Charlotte Spotlight: Cajun Queen

The Cajun Queen is a Charlotte, North Carolina landmark that has been bringing the spirit and flavor of New Orleans to the historic Elizabeth neighborhood since 1985. It’s a beloved establishment known for its authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, and nightly live jazz music.

Here is a detailed look at the restaurant, covering its history, unique features, menu highlights, and key information.

What Makes Cajun Queen Unique

Cajun Queen is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience that aims to transport patrons to the French Quarter.

• Historic Setting: The restaurant is nestled inside a charming, 100-year-old former residence, providing a cozy and warm atmosphere unlike a modern restaurant space. It features separate, intimate dining rooms downstairs and a livelier dining room and bar upstairs.
• Live Music: Live jazz music is featured seven nights a week, often by the resident group, the 7th Street Gator Band, with some musicians who have been playing there since 1989. This “hot jazz” is a signature part of the dining experience, particularly in the upstairs room.
• “Every Day is Mardi Gras”: The entire establishment embraces a fun, celebratory Mardi Gras theme, complete with purple, green, and gold décor. A popular tradition involves guests receiving Mardi Gras beads to toss up into the branches of the trees out front—if the beads catch, a wish is said to come true.

History and Significant Events

The building that houses Cajun Queen was originally built in 1918 for the family of Robert N. Hunter, a prominent Charlotte contractor. After being a family home and later a boarding house, it was converted into a restaurant called Tullio’s Classic Northern Italian Cuisine in 1984.

• 1985 Launch: The Cajun Queen was opened in 1985 by Sid Gottfried and New Orleans native Pat Freida. Its opening capitalized on the nationwide trend of Louisiana cooking popularized by Chef Paul Prudhomme’s famed blackened fish.
• Ownership and Longevity: The restaurant has been a fixture in its location for four decades. The current ownership includes Robert Gottfried (Sid’s son), Tim Freer (who started as a barback and is now a managing partner), and executive chef William Wessling, who has been with the kitchen since the restaurant opened. This longevity and consistency are significant, especially as the surrounding neighborhood has changed over the years.
• A “Proper Lady” Ghost: According to local lore, the old house is said to have a resident “proper lady” house ghost who is supposedly displeased that a bar now occupies her former bedroom.

Highlight Menu Items and Customer Feedback

The menu features a blend of both Cajun (roux-based, spicier) and Creole (tomato-based, urbane) traditions, offering classic bayou dishes.

Overall Customer Feedback:

Customer reviews consistently praise three main elements that make the restaurant work: the historic house, the live music, and the food. Guests describe the food as “delicious” and “exquisite,” often noting the exceptional quality of specific dishes like the gumbo, étouffée, and their house-made side dishes. Service is also frequently highlighted as “phenomenal,” with servers and bartenders described as “friendly, kind, and attentive.”

Key Information