Cajun Queen
Cajun restaurant · Elizabeth ·

Cajun Queen

Cajun restaurant · Elizabeth ·

Cajun dining with live jazz, seafood, and rooftop terraces

live music
cajun food
fried oysters
shrimp etouffee
friendly staff
seafood gumbo
bourbon bread pudding
fried green tomatoes
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null
Cajun Queen by null

Information

1800 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204 Get directions

$30–50

Order delivery
See Menu
Usually a wait
Restroom
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Dinner reservations recommended

Information

Static Map

1800 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204 Get directions

+1 704 377 9017
cajunqueen.com
@cqclt
𝕏
@cqclt

$30–50 · Menu

Features

•Usually a wait
•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Dinner reservations recommended
•Cozy
•Romantic

Last updated

Jan 14, 2026

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391,688 Postcards · 10,992 Cities

11 Oldest Charlotte Restaurants Worth Visiting | Eater Carolinas

"Go to Cajun Queen for a big ol’ family dinner, get seafood, and get it fried. In this two-story house-turned-restaurant in Elizabeth, it’s a little too easy to go in for seconds of the plump fried oysters, the seafood gumbo, or the crawfish Creole. The Bayou platter is the best of both worlds with both chicken and catfish. This longtime Charlotte staple, around since 1986, is genuinely a great hang, made for celebrating something with a big group and listening to some upbeat live music upstairs. And don’t be shy about ordering a round of cocktails for the table." - Kayleigh Ruller

https://carolinas.eater.com/maps/best-classic-charlotte-restaurants
Cajun Queen
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391,688 Postcards · 10,992 Cities

12 New, Must-Try Local Eateries in Charlotte

"This cocktail parlor slides re-imagined bar bites across the bar tops while patrons sip handcrafted cocktails with interesting ingredients (think muddled watermelon). The delicately crispy flatbreads are a must — the pesto and avocado rendition carries arugula and cilantro pesto, avocado, shaved red onion, sun-dried tomato, cotija cheese, and a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts. What to expect in 2019: the roll out of a monthly guest chef dinner series featuring cocktails by Bob Peters paired with courses crafted by a guest chef." - Katie Toussaint

https://carolinas.eater.com/maps/new-restaurants-charlotte
Cajun Queen

Tysheia H.

Google
My husband and I came for dinner and it would absolutely wonderful. The food, the service, the atmosphere and the drinks were all great. I had the duck and my husband had blackened catfish and chicken and the red beans and rice. Oh and the bread pudding, my husband loved.

J T.

Google
I did feel a little rushed as we had to attending to us and one would immediately clear things as she saw them finished. It was too much service if that's a thing. Yes we had 7pm reservation and they close at 830 but it was 8pm. Outside of the frequent interruptions we enjoyed our company and the food.

Car D.

Google
I have finally found a piece of New Orleans. The food, the flavors, and the atmosphere transports guests from the cozy southeast to the unique vibe of the old French deep south. We were greeted by a racially ambiguous host, which, (if you know N.O.), made the experience even more authentic. The seating is ok, but the live band was amazing. Cajun Queen's menu is straight and to the point and very easy to navigate. Our server was the best, and food was right on time. I can't wait until my next visit to the Cajun Queen. Also, I highly recommend the shrimp scampi. You won't regret it.

Kailah

Google
I very much enjoyed my experience here. The food was cooked perfectly for me and was super well seasoned. Would definitely come again!

Cole

Google
The best Cajun restaurant I've visited outside Louisiana. The food was so good, they have live music, and the layout gives a fun but intimate setting.

Joseph P.

Google
I had an incredible dinner last night here. The food was jam packed full of delightful Louisiana creole flavor and is the best I've had outside of New Orleans. The atmosphere in the second floor outdoor seating was very nice as well. I had a Key Lime Martini, Fried Oysters, the Shrimp, Crawfish, and Chicken Étouffée, and took home some bourbon pecan pie and all of it was incredible. I will certainly be back next time I'm looking for dinner in Elizabeth. My dad had the Shrimp and Grits with blackened shrimp and only had great things to say about that as well. The owner also came by to check every table on the outdoor deck. This is a 10/10.

Clara L.

Google
I enjoyed my Diane with Shrimp. The portion size was generous. The bread pudding and oreo cheesecake were great! Great service as well! Very kind staff

Jennifer R.

Google
I used to love going to this place. I live 45 minutes away so was always a special occasion if I went. I'm sorry to say that I will not be back. The service was horrific! We felt rushed and from the moment we walked in the door no one was attentive. The hostess didn't even take us to our seats. We had to flag people down for our menu. Needless to say it was not a great experience. Felt like everybody just wanted to get off of work. It's such a shame because it used to be such a wonderful place to go. Very disappointing.

