130 E. Main St., Village ShopsBanner Elk, NC 28604United States
On a grassy village knoll, this restaurant is definitely not in the bayou, but that doesn’t stop the folks behind Bayou Smokehouse from serving Cajun cuisine. The gumbo promises lots of heat, and the étouffée is served with a choice of catfish, shrimp, or crawfish. The menu also does Texas proud with ribs, brisket, chicken-fried steak, and other Lone Star State dishes.