Tapalaya

Tapalaya is a great little restaurant in East Portland, located on 28th St. between Burnside and Couch. The restaurant offers creole food fit to be served in New Orleans, small plate style. I visit whenever I am yearning for some southern comfort or wishing I could be back in Nola. The atmosphere is sophisticated, yet still is able to pull off a fun and relaxing vibe. Though cajun food is often deep fried and unfortunately not gluten free appropriate, there are several items on the menu that are gluten free and excellent. The wait staff are friendly and very helpful in determining menu options for those needing items the are free of gluten. Quality ingredients are used and dishes are prepared from scratch. The restaurant has excellent cocktails and happy cosmos for $3 sure to make those Sex in the City girls swoon. Be sure to save room for dessert, the creme brulee and house made ice cream are not to be missed!

The restaurant has a blog

in order to keep patrons up to date on all the recent happenings and featured menu items. The special changes and can definitely be worth checking out as the item is never something on the standard menu. Local southern influenced bands are also featured weekly. The true Dixie Land style band was very enjoyable. Our table was right next to the stage and we were still able to carry on a conversation. Tapalaya is a great local restaurant worth supporting. Let me know what you think if you visit!

Evening's Meal:
Veggie Jambalaya
Sweet Potato Puree
Cajun Apple Coleslaw
House made cajun potato chips