Ragin Cajun Piano Bar
| Address: | 210 W 3rd St, Alton, IL 62002, USA |
| Phone: | +1 618-433-9119 |
| Site: | ragincajunpianobar.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 4PM–2AM 4PM–2AM 4PM–2AM 4PM–2AM 12PM–3AM 12PM–3AM 12PM–2AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 7
A
A Private User
No, we didnt mean to go to Ragin Cajun and eat an appetizer. We were thinking a couple of drinks and something from the main menu before we got there. But after a look around the place and a little "taking it all in" (the decorations are primarily dark and yet very appropriately festive, except the portion of a DC-9 airplane complete with lighting and seating as if you taken back into the passenger cabin and were allowed to eat there), my other half and I were drawn to look through the entire menu before we made a choice. Im glad we did, because we didnt know we would find a rare and delicious treat --- FRIED PICKLES. Let me first say I am NOT a fried pickle fan. Ive tried several variations of friend pickles that never accomplished for me what fried okra or zucchini sticks or toasted ravioli have been able to do...but this was completely different. Squeamish at thinking of yet another attempt, I tried one of these fried pickle spears and realized it had a nice cajun spice in the breading. So, we proceded to devour them - my companion IS a fan of fried pickles and has eaten them from various places around the entire U.S. - she said they were the best shes ever eaten. And lemme tell you: she does not easily hand out complements to restaurants. Now: we both went for the "Red Beans and Rice" and enjoyed it. For many people it is the fact that recipes for this dish are quite varied that makes it a treat to try it out at each place where it is on the menu. I admit that I am a fan of a spicier version while my other half is more likely to enjoy a milder and smokier flavor. She got her wish, as the red beans and rice were neither one spicy but did enjoy a bit of enhancement from the mild peppers and smoked sausage which was in the meal. (If youre a vegetarian and want it to be simply the beans, rice and peppers, simply ask them to leave off the sausage). We had so much left over that we took it home and had some leftovers. Thats where the friendly confines of home counted for the third person who ate the Red Beans and Rice --- her mom. She wants it to be more spicy than how it was served (she has family near New Orleans and enjoys the spicier side of cajun) --- and as a result she was able to use the home spices to embolden the flavors. Good news for all of us is that we are going back next weekend to try out something else. Thus far, this place has already made me a believer. And whether you come early or late, youll find something interesting to see, hear, and eat. By the way - they have a late night/early morning menu for those who like to stay out all night. Breakfast is served in the "overnights" - they close at 5 am. So, if youre an early riser for a 5 am shift somewhere, make sure you go in at 2:45 am for some good old breakfast foods. Im looking forward to the next visit because we will probably be greeted by some of the fantastic piano performers (and maybe well take the microphone and sing to these guys and gals who know the black & white keys so well) at Ragin Cajun. Make sure you bring enough money --- because you wont want to stop at the fried pickles.
T
T Miller
Perhaps the Ragin Cajun is too hip for Alton? My husband and I dined in the restaurant (downstairs) after sampling their food at the Taste of Alton. The service was excellent and the food was excellent. We had the Voodoo Chicken Sandwich (grilled) and the Taste of New Orleans entree. The chicken was moist and properly seasoned; the voodoo sauce is hot (spicy) and flavorful. The etouffee and red beans and rice bring it! Cajun food is supposed to be flavorful and spicy, so if youre looking for bland food, go somewhere else (Alton has a lot of those). The Ragin Cajun has an expansive selection of beers - some local brews, some hard to find brews (for example, Tangerine Wheat), and many brews from New Orleans (several Abita beers, Dixie Blackened Voodoo lager). If you have sticker shock for the price of a beer, then go during the week when they have drink specials. When you go, definitely save room for the White Chocolate Bread Pudding.
BR
Brad Harmon
Went to Alton looking to eat at Fast Eddies since it was an extremely nice day out and as expected it was beyond packed. So we went to 3rd st. Alton (downtown) expecting there to be outdoor seating everywhere and Ragin was the only one to have it set up. This place has super fun architecture, pictures, art, and is open with a balcony all the way around the top to a deck off the front. The menu was packed with delicious, New Orleans styles of food. Salmon sandwich, sweet potato fries, and voodoo wings were all beyond delicious and splitting it filled up two, so the portions are more than considerate. Im honestly looking forward to trying out the menu. Also partaking in the nightlife that looks like it would be more than fun on the inside; considering we ate outside and had to walk inside to give ourselves a tour. Nice place, honestly awesome food, and fun employees.
A
A Private User
Visited this place early today with high hopes. This could quite possibly be the worst cajun food I have ever had. I ordered Gumbo and the Red beans and Rice. The gumbo came out in a bowl but had the consistency of play-dough. It was almost as if someone had poured corn syrup over rice and microwaved it. Gumbo is supposed to be a watery soup with chunks of meat and vegetables with rice.. It supposedly was chicken gumbo-but I could not find any chicken in it. The red beans and rice came in a bowl as well and had the same taste/texture problems. Service was slow, but our waiter was friendly. The place is well decorated, but the food was expensive and terrible.
A
A Private User
I live in the area and appreciate the restaurant being located here. I seek out and enjoy Cajun food. They have a great menu with some of the items you would expect to see. The food is a 6 out of 10. It could get a better rating if the chief would let go and use more seasonings. Cajun food should excite the eyes and mouth. The gumbo does need work; however, gumbo is different every where you go. The drinks are great. Good Luck to the owners and keep working towards a 10 out of 10 rating. I will be back.
JO
John Sharpless
Wife and I stopped in on our trip to the St.Louis area. Went to Alton and were favorably surprised by both the excellent food and service at the Ragin Cajun. We were amused and couldnt resist sitting in the "sky seat" booth made from ex-airline seats complete with windows. I had the Voodoo Burger, my wife had the Bourbon Burger, and we both raved about how good they were. The waitress was particularly helpful in guiding us to interesting sights nearby. I recommend this place highly.
BE
Becky Sibole
What an awesome place! We decided to do a bar hope in Alton last night and of the 5 or 6 bars we went to this one my favorite. Cant really rate the food as we were not there to eat. But the service was fast and the atmosphere was great. It was just what we were looking for, so much so that its the one place we hit twice in the same night. The dueling pianos with the sing alongs were right up our alley. I cant wait for when our older children come home to visit so we can bring them here.
