Henry’s Louisiana Grill, Acworth
$$-$$$
Acworth, Small Town USA, chosen for the filming of the recent remake of the movie “Footloose,” houses an unlikely celebrity: Louisiana native Henry Chandler.
Review by Jenny Turknett
Chef Henry, as he is affectionately known by the locals, is the recent winner of the People’s Platelist Award, a contest held by ABC ’s “Nightline.”
This popularity award celebrates chefs with a distinctive approach and a loyal following. With his Southern twang, shaggy hair and brightly patterned chef’s pants, Chandler holds court at Henry’s Louisiana Grill. He works his dining room, pronounces first-timers “virgins” and bestows Mardi Gras beads upon all the ladies.
Henry’s re-creates the feel-good vibe of the Big Easy — clearly a draw for the regulars who crowd into church pew benches beneath Mardi Gras posters, drink Louisiana craft beer and strain to hear helpful advice from the eager waitstaff over the loud, excited din. They may also like the heavy, deep-fried and abundantly sauced food, but I’ll admit that it didn’t always translate into the best examples of Cajun dining for me.
Hush puppies (Photos by Becky Stein)
While perusing the menu, I munch on ultrasweet cakelike corn bread, which a waiter confesses led to his 16-pound weight gain over two years. More to my taste are the hush puppies ($2.95) — fried to a crisp in a coating of Zatarain’s Fish Fry that leaves no trace of grease and masks the marginally gummy interior.
The menu reads like your corner Mexican restaurant’s with its endless combinations of the same few ingredients. Many of the house specialties, including the jambalaya, gumbo and étouffée (each $4.95 per cup, also available in entree portions), slap you with the expected Cajun-style heat. But they fall flat. Where’s any dimension beyond the forefront taste of spice?
Missing are the layered flavors needed to give these classics their soul-satisfying richness. Fortunately, I found them in the shrimp creole ($4.95 per cup). Stewed onions, garlic, celery and peppers enrich the tangy, acidic, tomato-based broth; the shrimp are firm and tender, with a nice initial snap. Chef Henry does know how to cook his seafood.
Ooh La La
Henry’s signature dish is the “Ooh La La” — a seemingly hard-to-go-wrong-with mixture of flash-fried seafood, spinach and tasso ham. Alas, one extra component spoils the party. A Cajun cream sauce dominates the flavor, conquers the crispiness of the delicately fried seafood and sits like a lump in your belly. Ooh No No.
On a lighter note, the Bayou Cakes ($12.95-$17.95) exhibit a bit more finesse. They contain sizable chunks of shrimp and crawfish, use little filler and sport a gorgeous crisp breading. The spicy remoulade and creole sauces complement, rather than overwhelm, the seafood in this dish.
If you’re hoping to end the party on a high note, skip the “world famous” bread pudding ($3.95 per cup), which has a gluey, off-putting texture that gums your mouth. This mistake likely could have been avoided by first toasting the bread used in it.
Though Chef Henry may not deliver the finest representations of his home state’s cuisine, the experience is unmistakably Louisiana. So, if you’re in Acworth and are yearning for a night in the bayou, stop by and get your beads.
$$-$$$
Price range: $$-$$$ Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays; 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays Children: Yes Parking: On street or in community lot across the street Reservations: Yes Wheelchair access: Ramp put out upon request Smoking: No Noise level: Loud Patio: No Takeout: Yes
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157 comments Add your comment
Smirkin
October 22nd, 2010
3:15 pm
@skydog – remember, there are two ratings below 1 star- Fair and Unsatisfactory. So, if it helps, think of this as a 3 out of 7. Perhaps they should use a picture system with varying degrees of frowny to smiley faces, and that would be less confusing for you.
What you mean to say is “any rating that I don’t personally agree with is obviously invalid and means that person has an agenda.”
Dan
October 22nd, 2010
3:16 pm
@bemused observer – because there’s nothing snarky about telling someone to “dial it back a notch”, eh? Good lord.
@skydog – this rating system is pretty standard for food reviews. Getting a star is a good thing. Re-read the ratings guide (as you’ve already been instructed to do – though you somehow mistook that as a comment on your grammar??)
