Hello dear
Welcome to Mel’s Cajun Fried Chicken & Catfish, a gem located in Monroe, Louisiana. Renowned for its flavorful Cajun offerings, the restaurant boasts an inviting atmosphere and friendly service. Patrons rave about the perfectly seasoned fried chicken, catfish, and shrimp, all crafted from recipes honed over 40 years. Side dishes like dirty rice, red beans, and fried okra complement the main fare beautifully. Unique extras, including boudin balls and Natchitoches meat pies, highlight the Cajun culture. With its vibrant flavors and welcoming ambiance, Mel’s is a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic Southern dining experience.
About
Welcome to Mel's Cajun Fried Chicken & Catfish, a culinary gem nestled in Monroe, Louisiana. This vibrant eatery is a tribute to the rich traditions of Cajun cuisine, offering dishes that echo the authentic flavors of the South. Located at 340 LA-594, Monroe, LA 71203, Mel's has built a reputation for serving up some of the best fried chicken and catfish in town. Dial +1 318-343-6400 to place your order and join the celebration of bold flavors.
At Mel's, the menu is a delightful journey through southern comfort food. From crispy chicken by the piece, featuring legs, wings, breasts, and thighs, each bite is a testament to time-honored recipes perfected over four decades. The fried catfish and fried shrimp receive rave reviews, with patrons often declaring them must-try items. Accompany your meal with tantalizing sides such as cole slaw, red beans & rice, or the ever-popular dirty rice, making for a wholesome feast that never disappoints.
What sets Mel's apart is not just the food, but the warmth of its service. Customers have commented on the friendly staff who treat every visitor like family. The establishment prides itself on cleanliness and first-class service, creating an inviting atmosphere for all. According to regulars, the gumbo is a highlight, and many highly recommend the boudin balls and fried green tomatoes for a touch of indulgence.
However, it’s important to keep an open mind regarding some dishes. While the ingredients are fresh and the love is palpable, reviews suggest that staples like the jambalaya and meat pies might not be to everyone's palate, especially for those expecting a different flavor profile. Embrace the essence of Cajun by savoring every bite; from the perfectly seasoned seafood to the hearty sides, Mel's is an experience of its own.
In the heart of Louisiana culture, Mel's Cajun Fried Chicken & Catfish is not merely a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors, history, and community. Whether you're a local or just passing through, make sure to indulge in this culinary delight. You will leave with a satisfied belly, and the promise of a return visit dancing in your mind.
“ If I go back, what I'll get again is the fried fish, fried shrimp, and like 3 sides of red beans & rice (I didn't try the chicken but it looked ) The boudin balls are deep fried and the oily taste from the breading covers the boudin flavor The meat pie was cold, like other reviews say. Tourists beware: The filling is not like a 'Jamaican beef patty' or a 'Hispanic empanada' (If you don't like Cajun etouffee then you won't like the filling) Dirty rice is bland so grab some salt and pepper BUT THE FOODS I MENTIONED IN THE BEGINNING ARE ”
“ Louisiana with it’s people are just plain beautiful, it inspires the rest of the country with food and culture. When it comes to good eating it never disappoints. Here at Mel’s you will definitely get first class service, friendly staff, clean restaurant, and some of the best fried chicken, cat fish and shrimp, Perfectly seasoned! The gumbo is delicious! I can keep going with all menu, I highly recommend. I will be back ”
“ The staff at this place are super friendly!! Our food was made to order. The owner said that they’ve been using the same recipes for 40 years. I’m impressed. If you’re ever in the area, do yourself a favor & stop here. You won’t be disappointed!!! ”
“ Chicken livers and gravy with dirty rice was the best I’ve had in awhile,really tender not hard at all.well done this trucker will be back ”
“ Great meal with fresh crispy fried chicken and really good red beans and rice. The jambalaya had great flavor with plenty of chicken and sausage. ”
“ Catfish is cooked to order and always fresh! You don’t get any hush puppies though they stop giving those away. But the red beans and rice taste really good! I’ve been coming over here for years and it’s consistently been delicious every time. The people that work in there are super friendly! ”
“ Place is next to a shell gas station. Tried the fried catfish and chicken dinner with a side of dirty rice also included a roll. And a meat pie. By looks alone it was unflattering. Taste on the other hand was pretty good. The star of the show had to be the catfish. The batter was crisp and the catfish was flaky and moist and flavorful. They give you what I assume is homemade tartar sauce which was ok and paired nicely with the catfish. Close second was the chicken,the plate came a thigh and a leg, again it was crispy and moist. It was seasoned just right not spicy and not bland. Third was the meat pie, it was like a ground beef taco but with a pastry tortilla?. It was good comfort food. This one needed a little bit of that Louisiana hot sauce to go with it. My least favorite was the dirty rice side, it was dry and lacked flavor and substance. Bread roll tasted like a run of the mill prepackaged roll so nothing to write about it. All in all this place has pretty good catfish and chicken. Definitely worth coming in for. The side that I got was a miss, so good luck. ”
“ This place is amazing hands down!!!! Out here slaying it! Like damn blew my mind! I was totally taken back by this good Ole cat n shrimp 10/10 would RECCOMEND YUMMMMMM STOP IN AND EATTTTTT ”