We just squeaked in early enough to use the happy hour / earlybird menu, and what a fabulous savings that was! I had shrimp and grits and a couple of types of beers. Shrimp and grits were very flavorful, quite good, and the beer was cold just like it should be. My husband loved his iced tea and dinner. His dinner disappeared so fast I don't remember what he ordered, it was that good. The real standout here was the service. I wish I'd gotten her name so I could call her out publicly - we asked to be seated in the bar area to be in the window and to be warm in the sun, and that was just perfect. Our server was taking care of all the tables on the bar side of the restaurant. She was seating people. She also was re-setting tables and manning the bar somehow. Brilliantly, professionally, and cheerfully. She was probably doing even more behind the scenes, like a superwoman. read more

Tried this restaurant and all I have to say is wow and wow..!!!! I had the blackened Red Fish Nola and that was fantastic.... Me and my uncle just came from New Orleans and had a similar dish and this was at the next level...!!! Then my server asked if we would like to have desert and let me say this, when I see bread pudding it's a must for me and at 62 years of age, this hands down was the best bread pudding and also at the next level it was deep fried with vanilla ice cream, a caramel sauce and a smooth dollop of what tasted like homemade whipped cream and let me keep the theme going, it was next level.... Well done folks ,,, next trip back this will be on my must do.... Trigger, Fly In Wheels MC Nomad read more

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I had a cup of gumbo. Generous with the shrimp, but no okra. It wasn't hot and it was too salty. The catfish and shrimp had garlic in the batter. Fried seafood doesn't need garlic. The bread pudding was epic. I won't be back for the drinks in disposal cups or the entrees. I will be back for bread pudding. I wonder if I could get my coffee in a real mug? read more

While visiting family in Freeport we went to Cafe Nola to get a Muffeletta. Wow what a nice place. Love the decor and atmosphere. Waitress was very nice. Not in a big hurry. Just like New Orleans, The Big Easy. We got of course the Muffeletta and their award-winning Gumbo. I can see why it's award winning. It's the real deal. It was the best I've tasted since New Orleans. It's that good. The Muffeletta was absolutely perfect and yummy. With the Muffeletta we got a side of Cheesy Grits. Good stuff. To top it off we got Beignets and I tell you they were the best I've had I do believe. You won't be disappointed with Cafe Nola read more

Cafe Nola - Award Winning Gumbo - Caribbean Near Me - Defuniak Springs, Florida

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Food, service and ambiance are great. I found this restaurant on the Fourth of July last year, but didn't make it in to try the food. Came back with my husband a different time. Loved it. We'll be back. read more

Enjoyed an afternoon lunch in this quaint restaurant. Food was on par, not an uneaten bite left.

Was disappointed in the setting. Could be better all around. No tablecloths or napkins, the service was slow and their "clothing" left much to be desired and left absolutely nothing to one's imagination. Food was decent. Nothing to brag about. At the prices more was expected. read more

Excellent food and service! Get the jambalaya, you won't be disappointed! Go if you're passing through

Came in for a bite before going to Christmas lights. Annie was our bartender she was sweet and helpful. We never waited for anything. Good music lots of Christmas trees. Clean bathrooms. 3 stars not for service but for the food. It was "ok" nothing amazing about it. read more

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Had a cup of Gumbo, cup of red beans and rice, split a Muffaletta. Delicious. Sweet tea was good. Great ambiance. Decor is fantastic. read more

Cafe Nola - Restaurant area - Caribbean Near Me - Defuniak Springs, Florida

Great service, amazing food (specifically the gumbo), and a family friendly feel. My children made a horrible mess with their drinks and they immediately cleaned it up and made sure that they were okay. The look and feel of the place reminded me of home (Baton rouge, LA). read more

We had dinner with friends at this establishment last Saturday evening. Was so excited!!! Things were a little on the pricey side, but we didn't mind because we were told it was so good and worth every penny. But, unfortunately we were very disappointed. I ordered shrimp and grits and I knew it tasted different and I had mashed potatoes under my shrimp instead of grits. Not good. My friend's order was also messed up. She did not get the grits as ordered she also was given mashed potatoes as well. Also, we ordered appetizers which were overcooked. We also ordered beignets to go. 2 orders of them our friends said theirs tasted burned as well l, way overcooked. Also ordered the Boudin egg rolls to go and they were also way overcooked couldn't eat burn taste as well. A very pricey meal and appetizers plus the to go orders that wasn't enjoyed by 4 people. A BIG waste of money. So very disappointing. I don't know what the problem was that evening with the person cooking the restaurant wasn't busy at all. Our table and 2 more. This so unexceptionable. You need to do better! I would not have sent any of these dishes out of the kitchen to anyone. read more

This is yet another trip here and I can't say enough good stuff about Chef Ernie's food! I hand the filet and catfish and had to take it with me because I enjoyed the smoked tuna dip (smoked on the premises ), gumbo (omg) ,and fried green tomatoes appetizers. Wow! Everything was amazing. Everyone in our party was impressed. Chef Ernie came out and met us, suggested the bread pudding, and told us the history of the building. The atmosphere is amazing. Its rich history adds to the mystique. Jackson was a great server and took great care of us. We've been here before, and we will be here again. Best. Place. In. Defuniak Springs! read more

Our first time here. Service was fabulous! The food did not disappoint. The ambiance was so NOLA with Christmas music playing. Chef Ernie came by to say hello. Would definitely recommend and we will return. read more

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The food and service was full of southern charm. Great experience!!! We were on a road trip and I felt a little underdressed but the waitress said absolutely not you look great. read more

Had a great lunch here of Hurricane Shrimp and my husband had the special of the day, catfish. We really enjoyed the ambiance, the service and the vibe of the place. Prices were great. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ read more

i had wings and fried green tomatoes - both were delicious. Service was excellent. Beer was ice cold!

