This is a classic for many southern Louisianans. On the bayou, you can drive your boat right up to the dock, and eat right there outside. There are fans and mist on hot days like today, which cooled us off under the shadey pavilion. Or, you can eat inside. It is spacious and they have a bar. It can and will get busy, but that's okay. Just expect it and account for it before you go. In the meantime, get a bucket of beer and look at the boats. We went today on Father's Day, so of course it was busy, but we had a lovely time together on the bayou. The food was good. Their catfish (I prefer thin) and gumbo are my favorites. Today I tried the lemon butter shrimp, but didn't taste much lemon, and it didn't come out as hot as I'd hoped, but it was still nice! I wouldn't order it again but I know their fish and gumbo is where they shine. Prices are another issue. I feel that over the years, prices went up along with the popularity, which is unfair considering the quality of the food has not changed. Strictly speaking about food, I would much rather go somewhere else for the same food. Bottom line: I wouldn't call this place a must. But. It is solid food, and if you really like the outside vibe, then give it a go. I've been here all of my life since my dad loves it, but high prices on simple entrees keep me from personally dining there. read more

Middendorf's - Manchac - Broiled Shrimp with Lemon Butter - Seafood Near Me - Akers, Louisiana

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Notes: 1) been here only once 2) not on a special event day but a regular holiday Pros: 1) very accommodating (+1 ) 2) decent food (+2 ) 3) good service (+2 ) Cons: (-1 ) 1) food could be better 2) really loud and hard to talk without talking over people beside me 3) little space to walk Total: 4/5 My family friend suggested that we come here to eat, because it had great fried catfish and fried soft shell crab. Intrigued, I convinced my family to accept the offer and go try it out. When we first arrived, it was in the middle of nowhere. However, the restaurant was big and had plenty of space since it was a few buildings put together. Inside the restaurant was a toy train and some nice paintings. It was cool to see and seems fun for kids. There was also a shop in the restaurant as well. The service at the front was amazing. There were a few servers and hostesses waiting and making sure that everything was going smoothly. When we got our seats, one of my friends requested special seating and accommodations after we got a seat. The waitress worked it out for us with a smile. They seemed happy to serve us. The waitress was nice, gave us good recommendations, and helped us get comfortable and enjoy our time there. The food was pretty good. It was hard to tell the difference between the foods since most of it was fried. The thin fried catfish was good as it didn't have a lot of grease and still had all of the crunch and flavor. The coleslaw was refreshing against the fried foods and creamy. The fries were pretty standard. The stuffed crab was okay. It had a mix of many flavors which I enjoyed mainly to get rid of the fried taste. The fried soft shell crab tasted more like the breading than the crab itself. It was okay but the overwhelmingly fried flavor is personally not my favorite taste. The bread was also pretty standard and worked well with the butter. Overall, I think that the restaurant food was pretty good for what it was. I have a big issue with eating tons and tons of fried foods as it tastes bad and irritates my mouth. The service was amazing and allowed us to have a good time. read more

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Ate at Middendorf's for lunch today, 2-1-25. Horribly disappointed in food, service was unfriendly. Thin fried catfish was served very cool, and was not even under heat lamp to keep warm. I paid the up charge to substitute fries for potato salad that was more like dill pickle relish with a little bit of red potato mashed into the dill relish. Great for those who love to eat straight dill pickle relish! The stuffed crab was just like those purchased from food service, and very dry. There was nothing authentic about this stuffed crab. Hush puppies were insanely greasy. Iced Tea was way too sweet. The female server was about as unfriendly/unhappy as I've seen in a server.....maybe she was missing teeth? Service was somewhat slow. Don't go .........spent $150 for 4 after tip (2 appetizers, 4 entrees, 4 drinks) read more

10/10 this place ain't no joke. Probably one of the best seafood places I've been to in my life. I would highly recommend.

