Not Your Mama's Cafe & Tavern

The service was adequate. The food was abundant, but bland. I loved the antique country atmosphere.

$2.98 GLASS OF TEA????

I came here with my heart set on a big platter of boiled crawfish, corn and potatoes but my hopes were dashed when Ms. Brittany (blonde, petite) returned with my glass of tea, as ordered, and in answer to my inquiry informed me the only crawfish they had were the fried tails.
I turned my attention to the menu to try to decide between very high priced ($38 and up), delicious sounding, options (steak, crab, etc) or more affordable ($15-$28), less enticing options. I narrowed my choices down to two ($22 seafood combo or $26 seafood platter) ate my roll (the best part of the event and served with REAL BUTTER) and drank my tea almost gone before my waitress reappeared.
After a short discussion, I chose the $26 seafood platter and began the short wait for my meal to arrive.

It came, piping hot and 100% fresh out of the fryer. If you like fried food, then you might love this menu item. The menu did not fully disclose the nature of the seafood, only the fish or crustacean it was derived from.

I, however, reached my limit of oily breading at a little less than half way through my platter. Still very hungry, I decided to finish by extracting the meats from the fried hulls. The shrimp and crawfish I found to be rubbery and tough while the oysters were a solid 6 and the fish was a very nicely cooked but bland 8. The picture I left on this review is the breading from the remainder of my plate. Wow.

Oh and my tea glass is plum empty at this point and Brittany has been by my table no less than 4 times and probably more, not to mention the other wait staff.

Dejected and tired of my disappointing seafood, I turned to my sides, “smashed potatoes” and smothered green beans, hoping to turn the tide of this experience with the basic wholesomeness which is mashed potatoes and green beans.

Glass still empty, but the ice is melting so I still have a drop to drink every few minutes!

I plunged my fork into the generous serving of [apparently] “made from scratch(!)” mashed potatoes and cream gravy and my spirits began to soar...LIKE A LAWN DART...as I tasted what has to be the dullest mouthful of mashed potatoes known to man. I am not kidding when I say they have more in common with swamp mud than they do something to eat.

So, turning to the smothered green beans...these actually had some decent signs of imagination and creativity. I actually enjoyed the first taste but the sweet after-tones and the over cooked texture eventually overcame my resolve and that dish was also pushed aside.

Glass still empty. Are you serious right now, Brittany???

Thoroughly dishumored , I sat back to wait for my waitress to reappear. When she showed, you’re not gonna believe this, she ASKED ME IF I WOULD LIKE SOME MORE TEA.....

Having nothing nice to say, I simply raised my hands in exasperation and shrugged. To which she walked off to retrieve my check.

You’ll be relieved to know, the charges were full and accurate and she made an effort to ensure I received the correct change...

The prime rib Po-boy was magic! So good, so good! The atmosphere and service was top notch. I'd come back to Louisiana for the first time in a long time. It was a delight to have such a fantastic good old Po-boy!

I will be back!

I would have loved to try eating here, but unfortunately I can't give them a review because I never got seated, I left after 14 minutes of waiting and never being spoken to once. We were second in line when we came in on a Wednesday at 2pm, so not even high lunch hour. I could see two servers, NOT wearing masks (although the sign on the door asks all patrons to wear masks) serving customers, and one of them came over to ask the people in front of us how many, in order to seat them. After they were seated, she then served her table some food, looking me in the eye as she passed by, and no one else came over to assist us. After a few more minutes, we noticed the number of tables that did not have food (all but one) and left. Again, 14 minutes and no contact. Crazy. It doesn't matter how good the food is if that's the service unfortunately

This place was open on our way home to north Louisiana from Alabama. Its Sunday afternoon. The host was quick to seat us and our waitress was quick to attend our table. We had water and sweet tea. The fresh rolls they brought out were amazing and real cream butter. Even though the menu states real food takes time, our lunch came out as expected as far as time goes. Inhad the half and half poboy with the fried shrimp and fried crawfish. Piled on a delicious French bread, it was to die for. My husband had the rib eye poboy, paired with all those grilled onions and swiss cheese...omg. That steak was cooked right and tender. We ended up getting a huge slice of Original cheesecake to go and it was so thick and creamy. Not too sweet and the crust was perfect. We will definitely stop through now on our regular ventures down south. It's hard to find good home cooked food with the affordable pricing they had.

I have been in the are of Lavonia, Baton Rouge, and, New Roads for about 5 weeks. This is by far the best food I have had. I had the cheese raviolis in a seafood sauce e/ shrimp, crawfish and more. It was excelent, fine food. I sat at the cooper topped bar. Great ombionce, with lots of very cool antiques. One corner of the restaurant has 2 large tables that will hold 16 people each which, is great for a large group. I intend to return soon to experience the broiled Redfish in a spicy sauce. Enjoyed some good conversation with a couple of the employees.

The best cajun food I have ever eat. The service was top notch. If I ever come back this way I will for sure be stopping buy.

Always get the gumbo, food is great and always great flavor and portion. Today and the last visit however have left me a little upset. Today the restaurant was about 1/2 packed. I waited 53 "being generous" minutes to get food. Rolls came then also. Upon ordering and getting drinks I requested a few lemons. Those never showed up. When the food finally showed up I spent the next 30 minutes biting tiny hard shells in every bite. I had to dig out shells with my finger over 30 times it seemed like until I was finally tired of it. I reported to manager and she was nice about it and offered to remove it but it but I informed her it wasnt about that and I believe in paying for my meal. Just please fix it for other guest. As I proceeded to checkout my $9.50 gumbo "menu price" was now $10.25. I was informed that the internet prices are up to date however the physical menu has yet to change to reflect the new balance. I have inquired about having the menu prices updated the last 5 visits. I'm hoping the next experience is better.

The food there is very good you ought to try the pepper jelly

Wow! This place.was.really great. Food portions where huge and very delicious. Everyone walked away stuffed and with to-go boxes.