Pretty darn good. I'll caveat this with my coworker had some issues with his order, but they corrected it promptly so great service! The food comes out super fast, and it's as I mentioned pretty darn good I cannot complain! The po boy I got was tasty, and just enough food to keep me happy for the afternoon. This spot definitely rocks for lunch with it's speedy service and laid back atmosphere. The food itself, as I said it comes out fast! Like, questionably so but it wasn't bad so I can't complain haha. The one thing I didn't love is the cheese in my Po Boy got stuck to the wrapper it came out in so I lost a lot of cheese to the paper. Let's chat about ambiance fast, it's an interesting atmosphere very american but also very New Orleans at the same time. I like it but the walls are a smattering of different themes and ideas which makes for a somewhat incoherent atmosphere. Still, the music was at a good volume for conversation and for work. So yeah I'm happy! read more

I had heard about this place before. I think they're a 2-loc maybe...? They've got a spot somewhere else, I'm pretty sure. Anywho, this is a heard through the grapevine spot, and to be honest -- originally I thought... "a Cajun in the North Pole? Yea right." I STAND CORRECTED, SIR. You looking for that poboy? Essketit. I've had a few of their sandwiches now. The, "all that jazz" is fuego. What's the stuff that's mayonnaise, but not really? Ummm.... You know what I'm talking about it. AIOLI! They make a couple of in house aioli's that go in the sandwiches, and the one on the, "all that jazz" is bomb. They do a dill aioli as well, and it's worth trying. Anyway, Cajun Santa. It's happening. Go try it yourself read more

Haven't been here for some time and decided to try them a second time. Had a cup of gumbo with a small jambalaya. Generally most places will serve gumbo with a scoop of rice in the bowl but Zydeco just mixes it all in. The jambalaya was "just okay" and needed a boost of flavor and heat with some Crystal Louisiana hot sauce. Overall, not bad but I have had better. Oh , and about the beignets - come on folks! These are just deep fried squares or lumps of flour drizzled or dusted (or, here, drowned) with powder sugar. (Warning: Don't wear dark clothing, don't breathe or blow air on your beignet if they are still hot because, if you do, everyone will know know what you had for dessert!). The "service" was "just okay". Now you go up to the counter and order first. Get your own table and cleanup by taking dishes over to a tub when you're done eating. That's fine, not hard. But why pay a big tip for little to no customer "service?" As noted in other reviews I have asked: How does one gauge a tip when you order first at a counter, pay, find your own seating, get the food, and then expected to bus your own table? Under these circumstances, I'll tip 15% up front If I'm expected to pay first. I can always provide an extra tip for "extra" ordinary service and/or food before I leave. While I like the patriotic theme - and as observed the last time I was here - the place is a little outdated and could use a facelift. read more

Is there anything better on a cold day than a good hearty gumbo? The jambalaya is equally as delicious. The poorboy, shrimp and grits and etouffee are great and what is with the garlic bread? My god it's good! Apps like fried pickles and fried green tomatoes are excellent as well. As for the sweeter side, I've only had the beignets. They, like everything else I've tried on the menu was pretty damn good! Give it a try, you won't be disappointed unless you're a Cajun snob. In that case, maybe you should be taking a plane ride elsewhere to get your cajun. And btw, I've know cajun folks that have really enjoyed Zydeco. read more

So yummy. Beignets delicious though not as puffy as I'm used to. Fried oyster po'boy full of juicy fried oysters. Oysters smaller than ones I get home in Seattle but great oyster to bread ratio. Seafood gumbo also delicious. Good hot sauce selection too. read more

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A must stop if you are a fan of Cajun food. We had a yummy spicy and flavorful jambalaya, crispy hush puppies with a creamy Cajun dipping sauce, and, the best beignets ever- served hot and covered in powdered sugar. The place was already fairly busy before noon. It looks like they have pretty great breakfast too. If we come back through Helena we will be back! read more

We ordered two different plates. Service was good. Jambalaya was great, the tuna was fine -- different than expected. The setting was interesting and entertaining. Good value for money. read more

Great food great people. Etouffee with craw dad Was just perfect. Prices are very reasonable read more

Most excellent food, service, an atmosphere. We all had the 1/2 Po-Boy with Seafood Gumbo. Definitely need to return to try more food. read more

Cafe Zydeco - Seafood Gumbo with a Jazz Po-Boy - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Helena, Montana

I haven't been here often, but I also know that Cajun isn't my favorite food. It is always busy and customers seem very pleased.