Arlene H.

Yelp
I thoroughly enjoyed the dinner and experience at the Cajun Queen. I was visiting Charlotte and my host suggested this restaurant. The staff was friendly and the manager came over and chatted a bit telling us some of the history of the building. I had the shrimp and grits with andouille sausage. There were 10 shrimp and several slices of sausage. The grits were smooth and creamy. Dinner came with gumbo or salad (I had the salad) and rolls and butter were provided. I can eat but there was more than enough for me to take some home. I highly recommend it for the food and atmosphere.

Karen M.

Yelp
Music, food, and the house are all amazing and such an iconic Charlotte eatery! Makes you feel like you are in Mardi Gras and New Orleans each time you visit!
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Keeley M.

Yelp
What a neat hidden gem. Somehow, I've lived in Charlotte for 7 years and never came across this restaurant until now. It's such a cute spot being in an old historic house with an upstairs and a deck to eat outside. We went for restaurant week and I did not realize it was a Louisiana style menu. The restaurant week which came with a choice of beer or wine, complementary bread, an appetizer, an entree (which was big enough for 2 people), and dessert. I got the mahi mahi with shrimp on top and it came with mashed potatoes. The dish was so flavorful! I also got gumbo as an appetizer which I thought had a strong okra taste so it wasn't my favorite. For dessert I had key lime pie which was delicious! My husband got the Cajun pasta with chicken and the flavor was out of this world good with a little spice. Overall all the food the atmosphere was good!
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Hannah E.

Yelp
The ambiance was very nice! It was very calm and welcoming. My Husband and I, with some friends went on a Sunday evening and it was perfect! We were celebrating a few special occasions including a birthday and they gave us a shrimp appetizer and a sweet treat as well! They brought out alcoholic drinks and neither my Husband and I or our friends drink so it would have been nice to know what they offered, so that we could have told them not to bring those out. They did tell us that they can only celebrate birthdays, so just know you won't be able to get anything special, unless it's a birthday occasion! Customer Service/Valet: The customer service was outstanding! Superb for sure! Our server/waiter was so kind, down to earth and treated us like his own family. The valet guy was very efficient and quick, with quality! Food: I was not a huge fan of the food. My Husband and I didn't have the best food experience. What we ordered: Shrimp Scampi - The shrimp was juicy but it was way too acidic for me. The juice tasted like lemons and it had a very strong lemon taste to where I couldn't really enjoy the food! Blackened Catfish - My Husband didn't have many remarks about it. He only ate the fish off the plate and said it was pretty decent. He said that it was blackened & seasoned pretty well, which was nice but other than that, it really wasn't the best blackened catfish we've had. It could have been better! Overall, the experience was nice! Very quaint home-like restaurant but the value for the taste of the food was not equivalent to each other. I feel like there could have been a more authentic creole taste!
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Amy R.

Yelp
I came to town for my Mother's birthday. My brother chose this very cool Cajun restaurant in large part because they have live music. The Jazz band was very talented and friendly. We were promptly seated for a reservation. The service was very attentive, friendly and fun. The atmosphere was very warm with a bit of Mardi Gras flare. They have a photo area upstairs near the bar where you can see historical fun memories going back to the restaurants origination. They use to have a Mardi Gras type festival, but unfortunately the city shut that down. We all ordered the same food with variations. I'm not a fan when that happens because I like to try all different foods; however, none of us were very impressed with our entrées as they were not flavorful enough. I don't recall ever having authentic Cajun food before this, but my understanding is Cajun is very flavorful and or spicy. My brothers ordered the Etouffee which is supposed to be hot & spicy. It was not! The bread that was served prior to dinner was dry, the fried oysters were very good crispy & tender, shrimp was cooked good but the flavor again was not there. I really hope they can find a chef that can get this Cajun food where it should be flavor wise. We had a great time and maybe there are other dishes that hit the mark. May try one more time on another visit.
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Chasity A.

Yelp
Cajun Queen is one of my favorite places to dine, and this visit reminded me why. My cousin just moved here, so I invited her out for dinner, and we chose to sit on the balcony. This was my first time dining up there, and the scenery was beautiful such a nice atmosphere. We started with drinks, the 7th St Stumbler and Swamp Water. The drinks here are always strong and well made, and these were no exception. For appetizers, we ordered the fried oysters and BBQ shrimp. The oysters were fried perfectly, crisp on the outside and tender inside, and the spices in the BBQ shrimp were full of that true New Orleans flavor. What I didn't appreciate was our waiter adding an 18% service charge to our bill when it clearly states that it only applies to parties of six or more. Not only was it unnecessary, but it also came across as presumptuous as if we weren't going to tip on our own. That move left a bad impression and took away from an otherwise great evening. Cajun Queen is still a phenomenal place to dine, but management should really address practices like this because it can sour the experience for loyal guests.
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Keith A.

