Happy’s Bayou Bites

Gumbo made with amazing rue and the hush puppies are to die for. Featured in Tampa Bays Best 2016. A Cajun «taco bus» venue with live musician, out door seating, and serves Abita Springs lagers/​IPA, for that authentic back home Nawlins meal.

2^nd visit has earned the 5 star review. Although, not my favorite Po’Boys (but still very good) in the area, I feel that they earn the extra star because of these reasons.
Side choices– they have them :-D a variety to choose from, and made in house, not just chips or fries.
Specials. I think they only offer one item daily or one item and run it for the whole week, not sure, but they do offer something that’s not on regular menu.
I love the location. Who doesn’t love downtown Dunedin? They have a cute little place right underneath a huge Oak tree. Plenty of outside colorful seating. I love to people watch.
Alcohol! Whoo Hoo! Get your drink on and enjoy your favorite Po’Boy with a nice cold Brewski or Wine.
Desserts. They have a couple of JJGandy items. Who doesn’t love Love JJGandy? I do. I love Jodi too, the daughter. Sweetheart:-)
Extra Bonus. They’re very friendly .
I tried the Alligator sausage Po’Boy (sorry no pic this time) on this visit, and it was thoroughly enjoyed. The potato salad was Fabulous. When I got in the car, I was like shoot! I forgot to put hot sauce on my potato salad, but when I took my first bite, I was happy to discover that it’s already spicy. I was a Happy Camper.
My first visit I had an Oyster Po’Boy and I think the oysters were too well done? Idk. I might try again one day because I’ve seen a lot of compliments on it, but first I’ve got it make it down the list before I come back around. I don’t know what I’m getting next, but i know it’s going to involve those hush puppies everyone’s talking about.

I am angry because Happy’s is closed on Monday and I cant get any hush-​puppies or Oysters for dinner.
Found this place this place thanks to some pretty amazing Unilocalers who blazed the trail before me (Mark H). A month or so ago I was craving fried fish really bad so I asked fellow Unilocalers what was a good spot and they mentioned this place.
First off the place is small and unassuming, I have passed by it at least ten times. If you go down Skinner and get to trail Turn around you went to far. Happy’s will be on the right. Seating is outside only do come comfortable and ready to eat.
Upon arrival I was like aw this cute, then the smell wafted into my nose. Silently I told myself if the food is as good as the smell I know that I’ve found a piece of heaven.
Well hot-​dog the food was better the smell– the oysters melted on my tongue, catfish perfectly done and the hush-​puppies had so much flavor they make you want to slap your neighbor. I have been back three times since my first visit.
I am angry today because I am craving Oyster Po’Boy like crazy. See you soon Happy, the weekend can’t get here quick enough.

Stopped in for the first time today to give this place a whirl. I ordered a fried shrimp po boy and the gumbo. I sat down at a picnic table and awaited my food. A musician began setting up, and it looked like there was going to be some live music, although I left before he got started.
After a minimal wait, my food was brought out to me. The shrimp po boy was good, and the shrimp definitely tasted fresh, but I have to give the nod to GCPB (not trying to advertise for other businesses, so just going with initials) for best po boy in the county. The gumbo had nice flavors, but no heat, so I dumped some hot sauce in which made it livelier. Going to have say that CC has a better gumbo.
So you may be wondering, «Warren, if you don’t think that they have the absolute best gumbo or po boys, why the five star rating?» Well… because…the food truck disguised as a restaurant is adorable… and…umm…they’re located in Dunedin… listen, I don’t have to explain my rating system to you!
Good food, friendly service, and a fair price, I would return.

The gumbo was perfect and the fried shrimp on greens hit the spot. We just stopped by after a round of golf. Live music caught our eye. Cute little place.

Thoroughly enjoyed myself. The food was amazing! The owners are retired Army and Air Force who are very friendly and personable. Super delicious fat oyster poboys companied by music and eating under the trees at picnic tables.
Quite possibly the best cajun food in the Dunedin community. The hush puppies are amazing! The customer service was outstanding with a relaxed atmosphere and good simple food.