CitySavvy
October 22nd, 2010
3:20 pm
I am appalled at all the negetivity expressed in these comments. Henry’s has been nothing but exceptional in all my 200+ visits. People do not wait 2 hours to eat dinner at a restaurant if the food is sooo horrible. I drive from south of Atlanta to visit Henry’s on a regular basis. And just last week I met people who had driven from Tennessee and a couple from North Carolina, both of which said they will most definitely be back! Atmosphere and service is what makes your dining experience pleasant but the FOOD is what keeps people coming back and puts a smile on your face. I leave with a smile on my face and beads around my neck everytime!
Becky
October 22nd, 2010
3:36 pm
I wouldn’t wait any where two hours to eat, no matter how good the food was or even if it was free..Why would anyone waste that much time?
chefette
October 22nd, 2010
3:37 pm
My husband loves the OhLaLa. I usually get the flash fried seafood simply because I don’t fry anything at home. I can however duplicate the Oh lala close enough to keep the big guy happy. That said, my husband still wants to go there every once in a while for the ambiance. Henry is a character that is loved by so many locals. I wish him and his crew the best. The food is simple but authentic.
skydog
October 22nd, 2010
3:39 pm
Thanks for clarifying things for me Smirkin.
I forget how special and qualified some folks are on grading food and music.
Almost God like, some people being able to rank subjective things like food and music down to a fine grade.
I`ll play along.
If Henrys is a 1 please direct me to the 4s and 5s, cause I am missing the good stuff.
Smirkin
October 22nd, 2010
3:55 pm
@skydog – if you disagree with the concept of critical reviews of anything, don’t read reviews. The 4’s and 5’s are rare. There might be one or two 5’s in the whole metro area. But, given your expense account and decade of eating out, I’m sure that you already know which ones they are. Plus, I would never presume to tell other people what is or isn’t good. That’s a right reserved for critics and contractors that make childish puns about critics’ last names.
Bemused Observer
October 22nd, 2010
4:10 pm
@Dan. No, I don’t think so. Just offering Jenny my opinion about the tone she’s set so far with her postings, at least from my point of view. I am looking forward with great anticipation to the AJC’s new team approach to food and reviews. I am looking forward to three new distinct and separate voices from John. I admire his work and enjoy reading his reviews but he, too, can get snarky at times. My admittedly early perception of Jenny is that she is JK-Lite, or JK Part Deux, if you prefer. I haven’t taken the time yet to go visit her blog and get a better feel for her style of writing and her opinions. I hope she is the same there as here on the AJC—that will show me that she is consistent and true to herself. And if that is the case, so be it.
I look forward to reviews from Gene and Jon, and to more from Jenny. I am just hoping, as I said before, for three new, distinct voices, not more of the same.
As for the “Good Lord”, you as well are entitled to your opinions but save your “snarkiness” for some one who might care a bit more than me.
Alicat0013
October 22nd, 2010
4:50 pm
I am amazed by this lack luster review! We recently discovered Henry’s & fell in love. My mother has lived New Orleans for quite some time. We recently had her come with us & she also fell in love. It is the BEST we have ever had here or in New Orleans. The cornbread is amazing we always ask for some to go it’s just that good. The gumbo is amazing & the chickn ooh la la is fantastic. We drive over an hour each way to get there and in fact are planning on doing it again next weekend. I do live somewhere where there are LOTS of resturants and each & every time I count down the next time I get to go to Henry’s to eat. It is a fantastic resturant, with fantastic food, and a fantastic chef. If you go & you should you will NOT be disappointed.
OB from Marietta
October 22nd, 2010
4:56 pm
You can’t go wrong with great food, fun atmosphere and entertainment at 9pm fri & sat when the bands start. Henry’s is by far a notch above the rest. Way to go guys. Maybe Jenny and her group will stay away so the rest of us can enjoy it.