Yelp
We had a marriage enrichment date night and the ambiance was excellent. The private room they seated us in was spacious enough for 30-40 people. The food and service is excellent as usual. One of our favorite restaurants in Charlotte. Free valet parking is a nice touch. The jazz music on the weekend is awesome.
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Rose E.

Yelp
We decided to revisit intimate rooftop dining here...but sadly, there were some disappointments this time. :( When we pulled up, we realized that there's no easy, free parking at the back of the house...instead a valet parking (only on weekends). Complimentary, but we still tipped (as is the norm). Not sure why the parking isn't allowed on weekends anymore?? Whatever the case, it's definitely not a plus. Luckily we were able to easily snag a good rooftop table right away, at 5:30 pm, Saturday night. First of all, I loved the Mocktail (though forgot the name)...and we loved the Cajun Popcorn appetizer! Possibly the best part of our dining experience? We also appreciated the complimentary bread roll. Then came all the issues. First, the entrees we ordered, the Crawfish Etouffee and the Crawfish Scampi, were way soupier, with seemingly less rice! Also, my dish was a MESS when delivered to our table. It was so runny, it just spilled right over! Just check out my pictures of the same Crawfish Scampi dishes (from today...and from 5 years ago)...and see the big difference!! The flavors of both dishes were really good still (very spicy too, without becoming inedible?) ...but again, just WAY TOO SOUPY (with its thin, runny roux, filled to the brim of the bowl). I actually hate soupy dishes (minus ramen, of course!), but this would have been an exception...as long as it came with more rice. We still love Cajun Queen...I mean, this is a great, landmark restaurant! However, things were just amiss this time. Super-sloppy delivery and presentation of our dishes...skimpy portion of rice (while being overly soupy!)...and there were more issues too. Like bringing us just forks...for rice dishes! (my major pet peeve lately!) Initially upon receiving our messy plates, I had to ask our waitress to bring us spoons, then wait. Unfortunately, she didn't revisit us 'til we nearly finished our meal...so I wasn't able to ask for more rice. BTW, our waitress was very personable and friendly, but she just got too busy as the night went on. Possibly not her fault...short-staffed, maybe? Then this... We felt there were one too many tables on the rooftop...whereas there were only 4 tables full (just like our last time). It would have been nicer if the tables were spaced apart more. Also, the overhead speakers weren't working, so no music on the rooftop. Also, there was the valet parking noises below. Overall, our rooftop dining experience was not that great this time. I hate to drop 2 stars since our last visit, but this was barely a 3-star dining experience this time. Hopefully I can upgrade the rating on our next visit...should things improve again.
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Reginald M.

Yelp
We when to the Cajun Queen looking for a taste of the French Quarter. We ordered the seafood gumbo and New Orleans seafood platter. The gumbo tasted more chilli tamato soup with minimum seafood and almost no rice. The new orleans platter was better, but the red beans were not up to southern standards. Too much rice and very little red beans. The drink i ordered was amazing, the Seven St. Stumbler had the right amount of kick and flavor. I believe every area of the country has their own spin to food, but this place has a long way to carry the title Cajun Queen.
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Jill R.

Yelp
Date night pick. This was our second time at Cajun Queen. We had been one other time but it was years ago. We arrived and were promptly greeted and seated. We ordered drinks and relaxed, enjoying the atmosphere. I ordered the Diane 3 way. My husband ordered the Bayou Platter. The Bayou platter was super spicy and had too much of the blackening seasoning. He also said the fish was mushy. The Diane was good but I had maybe 3-4 tiny pieces of crawfish (which is my favorite part) so I was sadly disappointed. My husband also was given an option of a salad as his side and she asked if he would like Caesar or Tossed. He chose Ceasar and we were charged $3 extra for that. I don't mind paying extra but it should be stated. Kinda rubbed me the wrong way! I was seated on a bench seat and not a chair. It was so uncomfortable! I could barely sit for any longer after the meal as my back was aching. Pros: Friendly staff, great atmosphere, prompt service, valet Cons: additional charges (Caesar salad), bench seating, barely there crawfish
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Angel P.

