While known for their fried seafood honestly--and this is worth saying right up front--the broiled selections are in my book the way to go. The things they can do with redfish especially are simply amazing. This is a long-established institution in a once not-so-great but now (of course) gentrifying part of town. It's a place with quality but not pretense; with service where the waitstaff does everything they should but is never patronizing or over the top. They get tourists here, understand, but it's really a place still for neighborhood locals and thankfully acts like it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was opened I believe in 1978 and the vibe remains one somewhat from that era--very thankfully.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Again, redfish or any broiled dish is the way to go . . . or the po'boys which are done right and rank amongst the city's very finest. Fried dishes can be more hit or miss which really, that's the state of fried seafood at even the places with great expertise on producing such. Same with sides: the mac n cheese is a notable offender in this regard, sometimes coming out cold, hard, and making you wonder what sort of building material it is and which cement plant produced it. But never mind: you're here for the fish and the fish won't disappoint. Hasn't in decades, after all. read more

Back AGAIN!! On every trip to NOLA, I eat at Jack Dempsey's! The food is always on fire with flavor and freshness. The service staff are always super friendly, knowledgeable of the menu, and the kitchen arrives at the right pace to allow good fellowship and enjoyment of every bite of food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We arrived around 5:30 PM for an early meal. There were a few patrons. Within an hour, the seating area was full![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Everyone was talking to their table mates, laughing with their friends, and nodding their heads affirming their enjoyment of their food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We had the large platter - catfish, shrimp, crawfish pies, crab balls, gumbo, fried okra, Mac n' Cheese, and fries (for those of us who didn't eat okra and gumbo - LOL). Another incredible time at Jack Dempsey's! I look forward to seeing you during my next visit. Enjoy!! read more

Jack Dempsey's Restaurant & Bar - Seafood Platter with side of Mac n' Cheese, and fries. - Seafood Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Definitely on the list of classic NO experiences. Right across from the old Naval Support Activity, but don't let that put you off. Service is friendly and pretty fast (but not rushed), and this was with a large senior center field trip happening at the same time. Good value for the money. And [[HIGHLIGHT]]the bathrooms are spotless, always a good sign for me.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Jack Dempsey's Restaurant & Bar - Redfish and potato salad lunch special - Seafood Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Jack Dempsey's did not disappoint!! Stopped by for lunch today with my family and we ordered a ton of food. We ordered chargrilled oysters , shrimp po boy , half and half platter ( fish and shrimp ) my husband and I shared a J.D platter ( 2 sides , fish , shrimp , crab balls , crawfish pies , and buttery toast ). The staff were friendly and attentive. Great food & service. Definitely will be back again. read more

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The oysters,catfish,gumbo,shrimp and Mac n cheese were all wonderful. Oh yeah the beer and frosty mug were good too. Bring an appetite or a box because they don't hold back on portions. read more

Jack Dempsey's Restaurant & Bar - Gumbo - Seafood Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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This is a small neighborhood restaurant. You can tell there's plenty of regulars. I ordered the Bywater lemonade, which is made with fresh squeezed lemonade! Loved it. The shrimp and redfish platter was good. The macaroni and cheese was great. The shrimp were well seasoned. The redfish was a bit bland but the texture was good. Overall I enjoyed my meal and I'll likely be back for more shrimp! read more

Jack Dempsey's Restaurant & Bar - Bywater lemonade - Seafood Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Excellent service and amazing food. Everything fresh and hot. Macaroni and cheese best in the city. Crab ball good but a little too mushy or soft on the inside. read more

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I loved this place! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great food, relaxed atmosphere, and fast,friendly service.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had the Breaded Veal Cutlet,homemade Mac and cheese, and a sweet tea. Delicious! I recommend it. My girlfriend had the seafood sampler platter of gumbo,catfish,shrimp,crawfish pie, with a side of French fries and a sweet tea. She gave it 5 thumbs up! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Definitely a great place to take a date - or even the whole family.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We will definitely be coming back. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Jack Dempsey's is a neighborhood gem--laid-back, family-friendly, and affordable.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food is tasty and reasonably priced. read more

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Even tho I lived in New Orleans for nearly ten years, and not so far from this old-timey restaurant, I'd never been. So on my recent trip down south, I was determined to hit it for at least one meal. Dempsey's serves a typical NOLA fried seafood menu, and I opted for the catfish poboy, "dressed" which in local parlance means lettuce, tomato, and mayo. Now you know. It was good, it was big, and I couldn't finish it, because I had started the night with a half order, yes, half, of delightful onion rings--remoulade on the side for dipping if desired. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Jack Dempsey's is off the beaten tourist path, but easy to get to, just spitting distance from the Quarter by Uber.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I recommend you forgo one of the "tourist must stops" in favor of this joint. read more

