I Explored Louisiana’s Gulf Coast To Visit 11 Seafood Shacks And Fried-Fish Spots (5 Served Bayou-Front Beauty)
Louisiana’s Gulf Coast isn’t just about gumbo and jambalaya, it’s a treasure map of crispy, golden fried seafood that could make even the saltiest fisherman smile.
From bustling New Orleans streets to quiet bayou hideaways, I set out on a delicious mission to track down the best fried Gulf fish plates served with heaping piles of hot, seasoned fries.
What I discovered was a mouthwatering mix of coastal charm, family recipes passed down like heirlooms, and views so beautiful they made every bite taste just a little bit better.
1. Middendorf’s Restaurant – Manchac
Perched right where Lake Maurepas meets Pass Manchac, this legendary spot has been frying up thin catfish since 1934, and boy, do they know what they’re doing.
The location alone is worth the drive, you’ll see Spanish moss draping over cypress trees while boats glide by during your meal.
Their signature thin-fried catfish arrives at your table looking like golden ribbons of pure happiness.
The batter is impossibly crispy yet light, never greasy, and the fish inside stays tender and flaky. Paired with their seasoned fries, it’s a combination that keeps locals and tourists coming back for generations.
The atmosphere screams authentic Louisiana bayou without trying too hard.
Wooden tables, friendly servers who treat you like family, and windows overlooking the water create an experience that’s as memorable as the food itself.
You’ll find this gem at 30160 US-51, Akers, LA 70421, and trust me, it’s one of those bayou-front beauties that’ll have you planning your return visit before you’ve even finished eating.
2. The Shack of Houma – Houma
Walking into this place feels like stumbling upon a local secret that everyone’s somehow in on.
Located at 1226 Grand Caillou Rd, Houma, LA 70363, this unpretentious spot serves up some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere along the coast.
Their seafood and fried fish plates are a masterclass in doing simple things extraordinarily well.
The fish is coated in a perfectly seasoned cornmeal breading that gives it that signature Louisiana crunch, completely different from traditional batter but somehow even better.
The fries come hot and crispy, sprinkled with just enough seasoning to make your taste buds do a happy dance.
What makes The Shack special isn’t just the food—it’s the genuine warmth of the staff and the laid-back vibe that makes you want to linger over your meal.
You’ll hear laughter from nearby tables, smell the intoxicating aroma of fried seafood, and feel completely at home.
Portions here are generous enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetite.
The prices won’t break the bank either, making it perfect for families or anyone looking for honest, delicious food without the fuss.
3. Off The Hook – Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge might be inland, but Off The Hook brings serious coastal flavor to the capital city at 5211 Corporate Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808.
This spot proves you don’t need ocean views to serve outstanding seafood.
Their approach to fried fish plates combines traditional technique with Louisiana flair in ways that’ll surprise you.
The fish fillets are thick, meaty, and fried to absolute perfection—crispy exterior giving way to moist, tender flesh that practically melts on your tongue.
The fries are crisp, golden, and always dependable.
The restaurant itself has a contemporary feel with fun nautical touches that don’t venture into cheesy territory.
Bright, clean, and welcoming, it’s the kind of place where you can bring your picky eater and your seafood-obsessed friend and everyone leaves happy.
What really sets them apart is consistency—visit on a Tuesday afternoon or Saturday night, and you’ll get the same high-quality meal every single time.
The staff knows their menu inside and out and can guide you through options if you’re feeling adventurous beyond the classic fish-and-chips.
4. Deanie’s Seafood – New Orleans
Right in the heart of the French Quarter at 841 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70112, Deanie’s has been serving up coastal favorites since 1961.
This is where tourists and locals actually agree on something—the food here is legitimately fantastic.
Their fried seafood and fish plates might share menu space with crawfish and po’boys, but they absolutely hold their own.
The fish arrives piping hot with a golden-brown crust that shatters satisfyingly with each bite, revealing perfectly cooked white fish underneath.
