Backwater Voodoo brings a taste of New Orleans’ French Quarter to the Miami Valley
What do you get when you mix a little Creole food with a Tiki-themed lounge? You get Backwater Voodoo, a Tiki lounge and Creole kitchen.
“Our menu features authentic Tiki cocktails, served alongside fantastic Creole-inflected food menus in a New Orleans-themed venue,” says Backwater Voodoo co-founder Eric Walusis.
Walusis owns the establishment alongside his wife, Maria, and the dynamic duo also runs the restaurant next door, Watermark.
The inspiration behind Backwater Voodoo came from the couple’s love for New Orleans and its food, as well as their decade-long desire to build a Tiki lounge in the Dayton area.
“Touring Tiki bars around the country, we realized that a Tiki bar doesn’t have to include grass huts and fishnets in the decor,” says Maria Walusis. “When we looked at the venue that would become Backwater Voodoo, we were reminded of the architecture of New Orleans, so the French Quarter and its colorful Creole cottages inspired our decor and food menu.”
As the couple continued to build on their restaurant idea, they knew they wanted to create a place that felt fun and mysterious, all at the same time.
Backwater Voodoo had its grand opening in September 2021.
When you peruse the menu at Backwater Voodoo, you’ll find authentic Creole and Cajun dishes, paired with expertly crafted Tiki cocktails. Options include little bites, lagniappe plates and desserts.
Those who really want to take a bite out of New Orleans-inspired fare can opt for the Nola Jambalaya Dip or the Crawfish Étouffée. The Death Rolls are braised alligator egg rolls with peppers, onions, cabbage and dirty rice served with Voodoo Dip while the Creole Shrimp & Grits features fresh shrimp in a tomato-based sauce and served over creamy grits.
Guests who want to satisfy their sweet tooth will enjoy the Café Au Lait Pot De Crème, which consists of creamy custard with whipped cream and a mudslide cookie.
“From Gumbo to Étouffée and Boudin Balls, these are food items that simply cannot be enjoyed anywhere else,” says Eric. “In addition, our dedication to the crafting of authentic Tiki cocktails is a unique offering in the area. If you want to try a Zombie made the original way, there is nowhere else to go!”
Backwater Voodoo has music, decor, food and drinks that will make you feel like you’re enjoying a night out in the Crescent City. It’s also a great place to enjoy a light-hearted and upbeat night out with family or friends.
“We like to say it’s like a little taste of Mardi Gras every day,” says Maria.
Backwater Voodoo, 103 S. Second St., Miamisburg. W-Th 4-10 p.m., F-Sa 4 p.m.-midnight, Su 4-8 p.m. M-Tu closed. 937-949-0522, backwatervoodoo.com.
