Although it bills itself as Cajun food from southern Louisiana, there's quite a bit of soul to this downtown institution. Since 1986, Zydeco has served up classic steam-table fare and Cajun favorites to a wide variety of downtown denizens: Cops, lawyers, construction workers and bankers all line up at lunch to get heaping portions of stewed okra, mashed potatoes, smothered pork chops and fried chicken. Further entrenching it in the splendid soul-food category are the offerings of sweet tea and decadent chocolate cake. This place is always busy during weekday lunches — which is good, considering that's the only time it's open.

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