The Free Man Cajun Cafe Brings Southern Louisana to Deep Ellum

By Lauren Drewes Daniels Fri., Nov. 25 2011 at 4:28 PM

The Free Man muffuletta

I'm partial to Cajun and Creole food. I like their rich and crazy approach to meals, both in terms of flavors and attitude. So, with high hopes, last Saturday night we had dinner at The Free Man Cajun Café in Deep Ellum.

The atmosphere was lively and original. They don't play up the whole swamp, crocodile and Cajun music angle. It's simply a jazz bar with food inspired by southern Louisiana.

The crowd was a good mix of Deep Ellum regulars, a small contention of jazz followers, some college kids and tourists -- a Swedish couple was seated next to us. We chatted about tunnbrödsrulle.

There was a jazz band at the front of the house, and we sat about half way back the long, shoebox-like restaurant. The music was great, and we could carry on a conversation.

For dinner, we started with boudin sausage balls, which are deep-fried and served with a horseradish sauce. The muffalata had liberal amounts of chopped olives, salami, ham, provolone and smoked mozzarella. The delicious side of sweet-potato fries were seasoned with salt, pepper, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Voodoo Chicken Sandwich

The Voodoo Chicken Sandwich might be the Free Man's signature piece. Starting at the top, it's spicy Cajun sauce, fried pickles, white cheddar cheese, char-grilled chicken breast, tomatoes, shredded lettuce and purple onions.

Check their Facebook page for frequent updates. Owner John Jay Myers used to be a Deep Ellum musician himself and has live music in house just about every night.

Follow City of Ate on Twitter: @cityofate.

Tags:

Cajun, Creole

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Guest

The muffuletta looks great. Can anyone compare it with Jimmy's muffuletta?

Slewfoot

Yes. Anyone can.

ScottsMerkin

Gotta try this place, and I still havent made it to blu cloud. Gotta put them on the lunch menu in the next week or so

Kergo 1 Spaceship

Stuff looks good; I've got it down for Monday.

Nic Rodriguez

I've had the Voodoo Chicken and loved it. I've wanted to try other things when I go...but, so far, haven't been able to order anything but the Voodoo. Mmmm.

Kergo 1 Spaceship

Hello LDD, I have nothing relevant, or funny to bring this entry; the pictures look great! So, I bring the Kerg's Top 5 High Lonesome Songs:

-If You Were a Bluebird/Joe Ely and Butch Hancock-The Last Waltz/Rodney Crowell-Yesterday-duh?-Desperado/Eagles-Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain

Special Mention:-Talkin' to the Moon/Don Henley-Southwind of Summer/Flatlanders-Any Jayhawks-Any Gram Parsons-Any Hank-Any Carter Family-Any Louvin Bros.

Mary

Then why waste our time with your irrelevant rambling?No one really gives a shit about your moronic posts. Grow up and lose your 6th grade mentality. Asshole!

primi_timpano

Mary, I don't give a shit about your rude AND moronic posts. Yeah, desperado sucks as so do the eagles but Gram, Hank and the Carter Family should rate highly on any non-moron's list. Come on, Mary, and give us a better game. Go with the theme and make up metaphors based on Cajun food. Like "you will roux the day," or go scatological with "your johnson smells like boudin made with chittlin's." I leave it to you and look forward to you giving it another shot.

BTW, do they make their boudin, and if not, who does?

Kergo 1 Spaceship

I detect the angry ramblings of a homicidal cat collector. You, you, lint collecting, knitting freak! AND have you ever brought anything to the table? Other than the hate that will one day consume your dryin', and uneventful soul. Hmmmm? You bring so much Mary, sheesh, how are we going to make it when you leave? Hmmmm?

BTW, the Looney Tunes wearin', 500 pound Oklahoma lady blog in two doors down......have fun in the Walmart crafts isle. POW.

ScottsMerkin

then why wast time commenting on his comment? If you think its irrelevant ramblings dont read it, (and since you name called first) Bitch. Some of us commenter and Im sure some of the observer staff like it or it wouldnt be allowed to stay.

Justin Julian

I've only eaten there once (something I look to change) and the food was amazeballs. Best dirty rice I've ever had on the side of a perfect gator po'boy. The bread pudding is the stuff of wet dreams. Cool staff, cool space, I'm going back as soon as I can. This -despite- the fact that the owner is a proud Ron Paul supporter. :)

Christi

Honestly, as a Louisiana girl, I have been disappointed both times I have visited The Free Man. The muffaleta was not really very good....extremely skimpy on the olive salad...Jason's Deli actually makes a better one, sad as that is to say. The crab stuffed jalapeños didn't have the seeds removed, so the flavor of the crab was completely overshadowed by the spiciness. I will probably give them one more chance....but three strikes, you're out.....