Acworth Mom
October 22nd, 2010
4:59 pm
I do not claim to be an expert on Cajun food at all…BUT,I know good food and Henry’s has it! I have to agree with the others who talk about the fact you can consistently have to wait 2 hours on a weekend night and all those people can’t be wrong, AJC is off the mark on this one. I think of the reviews the same way I look at the Oscars or Emmys…it’s the People’s Choice awards that reflect what the public wants. And for Henry’s it’s the people who are willing to stand there and wait for a table, not the Food critics who are the proof of what’s good and what’s not!
from the bayou
October 22nd, 2010
5:09 pm
I have to wonder where Jenny is from???? I also have to wonder how this critic is the expert on Cajun cuisine!!! Being from the Cajun region myself, I am proud to say that Henry’s is absolutely an amazing restaurant! It is wonderful to be able to visit a place that makes you feel at home with the food and atmosphere!
carlaz404
October 22nd, 2010
5:12 pm
I am from New Orleans, and I can honestly say, without a doubt, that Henry’s Louisiana Grill is the most authentic Louisiana food the state of Georgia has ever seen. It is genuine authentic Cajun food, hands down. While dining at Henry’s, consider you should yourself lucky, because you are in for a real culinary treat. The staff is excellent as well as Chef Henry himself. He visits every table to meet and greet his guests, as well making sure you are having the most pleasurable dining experience. My family and I love this restaurant and will continue to patronize it.
Genna
October 22nd, 2010
5:21 pm
I grew up in a suburb of Chicago. That being said, I know good food. I lived in Kennesaw for 5 years before moving back to Chicago. Henry’s was my 1 and only favorite place to eat down there. I am a sales rep and frequented many establishment’s around the Atlanta area on a daily basis (including frequent visits to Gumbeaux) and nothing came close to the ambiance and quality of Henry’s. Even though I am surrounded here by some of the best food the world has to offer, I cannot wait to come down to visit in December and visit Henry’s. So, to all of you snobs who keep referring to those “Acworth people”, what do you have to say now? I am a (real)big city girl through and through…you rock Henry and I can’t wait to see you at Christmas!!
Josh
October 22nd, 2010
5:21 pm
We’re fortunate here in metro Atlanta to have lots of great places to choose from, and trying to pick can be overwhelming at times. So I rely on a food critic to tell me like it is and not sugar coat a thing. If a restaurant gets 3 or more stars, it better be the bomb every time you go there. It’s clear from the comments that Chef Henry’s isn’t the bomb every time people go. So I sincerely appreciate an honest and thoughtful opinion. So thank you, Jenny! And don’t let some of the bitter folks here intimidate you into not telling like it is – that wouldn’t do any of us any good.
Chris
October 22nd, 2010
5:21 pm
I disagree completely. Having spent many many summers in New Orleans Henry’s as as good as it gets when it comes to Cajun Food. I guess if you grew up in the city and expect a carrot with sauce drizzled over it you might be disappointed, but if you are after a meal try it for yourself and ignore this poor review~ ; )
Jim
October 22nd, 2010
5:21 pm
Henry’s is one of my favorite restaurants since moving to Kennesaw. Frankly, I found his Cajun cuisine better than what I got on Bourbon Street in NOLA. If people take this review seriously, we might be able to wait less than an hour for a table!
KennesawGirl
October 22nd, 2010
6:18 pm
Ok I’m pretty sure this “women” from the Atlanta Urinal and Constipation has her own issues since we only see a sketch of her that could have been purchased at Six Flags Over Kiss My Grits! Henry has the Southern Charm that I expect to receive and don’t get in high priced restaurants in Atlanta(I’m born and raised in Atlanta, I know). As far as the food, back off Bitch you don’t know what you are talking about.
Kelly
October 22nd, 2010
6:27 pm
Henry’s is awesome… apparently I’m not the only one who thinks so, the wait can get pretty long…. I love the bread pudding– got “to go” almost once a week when I was expecting… Sorry Bourbon Street– love your drinks.. but the food bites. Customer service is great at Henry’s and they will cook to your specs without raising an eyebrow– Only complaint I have is that I would really like beignets added to the menu….
