One of our favorite things about New Orleans is the abundance of fresh seafood available to us all year round. So, of course we’ve marked our calendars for Louisiana Seafood Festival, because it includes some of our favorite things: seafood, music, and of course, festing. To properly prepare for the festivities, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite seafood spots and dishes around town.
It’s hard to choose favorites when we have some of the best seafood in the world. Really, really hard. But we did our best. So, pick your favorites, and find more at Woldenberg Park on October 27-29. You’ll find delicious food to eat, music to enjoy, and local treasures to hunt. Happy Seafood festing, y’all!
GW Fins
It would be difficult to create this list and not include GW Fins. With a rotating menu that is influenced by the catches of the day, there is something that would please any seafood lover’s palate. The scalibut is the real MVP, but don’t flake on getting appetizers like the lobster dumplings or tuna tartare. If you decide to leave room for dessert, then the bread pudding or ice cream pie won’t disappoint! 808 Bienville St.
801 Royal
Seafood nachos. Yes, seafood nachos. And yes, they’re delicious. Tucked away on the corner of Royal and St. Ann, 801 Royal is a fun place to start any evening in the French Quarter. Have a seat at the bar, order an oyster shooter, share an order of nachos (or don’t share), and roam on Royal street for delightful sights and sounds. 801 Royal St.
Luke
Come for oysters at happy hour, and stay for dinner. You can’t beat a happy hour with 75 cent oysters on the half shell, and $1.25 fried oysters. Extend the evening by sharing some of the favorites, such as crispy Brussels sprouts, stuffed pb&j oysters, and shrimp “en cocotte.” Located in the CBD on St. Charles Avenue, it’s easy to hop on the streetcar and keep rolling. 333 St Charles Ave.
Ye Olde College Inn
Based on a farm to table concept, Ye Olde Colleg Inn offers a daily menu, as well as delicious staples such as the oysters bleu, crawfish mac & cheese, and shrimp and grits. If you peak across the street, you can see the farm itself! College Inn is a great place to bring some friends and split items so that you all get a taste of everything. For some extra fun, walk across the parking lot to Rock N Bowl and spend the evening bowling and listening to some good local tunes. 3000 S Carrollton Ave.
Brisbi’s
Whether you pop in for happy hour or enjoy dinner there, Brisbi’s guarantees you one of the best views of Lake Pontchartrain that you can get in the city. Bring some friends, grab seats outside, and split some of their menu favorites. I’d go with the tuna tartarte nachos, a dozen of oysters on the half shell (50 cents during happy hour), garlic-parm fries, and a good ‘ole seafood platter. The food is great, and the sunsets are epic. 7400 Lakeshore Dr.
Dry Dock Café
We’re taking you to the Westbank (AKA the best bank) for this one. Take the ferry to Algiers Point and enjoy the 5-minute boat ride across the Mississippi. Dry Dock is located steps from the ferry, so your commute is short once you cross the river. Soup and salad is the way to my heart here: seafood gumbo and the oyster and artichoke heart salad is my favorite combination. I always get a side of sweet potato fries because, why not? Enjoy lunch here and take some time to walk on the levee and see the hidden treasures of the Old Algiers. 133 Delaronde St.
Jack Dempsey’s
Dempsey’s is what we think of when someone asks for “New Orleans food.” They have everything: red beans & rice, gumbo, fish and shrimp platters, and frog legs for the more adventurous palate. Since they’re located in the Bywater, you get to check out a funky part of the city and maybe catch a sunset at Crescent Park or a glass of wine at Bacchanal. 738 Poland Ave.