Yelp
I would give this place a 3.5. My first time here as my friends kept raving about the place and wanted to go to it. I was hyped because I was craving some good Cajun food. To start the free valet parking was convenient and the staff were nice. I recommend bringing some cash to tip them if they handle your car. The staff inside the restaurant were also very friendly and attentive. I forgot my purse and the host held it for me! Now to the food. It was pretty good but I expected more. We shared the New Orleans shrimp and I had the étouffée with all the meats. We also had the complimentary bread (good to dip the sauce of the New Orleans shrimp). The New Orleans bbq shrimp ate more like an entree so it was kind of awkward trying to share it but it was pretty good. The etouffee was good but a little too much pepper for me (personal preference). I got a side of grits and was so disappointed (as was one of my friends who got it for the first time). It was gritty and reminded me of instant grits. It also didn't have much flavor. We added the New Orleans bbq shrimp sauce to it though and it definitely helped! My other friend got a side of mash potatoes and commented on how it wasn't bad but she expected more for the price and place. I tried them as well and agree with her comment. I would come again for the etouffee if I was near by but I wouldn't go out of my way for it. There are other places closer to me that could give me the same fix. I'll update my review if I go back.
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Nerissa W.

Yelp
We came in celebration for my mom's birthday and wanted to take her somewhere different than her usual spots. This place is really quint and artsy inside with lights everywhere and New Orleans style jazz music. We were sitting at a large table to fit our party and while waiting for the rest to show up; our server took our drink orders and she answered some questions from my vegan partner. Now let's get to the food: I ordered the Diane with chicken and shrimp but was able to do mild spice. My partner got the veggie plate but creole way. All of our food was delicious there and the following day for leftovers! Everything went well from our server being patient with us and asking all of our questions. Even down to her asking which cupcake she should bring out for my mom. I loved the customer service as well as the food & drinks. Let's say I think this will be become one of my mom's new spots as well as mine!!
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D A.

Yelp
I've been here several times over the years, but my last time was for a dinner date. We sat at the bar upstairs. Our server was attentive and took our orders right away. My only takeaway was for this to be Cajun Queen, my food seemed to be lacking the "cajun." I had a good serving amount and ended taking some home with me due to more conversing than eating.

Olivia L.

Yelp
I went on a Thursday night and they had a live band which was really nice. The food was delicious. I had the salmon, and the crawfish scampi. Both delicious. The service was also superb.
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Audrey H.

Yelp
Cajun Queen has some of the best Cajun food I've had. The shrimp and grits was rich, incredibly flavorful, and had a good kick to it. The crawfish etoufee was also fresh, flavorful, and a tad spicy. Both entrees came with either a salad or gumbo. The service is impeccable, though the atmosphere is a bit dark and outdated.
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Veronique B.

Yelp
I was really looking forward to trying some authentic North Carolina food during our layover, but unfortunately, the experience left a bad taste in my mouth. My husband and I aren't from the East Coast, so maybe we're just not used to the atmosphere, but the vibe here felt judgmental. Despite the restaurant being listed as casual on Yelp, we were seated all the way in the back with a view of the parking lot. The hostess greeted us with a big, fake smile and, right in front of us, told someone to "seat them in the back." Honestly, we were just hungry, so we didn't care at first. But as someone who just dined at a 2024 Michelin-starred restaurant in Mexico, it's funny to think she assumed we were scrubs just based on our clothes. What really stood out was that everyone in our section wasn't white, while the front of the restaurant--where the cozy fireplace and nicer seating were--was filled with white families. I've never experienced anything like this before, but as a half-white Mexican married to a Filipino, it was impossible not to notice. The food was good, not amazing, but the overall experience made it clear that we won't be coming back--not just to this restaurant, but likely to North Carolina if this is what hospitality looks like here.

Evette M.

Yelp
The food is amazing. I wish I could add more than 5 stars. I had the shrimp Diane it was so delicious. Going back before I leave Charlotte.
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Tiffany K.

Yelp
My friend would not stop raving about this place so we finally went and it was amazing! The service was great and the restaurant was cozy. We sat upstairs in the other room that the band was not in. I suggest if you make a reservation to request downstairs near the fireplace, it looked warm and the music would have been softer to be able to conversare easier. The upstairs was nice though because it was less crowded and you could definitely hear the music. Our food was incredible, we had a shrimp appetizer and then creole and Cajun pasta for dinner. I will definitely go back!
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Cindi W.

Yelp
I've been wanting to try this place for a while and finally made it when I was in town. We came on a Sunday afternoon, it wasn't packed and we had a reservation so we were seated promptly. My fiancé and his sister are from the "Deep South" and wasn't sure if the food was authentic to Louisiana. We got the fried pickles which was on their weekly special menu. The pickles were great. My fiancé and I got a cup of gumbo soup. It was pretty decent. It was a tomato based roux, not the standard dark flour roux that we are used to. My sister in law wasn't sure if she she try the étouffée and the waiter assured her people from Louisianarata tried it liked it and if she didn't like it they would make her something else. She got the trio and she said it was good. I got the fried crawfish tails and they were good. Wasn't a fan of the sauce that came with, it was very tangy. I added franks red hot to it and that helped. I also got the bbq shrimp appetizer. The sauce was very light which was different from the dark based sauce I've had them in at other Cajun spots, but they were cooked well and overall not bad. I was really wanting the red beans, I got a side of them and there was hardly any flavor to them!! I was soo disappointed!! I also got the Cajun cooler cocktail which was very good. My fiancé got the Bayou platter with the catfish salt & pepper instead of blackened. The catfish was good and I tasted his chicken which was very tender and cooked well. He also did not like the red beans and rice. The overall experience was good. I see that they have live jazz in the evenings. I would come back and possibly try their steak, chicken or other fried dishes and other cocktails.
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Bria R.