Cajun Queen
October 22nd, 2010
6:31 pm
I just to Atlanta from New Orleans and started scanning for a Cajun restaurant to satisfy my binges on crawfish and Abita beer. I was directed to Henrys and was a bit reluctant with it being an hour drive for me. I’m used to getting anywhere in New Orleans within 20 minutes. It was well worth the drive and I can with all honesty say that Henry deserves his award and I WILL be back. I sampled off of everyones plate and there was not a dish that wasn’t perfection. The food was authenic and in true New Orleans style meeting the chef himself was like being back home. Only thing missing was zydeco music or a brass band!
As for the reviews of Da Cajun Kirchen, it’s closed.
As for the reviews of North of Nola, how can you give an honest review of a place that has just opened.
Henry’s been in business for years and his loyal followers voted for him. With that many votes, you have to be good!
Les félicitations Henry!
Cajun Queen
October 22nd, 2010
6:33 pm
@Kelly They have beignets on Saturday morning. I live an hour away or I’d be there every weekend!
James McCoy
October 22nd, 2010
7:08 pm
Not sure how you got to be a food critic. Sorry the small town didn’t suit your elitist self. For those of us who stand in line to eat at Henry’s we poo poo everything you said.
IsAnyoneReadingTheReview
October 22nd, 2010
7:08 pm
I don’t see the big bruhaha. As stated earlier, they got a star – that’s 2 steps up from being “bad” but everyone feels the need to counter a “bad” review…which they didn’t get. The 1 star is exactly what her experience reflects. She was happy with some of her food, says he knows how cook seafood and “…the experience is unmistakably Louisiana.” for those who feel the need to admit they’ve BEEN on Bourbon Street and this is authentic, LOL! She SAID it was authentic but yet you argue about it?
This wasn’t a slam review.
BTW, I enjoy Henry’s, drive an hour to get there and I feel the same way – some things are good, some not so good. And when in I’m Acworth and am yearning for a night in the bayou, I’ll stop by and get my beads. Just like the reviewer recommended.
Jen
October 22nd, 2010
7:19 pm
I live in Acworth, and have to say I love Henry’s. I don’t eat there every week, but that is only because my pocketbook doesn’t allow it (because I would if I could). The cornbread is wonderful, the appetizers great, and the specials fantastic! I am not a fan of all the desserts, but I’m usually too full for one anyways.
As to the comment that there is little choice for those who live in town- we have great sushi, Italian, and your typical family chain restaurants to choose from. Henry’s is not the only eatery we have, so the long wait on weekends must mean that there is something to wait for!
Karen
October 22nd, 2010
7:25 pm
We began going to Henry’s a couple of years ago, and have never been disappointed. I typically do not care for bread pudding, but his version has made me change my mind, so tastes certainly vary from person to person. When we first went and the special appetizer was Blue Crab dip, we expected it to be just that – dip. It was insanely made up of just crab meat! What a nice surprise! I love the flash fried seafood and the Ooh-La-La and Shrimp and Grits are comfort foods. I admit that I don’t travle ITP for many meals, because they are always overpriced with tiny portions…mostly fancy art on a plate, and obsequious or snobbish wait staff. I’ll continue patronizing Henry’s and other local chef/owners, thank you very much!
Moose
October 22nd, 2010
7:30 pm
I am 62 and I have been around the world twice. Woman must be a dam idiot with no taste at all. To say a 1 is just absurd for a really fine cajun restaurant. Maybe she should stick to El Toro’s and such.
God help her. Just 1 more reason to never read the failing AJC again.
Jon Watson
October 22nd, 2010
7:35 pm
Hey Moose/KennesawGirl- you know we can see your IP address, right? If you are going to use fake names and email addresses just so that you can personally attack one of us more than once, at least make the effort to use a different computer.
Gina
October 22nd, 2010
7:36 pm
I think Henry’s is GREAT, the atmosphere is neat, being in an old building in downtown Acworth makes it historic..I would recommend it to anyone, my b’day is coming up in a few weeks and Henry’s is so where I want to go
Gina
October 22nd, 2010
7:43 pm
The pork chop dinner is omg good….It is pricy to eat there but hey, you gotta splurge sometimes..And Henry is an icon in the community, and he has conquered alot personally.. So yeah obviously he has something going on or he would not have won the ABC contest
Josh
October 22nd, 2010
8:19 pm
Yes why are people defending Henry? This was a favorable review overall – Jenny recommended the place. Folks should actually take time to read the review before they comment on it. Sheesh.
