NOTE: This Restaurant is now closed.
I spotted Chop’s Cajun Foods on the way home from work one evening when I decided to cut through on Pelham Road. This area is within range for a lunch excursion – just barely. I figured that the eateries in the Duncan are would be full of teachers. Couple that with the fact that I have less time for lunch starting next week, and today seemed like the perfect opportunity to give it a try.
Atmosphere
Located in a small strip mall on Pelham near I-85, Chop’s is primarily a take-out place. As such, the decor is sparse and utilitarian. There are about a half-dozen tables, and a large counter in the back with various meats and other specialties. When I got there just about every table was taken.
Menu
There is a Cajun Meal special which changes each day as well as several items that are available any day. There are a large selection of Po Boy sandwiches, and another odd collection of a la carte side items. All of the items are Cajun cuisine in some way or other. Prices range from $5 – $10 for the various places and sandwiches.
In addition to this “short order” menu, they have a selection of “Heat-n-go” precooked meals, including Turduckens. As mentioned before, there is a selection of specialty meats and Cajun groceries to go.
Food
Today’s lunch special was Chicken Spaghetti cooked Cajun style. That didn’t appeal to me as much as some of the other daily specials, so I decided to go with the gumbo. This was served in a large bowl over rice, with a piece of bread and potato salad on the side. The flavors were quite good, without being overpowering with spice. For $7 I had plenty to eat.
The waitress told me I should really try the crawfish poboy next time I come. We’ll see. I notice that they have jambalaya for Tuesday’s lunch special, so that might have to be my next order.
Service
There was only one waitress, and she was hopping. Even as busy as she was, she seemed able to accommodate everyone in a timely fashion. She asked if I’d eaten there before, and when I replied that I hadn’t, she was very helpful in making menu recommendations and in checking to make sure everything was OK.
Conclusion
Ever since the demise of Betty Pearle’s on Main Street, there hasn’t been a place dedicated to Cajun food in the area. That absence absolutely amazes me, given the food’s popularity. The food at Chop’s is good and the prices are right. However, there are no menu alternatives for someone who doesn’t care for Cajun (like Laura), so it probably won’t become a regular evening stop. As mentioned before, the location is just barely within lunch range, so I probably won’t be able to make it there on a regular basis. That won’t keep me from telling others about it and letting them enjoy the food, though.