Crawfish & Culture
I always say the best places to find Crawfish are the Westbank and New Orleans East. Some refer to the Westbank as ‘Across the river’ but the Crawfish will get you over there, and you do not have to pay a toll fee. I compiled this list, and I must admit, I see a pattern. I was correct in that first statement. The experience of eating Crawfish is one of a kind. It’s the Crawfish, Cheeweez or Zapps, and Mural Art on Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. for me. Maybe a little music like 5th Ward Weebie or Juvenile might work with this Crawfish. Just grab your girls or your ‘Lil Yeah’ and head to the lakefront or your backyard to enjoy the flavor.
Most of these hidden gems don’t have a website. Thanks to Yelp NOLA and Grubhub for their updates. All in all, you have not lived until you have had the Crawfish at these places I have listed below.
Here are my Crawfish spots in New Orleans
Big EZ Seafood -The truth on the Westbank. I like mine sauced up with garlic or cajun citrus.
J & J Seafood: This black-owned seafood restaurant is a hidden gem on the Westbank. I met one of the owners and he was the nicest person. Make sure you visit.
Cajun Seafood: It’s all good in my hood. I frequent the one closest to my house. You never go too wrong with a Cajun Seafood. They have several locations in the city. This price tag usually comes with long lines but definitely worth the wait.
Lucky Jean Seafood - Chef is a very busy highway, but the mudbugs will not disappoint.
Broadview Seafood - One time for the 7th ward. Yall made the cut. Not too far from the Fairgrounds. Broadview has some good food. I like the turkey necks here as well.
Read Seafood - Back in my hood. The seafood here are a WIN. You can also trust ya mama for them Po’boys (ROLLIN). I really liked the hot sausage, oyster, and shrimp poor boys here.
Louisiana Pride - You haven’t lived until you have traveled DOWNMAN Road. Downman is a classic oldie but goodie area in the East. Once the home of hair salons, jewelers, and fancy restaurants. It has changed over the years, but Louisiana Pride will knock you off your feet. All of the Po’boys are AMAZING, and OH yeah, this blog is about Crawfiwh; the Crawfish are INCREDIBLE.
Zimmer’s Seafood: This seafood place is in Gentilly, but they are CLASSIC. Very consistent and good customer service. Locals favorite. It’s your favorite seafood restaurant’s favorite seafood restaurant.
Sal’s Seafood - Another Westbank gem. We had a company boil a few years back and they DELIVERED a ton of mudbugs at a great price. HOT and SPICY. We had so many Crawfish, people took some home to make stew.
Deanie’s Seafood - Definitely an oldie but goodie. Deanie’s on the Lakefront is always a good choice for a sit-down seafood experience.
