"The food was amazing. The etouffee was flavorful but incredibly spicy to the point where I was sweating (and I can handle my spice). The dish didn’t have a warning on the menu, so be careful! The jambalaya was also good. Both were good portions and pretty large! BBQ shrimp for appetizer was good, but kind of small for the price and only 6 pieces. We did have to wait a while to get our check for a while even though the serve only had 1-2 other tables and we were some of the only people in there during lunch, so be weary that you shouldn’t go here if you’re looking for a quick bite (it took a while for our food, also). We ordered right away and were still there for over an hour. Overall, great food though! They seem busy at night, so we might have gone during the slow lunch and they were more casual."

"As a native Louisiana boy, I'm always skeptical when places try to recreate the New Orleans vibe and cuisine—most end up feeling touristy and miss the mark. But this spot? Not even close. The ingredients taste like they were flown in straight from the Big Easy, and you can feel generations of soul in every bite. We had the Étouffée, Jambalaya, and Gumbo Yaya—all absolutely delicious. And hey, I didn’t have to cook them myself, so that’s always a win. The service was warm and attentive, and the atmosphere genuinely made me feel like I’d been teleported home. If you're looking to experience Louisiana without the long drive, I highly recommend this place. My only minor critique: the Étouffée sauce had a touch too much flour, which made it slightly grainy, and the rice was a bit overcooked. But those are small things when the flavors are this on point."

"Absolutely one of my favorite restaurants all around! As being a lover of all things New Orleans, this place captures EVERYTHING about the Big Easy - from the music to the environment … and the food is AMAZING!! “Authentic” is an understatement. We had the jambalaya, red beans & rice and gumbo. You won’t find it any more authentic unless you were actually down in NOLA! Raphael and Jessica (owners) have created something very special in downtown GR. Go get yourself something special and get down there!"

"I ate at The Garden District last night, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. I ordered the seafood platter, and it was honestly one of the best I’ve had. Everything was fresh, perfectly seasoned, and cooked just right. The portions were generous without sacrificing quality, and you could really tell the ingredients were top-notch. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the service matched it—friendly, attentive, and quick without feeling rushed"

"Authentic Cajun food in Michigan. Had both the gumbo and the etouffee, both were amazing but they did have a kick so be warned. Staff and atmosphere were perfect and don’t skip the daiquiris. I’d personally recommend the Octane. Definitely work a stop if you’re in or around downtown Grand Rapids."