I Hit The Backroads Of Louisiana To Visit 14 Hidden Seafood Shacks And 7 Left A Lasting Impression
Traveling Louisiana’s backroads leads to hidden seafood shacks that feel like well-kept secrets.
From quiet bayou corners to tucked-away coastal spots, each shack serves seafood bursting with freshness and flavor.
The friendly chatter, rustic charm, and irresistible aromas make the experience unforgettable.
Seven of these stops left a lasting impression with dishes so good you’ll remember them long after leaving.
Louisiana proves that the best seafood often comes from the most unexpected places.
1. The Shack of Houma – Houma, Louisiana
Tucked away on the edge of town, this place serves up some of the freshest boiled crawfish you’ll find anywhere in Terrebonne Parish.
The Shack of Houma sits at 1226 Grand Caillou Road in Houma, and locals swear by their perfectly seasoned seafood boils. You can smell the spices from the parking lot, which is always a good sign.
What makes this spot memorable is the no-frills atmosphere and the fact that the owner still hand-picks his shrimp every morning.
Their garlic butter crab is ridiculously good, and the portions are generous enough to share.
Fun fact: the building used to be an old bait shop before it transformed into a seafood destination.
Service is friendly and fast, even when the place is packed on weekends. If you’re craving authentic Cajun flavor without pretense, this shack delivers every single time.
2. Seafood Shack – Amite, Louisiana
Located at 1205 NW Central Avenue in Amite, this humble spot does not look like much from the outside, but the fried catfish will change your life.
Seriously, the breading is light and crispy, and the fish is always flaky and tender. Locals line up here every Friday night like clockwork.
What sets this place apart is the homemade tartar sauce that has a little kick to it.
The menu is straightforward: fried fish, shrimp, oysters, and sides like coleslaw and hush puppies. Nothing fancy, just solid seafood done right.
One quirky detail: the walls are covered with photos of customers holding up their biggest catches from nearby rivers.
It gives the place a real community vibe. If you want simple, delicious seafood in a town that doesn’t get much attention, this is your spot.
3. Bayou Cane Seafood – Houma, Louisiana
Sitting at 1563 Bayou Gardens Boulevard, this spot combines a seafood market with a casual dining area, so you know everything is fresh.
Bayou Cane Seafood is a favorite among Houma residents who want quality without the wait.
Their boiled shrimp and crawfish are seasoned to perfection, with just the right amount of heat.
What really impressed me was their stuffed crabs, which are packed with real crabmeat and Cajun spices.
You can also grab fresh seafood to cook at home if you’re feeling adventurous. The staff is super helpful and will give you cooking tips if you ask nicely.
Fun fact: the owners have been in the seafood business for over three decades, and it shows.
This place isn’t flashy, but it’s reliable and tasty, which is exactly what you want from a backroads seafood shack.
4. Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn – Broussard, Louisiana (Left A Lasting Impression)
Perched right on the water at 240 East Main Street in Broussard, this inn offers stunning bayou views along with your meal.
Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn has been around since 1932, making it one of the oldest seafood spots in the area.
Their fried shrimp poboy is legendary, piled high with crispy shrimp and dressed with all the fixings.
What makes this place stand out is the old-school charm and the fact that you can watch boats drift by while you eat.
The gumbo is thick, rich, and loaded with seafood, perfect for a chilly Louisiana evening. Portions are huge, so come hungry or plan to take leftovers home.
Interestingly, the building has survived multiple floods and hurricanes, which speaks to its solid construction and community importance.
If you want history and flavor in one place, this riverside gem is worth the trip.
5. Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant – Lafayette, Louisiana (Left A Lasting Impression)
Right in downtown Lafayette at 900 Jefferson Street, this watering hole serves up cold drinks and hot seafood in equal measure.
Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant has a laid-back vibe that makes you feel like you’re hanging out at a friend’s backyard cookout.
Their crawfish etouffee is creamy, spicy, and absolutely addictive.
