10 Hole-In-The-Wall Louisiana Seafood Shacks That Prove Flavor Matters More Than Frills
Louisiana’s best seafood doesn’t always come from fancy restaurants with white tablecloths and expensive menus.
Sometimes the most incredible crawfish, shrimp, and oysters are found in tiny spots that look like they might blow over in a strong wind.
These humble seafood shacks across the state serve up authentic Cajun and Creole flavors that have been perfected over generations. When you find one of these gems, you’ll understand why locals keep coming back for more.
1. Herby-K’s (Shreveport)
Nobody expects to find amazing seafood in northern Louisiana, but Herby-K’s proves everyone wrong with their famous shrimp burgers and catfish plates.
This tiny joint has been serving Shreveport since 1936, and the recipes haven’t changed much since then. The shrimp po-boys are legendary among locals who line up during lunch hours.
Don’t let the simple dining room fool you because the kitchen produces some of the best fried seafood in the entire state.
2. Middendorf’s (Manchac)
Thin-fried catfish is the specialty at this legendary roadhouse that sits right on the water between New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
The fish comes out so thin you can almost see through it, but somehow it stays incredibly moist and flavorful inside that crispy coating. Generations of families have made weekend trips here for the catfish and hush puppies.
The dining room looks exactly like it did decades ago, complete with checkered tablecloths and friendly waitresses who remember your order.
3. Hawk’s Crawfish (Rayne)
When crawfish season arrives, locals drive from all over Acadiana to get their hands on Hawk’s perfectly seasoned mudbugs.
The spice blend here is a closely guarded family secret that creates the perfect balance of heat and flavor without overwhelming the sweet crawfish meat. Tables are covered with newspaper, and everyone gets messy trying to keep up with the constant flow of fresh boils.
My cousin introduced me to this place, and now I understand why he drives two hours just for crawfish.
4. Cajun Claws Seafood Boilers (Duson and Abbeville)
These two locations serve up some of the most authentic Cajun seafood boils you’ll find anywhere in Louisiana’s heartland.
The owners know exactly how long to cook each type of seafood so everything comes out perfectly tender and soaked with spicy seasoning. Crawfish, shrimp, crab, and corn all get the royal treatment in massive pots that bubble away all day long.
Both spots feel like eating at a friend’s house where the conversation flows as freely as the seafood.
5. Seafood Palace (Lake Charles)
Despite the grand name, this humble spot serves some of Lake Charles’ best fried shrimp and oyster po-boys without any fancy presentation.
The shrimp are huge and perfectly seasoned, while the oysters come out golden brown and crispy on the outside but still creamy inside. Local workers pack this place during lunch because they know good seafood when they taste it.
The prices are incredibly reasonable, which explains why families can afford to make this their regular weekend seafood spot.
6. Steamboat Bill’s on the Lake (Lake Charles)
This waterfront institution has been serving massive platters of boiled seafood and cold drinks since the 1930s.
The restaurant sits right on the lake, so you can watch boats go by while cracking crawfish and peeling shrimp. Everything comes piled high on plastic trays, and the seasoning is hot enough to make you sweat but flavorful enough to keep you coming back.
Locals consider this place essential for any proper Lake Charles seafood experience, especially during crawfish season.
7. Clesi’s Restaurant & Catering (New Orleans)
Hidden in a New Orleans neighborhood, Clesi’s serves authentic Creole seafood that locals have been enjoying for decades.
The barbecue shrimp here is legendary, swimming in a buttery, garlicky sauce that demands plenty of French bread for soaking up every drop. The restaurant feels like stepping into someone’s grandmother’s dining room, complete with family photos on the walls.
I stumbled across this place by accident and ended up staying for three courses because everything was too good to leave.
8. Seither’s Seafood (Harahan)
This Jefferson Parish institution has been frying up perfect seafood platters since 1975 without changing much about their winning formula.
The fried oysters are particularly outstanding, with a cornmeal coating that stays crispy even after sitting for a few minutes. Local families pack this place on Friday nights, creating a lively atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a celebration.
The portions are so generous that most people end up taking home enough leftovers for another complete meal the next day.
9. Deanie’s Seafood (Metairie and Bucktown)
Both Deanie’s locations serve massive portions of perfectly seasoned boiled seafood that have made them local legends.
The crawfish here are consistently plump and spicy, while the shrimp and crab get the same careful attention to seasoning and cooking time. The atmosphere is pure Louisiana casual, with plastic tablecloths and plenty of napkins because you’re going to need them.
Whether you choose Metairie or Bucktown, expect to wait during peak times because word has definitely gotten out about this place.
10. Porgy’s Seafood Market (New Orleans)
Part seafood market and part restaurant, Porgy’s serves incredibly fresh fried seafood platters alongside their retail fish counter.
You can watch them bread and fry your shrimp or catfish while you wait, ensuring everything comes out hot and perfectly crispy. The market atmosphere means you’re surrounded by the sights and smells of fresh Gulf seafood from the moment you walk in.
This combination approach guarantees freshness while keeping prices reasonable for some of the best fried seafood in New Orleans.