Always wonderful food! The staff is great and they have great pride in their restaurant. I love the chicken and sausage gumbo! Yum! The hush puppies are to die for! Fast service and we always leave full. read more

I don't really feel the food is 5 stars-maybe 4-but for Montana food, this is a treat! And the guy inside is worth the extra star, so kind! First off I said in passing that I'd be eating outside with my dog. Not only did he bring out a bowl of water without being asked, but he brought my pup a few slices of deli meat too! The jambalaya has PLENTY of meat and seafood and I had a whole meal of leftovers because I ordered the large portion with a side of fried okra and half of each was plenty for one meal! I rarely have leftovers btw. I am glad I this was on BringFido.com and glad we stopped, yum! Also the outside tables are in the shade so if it is a nice day like today was, you needn't worry about being hot! read more

Passing through Helena on our way to Wyoming. Decided to eat something different other than burgers or diner fare. Why not try a southern themed restaurant in Helena, MT? Giving this place an honest 3/5 years. No issues with the service or the food. Cafe Zydeco is an okay restaurant to satisfy your craving to deep fried Cajun-style food. We ordered their mixed fried platter consisting of oysters, calamari, catfish, and fries as our starter. The menu advertised alligator but we didn't get any on our platter. Everything was hot and tasted good especially with their dipping sauces. The po'boys were okay, nothing spectacular about them but they do the job if you want a po'boy in Helena. read more

Cafe Zydeco - a hand holding a sandwich - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Helena, Montana

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I've eaten here several times. Great sandwiches, even better bread pudding. I would highly recommend this establishment. Take time to read all of the signs on the walls. read more

Being new to the area, I was excited that this place was just down the hill from me. I tried on three different occasions to try their food. The first time I tried, I walked in to find no one around. Not one person. I waited yet no one ever came out. The second, I tried DoorDash, they accepted my order, my driver went there, then I got a cancellation forty minutes after putting in my order. The third time, I tried one more time to go in. There was a few people at one table, someone talking to the woman behind the counter, then me. A few minutes after waiting my turn, someone walked in behind me. The woman behind the counter looked at the guy who walked in behind me, without acknowledging me said she'd be right back, then went to the back and never came back. I ended up leaving ten minutes later and won't ever step foot in there again. Customer service is non-existent there. read more

Tasty. Fresh. Friendly. Food is unique & perfect for those who love seafood and everything Cajun! Well seasoned and flavorful in every bite.

Stopped here on road trip looking for different food. Yup southern fare in Montana! The menu had many Louisiana items - Rice and Beans, gumbo snd a variety of po'boys. Ordered the jambalaya - The small serving is generous so very filling & delicious! Decor could be improved. read more

Was okay, nothing exciting or exceptional. Not bad, but not outstanding. There's potential for a great place to eat, but seems a lack of motivation to take from good to great. read more

I was driving through Helena and found this little joint. The inside was out dated , and upon walking in to the Cafe I wanted to turn around, the Decor and the political signs were offensive to both sides of the coin, but when I took my first bite of their delicious Reuben sandwich I was in love. It was the best Reuben I have ever had and that is a lot. The staff was super friendly and they were incredibly nice to my dog. The beignets , however weren't cooked right because they were hallow. Skip the Beignets and try the bread pudding. I will return to this small heaven. read more

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I'm from New Orleans and was super excited to eat at a New Orleans style cajun restaurant. The atmosphere and decor was fun and the background music was very New Orleans-ish with Jazz and Creole/Cajun style music. We were super excited for the po-boys... however, these po-boys aren't made like back home in New Orleans. They're missing the French Bread, this bread was just a "French Roll". Typically us New Orleanians like fried shrimp on our Po-Boys so we were slightly disappointed when we weren't given an option and were just given grilled shrimp. Next we had some Beignets, let me tell you... they are not Cafe du Monde. The powdered sugar was on point but the actual beignets didn't taste like they were cooked all the way, they were extremely doughy and under cooked on the inside. They were also like a heavy bread almost like a roll rather than light like a real beignet. We ordered some Cajun fries and oh my gosh, those were delicious, flavorful, and crunchy! We had gotten some Red Beans and Rice to go. When we got home to eat it, we took a bite and decided to throw it away because there was no flavor and was extremely watery. I'm giving 3 out of 5 stars simply because the decor and atmosphere made me feel like I was back home. However, if you are from the south, I wouldn't recommend eating here you'll be disappointed. read more

Cafe Zydeco - Full order of beignets - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Helena, Montana

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All the way in Montana I can get Cajun. Had the crawfish étouffée and the corn and shrimp chowder. OM I will return. read more

Cafe Zydeco - Napkin holder - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Helena, Montana

We're visiting from out of state, we walk in and no one greets us. We stand around a while then walk up to the counter and ask if we seat ourselves? they say yes, and I ask if we order right there? they said yes, so we had to figure it all out ourselves. There is no sign that says to seat yourself or come to the front to place your order. I chose this restaurant hoping for a taste of New Orleans, it was ok. I finished half my gumbo, my daughter finished her French dip, and liked the Cajun fries. The huckleberry soda was good. read more

