. It was my first time trying gator and I'm definitely hooked!!
Amazing place, staff, and the owner "Cajun" Ron always comes out and visits with the customers. Thanks for all the great food over the years!
Great food and wonderful atmosphere.
Went there at 4:30 today and they told us they could not seat anymore people today. They only opened at 2:00 Very disappointed! This was the Only reason we came to Utica today, WHICH WAS A HOUR DRIVE NOT WASTING MY TIME AGAIN. WILL LET EVERYONE I KNOW NOT TO VISIT THIS RESTAURANT.
The owners are looking to retire due to lack of staffing. It is a shame. Absolutely the best Cajun food period. We just returned from New Orleans and could not find an equal to the ted beans and rice nor jambalaya!
Went there to take the family out for some good food last weekend. Got there & saw that they DON'T have gumbo or po boys on the menu anymore. Was told by the waitress that the menu was shortened due to not enough staff. So we had to leave. Seems that if you are going to shorten your menu you should do the same online so that people don't think you're serving food you don't have.
Restaurantji Recommends
Stopped while in town and had service for eight. Not a problem even though there was a band in back and were very busy. Took a little while to get our food after ordering but there were a lot of people inside and out. Everyone enjoyed the cajun food and would go back. Service was excellent.
The food was amazing. I can't believe you can get Cajun food this good in the Midwest. We did the 4 different item appetizer and choose the mild and hot boudin balls. They good but the hot is better and more flavourful. The fried corn was really good and the alligator was so good I had to get it as part of my main dish. I got the Jamba-2-fay with the crawfish etouffee over the jambalaya with the fried alligator. They have this dipping sauce pictured below that goes great with the alligator. The desserts looked good but I was stuffed and didn't get a chance to try them
My wife and I took a 4 day getaway and decided to cap off a fun day with dinner at the Cajun Connection. We’ve been told we must try this place so we finally were able to make the journey there. The food was amazing and we had the pleasure of meeting Cajun Ron! Honestly meeting him was as amazing as enjoying his food! We had alligator and oysters along with red beans and rice, gumbo and boudin sausage balls and hush puppies. Simply amazing flavorful food. Great atmosphere! I’m so glad we only live 45 minutes away because we’re hooked!!! We will definitely return. This place is a must try!
Ron , staff and food is amazing. Stopped in for lunch for our anniversary and he gave us the vip treatment .. a true hidden gem
Good was absolutely outstanding! Didn't expect a Louisiana coming restaurant out in the middle of nowhere but very convenient right off of I-80 at N. Utica.We were greeted by the owner's wife, Amy when we walked in and was amazed at how extensive the menu was once seated. Crawdads, etouffee, jambalaya, crowd corn cobs, fried shrimp and grits, and bread pudding for dessert. Yes, we had all of it because there were 6 of us and it's fun to share in a large group! I will be back!
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