restaurant of the month - august 2010

Crawdaddy’s
Treats diners to ‘Cajun Fusion’ specialties

CRAWDADDY’S, 6414 W. Greenfield Ave. in West Allis, is a favorite with locals and travelers alike – close to attractions like Wisconsin State Fair Park and baseball’s Miller Park.

The restaurant is a Milwaukee original, launched 15 years ago by partners Jonathan Klug and John Vukelic.

Every day is Mardi Gras here, with Cajun Zydeco and Blues music filling the air. Louisiana-inspired artwork features alligators and crawfish, and graceful wrought-iron accents recall the balconies and gates of the Deep South. The restaurant’s popularity ensures a party-like atmosphere, whether you visit for lunch or dinner.

And helping to keep everybody in a great mood is Crawdaddy’s menu, with a vast array of dishes. In response to a query, General Manager Tyler Peyton said, “The Gulf oil spill hasn’t affected our menu at all. We actually get our seafood and fish from other locations around the world as well as the Gulf.”

Jonathan Klug, who is the chef as well as an owner, describes the food here as a “unique style of seafooddriven Cajun Fusion cuisine.” In fact, the restaurant has earned “Best Seafood” kudos from several different diner surveys.

Of course, traditional New Orleans specialties like Gumbo Ya Ya, Red Beans and Rice, Jambalaya and Shrimp Creole are always served with great flair here. What really sets this restaurant apart, though, is the creative approach evident in the entire menu, from appetizers to desserts.

The “starters,” for example, include mushrooms stuffed with Andouille Sausage and Cajun Fire Sticks (NOT your father’s chicken strips).

Sandwiches and salads are on the dinner and lunch menus, and include a traditional PoBoy or Muffuletta, just like the ones served in the French Quarter. But order a Crawdaddy’s Caesar Salad, and you’ll be delighted with the mound of warm crawfish tail meat and Cajun croutons. Bourbon Street Bleu Cheese salad tosses mixed greens, sundried tomatoes, Granny Smith apples. bleu cheese and walnuts.

Evening specials change depending on the best fresh ingredients available. Seafood is a specialty here, with the restaurant frequently voted “Best Seafood” in the metro area in diner polls. Seafood Stuffed Eggplant features a half eggplant that is breaded, deep-fried and filled with shrimp and crawfish. Of course, Southern catfish also can be found on the menu, prepared numerous ways.

Kids are truly welcome at Crawdaddy’s. There’s a great kids’ menu for those 10 and under, and kids eat free from the kids’ menu on Sunday (one free kid’s meal for each adult).

On finishing a meal here, you really do want to try and make room for dessert! Crème Brulee, Bread Pudding with bourbon sauce, Key Lime and Pecan Pies are incredible.

On Thursdays, slip onto a bar stool and enjoy “bar only” drink and food specials served from 4:30 p.m. through regular dinner service. Anytime, sip a Louisiana beer such as Abita Purple Haze, Blackened Voodoo, Dixie, or Abita Turbo Dog (on tap). Specialty drinks include a Gator Guzzler or Crawdaddy’s Hurricane.

Lunch is served 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Dinner is served 4:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 4:30-10 p.m. Friday, 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 3:30-8 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday.

Crawdaddy’s can be easily reached via I-94 East/West by exiting at the 68th/70th St. exit if eastbound or westbound. After exiting, go south on 70th Street to Greenfield Avenue then a few blocks east to 6414 W. Greenfield Ave. For more info or directions, visit www.crawdaddysrestaurant.com or call phone 414-778-2228.

Thoughtfully, Crawdaddy’s offers priority seating. Give them a call before your visit for details and to arrange your next dining experience. There is a separate room available for parties. Catering and take out also is available.