It seems to have been many years since we in Baltimore had a place that really did cover both sides of the dining spectrum -- bar food and then, a wide choice of seafood -- and could catch truly hot rock acts. If there's a decent band playing around here, you can pretty much count on a jacked up cover charge. Boo. Fortunately, our BWI Airport is a hub and popular connecting destination for several airlines. Do yourself a favor and head out to Little Rock, to Cajun's Wharf. I was very glad to be able to check it out.
The "restaurant" side is perfect for date night and in warmer weather, has lots of outdoor seating overlooking the Arkansas River. The menu selection for this part of the restaurant is broad, with an emphasis on seafood prepared in the Cajun or Deep South manner. Restaurants located on bodies of water are popular, letting us dream of being in exotic tropical locales. When the menu matches the sentiment, the dream is that much more vivid.
I started out with some Gulf oysters to compare them in my mind to Chesapeake Bay oysters, such as a Choptank Sweets. The Gulf oysters are definitely more "oceany" and meatier in texture. They have a richness to them.
Cajun's Wharf has a slightly sweet Planter's Punch type drink called the Play De Do that's served in a souvenir Mason jar. It'll kickstart your night, for sure.
Whether you go for a full-on Cajun dinner or just want to dip your toes in the water, it's all possible. You can order things like blackened chicken or crispy crawfish tails to top a traditional salad. Sides like Cajun mashed potatoes, yellow pepper grits, or bourbon creamed corn -- with bits of bell peppers for a Southwestern flair -- transport comfort food to something more exotic.
For more activity, including the game playing and live bands, head to the bar area. It serves classic pub fare on its menu, also with a Cajun twist.
Cajun's Wharf's ace card is definitely booking the region's top music acts. They've been in business for over 30 years, so they have the connections and know-how. The vast majority of bands don't have a cover charge. Nothing's throw-away, either. Recently, for the early evening/happy hour act, Cajun's Wharf featured Andy Tanas. Yup, you read right. You may recall that he was a bass player for Black Oak Arkansas and also, Krokus.