Hot damn! Good eatin’ right chea!
Strolling down the Pinellas trail and we see a little sign that reads, «Happy Bayou Bites 100 Yards» with an arrow pointing east down Skinner. I’m so thankful for that sign, otherwise we might not have known the place was down there. Well played, owners.
We didn’t realize it at first, but this is a food truck cleverly disguised as a stand alone restaurant. Absolutely brilliant, I tell ya. I felt like I was at a shabby shack in Louisiana for real.
We stepped up, order some grub and patiently waited. After about 15 minutes, our food arrived piping hit! Blackened shrimp salad for La Chica and a catfish po boy for myself. I’ve been on a catfish tear since eating at The Breakfast Klub in Houston last month. I can’t get enough of the stuff. And as in Houston, it was toothsome here. Lightly breaded, deep-​fried goodness! Blackened is an option as well, but when I think catfish, I think fried, sorry health fanatics.
The bread was light, fluffy and fresh. The side salad was cold, lightly oiled with nice, ripe veggies.
Abita was available, but I’m not a fan of the ones they had, so I went with a Miller Lite.
One thing is certain, and that is that I will be the Duke of this eatery because I plan to chew my way thru their entire menu.

Thoroughly enjoyed myself. Not a big restaurant and wasn’t slot of parking but they are big on portion size and deliciousness. The order taker was very nice and personable. If ur caving Cajun this place will scratch that itch. The gumbo is very good. Take my advice get a cup of gumbo, try it, then add some voodoo hot sauce in it. Spicy and very good.

Really good place to know about, about as comfy as a picnic but that’s offset by the unusual food at decent prices, and omg! top notch hush puppies! Also, occasionally, nice entertainment too.

Good Cajun style seafood in a quaint outdoor setting. Service was quick and very friendly. Food arrived hot and perfectly breaded and cooked. I had the shrimp poboy basket with amazing hush puppies and tomato cucumber salad. Yum! Definitely coming back to sample more of their menu.

I was on my way home when I saw Happy Bayou Bites on the side of the road and decided to check it out. It’s one of those walk up to the window and order type of places. There was no indoor seating areas from what I could see, but the picnic benches and high tops were painted in welcoming colors. I ordered a Shrimp Po’Boy, a cup of chicken gumbo, and a side of potato salad. The gumbo was good and well seasoned. The potato salad not so much, it was pretty bland. The po’boy was a decent portion. I’m glad they didn’t skimp on the shrimp. All in all, the service was quick and the food was a-​okay.

We happened upon this place when we saw a temporary sign planted by the bike trail. We strolled on down and must have passed by this place a bunch of times without noticing it. It is very unassuming but that is part of its charm. The blackened shrimp po boy will keep us coming back! Wine and beer available. Chardonnay was not to my liking (vinegary) but everything else is great — service is excellent, nice people, great casual place to eat out at the picnic table. Great for families. Reasonably priced.

Live music! Abita beer, Zapps chips and awesome home made potato salad! I had the grilled chicken poor boy, it was great and loved the roumalade sauce!!! Cool little spot!

Came here with my husband yesterday for the first time. I’m a big fan of po boys and opted for the shrimp po boy here. The menu is very simple and everything was fresh, including the seafood. The atmosphere outside is also very cute. Staff are friendly and attentive. I would definitely come back to try it again next time I’m in Dunedin.

There seems to be two happys under Unilocal for the same place listed under skinner and Douglas aves. My review is on the other one where more people seem to find and also offer reviews so please just search or click on my profile and you will find it but the synopsis of it is great food. Great people. Great atmosphere.

My go to sandwich joint! Happy and Mark are wonderful hard working people who have truly found a missing niche in Dunedin. Excellent gumbo, poorboys, potato salad, and weekly specials. the seafood is top notch and all ingredients are fresh. Abita Beer and Zapps potato chips! and the atmosphere… It’s like being in the bayou even though you’re on a busy street.
I had the best sandwich in my life there… A smoked trout BLT poorboy with fried green tomato. If this was on their menu all the time and not their weekly special, I would be there every day for lunch.

Delicious! I had the shrimp po boy with hush puppies and a cup of gumbo. You can choose to have your shrimp blackened or fried and I went for the blackened. I highly recommend it! They also had nice live music on a Saturday and it was during the day.

