With all the great reviews and seeing as how crowded it was, I was really sad that my experience wasn't the same. It's been a long time since I've been to the ones in TX but I certainly don't remember the experience being that bad so maybe it was the timing and the location. On to my review...
We ordered the fried alligator, Mississippi Catfish Opelousas, and what I think was the Crawfish Etouffee. The only saving grace was the fried alligator which was very well done. I always used to get it at a cajun place back home so I was excited to try it here. This is the one thing that Pappadeaux cooked right. It was perfectly fried without it being too greasy and the alligator was tender.
The Mississippi Catfish Opelousas on the other hand was awful! Maybe it was an off day but it wasn't nearly as good as it sounded. The catfish fillet itself was the worse part. You know how they usually make catfish nuggets with the stomach of the fish? The not-so-good part of the fish. Well this fillet tasted worse than that. The whole fillet was such bad quality that we didn't finish it. I hate wasting food but I didn't even bother taking it home. It was a really big piece too. It still leaves a bad taste in my mouth clearly.
The etouffee was meh. Not as horrible as the catfish dish but I've certainly had better. And this is not even including the ones I had in TX and New Orleans. Didn't bother taking that home either. And I love leftovers since that means I don't have to cook!
Sigh - overall, I was sorely disappointed especially more so b/c of all the great reviews and how crowded it was. I'll have to go back again when I am in TX visiting family and see how it compares.
The one nice thing was the live entertainment on the patio area while we waited outside for our table. The band was good.