Stopped in because of previous reviews. Well worth the 20 minutes out of our way. Grew up in NOLA & this place has the right vibe-decor & music. Wait staff was very attentive. I had the muffuletta with brussels as a side & husband had the fried catfish platter with fries. Both were nice portions & left with to go boxes. Central grocery may still be the winner of muffulettas, but this place gives it competition. Worth the stop. read more

Cafe Nola - Muffuletta & Brussel sprouts - Caribbean Near Me - Defuniak Springs, Florida

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Stopped in for lunch the weekend after New Year's. Granted, it probably wasn't the most ideal time to go in there, but the bartender told us that they had not been particularly busy over the holiday. Extremely limited cocktails available (nearly nothing). The ambiance was OK, it's old and historic. But the feeling of the place just felt tired. We ordered the Gumbo, which turned out to be very good. Just the right amount of smokiness and heat. Because it didn't feel very welcoming, we decided to go elsewhere for the rest of lunch. Maybe we just hit it on an off day, but I don't think I would go back again. read more

We love to travel and stay at Historic hotels. Cafe Nola is adjacent. After Chef Ernie gave us a detailed history he invited us to try his Shrimp Scampi special. The Shrimp scampi was truly the best I'd ever tasted. The shrimp was so fresh and the pasta was piping hot. The Brussels sprouts were perfectly prepared with a smooth, maybe balsamic glaze? All in all, this was a mo fabulous dining experience. read more

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Really great food and service in downtown Defuniak springs been there 2 twice love the decor and building is historic

We passed through town on a weekend road trip. Dined on a Friday afternoon and there were only 2 other patrons. Took a little while before the hostess appeared, but she as friendly. The server took our order promptly. My glass of Moscato was great. The Caesar salad had a sweet taste to it due to the croutons. I didn't care for the taste. The gumbo was just ok. My husband ordered fried crawfish and a side of grits. This combination was delicious. The Louisiana playlist was good and the restaurant cleaner made . We would come here again but I would try something else. read more

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waited so long for a table and so long for her food just for them to not have any pasta and they didn't tell us at all and they also didn't have any I had a terrible experience with this restaurant. The beignets were not cooked at all. read more

I stopped by this place when I was headed back home from a work trip. I love creole food so I figured I would give this place a try. They might not look like the best restaurant but don't let the looks deceive you, the food is great. I had the shrimp and grits and they were to die for! I'd never had shrimp and grits with a tomato based sauce but it was great. I thought it would be too acidic but it wasn't at all. It actually gave it some more heat. The shrimp were good size and I loved how creamy the grits were. This might be my favorite shrimp and grits dish of all time. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for some good creole food in the Panhandle. read more

Cafe Nola - Shrimp and Grits - Caribbean Near Me - Defuniak Springs, Florida

We have ate here several times before and was pleased but it's been a few months. We were very disappointed. Fried shrimp batter was thin and fell off, hush puppies were burnt & couldn't be ate, the Alfredo pasta was just ok. Service was good. We won't be back anytime soon when spending $70 for a less than mediocre meal for 2 people. read more

Somewhere in a tiny town lies a New Orleans restaurant, called Cafe Nola, that sadly only locals know of. Cafe Nola speaks for its self as to the quality and caliber of food it serves. It can copy many of the famous dishes by Mothers, Bussards and Galatoris. Nola cafe is fan-fn'-tastic. Service was exceptional, and the ambience, well it's an old building. read more

Fried green tomatoes, seafood gumbo, smoked tuna dip, and the catfish Arcadian!!! Absolutely amazing and oh so delicious. Jackson did a great job serving us and how can I leave out Chef Ernie!! And then.... As if my belly could fit more, Chef Ernie's dessert recommendation of the fried bread pudding!! OMG!!! We will make the drive from Pensacola to eat here again. read more

Burnt food & soggy fried shrimp with horrible batter. Hush puppies were so burnt. I couldn't even stick a fork in them and our appetizer was burnt also. Couldn't believe the waitress didn't even care and didn't want to do anything about our food disaster. The place is over priced & reeks of old stale cigarette smoke. read more

Cafe Nola - Nasty soggy shrimp with horrible batter and burnt hush puppies, couldn't even get my fork through them & gross grits! - Caribbean Near Me - Defuniak Springs, Florida

