Smitty's Taste Of The Bayou

I love this place, they’re always consistent and everything is fresh. I usually get the fried fish, collard greens and mac & cheese. I always get a sliced lemon with my plate, that small addition is really the chef’s kiss. That fish is seasoned and fried to perfection and they use the GOOD cheese on the mac & cheese 🤤

I decided to try something different. We came as a group. Everyone tried different things. I wanted some fish, so this yummy catfish was not greasy. They served me two lightly fillers breaded fillers. I opted for the collard greens, which was a tad too salty for me... but then again, I changed my eating habits so whose to say? They allowed me to try their fries which were excellent. But I wanted to try their Mac and cheese. I should've taken up on their fries. But next time :) Enjoy eating here. I want to try other menu items!

First things first. Located inside the National City Public Market. You have to walk inside the market to get to Smitty's. Orders are not taken on the phone. Order directly through their website link. If you are new to soul food or Louisiana rib style, then this eaterie would be good. If you are familiar with at least 5 styles barbecue and da real deal soul food, then the food and money value are not aligned. Actually, my one time may likely be unreturned. I was in a party of two but I should have just ordered one plate with two sides to give the food a taste test. Fifty bucks later, I'm a disappointed eater. I ordered pick up. It is apparent that all the food is pre-cooked and perhaps they have not mastered how to keep its freshness through the heat up process prior to serving. I was 6 minutes away. Hungry like a roaring lion on the African terrain. The inside of the ribs were cold. The other dishes were lukewarm. Although the ribs were tender and flavorful. The mac&cheese was mushy. A sharper cheese is recommended to blend. Or better yet a bechamel sauce and seasoning. Yet, I liked the texture of the pasta. You know how when beans get to the bottom of the pot and get mushy? Yep, that's what I was served. Mushy and dryish. But I can see where they were going and it would have worked out perhaps maybe just not on this visit. And the corn bread was so dry that it crumbled to smithereens. Now, greens are the easiest vegetable to make tasty, but an easy vegetable to make bland. These were on the bland side. I must be clear the meal was not Louisianian style. Being from Louisiana and cooking like a Louisianian are different. I'm just sayin'. Louisiana is known for flavor. And a ten on two. I know intimately what is expected from a Louisianian culinarian. Today was not that day. I want to support. And I will. But not fiscally. I'll get the word out but remember you're on your own. Since there's other eateries in the public market you may have a better cuisine choice. Service was with a smile and friendly.

Great place for soul food and a catfish lover like myself from the South. This place is located inside multiple other restaurants and business it's almost like a food mall. Tucked away and easy to miss but worth a try there's other food options as well.

Collards greens, fish and shrimps were very flavorful. Customer service was great. I would recommend.

Absolutely LOVE LOVE this place! I came all the way from Houston to visit family in Rayville and will forever stop at Smittys! Great Food and Great Service!

The first time I came it was perfect. I order the catfish dinner with Mac & cheese and collard greens. Every time since the 1st time has been a disappointment. The catfish is so rubbery it’s not edible. It’s like leftover fish that was left in a microwave an extra minute too long. It’s been 3 times now so so I know it’s not just a fluke. Won’t be returning. It’s too expensive for only the sides to be edible.

Oh my God! It tastes like Christmas at grandmas house in Georgia. THIS is what I’ve been looking for. I’m new from the east coast & soul food is hard to come by in this city. I had the catfish, greens & beans, unfortunately they were out of Mac n cheese, but judging by the catfish & greens I already know the Mac b cheese will not disappoint. I’ll be back every weekend for sure.