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Everything is amazing! Great atmosphere and staff . Highly recommend " all that jazz po boy" with the sea food gumbo, food has always been top notch h read more

Amazing food, great service, consistent quality! And their beignets are absolutely PHENOMENAL! Just like Cafe du Monde in New Orleans. Even better! read more

Chicken and sausage gumbo is delicious!!! The seasoning is spot on, the flavor is bold and perfectly balanced, and the bread that goes with it is good too. read more

Being born and raised in Louisiana this place is a joke and disgusting, not one thing was even close to being authentic. PoBoy was on hoagie bread not French bread, gumbo tasted like it was tomato based not a roux, shrimp PoBoy was old nasty stuffed and weirdly breaded. Save your money. read more

This place is a gem. The food and the staff are great. I have never liked po boys, but theirs' are delicious! I came in for lunch, and I had the combo of seafood gumbo and the bayou po boy. And they were both delicious! I had to add quite a bit of pepper to the gumbo, but that took the dish from a 7 to a 10. To finish things off I had fried bread pudding. It was OUTSTANDING! Seriously, I loved it. When initially ordering I was between the bayou po boy and the muffuletta. I obviously wound up getting the bayou, but I ordered the muffuletta for dinner . I'm writing this review after having eaten it. It was so good!!! I'm in town for a week and am a serious foodie. If I run out of places to try I will definitely be coming back to this place because it is so good. BTW: 1/2 po boy + seafood gumbo, 1 muffuletta, and the fried bread pudding was just over $29. Great price for the serving sizes and quality of the food! read more

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My husband loves the seafood gumbo. Packed full of various seafood and the broth is really good and you get a lot of it.

The ladies at Cafe Zydeco know my dad, Harry, and he's not well. I came by to pick up his favorite Seafood Gumbo and they couldn't have been nicer. Great service, great food, and great fun! read more

We walked in at 1p and no one on staff was visible. Four tables were seated, no one had food, and only one table had drinks. Food may be great, but lunch service on this particular Monday was sketchy. read more

The guy at the counter was rude and not helpful at all. Ladies seemed nice. Sandwich was pricey and subpar. Not a great experience. My daughter seemed to like her food. I did leave my purse and they put it behind the counter so that was nice. read more

Good food, served quickly. That's the upside. Downside is the politics of the owner are on display on every wall of the place. Why would someone intentionally alienate half of the potential customers out there? Sometimes I don't want to get inundated with opinions, I just want decent food. We do takeout here now. read more

Not my kind of food. But if you like Cajun style everybody in town says it's great. I also know they want some awards. A definite stop and try place in Helena. read more

This joint has provided us with great lunches over the years. This consistent quality has elevated my rating to a well earned 5. This lunch included a wonderful Sausage and Chicken Gumbo and a BLT Po' Boy that features fried green tomato, bacon, lettuce, and turkey. The gumbo was loaded with spicy sausage slices and chunks of chicken. A small bowl is 24 ounces... more than enough for your average lunch offering. My wife can never finish her hefty Po' Boy and I gratefully assist her. It was very good, in fact her favorite. Coupled with an order of their hot, fresh, New Orleans quality beignets for dessert, and we are always full, satisfied, and happy, happy, happy. If you are not familiar with this cuisine, or have consumed poor efforts to duplicate it, I strongly recommend you give this place a try. It is the real deal. read more

I can't even begin to tell you how incredible this place is! My wife and I go every time we're in Helena. The Gator bites, fried oysters, shrimp po' boy, all genuine in taste and well portioned. So far we haven't found a thing on the menu that isn't amazing. The ladies behind the counter are just as unique as the food... Fun-loving, clever and very sweet. read more

Loved the Seafood Gumbo and also had the Grilled Catfish Po Boy, which was excellent!!

We were looking for something different. Found Zydeco on map search and decided to try it out. Good choice, I had Jambalaya. Really good. I am not a Cajun coneseuir, but it was good and there was plenty with a "small" option. My brother had the Cubano pulled pork wrap, and liked it. This place supports the cops and military. If that bothers some people, they can try someplace else! read more

Fantastic food! Even when it's busy. I'll come in just order a basket of fries because I'm addicted to the Cajun friends and swamp sauce. Can't go wrong with the shrimp Po boy or their Philly cheese steak. Again, the swamp sauce is sooo good. It's nice to have a tasted the South up here. 10/10 would recommend even when they are busy. Worth it. read more

My mother was a Cajun gal from South Louisiana, and she liked the gumbo so much, she made me take her back to scarf some down on the way back to the airport. I have visited the Helena location too - same deal. The food is authentic. If Cafe Zydeco was in East Texas or Louisiana (my home as well), it would be well reviewed by locals. Thanks for giving me a taste of home. read more

Amazing food friendly staff and a clean environment to dine in