Yelp
I would say this a very nice place to go to for date night. Super cute. Food was pretty good my friend didn't really like his food but I loved my meal. The service was great no complaints. Only thing I wish we were able to sit upstairs with the live band.
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Lameka S.

Yelp
Ok so this place was ok. Just one of those places you gotta try for yourself. I guess I was expecting a lil more Louisiana. The decor gives Louisiana but the vibes give Charlotte. The food... nothing to write home about. It was ok. Again, check it out for yourself just wasn't my cup of tea.
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Maddie R.

Yelp
Had a reservation for dinner for two and I must say I was surprised at how busy it was for a Sunday so I was glad we had made one. The hostesses were very welcoming and one of them brought us to the table in the dining room downstairs after asking whether we preferred outside or inside and we opted for inside. I ordered a glass of Sauvignon blanc which was pretty good and we started with the Cajun popcorn appetizer which were fried crawfish tails. They came out with the complimentary bread for the table. Both the bread and Cajun popocorn were delicious and fresh. I also enjoyed the sherry remoulade that came with the crawfish tails. Next, for our entrees we ordered the etuoffee 3 way and the shrimp scampi. The shrimp scampi usually is served with rice and steamed broccoli but I substituted the rice for garlic mashed potatoes as seen in the photo. Both entrees were great!
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Mike S.

Yelp
Cajun Queen has always been nostalgic for me, it was the first restaurant I had dinner at when I moved to Charlotte. It's a Charlotte staple that has been around for years, so I'm sure I'm not the only one who gets nostalgia from it. It is in the Elizabeth neighborhood inside an old home, and is incredibly charming. They are dedicated to all things New Orleans, from the food, to the decor, to the live jazz music upstairs. If you prefer a quieter evening, you should dine downstairs, but me personally I like being upstairs and watching the bands play. Upstairs there is also a bar room that is small and quaint. The food is amazing with some authentic Cajun dishes like tasty gumbo, and one of the best crawfish etouffees I've had outside of New Orleans. As Charlotte grows we'll continue to get a lot of exciting new restaurants, but it's nice to see that there are still some classics that have been in the city for decades doing their thing. If you want a little taste of New Orleans without leaving the city, then head on over. You won't be disappointed!

Larry O.

Yelp
I visited this establishment for my wedding anniversary. I also was a regular at this establishment from 2011-2017. **Disclaimer** I am from New Orleans and grew up eating the items that were on this menu, so I do have a very good idea of how cajun/creole food SHOULD TASTE. Ok for starters. The Drinks were great!!! The appetizers were as well. The staff was very nice. The free valet parking was nice. This restaurant just doesn't taste like it did from 2011-2017 and I won't be visiting again. I ordered a bowl of seafood gumbo which taste like Campbells soup out the can, additionally it had about 3 shrimps in it. They can use Chef Emerils recipe which would help tremendously (https://www.emerils.com/120246/seafood-okra-gumbo), I actually use this recipe myself. The red beans were ehhh...ok. Could use more seasoning. The Chicken Étouffée's roux taste like thick mashed potatoes and lard. The Chicken Creole taste like the same sauce(Campbell Soup) that was used for the gumbo. The bread pudding was awful!! In conclusion, if I was looking for a good drink and some good appetizers, YES this is the place. If I was looking for good cajun food, they missed the mark very bad.
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Angalyn W.

Yelp
The restaurant was a lovely old painted lady. I love old homes with charm. This one was transformed into a restaurant. Now the food was okay, I ordered fried green tomatoes that were nasty, the cornmeal had an unseasoned fish taste to it. I ordered blackened catfish with garlic mashed potatoes with a shrimp sauce that came as an afterthought and not on my food as ordered. Seeing how this was a late meal, I didn't eat hardly any of it. I ordered the bread pudding and it had no flavor either. My first time Charlotte was a food disappointment. The service was good though, no complaints there. Price wise, it was reasonable I alone spent $78 with tip. The other plate was my cousin she enjoyed her meal. The New Platter with fried Catfish, Scallops, shrimp, I think oysters.
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Ashley F.

