Big Daddy's Let's The Good Times Roll

Big Daddy's has been doing its swingin', Cajun thing in Massapequa since 1993. But while restaurant has become a community staple by being friendly and consistent, they're hardly staying the same. In fact, the guys in the kitchen can't keep still.

"The Cajun menu changes every single night," said assistant manager Chris Nerney. "Not a lot of restaurants do Cajun. And even fewer change it up nightly. It's what sets us apart."

That kind of a change can present a lot of risk. but Big Daddy's has struck a real chord with their audience by honoring the culture and cuisine that they love. Everything from the sweet sounds of Muddy Waters and Big Mama Thornton piping through the sound system to the famous Hurricane cocktail (made with authentic Pat O' Brien's famous mix) to the raw oyster shots and creole jambalaya scream "N'awlins!"

But Big Daddy's doesn't need to brag. Their customers do it for them.

"We don't do a lot of advertising," said Nerney. "We have a very loyal customer base and strong word of mouth."

If Big Daddy's true Cajun feel started and stopped with the food and drink, it would be enough. But the smallish, cozy space has an intoxicating "voodoo closet" feel.  It's tricked out head to toe in vintage posters, signage and decorations; plenty of eye candy to go along with the heat and sweet on the plates.

To take things to yet another level, the music on the sound system gets replaced by live rock and blues on Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as a traditional N'awlins Jazz brunch on Sunday afternoons.

"I've been here four years," said Jess, a waitress who stopped by the bar with a big smile. "The money's good, the people are great and the owners are great."

There's no better word of mouth than that.