Katrina Transplant
October 22nd, 2010
8:25 pm
Obviously, if you do not pay the reviewer, even good restaurants do not get good reviews
Cereal Killer
October 22nd, 2010
8:38 pm
I have brought business colleagues from all over the country to see Henry and experience his cajun cuisine. Of the hundred or so I have taken to Henry’s, all I am proud to say, have expressed their love of Henry’s menu and experience. I respect everyone’s opinion here, but for my business dollar Henry’s is number one for great food. Can I suggest an Andygator or two to change your frame of reference before you complain? Great job Henry’s! We’ll keep bringing them to see you!
Henry's Fan
October 22nd, 2010
8:41 pm
We love Henry’s…We love the service. It is obvious that local restaurants post comments on here to make their own business look better. Ooh La La is so awesome! We will continue to eat there every weekend like we have since we moved to Acworth.
Darin
October 22nd, 2010
9:03 pm
It’s funny — after I read this review I thought “cool, next time I’m in Acworth I’ll give this place a try! The shrimp creole sounds awesome.”
Then I read the comments below the review and I thought “holy cow! People who like this place completely lack reading comprehension skills. And they seem kinda jerky. Instead of dining in a room full of them, I think I’ll pass.”
skydog
October 22nd, 2010
9:03 pm
It`s the rating scale that has us confused.
If you rate from 1 thru 5 then 2 1/2 is average. A one sucks by most math.
I realize a rating system can be anything someone wants, but jeez.
By the above comments I believe most agree.
skydog
October 22nd, 2010
9:21 pm
Golly Gee Darin,
They play Blues music in there too on Friday nites. I`m pretty sure you wouldn`t like the jerks upstairs either. We rate the bands 1-5 each week. 1 is not good. 5 is best. We keep it simple. It`s the Blues.
Darin
October 22nd, 2010
9:34 pm
OK skydog — I get it. People are confused by the star system and I can understand that. In defense of it, I’ll point out the legend appears clearly below the starred reviews for anyone who wants to read it and that similar definitions of stars in restaurant reviews are well-accepted in other newspapers.
Nonetheless, I was wrong to call the restaurant’s supporters here ‘jerky’. I just got all riled up by the angry comments that seemed to come from people who hadn’t clearly read the review. But that shrimp creole still sounds good to me.
skydog
October 22nd, 2010
9:34 pm
It`s 9:30, got to run.
Henrys has Dr. John playing tonite upstairs.
If you don`t know the Dr., he is a 1 out of 5. You won`t like him.
Smirkin
October 22nd, 2010
9:43 pm
@skydog- really? Is the rating system REALLY that tough to figure out? Or are you just trying to be a dick?
Nicole
October 22nd, 2010
9:49 pm
I have been going to Henrys since they were in the other building and can honestly say Ive never had a bad experience. I always get the Chef special and the Bread pudding to finish off the meal. He is a wonderful host, Chef and loves to please his customers. Its worth the drive no matter where you live and the Henrys uptown is alot of fun to eat, drink and dance. Love ya Chef Henry!
skydog
October 22nd, 2010
10:28 pm
You some kind of hall monitor Smirkin?
Two months ago the AJC said “the Oh La La was worth the drive up.”
A 3 star on the chart above says, “merits a drive up if you are looking for this type of food”
Many of the above reviewers drove up multiple times with rave reviews.
Are you using Fox News math?
you better like that gumbo!!
October 22nd, 2010
10:53 pm
skydog, with supporters like you Chef Henry doesn’t need enemies! It’s ironic that the ajc review makes you want to eat there more than the comments from the restaurant’s supporters. Apparently, if you don’t like the food, you’ll be threatened or insulted repeatedly until you say you do. Sounds like a classy place! I think I’ll pass on this one…
acwres
October 22nd, 2010
10:56 pm
I rather resent the implication that Acworth is lacking in places to eat. There are several very nice restaurants in Acworth and Kennesaw. Henry’s is certainly one of them. I have been a fan of the Ooo-La-La for years but my real favorite is salmon…Henry knows how to cook salmon! I will have to be honest and say that I’m not a fan of the atmosphere – it’s way too noisy for me, I keep returning for the food!
skydog
October 22nd, 2010
11:07 pm
Alrighty Gumbo,
The Varsety is waiting on ya.
gimme dat chili dog!
