I Hit The Backroads Of Louisiana To Try 11 Hidden Seafood Shacks (And 7 Were Seriously Impressive)
Louisiana’s backroads hide some of the best seafood you’ll ever taste, tucked away in weathered buildings that Google Maps barely acknowledges.
I spent weeks hunting down these local legends, driving past endless sugarcane fields and cypress swamps to find shacks where the locals eat.
Some places blew my mind with perfectly seasoned crawfish and crispy catfish, while others left me wondering how they’re still in business.
Here’s my honest take on 11 hidden seafood spots that most tourists never find.
1. The Shack of Houma – Houma
Pulling up to this place feels like discovering a secret your Cajun friend finally decided to share.
The building looks like it survived several hurricanes through sheer stubbornness, with paint peeling in all the right places to give it that authentic bayou charm. Inside, the air smells like heaven if heaven deep-fries everything and seasons it with Tony Chachere’s.
Their boiled crawfish comes out so perfectly spiced that my fingers stayed red for two days, which I wore like a badge of honor.
The fried catfish has a cornmeal crust that crunches loud enough to annoy nearby diners, but honestly, they’re probably too busy demolishing their own plates to notice. Po’boys here are stuffed so full that the bread is more of a suggestion than a container.
Prices won’t make your wallet weep, and portions could feed a small Cajun army. The servers treat you like family, which in Louisiana means they’ll tease you while bringing you extra hushpuppies.
This spot earned its place among the impressive seven without breaking a sweat.
Address: 1226 Grand Caillou Rd, Houma, LA 70363
2. Seafood Shack – Amite
Sometimes a place with a simple name ends up delivering the kind of comforting Louisiana seafood you never forget, and this little Amite spot fits that description perfectly.
Seafood Shack sits just off the beaten path, the kind of roadside stop you’d only find if a local tipped you off—or if you were wandering hungry and lucky. The moment you pull in, the scent of fried goodness and Cajun seasoning hits you like a warm welcome.
Their shrimp po’boy arrives piled high with crispy, golden shrimp and dressed the proper Louisiana way.
The fried oysters have that satisfying crunch followed by a buttery soft center, proving this kitchen knows exactly how long seafood should stay in hot oil. Their gumbo is one of those bowls that tastes like it’s been simmering all afternoon, with deep flavor and just the right amount of heat.
Service is friendly in that small-town Louisiana way—genuine smiles, quick refills, and a sense that they’re taking care of you. Prices are easy on the wallet, portions are generous, and the atmosphere is relaxed and unfussy, just like a true roadside seafood joint should be.
Seafood Shack may not shout for attention, but it earns its spot in my impressive seven by delivering honest, delicious Louisiana seafood with every plate.
Address: 1205 NW Central Ave, Amite, LA 70422
3. Bayou Cane Seafood – Houma
Walking into Bayou Cane feels like your Cajun aunt decided to open a restaurant and forgot to tell anyone outside the family.
The place operates as half seafood market and half restaurant, which means everything is fresh enough to have been swimming that morning. You can literally point at what you want in the display case and watch them cook it, which eliminates any mystery about seafood freshness.
Their crawfish étouffée has that deep, rich flavor that only comes from a properly made roux and zero shortcuts.
The boiled crabs were seasoned so aggressively that I needed three sweet teas to cool down, but I regret nothing. Fried shrimp here maintains that perfect texture where the outside shatters while the inside stays tender and sweet.
Portions are generous without being wasteful, and prices reflect actual value rather than tourist trap markup. The staff knows their regulars by name and their orders by heart.
Atmosphere is no-frills but genuine, with checkered tablecloths and hot sauce bottles on every surface. This spot definitely made my impressive seven list.
Address: 6539 W Main St, Houma, LA 70360
4. Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn – Broussard
The name suggests humble beginnings, but Poor Boy’s delivers rich boy flavors with a view that costs nothing extra.
Although the restaurant has a rustic, coastal-Louisiana feel, it is not actually located directly on a bayou or waterway—but the food still brings all the classic Cajun flavor you’d expect. The building has that weathered wood look that either means authentic character or desperately needs maintenance, and here it’s definitely the former.
