Guest Blogger Matt Spaulding writes about his experience at one of the newest restaurants on Sanibel….MudBugs Cajun Kitchen!
I’ve always said that you could be on Sanibel and Captiva for three weeks and not go to the same good restaurant twice. There have been some new places opening recently, but one such arrival takes you to a world not seen on Sanibel before. Specifically, a taste of New Orleans…The Crescent City…The Big Easy.
MudBugs Cajun Kitchen opened earlier this year, bringing Bourbon Street to 1473 Periwinkle Way (the former Sanibel Steakhouse, across from Billy’s Rentals), having rebuilt from the ground up. For those who weren’t aware, “mudbugs” is a nickname for “crawfish,” which they have plenty of. You can enjoy them in the traditional way (which I still have to learn…I’m sure it’s not like having Maine Lobster), or as Crawfish Fritters, Crawfish and Crab Cake, or stuffed alongside crab inside the MudBugs Stuffed Shrimp.
MudBugs is open for lunch and dinner featuring oysters (raw and chargrilled), Po’Boys, Crispy Gator Tail (not from the Wildlife Refuge), Gumbo, Jambalaya, and more. Click here for their full menu. A Kids Menu is available, as well.
I recently went to MudBugs for my birthday. It was a first, as I’ve never been to Louisiana, much less tried Cajun cuisine. First off, the front door is taller than most buildings on Sanibel, like I’m going into a New Orleans mansion. There are two floors of dining, both indoor and outdoor. There’s a bar on each floor, with seating inside and outside featuring some amazing mixed drinks (the only place where a Hurricane is welcome and enjoyed). Pets are welcome in a designated outdoor dining section. I wasn’t ready to get a tutorial on eating crawfish, so I settled on the MudBugs Stuffed Shrimp with Dirty Rice, which was excellent. My family also enjoyed the Baked Scallops and the Crawfish and Crab Cakes. There are also awesome desserts, including their beignets (best when hot), which we are now hooked on.
MudBugs also features live entertainment, including Dave Collaton, Ronn Daniels, Daniel Klimoski, TJ Brown, and especially Yard Dog Charlie!
Be sure to check our new Specials, including the week of the 4th of July! It’s not too late to celebrate in Paradise! Eat at MudBugs, stay with Sanibel Holiday! Laissez le bon temps roulez! (“Let the good times roll!”)