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Visiting from out of town and made a reservation. Showed up on time and was told "they ran out of food," but that they would honor reservations. We were told to wait, with no estimation of time, with several other parties. Other parties who were seated at tables did not look happy. Since we had a child, we decided we could not wait indefinitely and left. This place came highly recommended and we traveled 40 min. Wasted evening. I wouldn't risk it, this place is evidently not well run. read more

Avoid this restaurant! Overpriced, bad food, and long wait. It's a shame that such a beautiful building is wasted on a subpar restaurant. $10 for a "Cajun" Mary (Bloody Mary) that completely lacked any creativity or proper seasoning. One sad green bean and an olive as a garnish. Seriously, for $10 you can fo better. Make an effort. Appetizer 1: Fried green tomatoes. The breading was tasty but the portion was so small. 3 small thing slices of tomato. Just sad, sad appetizer. Appetizer 2: Boudin balls. Inedible. They were small and mashed into a gummy ball. Sticky and gross. The wait was long for the entrees. The waiter apologized and said they are backed up because of a big party but the largest table was only six people. 2 of 3 entrees were brought to the table. Entree 1: shrimp and grits. Shrimp were overcooked and a weird red color. The grits were watery and way too much in proportion to the shrimp and sauce. It's did not taste good. There was a tiny nub of garlic bread. It was the smallest bread I r ever seen. Entree 2: Jambalaya with sausage. Rice was undercooked. At this point we decided just to pay the bill and leave, Avoid!! read more

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One if the last fine dinning options in DeFuniak Springs. Staff is friendly and patient which is a bonus when eating out.

What a disappointment. From Yelp. It stated this was a breakfast and Brunch place No. It is not It is a fine dining lunch and dinner place. Nothing on the regular menu is less than $12.00. We ordered 2 bloody Mary's a coffee2 children drinks and 3 adult lunches with 2 children's. Service was slow. Much slower than I anticipated. The children's drinks arrived first, then the bloody Mary's, then after more of a wait, the lone coffee. The bloody Mary's were ok. But not great. Served in plastic glasses packed to the max in ice. One olive was floating in them with a line slice and a single pickles green bean. Weird. The children's pasta arrived a good 15-20 mi ties before our lunches. So of course they were finished before we were ever served Very disappointing. Our lunches are ok. Nothing great. I ordered a chef salad that filled about half the bowl. My spouse ordered the muffuletta which was just ok. It was acceptable, but nothing was great about it. The third order was a chicken pesto pizza. That too was acceptable, but not great. Certainly none of these dishes were with the price tag It is certainly not worth the money. I could have received mediocre food at McDonalds fir 1/4 of the price. I just cannot recommend this place. read more

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The meal made fresh to order and it was delicious! I highly recommend Cafe Nola for the atmosphere, food and beverage.

Cafe Nola You can't miss out on this amazing real deal New Orleans Restaurant located On the Emerald Coast just north of I 10. Killer Gumbo and Shrimp and Grits, so much flavor with Gulf Shrimp. Great Nola Bloody Mary's to Finish off your taste buds. read more

Hey 30A! Getting out into Defuniak Springs can be a worthy field trip. Cafe Nola is interesting and had great, truly authentic Cajun/New Orleans fare. Especially the gumbo and crawfish etouffee. Nestled beside a little historic hotel, you'll feel like you've escaped the 30A crush and made a worthy venture north. read more

Cafe Nola - Pretty classic old south setting. - Caribbean Near Me - Defuniak Springs, Florida

Good roux on the etouffe, blackened catfish over jambalaya (bayou catfish) was excellent. Had great service as well when I stopped in. Definitely worth stopping in if passing through or a drive. read more

I'm a big fan of the great service I receive there. Always a friendly smile! The hurricane shrimp, gumbo and chicken are my favs. I go there for lunch about 3x a month. It's go more if I could afford it! read more

Amazing service, food, and beautiful New Orleans vibe. Owner is amazing and I suggest staying at the hotel too!

First of all, let me say that the service was good, although when I told my waiter that we were disappointed, he didn't even inquire as to why! Whether he could have done anything about it or not, he could have at least acted interested! As did the bartender - she at least was interested in making an old fashioned to our liking. Overall everything else was Very disappointing! We went to Cafe NOLA because of the awesome ratings, but I cannot give the same high ratings. We were very disappointed. The pasta Alfredo was very dry - hardly any sauce or taste! It came with plain white bread and a butter spread - not even real butter! The blackened redfish was ok, but too salty. The stuffing was all stuffing, no hint of crab and the sauce was ok, but the shrimp in the sauce were hard and rubbery! The boudin egg rolls were pretty good. I didn't care for the NOLA Rita with hurricane mix in it! The old fashioned was ok, but not great - no Luxardo cherries. Sorry Chef Ernie, this New Orleans girl just did not like the food. I do wish I would have tried the jambalaya! Inside the restaurant is very nice and the chairs are very comfortable. read more

This is a gem! Fantastic ambiance, fun and friendly staff and exceptional food. We had the crab stuffed redfish and Mardi Gras pasta ( tonight's special) and both were so delicious. Our first visit here was a wow moment. read more