October 22nd, 2010
11:17 pm
i think it’s bedtime for skydog – sounds like chef henry has comped you one too many cocktails tonight
Jackie
October 23rd, 2010
12:02 am
If you ignore the critique (which I would rate as a “1″ and not worth reading) then the thing that stands out the most amongst all the comments is the fact that the folks that have lived in or visited Louisiana and know Cajun cuisine, LOVE Henry’s food and rave about it…….while the folks that don’t seem to care for it, have no idea what “real Cajun” food is and no way to compare it. So it seems petty simple that if you’re wanting great food, at a great place, made by a great guy……listen to those who are knowledgeable …..and go see Henry! But be prepared to wait……………because there’s a boat load of folks waiting for bad food! And come to think of it …… I would reverse that scoring and make #1 the highest rating!
Quick PS….Acworth is made to look like this little crossroads with no place else to eat. They actually have many restaurants downtown that are all quite good ……..but Henry’s is the ONLY place with a line! Go figure……….
Sharon
October 23rd, 2010
1:50 am
I feel this review is in response to the recent contest award for the People’s Plate List. It is sad in America that people love to bash what is acclaimed, popular, or a winning combination like the delicious food at Henry’s. I recently had breast cancer surgery and the doctor said to “go home and stay in bed.” I said, “but my mother is taking me to Henry’s!” My doctor said, “well after lunch, go home and go to bed because if it is Henry’s, I understand!” I have lived in Acworth for just over 6 years and it is the first restaurant I was taken to after moving here from Florida. I had company from Nashville last night and the place I took my friend was Henry’s, of course. She travels all over the country and the world and she loved it. We even wore the Mardi Gras beads and got into the spirit of the place. My only regret was that Henry was out of town and I didn’t get my table greeting and hug. But, I’ll be back and when my family, company, friends, whoever wants the best place to eat in Acworth, I’ll suggest Henry’s again. I have never heard anyone say they were not totally satisfied with a meal at Henry’s. The shrimp and grits are excellent, the pecan crusted fish is suberb, the catfish is super yummy, the bread is a treat in itself, the authentic flavors of New Orleans right here close to home… The AJC is wrong. Another critic jumping on the bandwagon to not like a favorite… bet she doesn’t like the Yankees either…
skydog
October 23rd, 2010
6:16 am
The AJC has forgotten that the best food critic they ever employed used no convoluted numbering systems.
Lewis Grizzard has been dead for over 16 years now, but I can still recite, in order, where the 10 best BBQ places in Ga are located from his list.
Did he think Sprayberrys was a 4.2 or a 4.61 out of a possible 8.0? HA Ha Ha
Some of you think we are being hard on the “experts”.
I wish Lewis were still down the hall at the AJC so one of the experts could have asked, “do you think the carrot with the sauce at the Ritz was a 3.4 or a 3.5″?
You young
skydog
October 23rd, 2010
7:14 am
In fairness to Ms TurKnett, I think she did a good job on the write up. It`s the AJCs and other reviewers/critics rating systems that are misleading.
Subjective things like food and music can not be critqued down to a nats ahh…that finely.
Bad – Good- Great – We understand
I wouldn`t go back – We understand
Ranked by type resturant and $ – We understand
4 star = defines exellence in local dining
Is local Acworth or from Macon to Chattanooga?
gallodelacworth
October 23rd, 2010
8:39 am
Reading through the comments it seems the new features are doing their job. If you can keep bringing in readers who have clearly not read a restaurant review in years you will be a success. No need to dumb down the rating system. The newbies aren’t as stupid as some claim to be. They will learn it just fine. And I’m sure they will get over their insecurities and be less defensive as we go.
As for your review, I pretty much agree with you. Especially the part about the sauce on the Ohh La La. It ruins an otherwise good dish.
Good Luck