What caught my attention was the live music on weekends, which adds a festive energy to the whole experience.
The fried alligator bites are a must-try if you’re feeling adventurous, seasoned perfectly and surprisingly tender.
Service is quick and friendly, with staff who genuinely seem to enjoy their jobs.
Fun fact: the restaurant is named after the rare spoonbill bird that’s native to Louisiana wetlands.
It’s a quirky touch that reflects the local pride in wildlife and culture. For a fun night out with great food, this place hits all the right notes.
6. Seafood Palace – Lake Charles, Louisiana (Left A Lasting Impression)
Found at 2218 Enterprise Boulevard in Lake Charles, this palace lives up to its name with a menu that is fit for royalty.
Seafood Palace specializes in Gulf seafood, and their fried oysters are some of the best I’ve ever tasted.
The breading is light and doesn’t overpower the briny flavor of the oysters.
What really makes this spot shine is the variety on the menu, from po-boys to seafood platters to grilled fish options.
Their remoulade sauce is tangy and creamy, perfect for dipping.
The dining room is always buzzing with conversation and laughter, which adds to the welcoming atmosphere.
Interestingly, the restaurant sources most of its seafood directly from local fishermen, ensuring freshness and supporting the community.
If you’re in Lake Charles and craving seafood, this palace should be your first stop without question.
7. Big Al’s Seafood – Houma, Louisiana
Situated at 1377 W Tunnel Boulevard in Houma, Big Al’s is a neighborhood favorite that never disappoints
Big Al’s Seafood has a reputation for serving massive portions at reasonable prices, which is rare these days.
Their seafood gumbo is dark, rich, and packed with shrimp, crab, and oysters.
What stood out to me was the fried seafood platter, which comes with shrimp, catfish, oysters, and all the sides you could want.
Everything is cooked to order, so it arrives hot and crispy.
The staff treats you like family, remembering regulars by name and making newcomers feel right at home.
Fun fact: Big Al himself still shows up most days to greet customers and make sure everything is running smoothly.
That kind of dedication is what makes a good restaurant great. For honest, delicious seafood in a friendly setting, Big Al’s is a solid choice.
8. Middendorf’s Manchac – Akers, Louisiana (Left A Lasting Impression)
Nestled at 30160 Highway 51 in Akers, this legendary spot has been frying up thin catfish since 1934.
Middendorf’s Manchac is famous for its paper-thin fried catfish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
The technique is a closely guarded secret that’s been passed down through generations.
What makes this place unforgettable is the lakeside setting and the old-fashioned atmosphere that feels frozen in time.
Their hush puppies are sweet and fluffy, and the coleslaw has just the right amount of tang.
On weekends, expect a wait, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Interestingly, the restaurant sits right on the edge of Lake Maurepas, offering beautiful views with your meal.
Locals have been coming here for decades, and it’s easy to see why. If you want a taste of Louisiana history with your seafood, Middendorf’s is the place to go.
9. Backroads Steak & Seafood – Slaughter, Louisiana
Out in the countryside at 3337 Highway 19 in Slaughter, this spot offers a unique mix of land and sea.
Backroads Steak & Seafood is perfect if you’re traveling with someone who isn’t a seafood fan, because the steaks are just as good as the shrimp.
Their blackened redfish is moist, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.
What impressed me most was the relaxed country atmosphere and the generous portions that leave you stuffed.
The fried crawfish tails are crispy and seasoned beautifully, and the sides like mac and cheese are homemade and delicious.
Service is warm and attentive without being overbearing.
Fun fact: the restaurant is family-owned and operated, and they pride themselves on using local ingredients whenever possible.
It’s the kind of place where you can kick back, enjoy good food, and forget about the outside world for a while.
10. Columbia Street Seafood – Covington, Louisiana
Located at 210 East Columbia Street in Covington, this spot brings fresh Gulf seafood to the Northshore.
Columbia Street Seafood is known for their seafood pasta dishes that combine Louisiana flavors with Italian flair.