Their catfish is hand-battered and fried to golden perfection, with meat so flaky it practically falls apart when you look at it wrong.
The crawfish bisque is creamy, spicy, and packed with tail meat that shows they’re not skimping on the good stuff. Po’boys come dressed properly, which locals know is the only acceptable way to serve them.
Prices are shockingly fair considering the waterfront location and quality of food. Service moves at Louisiana speed, which means friendly but never rushed.
The outdoor seating area becomes magical during sunset when the bayou glows orange and your seafood tastes even better. This gem absolutely earned its spot in my top seven.
Address: 240 Tubing Rd, Broussard, LA 70518
5. Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant – Lafayette
Any place named after a weird-looking water bird automatically gets points for not taking itself too seriously.
Spoonbill combines dive bar energy with surprisingly solid seafood, creating an atmosphere where bikers and business people sit side by side slurping oysters. The decor looks like someone raided every garage sale in Lafayette and just started nailing things to walls.
Their chargrilled oysters arrive bubbling with garlic butter and parmesan, tasting like the ocean went to culinary school.
The crawfish pasta is creamy, spicy, and probably not what your cardiologist ordered, but your taste buds will send thank-you notes. Fried alligator here actually tastes good, which is rarer than you’d think in Louisiana.
Drink prices are reasonable, and the beer selection focuses on local brews that pair perfectly with seafood. Service is casual and efficient, with bartenders who remember regulars and welcome newcomers equally.
The jukebox plays everything from zydeco to classic rock, creating a soundtrack as eclectic as the menu. This spot made my impressive list by being unapologetically itself.
Address: 900 Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA 70501
6. Seafood Palace – Lake Charles
Seafood Palace may sit in a humble-looking building, but inside, it’s all Louisiana comfort and the kind of seafood locals won’t shut up about.
The dining room fills with the smell of garlic, spice, and fresh Gulf seafood the moment you walk in, and it’s the kind of aroma that hits you right in the appetite.
The staff moves with practiced efficiency, as if they’ve been feeding Lake Charles families their whole lives—which, judging by the crowds, might not be far from the truth.
Their boiled seafood is the star of the show, bursting with that perfectly balanced Cajun seasoning that makes you sweat a little but keeps you coming back for more.
The fried catfish is golden, crispy, and tastes like it’s been perfected over decades.
Gumbo arrives rich and comforting, with deep flavors that announce themselves long before the spoon hits your mouth. Every plate feels like it was cooked by someone’s aunt who takes seafood very seriously.
Prices are fair, portions are generous, and nobody leaves hungry or disappointed. Seafood Palace earned its spot in my impressive seven by reminding me why Louisiana remains undefeated in the seafood world.
Address: 2218 Enterprise Blvd, Lake Charles, LA 70601
7. Big Al’s Seafood – Houma
Big Al’s is one of those Houma institutions that locals speak about with the kind of pride usually reserved for family recipes and Friday night traditions—and after one visit, you’ll understand why.
The moment you step inside, you’re met with the electric buzz of a true community favorite: families digging into platters, friends cracking crawfish, and the unmistakable aroma of Cajun spices drifting from every corner of the kitchen. This place feels alive in the best possible way.
Their crawfish come out perfectly seasoned, steaming hot, and surrounded by corn and potatoes that have soaked up all that Cajun flavor.
The fried shrimp basket is a thing of beauty—huge, golden, and cooked just right so the shrimp stay sweet and tender inside their crispy shell. Oysters on the half shell taste fresh off the boat, briny and clean with that true Gulf character.
Despite the huge portions, the prices remain surprisingly reasonable, making it easy to come hungry and leave absolutely stuffed. Service is fast, friendly, and efficient, even on busy nights when the line seems never-ending.
And the market side? A dream for anyone who wants to take Louisiana seafood home to their own kitchen. Big Al’s didn’t just make my impressive seven—it practically sprinted to the top of the list.
Address: 1377 W Tunnel Blvd, Houma, LA 70360
8. Middendorf’s Manchac – Akers (Manchac)
Some restaurants become legends, and Middendorf’s has been achieving legendary status since before your grandparents started dating.
