On the Bayeaux Closed Temporarily pending move to new location on Ennis Hours: See Profile   3409 Ennis St Houston TX 77004 713.528.0732   3717 Dowling St (MOVED) Houston TX You might also be interested in these:     Cajun Food    Creole Restaurants    Food Delivery    Soul Food    WiFi - Wireless Internet Access Hot Spots    ZIP 77004 Profile Description: Voted Best of the Best Catfish by Houston Press 2005, Ultimate Gumbo Houston Chronicle 2005. We feature All U Can Eat Catfish and our uniqueness is that you get to have soul food sides such as greens,yams okra-corn, the best green beans and sausage and red beans and rice around. We also have Smothered Oxtails, Smothered Chicken Wings and Smothered Pork Chops, Etc.. Regularly featured in the Houston Chronicle's Dining Guide 2006-2007. Voted Best of the Best Soul Food 2007-2008 by the Houston Pres   Add Review PROFILE     3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: Well, I have live in the neighborhood for several years. Many times, I have passed Soul On the Bayeaux and wondered about the food and service. So one Friday evening, I decided to stop by there. To my amazement, I had one of the best seafood meals (fish and shrimp) in a long while. So, I have guest coming over this friday and we are ordering a take-out meal for the evening. As a matter of fact, I sent the web site via email a moment ago. She plans to arrive after 6:00 pm so she must give me her selection for take-out order. I hope she enjoys it as much as I did. My future plans are to be a frequent patron to this establishment. It great to have excellent food in the neighborhood. Now I wonder why I didn't stop earlier for a great southern creole experience. Question: When are you guys going to extend your parkig lot? Is it okay to park at the barber shop? NAME: Future Ms, Farmer SUBMITTED: 8/12/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: July 11 2008 FREQUENCY: Visited once 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: We live in the neighborhood and had heard great things. The other reviews are right-on. Very good fried catfish and shrimp but a bit salty. Little parking and crowded with tiny tables. Well worth a visit. Not an imitation; the real thing, but with their own style. One caveat: Ask the counter personnel or waitstaff about the ordering procedures, which are a little unique. Worth a visit; we are going to make this a regular stop. NAME: le Vieux SUBMITTED: 4/6/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: Feb '08 FREQUENCY: Visited once 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: I was craving catfish, so I read reviews at this site and at others that all said this was the best catfish in Houston. My 7-year old daughter and I went on a Saturday. As we walked in, my daughter, who is a Gordon Ramsey fan, asked very dubiously, "Mom, do you think Chef Ramsey would like this place?" I assured her that based on what I read, Chef Ramsey might have reservations about the appearance, but he would love the food. I was right. Don't let the location or the appearance scare you off. This is seriously good food. The food truly merits the term "soul food." It is the kind of food that feeds the soul as well as the body. It's obvious that everything is done with love. I would not hesitate to recommend this restaurant to anyone. We live in the far northwest suburbs, so we are not able to eat here as often as we would like, but every so often we have to say "$3.00 plus gas prices or not, we need some Soul!" Just writing this makes my mouth water thinking of the catfish and fried oysters. Their spicy tartar sauce, is outstanding. Not to mention true soul food classics like smothered pork chops or meatloaf. Good stuff all! Next time (and that may be tomorrow), I'm going to try and save some room for dessert. NAME: Heather's Mom SUBMITTED: 3/19/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 02/08 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: After reading the rave reviews listed below, I couldn't wait to try the fish and shrimp. It was awesome, I got the lunch special which came with rice and gravy (an unexpected extra). The waitstaff was very friendly and the owner came out while I was there. I look forward to returning to try other menu items soon! NAME: Lindsey Durett SUBMITTED: 2/28/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 02/27/08 FREQUENCY: Visited once 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: Strong point - the food. Seasoned to perfection and prepared exceedingly well. The service - friendly. Loved this place. Am placing bets for lunch intending to lose so I can make friends dare to eat there. Hopefully they'll thrive and tidy up certain things a tad or so. Short of that, this place is perfect. NAME: hj SUBMITTED: 2/12/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 02/2008 FREQUENCY: 4-6 times 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: Strong Points: Soul on the Bayeaux has the best catfish and fried okra. It is fresh and seasoned well. The service is great. The people are very friendly. Weak