Yelp
My boyfriend and I had a really great date day meal at Cajun Queen during restaurant week! Parking was a breeze because we went on a Sunday around 3pm. Parking in the area isn't very vast, so plan ahead for that. We were super excited to check this spot out. I hadn't been in years and this was a good time. For our first course, I ordered the seafood gumbo and it was really delicious. It had mild spice which I could handle and really enjoyed. For my main course I ordered the Diane dish, which is medley of veggies sauteed together and served over rice. I got it with shrimp, chicken and crawfish. I wasn't a fan of this dish though, unfortunately. I'm getting more into spicy things and it was pretty spicy. But to me it lacked flavor to go with the spice level. It wasn't bad, just not my type of dish. Luckily my boyfriend ordered the blackened chicken and andouille pasta and he traded with me!!! I truly don't eat pork, but sometimes I eat pork lol. This pasta dish was AMAZING and I'm so happy my bf is too, for switching plates with me. He loves spicy food and really enjoyed the Diane. So, all worked out! We both ordered a glass of red wine too. I love that they included a drink with the set price. Really makes the meal more special. For dessert we both ordered the bourbon bread pudding and it was pretty tasty! I thoroughly enjoyed our day date at Cajun Queen. I will say the room we were seated in was a bit run down and in need of some TLC. That was truly my only complaint. We'd definitely come back though. Great food and service!

Melissa P.

Yelp
Very disappointed in our experience. We had seven people to our party, and I made sure to mention when making the reservation that it was for my husband's birthday. Unfortunately, the service fell short. Our waitress, Kayla, forgot my drink twice--I sat for nearly 15-20 minutes without a beverage while everyone else had theirs. My husband eventually had to ask another server to bring it for me. She also never asked if we were celebrating anything, and didn't bring out bread. Another staff member passing by noticed and kindly brought it, but it wasn't from our waitress. Overall, her service was inattentive and disappointing. As for the food, the reviews from our table were mixed. About half of us enjoyed our meals, while others felt it was just okay. The sausage was extremely overcooked and hard, while the pasta was mushy and overdone. Sadly, given both the service and food quality, I doubt we'll be returning.
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Alandria M.

Yelp
My partner and I decided to check out Cajun Queen during our visit to Charlotte. We were pretty disappointed unfortunately. I ordered a hurricane and it was super bitter, which is pretty unusual for this drink. It tasted mostly like lemon juice (from the bottle) with some liqueur flavor but I didn't taste any rum. My partner had a bottled Abita. We decided to forego appetizers and ordered entrees. My partner got the Shrimp Dianne and I got the Shrimp Etouffee. They were both super spicy. I like a lot of heat but they were both too spicy to enjoy. I ordered a side of broccoli, which never came. Our server was nice but incredibly inattentive. We wouldn't come here again and likely wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
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Chrisie L.

Yelp
We had the bbq shrimp and it was fantastic! Didn't get a picture of it though. The inside of the restaurant was so cute and comfy. The pork lion was super tender and cooked perfectly. The seafood plate was pretty good but I'd honestly order something else as the menu has a lot to offer. The only reason we didn't give 5 stars was the service. Our waiter had to be reminded of our sauces and never refilled our tea. Other than that it was GREAT!
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Elaina M.

Yelp
A Charlotte gem, Cajun Queen has been around for decades and for good reasons. They have always hired quality help and trained them! The restaurant is in an old house so it's unique and depending on what room you're in literally can affect your experience. BUT the main reason they've been around so long is the food. You don't find cajun food on every corner in NC and their food is delicious!! You need to make a reservation because there is a very small chance that you can get in as a walking.
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Tondra H.

Yelp
Cajun Queen is a nice, casual dining restaurant for lunch. I've also been several times for dinner, and it's extremely loud and lively with a live band upstairs. I enjoy their oysters and desserts, but I'll pass on their beignets. After tasting the famous beignets from Cafe Du Monde in Nola, these don't make the cut. Outside of that, the food is delicious and the service is great.
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Tia W.

Yelp
I attended this establishment for lunch with my husband and father in law for his birthday-- our server with the duck earrings was pleasant, and I enjoyed being sat by the fireplace. The food was average. I didn't think the complimentary rolls had much flavor. My husband did not really enjoy his Cajun pasta, although he ate most of it-- the blackened salmon I ordered was good, and my father in law stated he enjoyed his dish. They ordered the gumbo with their meal and stated it okay-- I had the salad, it was maybe less than ordinary. Overall, I would not come back unless it was for drinks, maybe some dessert and to listen to music. Maybe not for a full meal. It could have also been a bad day for the kitchen, I don't know.
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Beverly H.