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We found this place via yelp. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The exterior is a little sketchy. However, the inside is nice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There's a bar section with a variety of different drinks unfortunately, no menu. The place does not allow outside food or drinks unless you have a newborn baby that requires a bottle The staff is extremely welcoming and sweet. They treated our group like family. The food was delicious. There's a wide variety of fried foods to choose from what made the experience memorable was the customer service. I highly recommend this place. It is a little bit out-of-the-way from the French quarter however, the price is unbeatable and the food is delicious and you'll be supporting a spa business read more

It has been years since I last visited this restaurant. I was reminiscing about the catfish and potato salad of old ( greater than 25 years ago). It did not disappoint. The fish was fresh, fried thin and flavorful. The Mac and cheese was served cold and the cheese was hard. It still had the old familiar flavor however. My waitress said that the food was still prepared by the same chef. The crab claws were savory and I did enjoy them. Nix on the crab balls... mostly bread with no flavor and the gumbo was just okay. Overall, I'm glad I went there. read more

Very classic restaurant that I went to as a kid, glad to see it's open and food still had the same taste. read more

Jack Dempsey's Restaurant & Bar - Seafood Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Feels like a restaurant at the end of the world, situated across from some abandoned site that looks like it's out of The Last of Us. The restaurant interior also feels like a time capsule, something out of the 80s/90s. But that charming nostalgia is a strong point for a reliably delicious meal at a reasonable price. Gumbo: A light way to whet your appetite. Has the great viscous texture expected in gumbo. Generous amounts of shrimp and sausage pieces to make it quite meaty. And lots of nice spices. Stuffed Flounder: Looked so old school, like something your parents would order on a fancy date night in the 80s. The flounder was nicely spiced and thin, though quite meaty. Underneath was a huge pile of crab stuffing. Kinda felt a crab cake that never got crispy. So many great flavors and textures. Very indulgent. Seafood Au Gratin: So rich and sinful, this kind of felt like an appetizer. And technically it is, but they also added a dinner portion for a little more money. If you like cheese and cream, then this is for you. Plus a very generous amount of crab. Though they served it with bread and your choice of side, but I could totally see this being amazing with tortilla chips (not offered). Baked Macaroni & Cheese: A little weird to eat it in ziti form, but the cheese was delicious. Both the bit melted on top and the cheese sauce underneath. Fries: Kinda standard with a lightly spiced batter. read more

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On 4/18/25 our party of eight was the first to enter when they opened. The waitress took our order and over an hour later we were served. In the mean time the dining room filled with other customers who gave their orders, were served, ate, and left. The food was passible but the service is the worst we can remember having ever experienced. When asked about the delay, we were told that it was because one of the orders included onion rings. We will never return and we will tell every friend we have just how horrible a dining experience we had. Order #1007:2 Reference #6518381485 read more

Jack Dempsey's was very tasty! The portions are generous, and everything had that authentic New Orleans flavor. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The seafood is fresh and seasoned just right, and the atmosphere feels like a true local gem.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Definitely a place I'd recommend if you're craving classic comfort food done right. The red fish was bomb. read more

I love Jack Dempsey's crab salad is awesome and I always have to have the Tower of onion rings.

This is my second review of Jack Dempsey's. I was in New Orleans for the Saints/Browns game with some friends. A friend of mine from Cleveland was with us so we wanted to show him around the city. We took him to Jack Dempsey's for some of the best seafood in the city. We got there and there was no wait and we were seated immediately. The hostess was nice and not too chatty. Two of us got the half/half shrimp and catfish and my other 2 friends got the seafood platter for two. There was so much food, the 4 of us could have eaten the platter. I can't say much more because I was born in New Orleans and Jack Dempsey is a staple and a go-to for seafood. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a bit off the beaten path, the restaurant is eclectic and definitely New Orleans.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I HIGHLY recommend trying Jack Dempsey's. read more

Jack Dempsey has always been my favorite hidden gem in NOLA. However, on a recent visit, I definitely noticed a decline, especially with the service. Our waiter was very pregnant, so maybe that was why she wasn't really present, but she was never warm or friendly and just seemed aloof during our entire meal. We were celebrating my mom's last day of chemo and she pretty much ruined our experience. She rushed us to make an order and up charged for everything, including a piece of extra toast for the oysters we ordered. In the past, we've also just been given an extra piece or two for bread (a dozen oysters comes with 4 small slices of bread by the way). She also never came by to refill drinks or offer any condiments with our seafood meal. We constantly had to ask someone else for things and the restaurant was nearly empty. While the food is always pretty good, the chargrilled oysters were very underwhelming. They were just lightly steamed and seemed to just have butter poured on them, rather than being truly grilled. They're also pricer here than most places in the city, so I'd recommend skipping that dish here. The fried seafood platter is always fantastic though and didn't disappoint this time. read more

