Mouton's Bistro & Bar About Us
From the Bayou to Cedar Park – This Is Ben’s Story Meet the Heart Behind the Flavor
Raised in Texas with deep Louisiana roots, Chef Ben Mouton fuses Southern tradition with vibrant Cajun flair. Drawing from his family’s heritage in Louisiana’s culinary world and years of experience, Ben transformed Mouton’s Bistro & Bar into a Cedar Park gem where every dish tells a story. From time-honored family recipes to bold, fiery flavors, his passion shines in every bite. Starting as a dishwasher at 15 and rising to own his own kitchen, Ben’s journey is a true Southern success story.
A Sweet Legacy: The Mouton Family’s Bakery Roots
While the Mouton legacy comes from Ben’s father’s side, his mother’s side holds a sweet chapter of its own. His grandfather, Gerald Entringer, founded McKenzie’s Bakery—an iconic New Orleans institution known for its king cakes, buttermilk drops, and petit fours. For over 60 years, McKenzie’s was woven into the fabric of Southern Louisiana life. After Gerald’s passing, the family sold the bakery, closing a beloved chapter like the final crumb of a treasured pastry fading from memory.
From Texas Roots to New Orleans Soul
Ben’s a Texas boy through and through, raised under wide-open skies, but his soul’s tuned to the jazzy pulse of New Orleans’ French Quarter. A Bastrop high school grad, he earned his Eagle Scout stripes, ran the student council, and lit up the Bastrop Opera House as a theater standout. Now, he’s swapped stage lights for the steamy, spice-laden lanes of NOLA’s food scene. His life’s a bold, bubbling gumbo—brimming with flavor, heart, and a dash of Southern magic.
Hustle, Heart, and the Heat of the Kitchen
Picture a 15-year-old Ben, up to his elbows in dish suds at La Fuentes in Bastrop, scrubbing plates like his life depended on it. Fast forward a bit, and he’s throwing himself into the culinary world—first in San Marcos, then leveling up at Delgado Culinary School in New Orleans. He’s no run-of-the-mill guy; he’s got that Bourbon Street hustle in his bones and the smooth, old-school vibe of Arnaud’s in his blood.
Love, Grit, and... A Bistro Dream Realized
In ‘99, Ben landed in Austin, and fate served up a BBQ twist at Earl Campbell’s, where he met Rachel—his spice, his match. They hopped through Austin Java, Apple, and Sherlock’s Pub. Then, in 2012, Moody’s Breakfast House in Leander became his. By March, it was Mouton’s Southern Bistro, growing into Mouton’s Bistro & Bar in Cedar Park by 2018.
More Than a Chef A Family Man with Flavor
These days, Ben’s more than a chef—he’s a storyteller, a Cedar Park rock since ‘06. With Rachel by his side, their kids, Cade and Colette, inspire his best recipes, little muses stirring the pot. Family’s everywhere—in the kitchen, around the table—and Ben’s gratitude flows deep, like the Mississippi after a rain. That’s the rich, hearty story of Ben Mouton, folks.
Mouton's Bistro & Bar Media Videos & Photo Gallery
Our Commercial
Monday’s kids eat free, Tuesday’s happy hour open to close with $5 appetizers and $1 off all drinks, wine and dine Wednesday’s half off bottles open to close, and Thirsty Thursday’s $2 drafts open to close.
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Established in January of 2012, Mouton's Southern Bistro serves only your favorite dishes found on that drive between Austin and New Orleans. Texas and Louisiana roadside dinners are our inspiration for our own personalized brand where traditional Cajun & Creole meets familiar Texas ingredients. We pride ourselves on our down-home atmosphere and southern hospitality, where we will do everything we can to make sure you leave with a smile on your face. No matter what you're hungry for, we've got your new favorite dish just waiting to be discovered.
Give the Gift of Southern Flavor Mouton’s Gift Cards Make Every Occasion Delicious
Share the tastes of Mouton’s Bistro & Bar with friends, family, or coworkers! Whether it’s for birthdays, holidays, or just because, our gift cards are the perfect way to treat someone to bold Southern flavor, local hospitality, and a memorable meal they’ll love.