Jack Rattenbury•
Nothing says authentic Louisiana cooking like seafood boils, and tis’ the season in New Orleans. Crawfish season that is.
We’re finally in the eye of crawfish season, and New Orleans has some of the best seafood boils in the south. There are so many Louisiana dishes to sample in NOLA. You could try out a delicious bowl of gumbo, or sample everyone local’s favorite, seafood boils during crawfish season.
From the traditional Cajun to unique takes on the Louisiana staple, fix your crawfish cravings at these incredible NOLA restaurants.
1. BOIL Seafood House
Where: 11th Ward
Seafood boils are a Louisiana tradition, and BOIL know everything there is about creating a delicious version of their own. This place lights up every crawfish season, with locals fleeting here to sample something from their Cajun-Caribbean menu. The corn, the potatoes, and the crawfish at BOIL makes for a great contender to be one of the greatest seafood boils in NOLA come crawfish season.
2. Hieux Boil Seafood House
Where: Mid-City
A Viet-Cajun crawfish paradise. Owner Hieu Doan has perfected his take on the NOLA staple. Which combines the New Orleans style with the Houston Viet-Cajun style that got popular in the city in 2018.
3. Clesi’s Restaurant & Catering
Where: Mid-City
The seafood boils from Clesi’s have become a nightly attraction. With affordable prices and unbeatable sides like their tasty cheese fries, you can’t go wrong if you want seafood! Especially so if it’s crawfish your after, as they hype their Crawfish boil pre-season, and it lasts all the way through with NOLA annually buzzing for Clesi’s recipe.
4. Bevi Seafood Co.
Where: Metairie
If you’re looking for no nonsense, and one of the best crawfish boils in New Orleans, then check out Bevi Seafood Co. The cafeteria style eatery uses fresh fish, oysters and crawfish to create a vast menu of delicious dishes. This place is also a neighborhood seafood market, so you know they’ll be using the freshest ingredients.
5. Deanie’s Seafood
Where: French Quarter
Deanie’s is the perfect place to share a feast with friends, or bring your appetite if you’re solo. Local’s are always patiently waiting for crawfish season at this hotspot, but their vast menu caters for every taste. From delicious fried seafood to pizzas, but the star of the show annually goes to the tasty crawfish boil available this time of year.
6. Frankie & Johnny’s
Where: West Riverside
This cozy and relaxed restaurant will make you feel like you’re at home, with the soul food to match. They have an excellent selection of drinks and a vast menu, making this pub a must for seafood lovers. If you’re sharing, make sure to order some onion rings on the side of your boil. You won’t regret it.
7. Zimmer Seafood
Where: Gentilly
A great seafood market great for catfish and tilapia, but nothing beats crawfish season at Zimmer Seafood. Bring your own drinks if you wanna have a tasty feast near-by.
8. Bayou Beer Garden
Where: Mid-City
A quaint little cottage has turned into one of NOLA’s best sports bars. With an extensive beer menu that goes on and on, and beautifully prepared crawfish. Enjoy your seafood boil on their lovely terrace, as people watching in NOLA goes great with crawfish and a refreshing beer from the tap.
9. Captain Sid’s
Where: Bucktown
Not far from our other favorite, Dennie’s, you’ve got to try out Captain Sid’s if you’re a crawfish lover! The seafood market is located right in the heart of Bucktown, and they aim to serve the best seafood possible, with the freshest ingredients. They know how to season crawfish at Captain Sid’s!
10. NOLA Crawfish King
Where: Gentilly
For great beer, and even better crawfish, head to the NOLA Crawfish King. The self=proclaimed New Orleans monarch of boils will sort out all of your crawfish cravings. They offer incredible specials that you can keep up with on their Instagram page.
11. North Broad Seafood
Where: Broad St
The ultimate hidden gem for crawfish lovers. Head to North Broad for an extensive menu of tasty seafood. From gumbo, to po’ boys. Red beans, to all varieties of boiled seafood items available.
Featured Image: Deanie’s Seafood
Tags:fish, northamerican food, shellfish
