Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen   

11051 N Black Canyon Hwy
Phoenix, AZ 85029
602-331-3434
www.pappas.com

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Chain restaurants often are pretty reliable for decent food and service, but they usually lack the unique charm of a family-owned establishment. Pappeadeaux manages to excel at all three; although this chain is already established in the South, it looks like a one-of-a-kind in Phoenix. Thanks to its distinctive Cajun and Creole cuisine and colorful surroundings, Pappadeaux feels like a good ol' boy hangout on the bayou. From the diffused lighting to the old photographs and vintage carpeting, this restaurant brings more than just a taste of Louisiana to the Southwest.If you're feeling brave, start out your meal with fried alligator or frog legs. Then move on to the wide variety of seafood dishes -- blackened, fried or grilled and, of course, highly seasoned. Nobody skimps on the good stuff here either; most entree portions are big enough to share. Pappeadeaux is usually loud and packed, so don't expect an intimate evening for two -- and arrive early, since it doesn't take reservations. -- Laura Hislop