Perched over the water in tiny Manchac, this place specializes in thin-fried catfish that’s basically revolutionized how the fish should be prepared. The building has that timeless Louisiana look, with a big porch overlooking the swamp where alligators occasionally photobomb your dinner.
Their signature thin-fried catfish is pounded flat, lightly breaded, and fried until it’s crispy enough to shatter like delicious glass.
The tangy dipping sauce that accompanies it has spawned countless imitation attempts, all falling short of the original. Sides are classic Southern comfort, with coleslaw that’s creamy and slightly sweet.
Service is professional and practiced, with servers who’ve been working here longer than some customers have been alive. Prices reflect the quality and reputation, but nobody leaves feeling ripped off.
The location alone makes this worth the drive, surrounded by cypress trees and Louisiana wilderness. Middendorf’s absolutely earned its place in my top seven impressive spots.
Address: 30160 Hwy 51 S, Akers (Manchac), LA 70421
9. Deanie’s Seafood – Metairie
Deanie’s sits in Metairie serving Louisiana-area folks who know their seafood isn’t playing around when it comes to quality.
The restaurant has that lived-in feel of a place that’s been getting it right for decades, with walls covered in local sports memorabilia and photos. Walking in, you’re immediately hit with the smell of boiled seafood and melted butter, which should be bottled as a perfume.
Their BBQ shrimp is swimming in butter, garlic, and spices, requiring approximately seventeen napkins and zero shame.
Boiled crawfish here are consistently seasoned and perfectly cooked, with that ideal texture where the tail meat slides out cleanly. The seafood platter is a commitment, arriving piled high with fried fish, shrimp, oysters, and enough calories to fuel a marathon.
Prices are reasonable for the area and portions, making this a solid value. Service is typically efficient despite the constant crowds that pack this place during peak hours.
The atmosphere is family-friendly chaos in the best possible way. Deanie’s secured its spot in my impressive seven without breaking a sweat.
Address: 1713 Lake Ave, Metairie, LA 70005
10. Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar – 739 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Felix’s has been shucking oysters in the French Quarter since forever, competing with its famous neighbor for tourist dollars and local loyalty.
The location puts it right in the heart of tourist central, which usually means overpriced mediocrity, but Felix’s mostly avoids that trap. Inside, the tile floors and long oyster bar give it that classic New Orleans seafood joint atmosphere that feels authentically old-school.
Their raw oysters are fresh and properly chilled, though nothing you couldn’t get at several other spots in the Quarter.
The chargrilled oysters are good but not mind-blowing, covered in the standard butter, garlic, and cheese combination. Gumbo is decent, hitting all the right notes without really singing.
Service can vary depending on crowd levels, which is common in busy French Quarter restaurants. Prices reflect the prime French Quarter location, meaning you’ll pay extra for convenience.
The atmosphere is lively and fun, with that energy that comes from being surrounded by people having a good time. Felix’s didn’t quite make my top seven, landing in the middle of the pack instead.
Address: New Orleans
11. Backroads Steak & Seafood – Slaughter
Hidden along a quiet stretch of highway in Slaughter, Backroads Steak & Seafood is the kind of surprise you only find when you’re willing to wander a little off the beaten path.
The building has that classic “small-town roadhouse” charm—warm lighting, wood accents, and a cozy dining room where everyone seems to know everyone else. Inside, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with friendly servers who treat you like a regular even if it’s your first time through the door.
Their fried catfish is crisp, flavorful, and cooked just right, with a light, golden batter that gives way to tender, flaky fish. The crawfish étouffée is rich and savory, full of that unmistakable Louisiana roux magic that makes you close your eyes for a moment after the first bite.
Even the steak—often an afterthought in seafood-heavy restaurants—arrives juicy, well-seasoned, and cooked exactly to order. Everything tastes like it was prepared with care, not rushed or mass-produced.
Prices reflect the down-home feel of the place, and you get plenty for what you pay. Backroads Steak & Seafood earned its place among my impressive seven for being the kind of hidden local treasure that proves great food doesn’t require neon signs or big-city crowds—just passion and a good cast-iron pan.
Address: 3408–3435 LA-67 (Plank Rd), Slaughter, LA 70777