Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant
30160 Hwy 51, Akers, LA, 70421
Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant Menu
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Address :
30160 Hwy 51
Akers, LA, 70421 - Phone (985) 386-6666
- Website https://www.middendorfsrestaurant.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :Closed
- Mon : Closed
Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
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Ivana D.
I had been waiting to come here since I saw it on season 2 of Mind of a Chef. On our way back to South Florida from Texas, we stopped at Middendorf's. Apple maps thinks the restaurant is just in the middle of the highway on a bridge, so be careful, ha. We got the seafood platter, to experience the seafood and the thin fried cat fish. I should have ordered more catfish because it was that freaking good. The stuffed crab was probably one of the best stuffed crabs I've ever eaten. I don't know if it was the seasoning, or cornmeal or what. It was perfect. My boyfriend and I almost fought for it. We were so excited we ended up ordering gumbo and frogs legs because neither of us have had frogs legs before. Frogs legs were actually quite good, but neither of us could get over the frog part. I'm glad we got the experience, though. The use of buttermilk in their breading is outstanding, too. This was such a fun experience and our server was a sweetie. I'm glad I got to have the famous catfish!
(5)Hannah B.
Crispy thin catfish, fried shrimp, and broiled lemon butter shrimp. Food was fabulous! The waitress had a massive sense of humor- my party and another shared one 10 foot table! The hostess was not exactly friendly but the food was great! We all left with very happy tummies. Side note- there was a woman selling fresh produce out of her truck in front of the entrance. Best orange marmalade I've ever had in my entire life.
(4)Matthew T.
We arrived around 10:30am for lunch on a Friday, fresh (or unfresh) from a horribly early flight into New Orleans on our way to Baton Rouge. This detour, which rerouted us through Hammond, was a great way to help us slow down and remember we'd entered Louisiana... and all of its quirky culture glory. No surprise, the menu highlight here is the thin fried catfish. The seasoning is almost non-existent, but that lets a few shakes of Tabasco and a generous dunking into tartar do its job. The result is a lip-smacking flavor and texture combination that makes you understand immediately why this place has been around for more than 80 years. Other things we explored were less impressive, although I applaud their efforts to make so much in house. The turtle soup and the banana bread pudding a la mode fall into this category. The former, while chock-full of turtle flavor, was thin and lacking the bold and well muddled flavors that turtle deserves/needs; the latter was rich but on the gummy side--and the nail in the coffin of any ice-cream: icicles throughout. So overall, this is a 3.5-4 stars for the food on its own. However, the great down-home servers and traditions steeped in history help earn Middendorf's my high praise.
(5)Chris M.
Good food but nothing earth shattering. The thin catfish is really good and the tarter sauce is house made and well above the average. The BBQ oysters were ok but also really messed up my stomach. Service was good and the food came out quickly.
(3)Greg M.
At the risk losing my "Louisianan" card, I'm going to expose Middendorf's for what it is, an over-priced, over-rated tourist trap. Three-stars may be generous, but I suppose "historical significance" should be worth a star, right? They do have a very cool setting, nestled between I-55 and a bayou, with a cool deck/beach-themed area outside the bar, but the food? Old-school, southern, greasy, fried shrimp, catfish, fries and hush puppies. None of which are anything special. I'm not a fast-food guy, but I would expect this type of meal at Popeye's, at a fraction of the price. I don't mind paying $50 for lunch for two (w/o drinks), but it won't happen here, again.
(3)Brian W.
I love this restaurant been eating here for years. They specialize in thin fried catfish, but there other seafood is great too like the alligator and just ther burgers. A must eat.
(5)David B.
You can not go wrong with the thin catfish. Crazy portion if you order the large especially since it comes with hush puppies and fries. Its definitely casual, but worth the drive from downtown. Unfortunately we wanted some crabs, but they ran out just before we got there. Turtle soup was okay, but they aren't famous for that. Get the catfish and you'll be happy.
(4)Flora H.
I think that Middendorf's has a lot of nostalgia for the people that have been going here for years, especially with it getting flooded (more than once) and having to relocate. Overhearing the conversations around me, it was clear that many people had driven quite a ways to get here, and for many, it was their favorite restaurant. I like places with a story and a history, so that made Middendorf's immediately interesting to me. Being a first timer, I didn't quite have the enthusiasm of those around me, including those in my party. For them, it was a planned stop on the drive from Natchez to New Orleans that they make every year. I went with the fried catfish since I was told that they do it the best, and that this is the only place that you can get catfish fried as thinly as they do it here. The large, which I split, was a LOT of catfish and didn't leave room for much else in my stomach. The gumbo and turtle soup looked good, so if I had room I might have tried to squeeze some in. The catfish was good - not the best thing that I've ever had in my life, but I also have nothing to compare it to. It just may be the best thin fried catfish in the world and I wouldn't know it. I'm definitely glad that I tried it and I would get it again, though I'm not sure that I'd drive an hour out of my way to do it. Lots of people would, and do, though.
(4)James W.
This place is old school seafood at its best. It is always busy and always fresh. The thin fried catfish and shrimp is fantastic. The fried frog legs are solid. You can't go wrong with the turtle soup. The outdoor patio is a welcome addition from a few years back. If you live in NOLA do yourself a favor and get out of he city and head to this place.
(5)Nick C.
If crispy, crunchy, scrumptious fried catfish is your thing, then this is most definitely the right place. It's a beautiful 25 minute ride from Metairie, and well worth it.
(5)Andrea S.
