Written by: Leyton Furlong
If you are looking for good Cajun food or are in the mood for fried alligator, you may not need to go down to Louisiana to do so. Located at 123 South 6th St, Boudreaux’s is something of a fan favorite in St. Joseph.
From 2001 to today
Boudreaux’s was the brainchild of Robert Boudreau, an aspiring restaurant owner from Louisiana who had originally opened up shop at the old Britton Dry Goods Building in 2001. His efforts paid off. Even very early on, Boudreaux’s food was the talk of the town and was an instant hit sensation. Despite Robert’s untimely passing in 2014 and a major move to its current location in 2025, Boudreaux’s has only continued to thrive against the odds. With its exotic menu items and its charming New Orleans setting, Boudreaux’s is one of our city’s proudest restaurants.
The vibe
I’ll be honest, Mardi Gras is my favorite holiday. I love the alligator decorations, the atmosphere, the French-Acadian culture, and a lot of the food associated with it. As St. Joseph was a creation of French settlers, it’s only fitting that I can admire the magic of Mardi Gras, especially at Boudreaux’s (where it seemingly never ends).
Recently, I went down to Boudreaux’s for Mardi Gras for the first time in five years. Compared to the old building, this one definitely has a more authentic Bourbon Street feel. On this particular night, there was a live band playing Hank Williams covers on the second floor (which is something of a tradition with Cajun restaurants). If that’s not your thing, Boudreaux’s offers carryout options and some outdoor seating on the second floor.
What to order
There’s no shortage of food options. Jambalaya, gumbo, dirty rice, steaks, seafood tacos, crawfish, pastas, and even alligator nuggets were plenty. There’s something there for everyone. One appetizer I highly recommend, especially if you’re super picky like me, is the chicken-fried chicken balls stuffed with fried chicken and Cajun mashed potatoes. The best part is that the food is comparatively cheap compared to other sit-down restaurants. Keeping in step with its founder, the staff at Boudreaux’s is very helpful and treats just about everyone who walks in as a friend. They were to handle any of my requests within moments and went above and beyond when it came to handling food. Boudreaux’s is a fantastic restaurant, and it is one that is an absolute must for anyone looking to broaden their food horizons.
For more information
Boudreaux’s Seafood & Steaks
123 South 6th Street, St. Joseph, MO 64501
Hours
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
(816) 387-9911