Yelp
It looks like somebody's house & the food was so good, it felt like home. I had the blackened catfish on a bed of perfectly seasoned mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. Every morsel was delicious. I only stopped because I was full. A friend from Charlottes Convention & Visitors Bureau recommended this place. I'm so glad I listened! Attentive staff & great prices too.
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Kelly D.

Yelp
This is one of those restaurants we have wanted to try for a while now, and we finally made it! We were actually there for a holiday party. They had us in a large room where we were out of the way but still comfortable with a large group. They brought appetizers for everyone to sample while us everyone arrived and settled in. Drinks were next, and there are so many to pick from! The waitstaff kept everything moving along but without making everyone feel rushed. Entrees came next, and they delivered everyone's pretty much at the same time. Food was delicious, and the portions are decent, you definitely get enough to eat. They also offered dessert of bread pudding, key lime pie, pecan pie, and oreo cheesecake Glad we finally made it, and we will definitely be back for a date night
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Lily S.

Yelp
The service was impeccable. I love how they turned the house into a restaurant and made it very homey + had a beautiful live band. The food was 1000/10. We also got the fried oysters and wow they were delicious.
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Gina M.

Yelp
Great food and ambience... Small and intimate space. The service was excellent. I would definitely visit again
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Krystal D.

Yelp
Cute spot with great customer service. Upstairs there was a live band (which I couldn't even hear downstairs). We opted to sit outside on the balcony - the speakers were broken so we just played music from our phone lol. The Hurricane was decent (def not NOLA worthy, but got me buzzed). The NO Iced Tea was tasty and sneakily strong. The complimentary bread was a bit too hard for my liking, but I was hungry soooo I ordered the Cajun Pasta and a side of red beans and rice. The red beans and rice were bland, sadly. Definitely could have used some seasoning salt or something. The pasta was super flavorful and I loved the chicken! Barely had any sausage in the dish, unfortunately. The sauce tasted amazing, however it was too runny. Should have been thickened up a bit and the dish would have been perfect. Overall, good experience but wouldn't go out of my way to return.
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Michael B.

Yelp
In the Queen City to visit characters of our era...thus the Cajun Queen to compliment the Queen City. We visited on early Sunday afternoon, parking a breeze, seated upstairs, service was great, tasty La inspired morsels devoured. Give them your support....

Sydney T.

Yelp
I had such a lovely solo dinner at the bar last night! Live music, my dinner was so flavorful, & Candice was an amazing bartender!!! 10/10
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Ann P.

Yelp
Leah was a great server. Lots of local craft beers. Do not miss the seed fried oysters or the shrimp etouffe.
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Zara T.

Yelp
One of my favorite Charlotte spots! We first ordered drinks, hurricane and tornado, and they were great - felt like NOLA. Additionally we ordered the fried green tomatoes - loved! They were firm, yet flavorful and then the both of us ordered items off the specials list. Our waitress was attentive and helpful, and the staff in general was friendly, quick to refill waters, clear plates, etc. The restaurant is in an old house, which is such a cute vibe! It can feel a little tight, but at the same time, you're in your own little space. There were a few tables for larger groups, I would definitely say this is a great date spot. Parking is sparse, but they do offer valet. I would recommend making a reservation!
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Daniel S.

Yelp
Food was amazing. Shrimp and grits were phenomenal. I was so stuffed I couldn't never finish it all. Bread was so good and the vinaigrette on the salad was very tasty. I can't wait to come back again. Also, my bar tender was extremely nice and helpful. Setting was very cozy and there was a band playing while I was there. I definitely recommend.
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Brittany D.

Yelp
Such a staple in Charlotte! If you're visiting CLT, it's definitely a place to check out. The vibe reminds you of being in the Bayou in an old style house. It does need a bit of an update but we enjoy eating here. The staff is friendly and the drinks are good. You can't go wrong with crawfish and the appetizer, Crawfish Scampi is the way to go! Any fish dish entree is guaranteed to be great! Live music in the house, great outdoor seating, just go!
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Tawanda R.

Yelp
Visiting Charlotte, we chose Cajun Queen because I wanted Chargrilled Oysters and Shrimp and Grits. We were looking at two different restaurants, but landed on CQ because their shrimp and grits looked better, despite my having to eat friend oysters vs chargrilled. Food: Food was amazing! Fried Oysters were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, as it should be. ;-) I thoroughly enjoyed them. I love fried green tomatos and they were okay, just could use some seasoning with the cornmeal (for this being a southern/cajun restaurant). My shrimp and grits were great, once I added some salt, but the red sauce on the side of the grits had great flavor and sooooo did the cajun shrimp! I sampled the shrimp etoufee was spicy and flavorful, you will not be disappointed. Drinks were good as well. Ambiance: It was very cute and gave Nola vibes. They have valet parking adjacent to the house/business. I didn't really get an opportunity to walk around and get a vibe about the establishment, but it definitely gave cute. Service: We felt slightly ignored at first, we hadn't received water or a hello for a while, but our server made it up to us and communicated why she hadn't beeen over... she thought we were expecting more ppl, since we were at a double table and she realized there were only 3 menus. Whether true or not, she was pleasant and made up for her faux pas. lol I will definitely visit again when I return to Charlotte. Thanks, Cajun Queen!
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Natalie P.