Jack Dempsey's Restaurant & Bar - Chargrilled oysters...didn't enjoy these. - Seafood Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Jack Dempsey for the win! I hadn't been here in years and the portions & quality hasn't fallen off. The inside is simple and clean and it's set up to feast no matter the group size. The combo I wanted wasn't listed on the menu. I wanted fried crawfish and frog legs but the server made it happen to my surprise. The platter was flawless full of crunch and seasoned just right. The platter came with 1 side I chose the Mac and cheese which was also good with the right amount of cheese coverage. Overall service, food and price point all a win. read more

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Wow, such a wonderful experience for a late lunch yesterday. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I am happy to see the old historic ambiance of the building has not changed since my early years with my parents.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My partner and I ordered the Onion ring platter along with the Seafood platter for two, including Oysters with two sides. Gosh almighty, everything was well prepared and delicious. Thanks to the attentive waitstaff that made sure we had plenty of ice tea, tarter, cocktail sauce and remoulade sauce. Sorry no room for desert. Our bill was a third off for the same food compared to Deanie s in the French Quarter. You want good value, easy parking and a menu with with lots of choices, put Jack Dempseys on your restaurant list. read more

If I could give more than 5 stars... I would. This is old New Orleans. And I mean the old times that was New Orleans. Ever so often I run into the nostalgia that I remembered to be New Orleans. I was filming across the street at the now closed US Marine Corp Support Facility and as I was leaving the area, I saw this place. Surrounded by closures and blight, Jack Dempsey's shines over the depression that plagues this area. I decided to stop by and and enjoy a meal. Not only were the people kind, responsive and jovial with that New Orleans accent, the place just reaps of old beautiful New Orleans and Ms. Kayla is the bomb. Recommended what to eat and all was amazing. I could not wait to begin tasting everything on the menu. Whatever it is you are for looking for, remember the test of time have proven a restaurants meal but not only in the menu offered but the ambiance, the music and the feel of comfort. This place offered it all. Support this place, people need to experience the amazing food and the better times that was New Orleans... read more

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Jack Dempsey's has the most delicious fried seafood with [[HIGHLIGHT]]unpretentious ambiance[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and staff.

Must stop ! Great food from a great family! They have been part of our routine going on years now

What an unfortunate letdown this place was... Went on a semi-busy friday evening, didn't have to wait too long, 25 minutes or so. Food wise: -the food was 'okay', some things better than others. What bothered us the most was that two of us got the same dish, and the quality of the two dishes was NOT the same. The other person who had the same dish as me, just went 'eh' to it, I tasted it and went, oh, this tastes different, gave them a piece of mine, and mine was just, better. Now, mine was not mindblowing, but it was less dry and seemed seasoned different. The mac and cheese that came as sides for two of us also was not warm, even with what looked like 4-5 enormous microwaves in the back, which hurt me a little bit, why do places need microwaves... anyway, i digress. Service/Cons: -the hostess was extremely nice, and kept the waiting crowd at bay without problems, not that anyone was rowdy, but the space to wait isn't exactly large. where the real problem arose was with the waitress. she was super friendly at the beginning, then things kind of fell off the rails. now, I want to make it clear, not all of this is her fault, some of it is the kitchens fault. First, we ordered 3 soups, two came out together, the third took about 8 minutes to come out, so the first two soups were essentially cold at this point, why were they fired incorrectly? We actually thought the final soup wasn't going to come out, and would just check that it wasn't on the bill. Then for the main courses, which took way too long to come out, which the waitress three times told us would be out momentarily over the course of say 30 minutes, didn't come out together, again. Also, one order was incorrect, not a big deal, mistakes happen, but it took too long to correct. Once we got the bill, there was also a dish on there we never ordered, nor even received. This took a little bit to correct (no argument from the staff, they admitted it shouldnt be there w/o even walking away from the table), but, it shouldnt have taken 10 more minutes to get the receipt corrected to come back to us to then pay. Look, the TL:DR Service was slowwww, so slow, that a table to the side of us actually got up after 45 minutes of no food and left. The food was 'okay'. Seems like a nice neighborhood spot, but unless you're nearby, not worth going out of the way for. read more

Love love love this gem! The food is always delicious. The service never disappoints. Highly recommend!

