On the historic corner of Solano and Masonic sits Lizzy’s Cajun Cafe, a cozy brick
storefront with a welcoming dine-in entrance at the corner and a small side door for
takeout orders. Inside, the dining room walls are adorned with photos that tell the story
of the establishment’s history and its deep ties to family and community.
In the 1970s, after completing culinary school, Chef Curtis Evans, nearly accepted a groundbreaking position as the first person of color to work at the iconic Clift House in San Francisco, but an entrepreneurial opportunity changed his path. Also, a trained barber, he purchased the space at 902 Masonic Ave and opened Mr. C’s, one of Albany’s first Black-owned hair salons.
A beloved figure in Albany for 50 years, he brought a lifetime of experience and warmth to the community. As Solano Avenue recovered from the pandemic, Chef Curtis teamed up with his daughter, Elizabeth Evans, to create something fresh and vibrant while honoring the past.
Elizabeth, known to her patrons as Liz, grew up with a love for southern cuisine from
family gatherings. Today, she is the owner and operator of Lizzy’s Cajun Cafe, where
traditional American dishes meet Southern flair.
Chef Curtis, affectionately called “The Whistling Chef” by regulars, is often found in the background, letting his daughter’s vision shine. The result is a menu filled with love and tradition: Lizzy’s Jambalaya, BBQ Ribs, and Flora’s Famous Peach Cobbler are some of the house favorites.
At Lizzy’s, spice is all about balance. My family has a range of tolerances—my daughter and I prefer a subtle, warming heat, while my wife and son go for what I call “kissing the sun.” Lizzy’s offers a great foundational spice level that is perfect for most, and for those who crave more heat, there’s hot sauce on the side to “turn it up a notch.” Their
embrace of bold flavors are evident right from the start, as each meal begins with a
large pitcher of ice water and toasted, generously buttered wheat bread.
The crab cakes at Lizzy’s are hearty, meal-sized portions—far from the small appetizer-sized versions you find at most other restaurants. Each bite is packed with tender, fresh crab meat, lightly seasoned to highlight the seafood’s natural flavor.
The jambalaya is a well-crafted classic, offering an ideal balance of savory and smoky with a hint of spice. With just enough rice to enhance the rich, tomato-based sauce, this dish manages to be hearty without feeling too heavy.
Another specialty is their ribs, which are slow-cooked until tender. They have a deep,
smoky flavor with a touch of sweetness and are finished with crispy edges that add a
satisfying crunch. A fun twist is the fried cabbage with jalapenos, which adds a spicy flair as a side dish. This creative alternative to collard greens has just the right amount of heat from the jalapenos, making it a refreshing, slightly spicy side that complements the richness of
the other dishes perfectly.
In December, Lizzy’s will add seafood gumbo to the menu and explore partnerships with other local chefs. Ever the entrepreneur, Liz has also created a beautifully designed entertainment venue within the cafe, featuring live music by local artists. Check out Lizzy’s website or Instagram page for upcoming events and experience the warmth and flavors of Lizzy’s Cajun Cafe for yourself!
902 Masonic Ave
510-525-0400
902 Masonic Avenue
(510) 525-0400902 Masonic Avenue
(510) 525-0400
902 Masonic Avenue
(510) 525-0400
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