Craving for Cajun
by Jillian Surla, editor-in-chief
Can a little seafood joint at the center of Daphne, Alabama, really impress? Well, Kravers Seafood doesn’t just impress–it wows. From gulf-fresh food to magnificent service, Kravers went above and beyond and made itself a standout in the seafood scene.
Being from Louisiana has made my standards for seafood incredibly high and difficult for me to find a good seafood joint. So, when my mother told me how much she adores Kravers’ spicy gumbo and shrimp, I had to give it a try. I asked my friend to meet for lunch on Sunday and we arrived exactly as the doors opened at 10:30 a.m. As we walked through the doors, we were met with fun fishing-themed decorations hanging on the walls and ceiling. The young hostess immediately greeted us and brought us to our table, striking a pleasant conversation about our early arrival and seafood. Our table was situated directly in front of the host stand and beside a wall adorned with paddles and a wooden steering wheel, which separated us from the worker station. The area felt simple but cozy; however, it didn’t feel like a restaurant that would have good seafood. Fortunately, my assumption was wrong.
A good restaurant serves food that leaves guests wanting to come back for more, and Kravers Seafood delivered just that. I chose my mother’s recommendation: royal red shrimp and a cup of gumbo. I wasn’t particularly hungry, so I opted to order the shrimp appetizer instead of the platter. Of course, I asked our waitress to make the shrimp extra spicy. My friend ordered the combo platter of crawfish and scallops, which comes with a side of fries, hushpuppies and slaw. As soon as the food runner came with our meals, we were in awe at how appetizing it all looked. My shrimp was effectively drowning in the red seasoning — exactly how I requested — and my gumbo was packed neatly into a portable container surrounded by crackers. When I dipped my shrimp into the provided butter and ate it, I marveled and savored the slightly chewy texture that promised to pack a punch. And pack a punch it did — each bite exploded with a perfect balance of heat and flavor; it took hardly any time for my plate to be cleared. The gumbo, similarly, was delicious. It wasn’t too watery, nor did it have any unsavory textures. Instead, its rich flavor and semi-spicy ingredients accentuated Cajun tradition and seafood. Every bite was a delightful symphony of textures and tastes that left me craving more, setting the stage for an exceptional dining experience that we couldn’t wait to dive back into.
Throughout the meal, the service at Kravers was exemplary. Our waitress was friendly, attentive and seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to refilling our drinks. She ensured that every need was fulfilled to perfection, all with a bright smile. Our food runner came out quickly and without fuss, carrying the tray safely around each table navigating through incoming guests. A little closer to the end of our meal, a busser thoroughly wiped down one of the tables in front of us after a couple left. The staff ensured every area was clean and sanitized for the next guest, all in a quick and efficient manner. Overall, the service was phenomenal, and there were no issues to be found. From the moment we walked in to the moment we left, we felt welcomed and valued as not just a customer, but as a guest to the makeshift family at Kravers Seafood.
When it comes to pricing, Kravers offers excellent value for the quality of food and service provided. Meals range from a low $6 to a high $21, not including market priced items. I only ordered two appetizers and still left feeling satisfied, while my friend’s platter had enough leftovers to be her dinner. So, I would say the portion sizes are acceptable. Not including tax or tip, our meal totalled to $37.96, which we agreed was reasonable for the service and food quality we received.
Kravers Seafood isn’t just another seafood joint; it’s a culinary experience worth savoring. From the moment I stepped inside, the inviting and homely ambiance set the stage for something special. However, it’s the food that truly steals the show. Whether someone is a seafood aficionado or just looking for a memorable meal, Kravers Seafood delivers excellence with every bite. This outstanding restaurant receives an emphatic 5/5 star rating from me and will see me again soon.