Food: excellent, thin catfish is really worth eating Service: friendly & fast Ambience: decorated beautifully with seafood designs and view of the bayou. Also outside eating. Water fountain for kids to play. Even a separate smoking area. And a boat dock read more

We arrived at 8:10 on a Saturday night. They close at 9. 2 catfish orders. 1 smothered chicken. Their claim to fave is thin fried catfish. I asked the server if she had a preference over the thin or the thick catfish and she told me she did not like fish. Lol. Certainly that is her prerogative, but she couldn't describe either one. Upon ordering the thick catfish it was served to us on a melamine dish with two sides of which I had chosen a tossed salad and coleslaw. I'm really sick and tired of paying $16 for an entrée to get my food in tiny a Styrofoam bowl. The onion rings we ordered we just typically frozen onion rings thrown out of a bag into a fryer. Same thing with the fries. My salad was actually shredded lettuce like a garnish with an unripe slice of tomato and two pickles on top. My side of dressing was served in a little paper ramekin. The server made us feel rushed throughout the entire dinner. When we left the restaurant in five minutes till nine there was not another living soul as far as customers in the restaurant besides us. They were sweeping all around us. We did order a piece of Keylime pie to go, which was the tiniest piece of Keylime pie I've ever seen.I'm just so tired of paying good money for mediocre food. Nothing special about this place. read more

If you've never had thin fish, you have got to stop here. Food and service were excellent Planning on stopping everytime I'm headed to or from NOLA read more

Middendorfs has recently been sold and has new owners now running it. The menu has changed and so has the taste of the food as well. The last time I went to this restaurant I was unable to eat the food due to it not tasting right. read more

I so long to go back. The thin fried catfish is AMAZING!!! Fries are perfect! Service was great, and the atmosphere is awesome EVERY TIME we are there!!!! Can't wait to do it again! read more

2.5-star rating: "Barely ok" The saying, "The old gray mare; she ain't what she used to be" seems to be applicable here. I had not eaten at Middendorf's in a very long time. In fact, it had been so long that my last visit was in the original restaurant next door to the new one. It was an impromptu late lunch following the 2018 Hammond air show. We were immediately impressed with the "new" restaurant's facade and were even more impressed once we walked inside, as the space was warm and inviting. Furthermore, the space was decked out in full Oktoberfest regalia. We were promptly greeted at the door and immediately seated; and our server (Jennifer K.) took our drink order shortly thereafter. Furthermore, she answered our many menu questions. Unfortunately for us, the food was not what we remembered from years past. Sadly, to say, my son's popcorn shrimp (tails removed) from the kid's menu was the shining star of the day, as the shrimp were actually much better than what I expected from a kid's menu. However, things did not progress. My wife's broiled stuffed (w/ crab meat) shrimp looked phenomenal; however, it was average at best, with a fairly high bread to crab ratio in the stuffing. I opted for the broiled seafood platter and it definitely missed its mark. Shame on me for not noticing on the menu that the catfish was the thin catfish, as it was so thin that it seemed utterly ridiculous. The oysters were ridiculously small and broiled too long, as they were charred on the edges. The shrimp came out tough (slightly rubbery) and had cooled too much to be considered lukewarm. The stuffed crab was not at all what I expected, as the bread to crab ratio in the stuffing was way too high, which left the stuffing being very dry. The side salad was so small that they should just leave it off the menu. The hush puppy was also a little overcooked and dry. In fact, the best part of my meal was the side of vegetables, which was actually pretty darned good. The highlight of our meal was actually our server. Jennifer K. was attentive, patient and very friendly. She was the kind of server that if she was on her break, you'd invite her over to your table to eat with your family. Kudos to you Jennifer K. Perhaps I should have ordered the thin fried catfish, as this is their specialty. However, I prefer regular fried catfish as opposed to the thin fried variety. Maybe I should have ordered the regular fried catfish or the fried seafood platter. Regardless, I don't see a return trip in our future, as it just wasn't what I remembered or hoped it would be. read more