The seasoning blend they use is a closely guarded secret, but you’ll taste a harmony of flavors that keeps you going back for more.
The fries here deserve their own fan club—crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and flavorful enough that plain ketchup feels like an afterthought.
The atmosphere buzzes with energy as servers weave between tables carrying trays piled high with seafood platters.
Being in the Quarter means you’re surrounded by history, music, and endless entertainment.
Grab your fish-and-chips, soak in the New Orleans magic, and understand why this place has survived decades in one of America’s most competitive food cities.
5. Acme Oyster House – New Orleans
Just down the street from Deanie’s at 724 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130, Acme Oyster House has been a French Quarter institution since 1910.
While oysters might steal the spotlight, their fried fish plates deserve equal applause.
The dish comes with a side of New Orleans history and character you can’t replicate anywhere else.
Their frying technique has been perfected over generations, resulting in a crust that’s shatteringly crisp yet never heavy.
The fish inside stays incredibly moist, and the portion size is generous enough to fuel an afternoon of exploring the Quarter.
Fries arrive hot and golden, and while they’re more traditional than some other spots on this list, they’re executed flawlessly.
Sometimes simple is exactly what you need, especially when it’s done this well.
The atmosphere is pure New Orleans—loud, fun, and slightly chaotic in the best possible way.
You might wait for a table, but watching the oyster shuckers work their magic at lightning speed makes the time fly.
The energy here is infectious, and your meal becomes part of a larger New Orleans experience you’ll remember long after you’ve left.
6. Red Fish Grill – New Orleans
Located at 115 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, Red Fish Grill brings upscale polish to Bourbon Street dining without losing the fun spirit of the Quarter. The giant fish sculptures decorating the space immediately tell you this place takes seafood seriously while not taking itself too seriously.
Their version of seafood and fish plates gets a gourmet upgrade that justifies the slightly higher price point. The fish is often Gulf catch, prepared with a proprietary blend that includes hints of herbs and spices you’ll spend days trying to identify. Each bite delivers complex flavors that evolve as you chew.
The fries here are hand-cut and cooked to order, arriving with a satisfying crunch and fluffy interior.
They’re seasoned with a custom blend that complements rather than competes with the fish.
The dining room feels more refined than typical Bourbon Street fare, making it perfect for a special occasion or when you want quality food with a bit of atmosphere.
Service is attentive without being stuffy, striking that perfect New Orleans balance of professional and personable.
7. Camardelle’s Seafood – Grand Isle
Way down at the end of Louisiana at 1018 Highway 1, Grand Isle, LA 70358, Camardelle’s sits right where the bayou meets the Gulf of Mexico.
This is bayou-front beauty number two, and the setting is absolutely spectacular.
The fish here is so fresh it was probably swimming that morning, and you can taste the difference in every bite.
Their seafood and fried fish plates feature whatever’s been caught recently, sometimes speckled trout, sometimes redfish, always delicious.
The batter is light and crispy, letting the natural flavor of the fish shine through rather than masking it.
Fries are simple, classic, and exactly what you want when you’re eating seafood this fresh. No need for fancy seasonings when the star of the show is this good.
What makes Camardelle’s unforgettable is the location, you can watch boats coming in with the day’s catch while you eat.
The breeze off the Gulf, the sound of seabirds, and the sight of endless water create an atmosphere that fancy restaurants spend millions trying to replicate artificially.
Here, it’s just Tuesday afternoon at a family-run spot that’s been serving locals and fishermen for years.
8. Cajun Critters Seafood Restaurant – Houma
At 6240 W Main St, Houma, LA 70360, Cajun Critters brings personality and flavor in equal measure.
The playful name and fun atmosphere make this a favorite for families, but don’t let the casual vibe fool you, the food here is seriously impressive.
Their seafood and fried fish plates get the full Cajun treatment with a spicy breading that’ll wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them.