Points: The location and small size is not the greatest but with time, I'm sure increasing business volume will justify a better location with more space. They were out of peach cobbler. Entrees: In addition to the catfish and okra, I tried the yams which were great and the raspberry tea. I was so full, I did not have room for dessert but I saw other patrons enjoying the Italian creme cake. NAME: eat42 SUBMITTED: 11/5/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 11/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: SENSATIONAL catfish! Being a southern girl, I am extremely picky about my eats. But I will rest my feet under their table anytime for some of the best catfish I've ever tasted. Truly well seasoned and fried right. Ever had catfish that just was NOT right? Well, certainly not the case here...it's RIGHT alright?! Can't wait to back for more of their creole cuisine. Friendly service, extremely warm and welcoming owner/staff. Great recipe for success =great food + service. Kudos to you guys and "Ms. Claudia" I will be looking for you on Thanksgiving to fry my turkeys!! NAME: REALTORONTHEGO SUBMITTED: 10/26/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: October/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: This was my first time visiting Soul on the Bayeax and I must say that it was GREAT! The food was fantastic! I had the shrimp etoufee and catfish. It was "down-home" cooking at its best! The waitstaff was courteous and very accommodating. Seeing that I was a member of a huge party for a birthday event, this was impressive. Just when I thought my dinner was complete, I had a taste of the SOUR CREAM CAKE! That was one of the best cakes that I have ever had. Truly it melt in my mouth! Mmm, mmm, good!!!! I will definitely become a regular guest of this restaurant! NAME: Teddie Ruxpin SUBMITTED: 9/9/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 9/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: All the ranting and raving about the fried catfish--was absolutely TRUE! Spectacular light, crisp batter on fresh, never frozen, meaty catfish filets. It may be the best in town. The one-bite each fried shrimp were a tad overcooked, but we could tell that at least they too were fresh, not frozen, and the grilled shrimp were a bit tough, but tasty. I specifically asked if the tartar sauce was homemade and was told it was, but my heart sank a bit when a plastic jar of Hellman's brand Tartar Sauce arrived. I was again told that the tartar sauce was homemade and that "we just refill these containers with our own when they are empty." Funny, that it tasted EXACTLY like the Hellman's kind that I have at home in the fridge! I would not call the place expensive by any means, but it is also not on the "cheap eats" list either. We sampled the dinner salad, which was really good, the green beans with sausage which were pretty good, and the yams, which were just OK. The raspberry tea was a big winner with everyone. For dessert, we had the excellent German chocolate cake and it was totally like Mom used to make. The stale-tasting peach cobbler was another story--or perhaps someone else's Mom--not a winner in our book. Waitstaff was pleasant and efficient. I realize that we went in July, but they really need to upgrade the air conditioning since we never were quite comfortable in the rather warm dining room. I enjoy small, "Mom & Pop" dining establishments and this is just that. It's not fancy, but could be a bit neater. We will eventually go back just for catfish, but it probably won't be on our list of "have to" return places. NAME: Good Taster SUBMITTED: 7/29/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 07/07 FREQUENCY: Visited once 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: Best Damn Fish & Shrimp ever, I tried others even the one's with the huge budget but this place has the seafood on Lock Down!!! The gumbo was off the hook also. If you love seafood then you have not had it until you have been to this place. Allison Cook was so on target about this place and best of all I had mixed greens and okra with corn for my side dishes. The service was wonderful I met the owner great lady really really cares. Jazz music playing in the back ground I was told to bring a CD with me next time of my choice. What more can I say great place. NAME: Mrs. Personality SUBMITTED: 5/20/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 05/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: Best catfish in town! Waitstaff/owners are very nice and hospitable. My co-worker and I always say we won't get the all you can eat,... but that never works. We always overeat. It's that good! Can't speak for anything else on the menu. If you want the best fish, go here. NAME: Marky Mark SUBMITTED: 3/26/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 03/22/07 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: Strong Points: Best Catfish in Houston, Workers are very nice Weak Points: Not enough parking A friend told me about this place. I get my hair cut at a barber shop near