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i ordered a cobb salad but had to have it sent back after the first bite because it had too much dressing. A new salad was brought out without chicken and bacon. i called the server back over to let her know and she said it was because the chef said I had eaten the chicken and bacon. i let her know that I had only taken one bite before noticing it had to much dressing. She took the salad back, and after thinking about it I decided to cancel the order, as I was seriously offended and did not trust the chef to prepare the food. I'd went to bar to speak with a manager and the server came back out with THE SAME salad, apparently preparing to double down in letting me know they would not be adding the meat. The manager quickly dismissed the issue and authorized the waiter to take the order off my bill. I have never been so offended and embarrassed to be falsely accused of stealing some darn chicken and bacon off a salad. I'm sure it would to no one's surprise that I'm black i left her a $12 tip...just for good measure. read more

VISITING NEW ORLEANS? This restaurant is worth the drive. It's about 40mins from New Orleans. We saw a movies that was filmed at this restaurant so we made sure to try it while visiting NO. We were really glad we did. Their thin fried catfish was really, really good! Coleslaw that comes with any order was so good. The place is colorful. read more

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1. Fried flounder with fries and hush puppies. 2. World famous thin fried catfish. (My favorite) 3. Turtle soup. (Just okay) 4. Alligator bites 5. Crab cakes (worth it) It's well worth coming here for their special world special thin fried catfish. Crunchy and not oily at all since it's so thin. Come get you some read more

Middendorf's - Manchac - Seafood Near Me - Akers, Louisiana

Came in the middle of the afternoon after hitting several places for tours. I was on the verge of hanger, you know, where you get so hungry your about to become angry, and did not know what I wanted. I wanted to try this place. The only things I could definitely decide on were the crawfish cakes and the chocolate lava cake with ice cream. Service was wonderful, the employees friendly. Everything was perfect. But I can only speak to an appetizer and a dessert. The coke was cold and refreshing as was the water. I will be back to try other things. read more

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We were so excited that there wasn't a wait at this popular restaurant! We walked right in! It is a very quaint place with old tables and chairs, so you don't go in for the decor but rather the great food. We had fried catfish - yumm! And Barbecued shrimp. The food was great and the service was marvelous read more

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As a CA native, I'd highly recommend visiting Middendorf's when in Louisiana. One of the top seafood spots you can visit, you won't be let down. I went with the famous thin strip catfish and a side order of soft shell crab. The fried catfish is the best I've ever had, fried perfectly and amazing flavor. The soft shell crab was very good as well. Another member of my family got the stuffed flounder (photo included) which I would definitely get next time (I felt obligated to get the catfish on my first visit). Pros: great portions, delicious food. Pricing is fair compared to other seafood restaurants. Cons: wish they had fountain drinks. Small 8oz glass Coke product bottles only. Also think having a house salad as a side option would be cool too! Would definitely return and enjoy this delicious seafood! Highly recommended read more

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Okay, so this is a Nola staple and I had to try it. I was unaware that the catfish was not seasoned. Eek! It was super thin and I was so ready for it...but even after hot sauce and there seasoning they put on the table...I couldn't keep trying. Maybe I need to order the thicker fish or ask for it to be seasoned?? Not sure. I'm not sure if. One back here again. read more

Middendorf's is an iconic place of which I have fond memories from childhood. My last trip here was a couple of years ago, and I found the food not to be very good -- my fried catfish was just a heap of fried stuff on a plate. The wait time was also very long because a busload of people had to be served. I went again today and was even more disappointed. The crab and shrimp gumbo I had didn't taste like gumbo, and in fact tasted like it was made from very old shrimp. I found it inedible. The hushpuppies had no flavor at all. The service and ambience are as nice as always, but the food is not. read more

My family and I ate at Middendorfs last night. I had catfish and shrimp. My thin catfish was so thin there was barely any fish! I have been eating at this restaurant over 60 years and this time was so disappointing. Please make sure this isn't happening all the time! Paying for fried corn flour is definitely not worth the price of eating out!! Sincerely, Ellen P read more

