OK, here's my best kept seafood restaurant secret: Jack Dempsey's on Poland Ave. They have a seafood platter for one ($17.99) or two ($22.99), which either one is way more than enough food for one or two people. You get: redfish, catfish, fried oysters, fried shrimp, stuffed crab, small bowl of gumbo, and the best mac and cheese you'll ever have (worth the trip just for that alone)! The fried seafood is very "light" - doesn't have that heavy, greasy feel/taste to it. The stuffed flounder is very tasty and almost hangs over the side of the plate. Here's the menu: http://jackdempseys.com/Dinner Menu.pdf It's in a small house in the not-so-good part of town, dimly lit, waitresses are cocky, and they play oldies music from the jukebox... the perfect atmosphere!! Be sure to check their hours, though; kinda screwy.
Again, I beg for mercy. Here in Virginia people STAND IN LINE at Red Lobster. One of the favorite seafood dishes here is "steamed shrimp," and by that I mean steamed in WATER! No seasoning at all - though the daring may sprinkle a little Old Bay seasoning if they wish. There are a few Popeye's up here, and a former employee recently confirmed my suspicion that they reduce the seasonings for the local tastes. There are lots of nice people here, but they will go to their graves without knowing what good food is. But enough oh-woe-is-me. I had heard of Jack Dempsey's and that it was good. And a hearty amen for the Acme Oyster House (that's where the coyote gets his seafood, SabanFan). The closest I can get to the good stuff there is nola.com's "Oyster Cam," that shows a live view down the fabled bar. Ahhhhh... And I know it isn't seafood, but a muffalatta (sp?) from the Central Grocery should be a must.
Many New Orleanians are self proclaimed food critics - and I am in that group. Uglesich's is outstanding, but it can be difficult because of the crowds. Of course Galatorie's is as good as ever. What a treat. Bon Ton is still good. The charbroiled oysters at Drago's are to die for. No one mentioned Mosca's - if I were going to be executed, my last meal would be there. My favorite dish - oysters mosca. Although I have not been in a while, Bozo's out in Metairie is still supposed to be good. Deanie's is by all accounts not very good and is to be avoided. Unlike an earlier post, I still find R & O very good. In fact, I ate lunch there yesterday. A couple of restaurants that have excellent seafood that have not been mentioned yet are Redfish Grill and Mr. B's. I am leaving out many great seafood restaurants in New Orleans. So much to eat. So little time.