by and with this being lent season I stop by on a Friday to try the catfish. The thing about catfish is when it's bad it can really be bad. That is not the case here. The catfish is the best in Houston!!! The cornmeal is spiced and under the cripsy cornmeal is the most sweet fillet of catfish I have ever had. I cannot wait to go back and try the other menu items. I am so glad I found this place. NAME: eatTX SUBMITTED: 3/22/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: March, 2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: Our office ordered fried turkeys from Soul on the Bayeaux and can I tell you they were absolutely the best fried turkeys I've eaten (and I've had quite a few of 'em). Not even the slightest big greasy - injected with the right seasonings and so moist and tender. I'm ordering my Christmas turkey from them. You won't find better anywhere else. NAME: Mary SUBMITTED: 12/13/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 11/13/2006 FREQUENCY: Visited once 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: This place is AWESOME. I was in the area for business. I got lost and found this wonderful restaurant. It's like Grandma's house in the deep south; simple, small, and very welcoming. The fried fish and shrimp are wonderful. Well seasoned, greaseless, and hot. The owner and her staff treated me like family. On my first visit, I inquired about dessert. Unfortunately, they were out. When I returned for my next visit, she remembered me!!! She wanted me to know that she had dessert ready and waiting for me. She gave me a big piece of cake and made me feel right at home. Wow, that is service!!! For someone who travels often, the sevice was a great relief. I will definitely make this one of my travel stops for lunch. Keep up the great food and service!!!! P.S. The cake was fabulous! NAME: VZW Road Warrior SUBMITTED: 10/24/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 10/24/06 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: My 2nd visit inspired me to post a review This place has the Fish & Shrimp that taste as if it has just been caught how they bring this fresh taste to the public? Not breaded or frozen I don't Think and the Soul Food is to die for. I took a friend to this place he was in town from Haiti and he tried to lure the owner back to Haiti with him to open a restarant. If you are eating at the Ubuys We Frys you definitely do not know what you are missing Remember you get what you pay for. Keep on Keeping on Soul on the Bayeaux!!!! NAME: bk SUBMITTED: 9/3/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 0806 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: Gumbo was the Ultimate, The Oxtails were perfectly seasoned This place is dishing out some of the best food I ever tasted. I got the Crispy catfish to go and OOOH MY God this stuff is Tony the TIGER GREAT!!!!! I will return with all of my friends in tow.... NAME: msSoto SUBMITTED: 8/20/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 08/06 FREQUENCY: Visited once 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: This place is awesome. Not only is the food delicious but the owners really make you feel welcome. Clean. I will definitely be going to back! NAME: MasalaGirl SUBMITTED: 1/20/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 1/2006 FREQUENCY: Visited once 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: Great Oxtails and Chitterlings 3rd visit never had the Chitterlings or Oxtails before my lunch buddies were ranting and raving about the Big Shrimp (fried) and the taste you cannot compete with the tast. Great Job Esther!! our waitress NAME: hungryindowntown SUBMITTED: 1/19/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 01/06 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: Highly recommended! I love good food and Soul On the Bayeaux is one of the best meals I have had in a long time. The yams are to die for. The okra and tomatoes is sooo good. The gumbo is the best I have ever eaten. Everything was wonderful. Nice friendly service. We will definetely go back. NAME: Mama Mia SUBMITTED: 11/4/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 11-3-05 FREQUENCY: Visited once 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: I read b4ueat religiously but have never had the inspiration to post a review. Soul on the Bayeaux became my inspiration. We visited today for lunch. My mother and I shared a bowl of the delicious gumbo... which was plenty for each of us, $6.95 and nearly twice as much as the cup which sells for $5.95. Today the gumbo was missing okra and wasn't particularly hot in temperature. Just as we mentioned this to each other our waitress asked us if it was hot enough. She wisked it off and warmed it up in a flash. Heavenly. Next we shared the fried catfish and shrimp with fries, and a side of mustard greens. The catfish and shrimp was easily the best I've ever had. Rarely if ever do restaurants put enough spice in the batter. Soul on the Bayeaux isn't shy with their spice. Somehow the fish stayed hot long enough for us to finish every