The fish is always fresh Gulf catch, thick and meaty, staying incredibly juicy inside its crispy armor.
If you love a little heat with your seafood, this is your spot.
The fries come seasoned with Cajun spices that complement the fish perfectly, and they’re cooked to that ideal state where they’re crispy but not hard, with fluffy potato goodness inside. Portion sizes are generous, you definitely won’t leave hungry.
The restaurant embraces its Cajun roots with fun decor featuring cartoon critters and local artwork. It’s colorful, welcoming, and the kind of place where kids are genuinely welcome rather than just tolerated. Service is friendly and fast, and the prices are incredibly reasonable for the quality you’re getting. This is comfort food at its finest, served with a smile and a side of Louisiana hospitality.
9. Spahr’s at the Station – Cut Off
Talk about a glow-up—this former gas station at 16816 LA-3235, Cut Off, LA 70345, has been transformed into one of the area’s most charming seafood spots.
Bayou-front beauty number three, Spahr’s combines quirky history with stunning waterside views.
The fried fish plates here benefit from a kitchen that clearly cares about details.
The fish is coated in a perfectly seasoned breading that achieves that magical crispiness while staying light and greaseless.
The fish itself is always fresh, flaky, and cooked just right—never overdone, never underdone.
Their fries are hand-cut and have that homemade quality that makes them taste like something your Louisiana grandmother would make if she ran a seafood joint. The seasoning is subtle but effective, with just enough spice to remind you where you are.
The real magic happens when you grab a seat on their deck overlooking Bayou Lafourche. Watching boats drift by while you enjoy your meal adds an element that elevates the entire experience.
The staff is welcoming and knowledgeable, often sharing stories about the building’s history or tips about the area. It’s these personal touches that transform a good meal into a memorable experience.
10. Seafood Shack – Amite City
Slightly inland at 1205 NW Central Ave, Amite City, LA 70422, Seafood Shack proves you don’t need coastal real estate to serve outstanding fish.
This no-frills spot focuses on what matters—incredibly fresh seafood cooked to perfection.
Their fried fish plates are straightforward and delicious, without any pretension or unnecessary complications.
The fish is thick, the breading is crispy and well-seasoned, and everything arrives hot and ready to devour. Sometimes the best food comes from places that simply do the basics exceptionally well, and this is one of those places.
The fries are classic-style, golden and crispy, perfect for dunking in tartar sauce or enjoying on their own. They’re cooked in properly maintained oil, so they taste clean and fresh rather than heavy or greasy.
What Seafood Shack lacks in fancy decor, it more than makes up for in heart and quality.
The staff clearly takes pride in their work, and you can taste that care in every bite.
Prices are incredibly fair, portions are generous, and the overall experience reminds you why simple roadside seafood shacks have been Louisiana institutions for generations.
Sometimes you don’t need views or atmosphere—just really, really good food.
11. Big Al’s Seafood – Houma
Rounding out our journey at 1377 W Tunnel Blvd, Houma, LA 70360, Big Al’s has earned its reputation as a local favorite through consistency and quality.
This is bayou-front beauty number five, and the water views add that special something to an already excellent meal.
Their seafood and fried fish plates showcase what happens when a restaurant truly understands its ingredients and its customers.
The fish is always fresh—they work directly with local fishermen to ensure quality. The breading achieves that perfect golden-brown color that signals it’s been fried at exactly the right temperature for exactly the right amount of time.
Fries here are thick-cut and satisfying, with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior that makes each one a little potato pillow of happiness.
The seasoning is balanced perfectly—present but not overpowering, complementing rather than competing with the fish.
Without actual bayou views, the charm here comes from the lively, friendly atmosphere and the loyal following of regulars.
After visiting eleven fried-fish spots across Louisiana’s Gulf Coast and bayou region, Big Al’s proved a perfect ending to the journey—delicious food, generous portions, and that genuine Louisiana hospitality that makes every meal feel like coming home.