My family and I have dined at Cajun Steamer many times over the years, visiting several locations, and we’ve always left satisfied. That’s why this experience at the Hoover location was so disappointing.
We arrived with a group and were seated quickly. As always, the staff was incredibly kind, friendly, and attentive throughout our visit. The rest of our meals came out promptly, were cooked well, and everyone else in our group enjoyed their food. The service was excellent, and I want to give the staff credit because they did a great job.
I ordered what has always been my favorite menu item—the shrimp po’boy. In the past, it was a full-sized sandwich generously loaded with fried shrimp. This time, however, I received what looked more like half of the po’boy I was used to, with only about six to eight fried shrimp. When I asked about the difference, I was told this is simply how they prepare it now.
To be fair, the sandwich itself was still cooked perfectly. The shrimp were crispy, flavorful, and delicious. My disappointment wasn’t with the quality of the food—it was with the dramatic reduction in portion size. As someone who has ordered this same sandwich many times over the years, it simply didn’t feel like the same meal or the same value.
My suggestion would be to offer both a half and a full shrimp po’boy on the menu. That would give customers the option to choose the portion they want and avoid surprising longtime customers who remember the original sandwich.
Unfortunately, this change has left me very disappointed. While I truly appreciate the excellent service and still believe the food is well prepared, the reduced portion size has changed my opinion of the restaurant. I hope management will consider whether this new portion reflects the value and consistency that longtime customers have come to expect.
I sincerely hope management takes this feedback to heart because I would much rather see a restaurant I’ve enjoyed for years return to the value and consistency that made me a loyal customer in the first place.
Catherine
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August 31, 2026
Oh mi’ what a marvelous delicious time me my brother & nephew had. I was impressed being my first time. Our waitress was thoughtful, kind and polite which made my experience worth while. Tuscaloosa might need to be a thought for Cajun Steamer to open up because God knows Tuscaloosa lacks good food. Keep up the good work Joyre make sure you ask for her when you come in & please dont be stingy with the tip 🥰
Hagen Shelton
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February 28, 2026
Unfortunately the staff was very overwhelmed during Friday dinner rush. They were very nice but seems like they were under staffed.
The food was very underwhelming, My catfish platter was close to $22 and didn't live up to my expectations.
Elizabeth Johnson
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July 27, 2025
Parties of 8 or more are charged automatic gratuity.
I had the feeling the pointedly bad treatment was because we are an interracial couple with children in tow.
We decided on Cajun Steamer cause my good friend Keith used to work here.
He was an awesome waiter- I wish he could've served us.
Jordan was rude and loves to argue with guests. I kept telling her- I will not argue with you. I am simply telling you what happened.
She knocked me in the head setting plates down and was knocking over stuff on the table trying to refill drinks. Got mad at me later for grabbing our own silverware. But we had no silverware when the food came. Guests waited 5 or more minutes after food was down to even be able to eat.
Food was basically DOA and came out super sporadically.
Bring your measuring cups.
I can pour 1 1/4 ounces of tequila with my eyes closed.
I know what 8 ounces looks like because I have worked in restaurants for 12 years.
Pictured is what Gumbo is supposed to look like.
I got a meatless bean water with rice.
The birthday boy enjoyed his food, but y'all didn't even care it was his birthday.
This could be a nice place.
Kept asking if I wanted more of the same meatless, bean water. I know what authentic Gumbo looks like.
No. I honestly wanted a refund for the dish or something else cause it wasn't even Gumbo.
We spent $340 for 12 people.
I heard Red Lobster pulled themselves out of bankruptcy recently by listening to their customer complaints and adjusting the sails.
I can tell y'all haven't changed in 10 or more years.
jasiel lovell
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July 04, 2024
Wow! The first time I came here last summer I got sick.
However, this year I gave them a second chance and I'm glad I did because we both really enjoyed our food! Very delicious. Good staff, refilled drinks and brought boxes and ticket in good time. I enjoyed my $3 drink too!
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180 Main St #200, Hoover, AL 35244, USA
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My family and I have dined at Cajun Steamer many times over the years, visiting several locations, and we’ve always left satisfied. That’s why this experience at the Hoover location was so disappointing. We arrived with a group and were seated quickly. As always, the staff was incredibly kind, friendly, and attentive throughout our visit. The rest of our meals came out promptly, were cooked well, and everyone else in our group enjoyed their food. The service was excellent, and I want to give the staff credit because they did a great job. I ordered what has always been my favorite menu item—the shrimp po’boy. In the past, it was a full-sized sandwich generously loaded with fried shrimp. This time, however, I received what looked more like half of the po’boy I was used to, with only about six to eight fried shrimp. When I asked about the difference, I was told this is simply how they prepare it now. To be fair, the sandwich itself was still cooked perfectly. The shrimp were crispy, flavorful, and delicious. My disappointment wasn’t with the quality of the food—it was with the dramatic reduction in portion size. As someone who has ordered this same sandwich many times over the years, it simply didn’t feel like the same meal or the same value. My suggestion would be to offer both a half and a full shrimp po’boy on the menu. That would give customers the option to choose the portion they want and avoid surprising longtime customers who remember the original sandwich. Unfortunately, this change has left me very disappointed. While I truly appreciate the excellent service and still believe the food is well prepared, the reduced portion size has changed my opinion of the restaurant. I hope management will consider whether this new portion reflects the value and consistency that longtime customers have come to expect. I sincerely hope management takes this feedback to heart because I would much rather see a restaurant I’ve enjoyed for years return to the value and consistency that made me a loyal customer in the first place.
Oh mi’ what a marvelous delicious time me my brother & nephew had. I was impressed being my first time. Our waitress was thoughtful, kind and polite which made my experience worth while. Tuscaloosa might need to be a thought for Cajun Steamer to open up because God knows Tuscaloosa lacks good food. Keep up the good work Joyre make sure you ask for her when you come in & please dont be stingy with the tip 🥰
Unfortunately the staff was very overwhelmed during Friday dinner rush. They were very nice but seems like they were under staffed. The food was very underwhelming, My catfish platter was close to $22 and didn't live up to my expectations.
Parties of 8 or more are charged automatic gratuity. I had the feeling the pointedly bad treatment was because we are an interracial couple with children in tow. We decided on Cajun Steamer cause my good friend Keith used to work here. He was an awesome waiter- I wish he could've served us. Jordan was rude and loves to argue with guests. I kept telling her- I will not argue with you. I am simply telling you what happened. She knocked me in the head setting plates down and was knocking over stuff on the table trying to refill drinks. Got mad at me later for grabbing our own silverware. But we had no silverware when the food came. Guests waited 5 or more minutes after food was down to even be able to eat. Food was basically DOA and came out super sporadically. Bring your measuring cups. I can pour 1 1/4 ounces of tequila with my eyes closed. I know what 8 ounces looks like because I have worked in restaurants for 12 years. Pictured is what Gumbo is supposed to look like. I got a meatless bean water with rice. The birthday boy enjoyed his food, but y'all didn't even care it was his birthday. This could be a nice place. Kept asking if I wanted more of the same meatless, bean water. I know what authentic Gumbo looks like. No. I honestly wanted a refund for the dish or something else cause it wasn't even Gumbo. We spent $340 for 12 people. I heard Red Lobster pulled themselves out of bankruptcy recently by listening to their customer complaints and adjusting the sails. I can tell y'all haven't changed in 10 or more years.
Wow! The first time I came here last summer I got sick. However, this year I gave them a second chance and I'm glad I did because we both really enjoyed our food! Very delicious. Good staff, refilled drinks and brought boxes and ticket in good time. I enjoyed my $3 drink too!