Yelp
My husband and I have had this place on our radar for a while and it was time to give it a try. We made an early bird reservation on a weeknight (5 o'clock for these folks) but a reservation was not needed as we were the only ones there. We opted to sit outside to take advantage of this beautiful March weather. The patio we were sitting on had plenty of umbrellas for sun coverage. Service was nice and attentive through out. We started with the Cajun popcorn which is lightly fried crawfish with remoulade sauce- this was fantastic! It was seasoned so nicely, breaded lightly to not overpower the seafood, and the sauce packed a nice kick! My only qualm is that it was served on a bed of lettuce which is weird because you had to pick up the pieces of garnish to get the last remaining pieces of crawfish. I had the crawfish étouffée which was definitely spicy! The description of this dish is a " highly seasoned sauce" and that it was! It was good though and most importantly, it came with a ton of crawfish! It was a heaping serving that was very filling. I found the bread to be a little cold and on the stale side but it worked for dipping into the warm sauce. Overall, we had a good visit. Perhaps we can make a later reservation next time and enjoy the live jazz!
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Yolanda W.

Yelp
Things went very well. It's quaint and cozy. Both service and food choices were very good. Shout out to our server Regan, who saw we lacked for nothing! Constant refills and delicious bread. Appetizer- seafood gumbo. Well seasoned and had a nice spicy kick. Yup! Cajun pasta specialty dish of blackened chicken, mushrooms, andouille sausage, artichokes, red peppers, over tortellini with a cheesy cream sauce. New Orleans platter - fried catfish, shrimp, scallops, fried oysters, red beans, and rice. Pricing is $15-30 Good variety of NOLA favorites. We had no room for desert. Dinner entree portions were enough to share. And there was live jazz playing upstairs. Had a great time and enjoyed both service and food. They do have valet parking, parking at the rear, or across the street. Enjoy!
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Shawn W.

Yelp
Shout out to Yelp for the "Surprise Me" feature! This was the restaurant they suggested and this is exactly what I needed! The restaurant is right around the corner from Central Ave so I decided to just get food to-go. The process for ordering online was extremely easy. After making the order I was informed it would be ready in 30 mins. I got to the restaurant in about 20 minutes and the food was already packaged up and ready to go. The parking lot was completely full so just be cautious on where you can park when only running in for a second. The food looked and smelled incredible. Everything tasted incredible and did not disappoint at all. We had the Cajun popcorn for the appetizer. The crawfish tails were tender and juicy! The shrimp platter for one entree which was top tier. The shrimp were seasoned incredibly and cooked to perfection. The Diane 3-way was our final entree and it was delicious and so much food. I can't wait to go back for dine-in service to try more dishes and a few cocktails.
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Camille S.

Yelp
Ok peeps, haven't been out in a while, and finally made it out while traveling. To celebrate our daughter's 19th birthday, she wanted to try something different and decided on Cajun Quisine. We decided to try Cajun Queen near Downtown Charlotte. Nestled inside of a renovated older home, the atmosphere is quaint and warm feeling. The waitstaff while not personable, are very polite and efficient. There was jazz playing in a separate room setting the mood for a Bourbon Street New Orleans feel. Those are the redeeming qualities , the food wasn't hitting it out the park. At best it was palatable, not noteworthy of anything other than the presentation. It "Looked Good" was the only comment we unanimously agreed on. The prices are mid range , you definitely receive a great portion for the price you pay. The food had excellent presentation, but was missing the come again draw of a great meal. Sorry ya'll this wasnt lip smacking, jaw droppin , tell a friend kinda fare. We didnt hate it??, but we for sure won't be making the trip this far for a ho hum meal.
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Von D.

Yelp
This is my all time favorite place for comfort/Cajun food whenever I'm in Charlotte, North Carolina. You can't go wrong with any dishes that you choose. The fried green tomatoe appetizer is the best that I have had because the batter is thin and the tomato is just the right consistency in firmness and doesn't taste unriped. I have so many favorite dishes, and I always end up at least having the crawfish ettouffee. The food is very flavorful and not salty at all as I am sensitive to salt. Reservations are required so book ahead. The servers are attentive, and it's a casual atmosphere. I wish they would open one In Northern California. I can't say enough about this place so you'll just have to go try it yourself. Enjoy!