Before 1987, owning and operating a restaurant was just a dream of John and Esther Benoit. But in November 1989 the land they owned in Port Arthur TX, and a restaurant building that they transported from Cameron LA, came together to fulfill their dream; Esther’s Cajun Seafood & Steaks was born. At the southern foot of Rainbow Bridge and nestled into the bank of a canal, the restaurant is almost invisible to traffic coursing down Route 87. But exiting I-10 and finding Esther’s is definitely worth the time and 12 mile drive.
Lunch is served Sunday through Friday and dinners are served all week long. The menu is varied but as the name implies Cajun dishes (especially seafood) are the house specialty. The shrimp are fresh (from the Gulf naturally); the fish is fresh, tender, flaky, and succulent; fries are crisp and hot; and, the oysters are delicate and flavorful. The size of an individual order is medium to large and prices are very reasonable (averaging $8 for lunch and $15 for dinner). Wine and beer are available (as is a selection of sodas and iced tea).
Among the house specialties are gumbo, “The Benoit Special” (shrimp, crawfish, scallops, and catfish grilled in a special butter sauce), po-boys (shrimp, crawfish, or catfish), and crawfish etoufeé. Seafood platters (either regular or “mini”), shrimp platters, and crawfish platters round out a wide range of flavorful dishes.
It will take a while to review the entire menu (it is extensive and varied and the story of the Benoits and their restaurant is related in a much more detailed narrative for the interested patron). But, the Benoits have figured this out too and ensure that an order of fresh garlic bread is brought to the table while you are deciding, enjoying the views, and settling in for a great Cajun meal. And before you leave, be certain to have an order of “Esther’s Famous Bread Pudding” (possibly self-proclaimed but definitely worthy of the accolade).