Has a very bleak atmosphere on the outside but looks fine inside, service was alright but I could tell they were very tired from working all day so I didn't matter, plus I was here for food. I had a fried platter combo with fish and oysters with Mac and cheese. The fish was alright, not much seasoning, but the oysters were very good, seems like they put all the seasoning off the fish and onto the oyster. The Mac and cheese were 100% microwaved. Cold in middle, slightly hot on the side, and so mushy I didn't want to eat it. read more

Hello There, Let's get to it! I recently visited Jack Dempsey's upon the recommendation of a friend who frequents this spot when in town. He made it sound sooo good that I couldn't help but make an effort to get there. He was absolutely on point when he said it was a hole-in-the-wall. It's not located in the best of areas, however the restaurant itself wasn't so bad. Don't get me wrong, some of my best restaurants are hole-in-the-wall type places, but they keep me coming back. The layout was ok & had a decent amount of space inside & in fact is much larger than it appears from the outside. I was kindly greeted & seated by a young server who took good care of me from start to finish. I ordered one of the loves of my life as an appetizer (seafood gumbo) which was quite different than any other gumbo that I've EVER had in New Orleans or anywhere else for that matter. Although the roux was extremely thick & wasn't to my liking, I didn't allow it to discourage me from diving into other menu items. I tried a platter with a variety: crab balls, crawfish pies, shrimp, oysters & fish all of which were pretty tasty except the fish which was overly breaded. The shrimp, crab balls & crawfish pies I would definitely order again. The flavor was delicious. The Mac & cheese was different, made with huge pasta shells, but pretty good...however, the potato salad needed some help, flavorless. The menu consisted of many other choices & I could've ordered much more. I love frog legs, but just didn't have room in my tummy for much more. I was pleased with the portion size that was enough for at least 4 meals & reasonably priced. Unbelievable! I went early evening & there were only a couple other people there. Maybe the crowd shows up later in the evening??? I'll literally travel a country mile for good viddles, but believe me, if you want a loyal customer it better be GREAT! This spot is off the beaten path & to truthfully evaluate it overall, it really wasn't worth MY time or effort. I'd pretty much pass in the future & not return. Why? There are TOO Many great restaurants, diners, eateries (you get the picture) in NOLA that I still need to get to, honey. Can't waste my time missing a 'sure thing' for a maybe! Peace out and Neeeexxxxxtttt?! read more

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Food was excellent, staff very friendly and extremely efficient, Ample portions , Onion Rings to die for, Family owned and operated, Super experience. Great time all around. Very good value. 5 Star all around. Wheel chair bound and staff was very helpful. read more

Their food is sooooo good we had the fried fish platter and it was super good o always go here when I want fried catfish

Our party of 6 was seated right away. Lindsey was our waiter and such a sweetheart. We got the JD platter and 3 of us shared the 6+ pieces of catfish, along with the shrimp, crab balls, crawfish pies and 2 cups of gumbo. We had 2 sides of mac and cheese and everything was good. I normally don't like catfish but it was fried well. I thought it could be a bit more seasoned but everything was seasoned well. The shrimp were my favorite. The ONLY downside was my bread being toasted on one side. Other than that, I'm happy read more

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Decided to go to Jack Dempsey for dinner!! Wonderful Choice!! The food was hot, fresh, well seasoned and delicious!! Everything was amazing!! Went back for lunch 2 days later read more

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Everything here is average. This is a neighborhood restaurant. Very old school. No complaints. Just meh.

The fried okra and mushrooms are very tasty. Would give a five star but the batter isn't gluten free.

Ok, I knew about this place for the macaroni and cheese. Best I've EVER had, not to be dramatic. However, the thing that makes it 3 stars overall is the fried food. The batter has no seasoning. I would give 5 stars if there was seasoning! I won't be coming back; I might get the macaroni catered, but any other place I've been has better fried seafood. Please season your batter and I'd come back in a heartbeat read more

Jack Dempsey's Restaurant & Bar - Catfish & oyster plate - Seafood Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Great food great service. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Love the atmosphere. Warm and friendly.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] A great neighborhood restaurant

Big let dwn food has seasoning at all the service was good but the food was horrible!!! Sorry

Excellent food, service. Definitely a must go place! Worst part is parking. Mixed drinks: small pours. Good selection of beers though. Clean and neat restaurant too. read more

Jack Dempsey's Restaurant & Bar - Grilled shrimp entree with side of Mac and Cheese! - Seafood Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Overpriced trash. Charged me $18 for a single overcooked soft shell crab with no seasoning on a stale piece of bread at the Oak Street Poboy Fest. No sauce could save it read more

Wonderful NOLA catfish, gumbo, shrimp. Well worth seeking it out. Had bread pudding for dessert, lovely.