morsel. Believe it or not, the mustard greens were the best thing on my plate.... Spicy and a little sweet. I wish I could make them like that in my kitchen. Definitely a secret recipe. And the best thing of all? The service. Our waitress made us feel like we were at Grandma's house with all the care she showed us....even bringing us by a bowl of red beans on the house and rice so we could try it out. Lunch was a fantastic experience. NAME: Chaunacey SUBMITTED: 9/27/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 9/27/2005 FREQUENCY: Visited once 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: AWESOME!!!!! ALL I can say is the Catfish and seafood at this place is Awesome you have not had fish or seafood if you have not been to this place and that's for anyone anywhere. The Peach Cobbler is to die for, I wish they would package and sell this stuff ship it out or something and my friend who dined with me had the GUMBO and he said that this was the best stuff he had ever tasted. They need to seriously think about other locations so that people can enjoy this awesome food all over Houston, Texas and in other cities. I had the collard greens and whoever is cooking or forking over recipes they just cannot do anything wrong. NAME: Ms. Creole Chef SUBMITTED: 9/10/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 9/2005 FREQUENCY: Visited once 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: Fancy it's not, fabulous it is. This place is so tiny (9 or 10 tables, depending on the configuration) you'd almost overlook it. Perhaps it's a good thing, because the parking is minimal. The place is an old house, fortunately on a corner, so you squeeze your car in where you can. The inside is pretty plain, with checked table cloths and room air conditioners that just manage to keep the place cool with the help of a couple of big ceiling fans. There are a couple of great pictures on the walls and some funny signs that you have to be from the South to understand. Soul On the Bayeaux is family owned and it must be a very close family. The waitstaff will bend over backward and turn handsprings to make sure you're taken care of. They talk to you like friends and family. Great service won't keep people coming back, but great food will, which is why the combination draws so many regulars. Like eating potato chips, you can't come just once. Everything we try is wonderful and the catfish is just about as good as it can ever get - crisp and greaseless, with just the right amount of "fish" flavor. The etouffe, shrimp creole, and gumbo will make you "slap yo mama." They can smother things, too, such as pork chops, turkey wings, and steak. Veggies aren't dumped out of a can and heated, either. I was smacking my lips and making little moans over the sweet potatoes. It would have normally been uncouth, but everyone else was doing the same thing. Be sure to order the sweet tea (another southern thing). It's not typical Liptons, but a delicious mixture of lemon, raspberry and secret tea, served in a big glass with lots of ice. No need for sugar; it's not even on the table. The desserts sound heavenly, and I'm sure they are, but I've never gotten around to them. I keep planning to get something to go, but I'm so full, I'm not interested at the time. I've got to do it, though. I suggest you take your friends, but never tell them how to get there. There are just too few tables, even with those on the little patio. NAME: Mother Dragon SUBMITTED: 8/1/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 8/1/05 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: went for a late lunch. 1st impression good. wasn't too terribly adventurous,had the all you can eat catfish. very good.service very accomadating. ate less than I am capable of and still walked out feeling more like I ate Detroit with a side of Brontosaurus (full). green beans excellent too if a tad greasy. I'll be back!! NAME: handsome bob SUBMITTED: 4/18/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 4/14/05 FREQUENCY: Visited once 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: These people can really fry some catfish, I had the all you can eat catfish and added 6 shrimp and I have never had better fried or seasoned fish. I mean I have eaten at P*appadeaux at P*appas at the G*oode Company Seafood and just about every legitimate seafood joint in Houston and Kemah/Galveston and Louisiana and have never had perfectly fried and seasoned fish and shrimp. I just want to be there when they become rich and famous so I can tell everyone I told you so. These people were born to cook this is not a recipe you can learn I assure you!!!!! NAME: ed the food critic SUBMITTED: 1/16/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 1/11/05 FREQUENCY: Visited once 3717 Dowling St, Houston, Texas    MY REVIEW: Nice ambiance, very friendly people and good food NAME: Tamia Fontaine SUBMITTED: 12/17/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/15/04 FREQUENCY: Visited once ©Copyright 1991 - 2008 B4-U-EAT.COM. All rights reserved. Design and database by B4-U-BUY