While the service was excellent for me as someone who is local the food was extremely bland. I understand that this is how it has always been cooked but there are to many amazing restaurants in the area that serve way better catfish with fries. read more

Awesome food my favorite is the catfish everyone was delisted with there meals we had six in our group service was fantastic

Walked in restaurant 3 employees standing at the podium (one with a right arm brace), neither one of them greeted us when we walked in. Waitress was polite, however just about everything with our order was WRONG . Ordered the LARGE THICK catfish platter, received 3 small bland catfish fillets. As we walked out the restaurant the lady wearing the brace on her right arm said nothing. read more

You'll be glad you checked this place out. Worth the drive! Thin fried catfish is the name of the game. It's my go to every time. Been going here for almost 50 years. Even worked here when I was in high school. Different owners these days, but the food is as good as always. It definitely has a great atmosphere and is in a unique location. Ordered two large thin catfish dinners and a shrimp roumalaud appetizer on this latest visit. Catfish was great! I'd skip the appetizer, not worth it. Try something different. Bob Temp! read more

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Regardless of which direction you came from, you passed a bunch of much better places to eat. This place has a lot of history, it's a really cool place to visit However, if you know and expect good food, I recommend visiting somewhere else The paper thin catfish is good if you are determined to go. read more

This review is a little late but goshhhh, this was just plain awful. Frozen, microwaved chicken. The Alfredo sauce was pretty much water. Stick to catfish...! read more

Middendorf's - Manchac - Fettuccine Frenzy - Seafood Near Me - Akers, Louisiana

We had a burger and shrimp po boy. From the hostess to the check it was professional and the food was very good!

Very disappointed! Ordered the seafood platter. The bread was dry, the stuffed crab was mostly bread with a little bit of crab, and the thin fried catfish was mostly batter and no fish. Way over priced! We will not be returning. A complete rip off! read more

Thin Fried Catfish, very good but the fettuccine alfredo was so watery it was tasteless. First year attending their fettuccine frenzy and will also be our last. Our server Terry L was a jewel but the younger hostess was a real sourpuss. read more

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A little drive for us but well worth the time. The Louisiana feel of the restaurant is great with Lake Maurepas out the windows, friendly staff, usually easy parking. Best thin fried catfish in the world. Typically quick to the table hot and delicious, also love their slaw. If you only go down once in a lifetime it will be worth it ! Give them a try ! You won't regret it ! read more

A lovely place! Virtually everything except salad and dessert is fried. Lol.. we enjoyed our lunch.. thin fried catfish and fried shrimp..fried onion rings and fried alligator bites. service was good and very polite even though one member of our party was quite later! Visited on a Thursday right after lunch and there was still a crowd.. cute little gift shop as well.. read more

Middendorf's - Manchac - Seafood Near Me - Akers, Louisiana

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Food and service made this a memorable meal. Nice location too! Thin Catfish was a winner... read more

The thin catfish is still the my favorite meal. The food is consistently good, and the service is friendly. I was surprised this visit that Middendorf's no longer has the small catfish platter, and there is only one size. Please bring back the smaller platter! read more

Good food, good service, classic atmosphere. What's not to like? Loved the seasoning used on the catfish. That determines whether or not the fried catfish is good or not. They did well. read more

The food was great as always. We visited by boat just for a different experience. The docks had many tied up but we found room. Staff was pleasant as always. We mostly had the thin fried catfish, a favorite, but got some extra hush puppies and onion rings to start. Add some cold beer and iced tea and it made for a great Sunday afternoon experience. read more

So if you go for the catfish and the service then this is probably a 5. But I was silly enough to try their gumbo which tasted like dishwater and the shrimp were clearly tossed in at the end since one of mine was borderline raw. Again as a silly human, I also ordered salad... with the same indifferent shrimp as the gumbo but fully cooked at least. BUT my salad came with "catfish croutons" which were the best thing about it. My friend who ordered a catfish plate was much happier but her gumbo wasn't any better than mine. The staff was lovely and really attentive and friendly and helpful. Would I drive out that way for dinner? Probably not but if I was passing through at a meal time, maybe so... If I was in the mood for fried catfish. read more