Their shrimp and crab fettuccine is creamy, garlicky, and absolutely divine.
What sets this restaurant apart is the cozy, intimate setting that feels more like a bistro than a shack.
The grilled fish options are healthy and flavorful, perfect if you want something lighter. Their bread pudding dessert is a sweet finish that shouldn’t be missed.
Interestingly, the chef trained in New Orleans and brought those big-city techniques to a small-town setting. The menu changes seasonally based on what’s fresh and available.
If you’re looking for elevated seafood in a relaxed environment, Columbia Street delivers beautifully every time.
11. Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant – Baton Rouge, Louisiana (Left A Lasting Impression)
Right in the heart of Baton Rouge at 3225 Perkins Road, this restaurant is a local institution.
Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant specializes in traditional Cajun cooking with a modern twist.
Their crawfish Monica is rich, creamy, and loaded with crawfish tails, making it a fan favorite.
What makes this place memorable is the lively atmosphere and the extensive menu that covers everything from fried seafood to pasta dishes.
The seafood platter is enormous and perfect for sharing.
Drinks and other refreshments complement the food nicely and add to the festive vibe.
Parrain’s has appeared in multiple food features and television segments, which has helped bring wider attention to Baton Rouge’s food scene.
Despite the attention, the restaurant has kept its relaxed, down home feel.
For a fun meal with friends or family, Parrain’s is a reliable pick that rarely disappoints.
12. Spahr’s Seafood Restaurant – Des Allemands, Louisiana (Left A Lasting Impression)
Sitting at 3682 U.S. Highway 90 East in Des Allemands, this restaurant is a hidden gem in the heart of catfish country.
Spahr’s Seafood Restaurant has been serving locals since 1980, and their fried catfish is crispy, light, and perfectly seasoned.
The family recipes have been passed down through the years, keeping the flavors authentic.
What really stood out was the friendly service and the homey atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the family.
Their seafood gumbo is dark and flavorful, with a perfect roux that takes hours to make.
The hush puppies are sweet and fluffy, a perfect complement to any meal.
Interestingly, Des Allemands is known as the Catfish Capital of the Universe, so you know the fish is fresh.
If you’re driving through on Highway 90, this stop is absolutely worth your time and appetite.
13. Steamboat Bill’s on the Lake – Lake Charles, Louisiana (Left A Lasting Impression)
Positioned at 1004 N Lakeshore Drive in Lake Charles, this lakeside spot offers fantastic views and even better seafood.
Steamboat Bill’s on the Lake is famous for their boiled crawfish and crabs, served by the pound with all the fixings. The seasoning blend is spicy, garlicky, and addictive.
What makes this restaurant special is the casual, fun atmosphere where you can eat with your hands and not worry about making a mess.
Their fried alligator is tender and flavorful, a must-try for adventurous eaters. The outdoor seating lets you enjoy the breeze off the lake while you feast.
Fun fact: the restaurant has been featured on several food shows, including Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Despite the attention, it remains a laid-back spot where locals and tourists mix comfortably.
For a true Louisiana seafood experience, Steamboat Bill’s hits the mark perfectly.
14. Trapp’s Cajun & Seafood Restaurant – West Monroe, Louisiana
Way up north at 113 S Riverfront Street in West Monroe, this restaurant brings authentic Cajun flavor to an unexpected location.
Trapp’s Cajun & Seafood Restaurant serves up crawfish etouffee that’s rich, buttery, and packed with tender crawfish tails.
The recipe comes straight from the owner’s grandmother, and it shows in every bite.
What surprised me most was finding such quality seafood this far from the coast.
Their fried shrimp is crispy and perfectly seasoned, and the jambalaya is smoky and satisfying.
The portions are generous, and the prices are more than fair.
Interestingly, the restaurant is family-run, with multiple generations working together to keep the kitchen humming.
The walls are decorated with Cajun-themed art and photos of Louisiana landscapes.
If you’re in North Louisiana and craving real Cajun cooking, Trapp’s is your best bet hands down.