Every time I wanted to try the food, it was closed or I brought my lunch that day. I’m SO glad I had the opportunity to try it! Such a small place bursting with delicious eats! The potato salad was very uniquely flavored. I wasn’t prepared for the taste, but it was soooooo good! While I wish the shrimp were deep fried a little longer (just my preference), they, too, were perfect.

I am loving this place!
Perfect addition to Downtown Dunedin… quaint, fun, family owned and friendly! Also dog friendly, walkable/​bikeable and great live music!
I’m obsessed with their oyster po’boy but I can’t do a lot of fried food or breading so I get the blackened catfish over rice with the cucumber salad (they are very accommodating with special orders). The blackened seasoning is perfect; so flavorful but not too spicy. My husband is a huge fan of the mufaletta sandwich (which is pressed) and the gumbo is a favorite of both of ours as well, and the hushpuppies, and the… honestly I haven’t had anything there I haven’t liked yet. Parking is limited, especially around lunch time and weekends, so biking and walking is encouraged for locals, but you can park in the public lot on Douglas or just be patient and park in the lot. It’s worth the wait!

We get take out from Happy’s Bayou Bites regularly. We have been happy with everything. The crap cakes are awesome. The gumbo is delicious. I recommend this cute little place for anyone wanting a taste of New Orleans. The only thing is parking is tricky.

As a local, I’m always excited to see a new restaurant open in Dunedin, especially one that shares the town’s hip yet quaint and small town feel. As it’s just off the Pinellas Trail, it’s perfect for grabbing a quick bite to eat. The food excellent… I had the fish po boy and gumbo and I am excited to try everything on their menu. Their hours are a little strange, especially in the summer, so I’d make sure if they’re open before making a trip over there. Great addition to Downtown Dunedin!

Setting is casual, outdoor dining. Prices are very reasonable for the quality of the food and the service.
I dine at Happy’s on a regular basis. I usually get the crab cakes or a muffaletta, with a side of potato salad and a cold beer. Even though everything on the menu has been declared «absolutely delicious» by her regulars, Happy continues to find delicious options to add to the menu and offers weekly specials.
Parking is limited, so I usually ride my bike or park on a side street and walk over.

This past Saturday afternoon I had the bowl of gumbo (chicken and sausage base) with a potato salad side… Outstanding!
The big oak tree covering the seating area provide plenty of shade and a great breeze made it comfortable to sit for a few hours and listen to their live music.
I will definitely be going back for more.

We’ve been waiting to try Happy’s Bayou Bites & let me tell you, it’s definitely worth the wait! This is by far the best Po’ Boy I’ve EVER had. I even sent pictures to friends in NOLA & they were more than impressed. Can’t wait to go back!

Food, atmosphere, price — all definitely a do again
We had the shrimp Po boys, hush puppies and potato salad.
Everything was highly flavorful and so delicious.

Really tasty food! Just loved the shrimp Po Boy and potato salad. Zydeco music in an open air setting is a nice change from franchise restaurants. Cute décor and very friendly staff, I will definitely come back. Can’t wait to try the famous gumbo!

I saw that this place had just opened up and stopped in for lunch. My blackened shrimp Po Boy with a side of red beans and rice was delicious. They might be serving beer and wine soon which would make things even better. Parking can be a challenge but it’s worth the effort to get here.

Soooo good.
I had the shrimp po’boy. The shellfish was perfectly cooked and the portion generous. My husband had the gumbo, which he liked. Both of us had the potato salad as a side.
The location is fun, about a block off the trail. I’m looking forward to going back when they get their beer and wine license.

My Dad and I had the crab cakes! They were fantastic! They are great with and without the bun.

live one block away and was watching this thing getting built from day 1. I was glad to see that my love for New Orleans food spread to home. Dog friendly place. Parking is very limited so walk if you can. I ordered the oyster po boy and it was better than i anticipated. the amount of oysters was perfectly proportionate to the bun itself. it was a very soft bun and juicy lightly fried oysters in it. With the sandwich i opted for the potato salad which was excellent. Their Gumbo didnt have that distinct Gumbo file taste i was hoping for. it tasted like a «safe play» gumbo which i cant knock em for. next i am going to try the cornmeal breaded catfish. for whatever reason its hard to find cornmeal battered catfish. if i werent moving in 2 weeks id gladly eat here over and over again.