The bartender & the hostess were wonderful. One of the waitresses from another section came to talk with me while I was at the bar (someone stole her ketchup bottles) y'all better bring them back. The service at the bar was amazing. At my table it good not the best, but good. I wouldn't travel an hour & change to go here again the food is not worth it. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT order the gumbo. read more

Middendorf's - Manchac - Sneaky Tequila.... BECAUSE I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO COME HERE!!! - Seafood Near Me - Akers, Louisiana

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My friend and I stopped by Middendorf's a couple of times during our road trips, and it's a pretty decent spot for a quick lunch. The view is nice (next to the water) and the restaurant is spacious. The fried thin catfish was pretty good, and the portions were huge. The hush puppies and fries were crispy and delicious also. I also liked the stuffed crab, although it was a little salty. The coleslaw was also solid. The gumbo was ok, nothing spectacular. I would probably stop by again! read more

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Couldn't leave the South without taking my San Francisco students out for some Southern Comfort food. Never been to the city of Manchac let alone heard of this place but it came highly recommended. We ordered everything from alligator bites and gumbo to frog legs and turtle soup. The fish, alligator, and the frog legs were flaky, crispy and tender--nothing chewy or overcooked. Everything pretty much comes with hush puppies and fries, my "go-to." Sure, my gluten restrictions allowed me to take only a few nibbles at the food but my students ate everything, even the bones of the frog leg, just joking. This place is great for groups and families with its large table seating inside and outside. There's even a deck and dock where people can go out and chill. The sense of community was strong here, good folks with that contagious Southern hospitality. read more

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First of all, the service is excellent here. Miss Audrey is the best of the best in hospitality. Plenty of smiles, light chatter and good smells fills this place. The food came out really quickly...as if they have a physic in the kitchen. Second thing I must mention, the ice cream is homemade. This place claims to be famous for deliciously made thin sliced catfish. Many items on the menu caught my eye, which includes turtle soup and alligator bites. They serve Coca-Cola products, but only in 20 ounce bottles. The only free refills offered are on water and tea. My brother ordered shrimp and crab gumbo, and also the turtle soup. I wanted a fried seafood platter which consists of shrimp, oysters, thin catfish, stuffed crab, french fries, cole slaw and hush puppies. I also ordered spicy crawfish poppers for an appetizer. Crawfish popper - underwhelmed overall from the lack of flavor and spice...and also the lack of dipping sauce. My brother said the gumbo was excellent. The turtle soup was flavorful and had a taste of a rich vegetable soup. Sherry was added to the turtle soup for extra flavor. The seafood platter: If you are a full flavor addict, like myself, this place will not wow you. If you desire lightly golden fried goodness, this place will get you right! This is a good serving size for a platter under $20. Breading is light and not overpowering to the fish. The allure of homemade ice cream was too much, so a banana split was a must. The texture of the ice cream is different from store bought ice creamand made the split special. The split did not come with nuts because of allergy concerns. Overall, stop by experience this place. Get thin catfish and let me know what you think. Do not shy away from the homemade ice cream as well. read more

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As good today as the first time we stopped 20 years ago. We know that there are restaurants struggling from COVID but not Middendorf's! The staff is excellent and the food delicious. We stopped for dinner on a Saturday, the restaurant was busy but we were seated right away. The portions are huge and so much more than we could eat so we took it home - thin fried catfish is really good on Day 2! The catfish is fried to perfection as is the flounder and the sides are wonderful as well. The staff is just so attentive and friendly - we love patronizing a restaurant that is so well run and we'll be back soon. read more

Middendorf's - Manchac - Fried Whole Flounder - Seafood Near Me - Akers, Louisiana