Good food! We had the seafood platter broiled and added a soft shelled crab. Hubby also got the turtle soup. The food was really really good. I strongly recommend trying things broiled rather than fried because you can really taste the good quality shrimp and catfish. Thin sliced is good. The only disappointment was the service. We walked in and were greeted with "how many" then taken to a table by a server who never really looked at us. Once seated we were ignored a while. Some servers were busy but I made eye contact with a few who were chatting in the kitchen. Our server finally came and was attentive for the rest of the meal, but never warm. We are friendly people who make jokes and our server gave us polite smiles but never defrosted. I'll go again , but I'll bring a sweater to guard against the frosty staff.
(4)Jay J.
Years ago they were good...!! But today it was the WORST SEAFOOD IVE EVER HAD..!! And for the record.. I'm live in southern Louisiana ... Service was very good..!
(1)Vanessa S.
Omg the food matched the view!! I loved everything we had! Even though it was hot outside we still sat out back and the cool misters kept us comfortable! There is a great beachy sand play area for the kids so the parents can enjoy the view while the kids played!
(5)Nicole C.
Saturday night trip to Manchac for some fried fish, score! Arrived about 6pm to a packed parking lot as well as restaurant. Only had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. Make sure all your party is there or they won't seat you yet. I say 5 stars, because to me, this is the best fried catfish. I like it thin, and that is their specialty. If you're dining with someone who is also a fried catfish fan, order the Large Special and split it. This comes with Hushpuppies, Coleslaw, and a mountain of fish. Also ordered were some onion rings for the table, these were really good, and the fried frog legs, which seemed to be enjoyed. For dessert, the Banana Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce was heavenly. Really...if you like Bread Pudding try this one. The Key Lime Pie was just ok...I liked the Bread Pudding better. If you are in the mood for a small road trip, with the idea to eat some great fried seafood, head to Middendorf's! Only took about 30 minutes from Mid-City, New Orleans to Manchac (no traffic on a Saturday night). Note: While waiting for our table we sat at the small bar and had a couple beers, got to witness the bartender attempt to make a Sazerac. DO NOT ORDER A SAZERAC HERE! I mean really, this is a beer drinking kind of place. You've been warned.
(5)David G.
Thin catfish was delicious and the hush puppies are the best I've ever had. But what I really like is the lay out of the place with bars inside and out right on the water. Really nice spot definitely plan to check out the rest of the menu while I'm taking classes at Southeastern U
(5)Joshua B.
Our family has been going here for years and the food is fantastic.But it seems like lately portions have gotten smaller and pricier and really dragged down the value and not work the trip.
(3)Brianne L.
The people who run this restaurant and serve here are beyond rude. We were docking our boat to eat lunch and were accosted by someone yelling you cannot use this boat slip as recreation, though we were trying to explain we were eating lunch here. He called us a liar and told us he would tow our boat and car. Absolutely ridiculous. Just do not go here. You will be accosted from the second you walk in about how much you are buying. They would not even let me walk in with a bottle of water, because I had to buy theirs. If you want to buy overpriced seafood at least go somewhere where the service is nice!!!!
(1)Cheryl R.
The thin fried catfish is their specialty and my favorite. When the weather is nice it's nice to eat on the deck overlooking Lake Maurepas.
(5)Lus O.
I had the thin catfish with shrimp. It was the best catfish I've had so far. The portions were huge. Had to take some home. My friend had the flounder with lump crabmeat. It was outstanding. Perfectly broiled. Will definitely return. Of course the ride out there is fun.
(4)Ken M.
What a great place to hunker down after a day on the water or fishing from shore. Inside or outside same menu and great service spritzers going to keep deck cool all day. Nice comfy old time music and friendly staff. The view is awesome with the boats coming in and going by all day. The selection on the bar is perfect for hot summer days. Looks just like the bars we visited in Florida keys. Must make a stop
(5)Sarah S.
Love the food and atmosphere here always! The hostess was rude to my 75 year old grandma and wouldn't seat her until I got there and I was stuck in horrible weather and was the only one out of our party of 6 that wasn't here. I understand not seating 1 person waiting or multiple ppl when you are busy but it was slow and barely busy! Not too southern! Anyways I will still come here and enjoy the food! Our waitress was awesome!
(4)Marcus J.
I've gone there since I was a kid every time we travelled to New Orleans, but the last time I went they had added a dock, outside seating, and a place for kids to play on the sand. This stepped it up for me. My wife has the crawfish platter, son had boiled shrimp, and I got the old standby Thinfish. Thinfish was good, crawfish could have had more heat (everybody is different on how they like their crawfish, I can't fault them there.) my son said his shrimp was very good. Always a good time there. Atmosphere improved substantially with outdoor atmosphere. If your not from the south, understand, it's hot here! Don't go for the outdoor seating in the middle of the summer.
(4)Ralph P.
Great views of Pass Manchac and the surrounding bayous. The food is typical southern Louisiana cooking - but the thin fried catfish is amazing. I promise you have never had anything like it. Fabulous. Service was very good. The ambiance was warm and friendly. Very family friendly.
(4)Duane L.
Love this place. Thin fried catfish is the best around. Hands down. You don't stay in business that long, in the middle of nowhere, unless the food is awesome. You can also eat out on the deck by the water. There's a bar outside so you can sip on a drink and watch the boats pass while waiting on your food. EAT HERE !!!
(5)Sam M.
Very good. Prices are consistent with seafood places. Plates are huge. The seafood platter is humongous. Hade turtle soup and crab/shrimp gumbo. Excellent. Bread pudding is good too, it's mor or a pudding. Warning the stuffed crab is a meal in itself.
(4)Jon A.
I've been going to Middendorf's for almost fifty years ... when I lived near Hammond we often went there for dinner ... it was almost an hour's drive but we didn't care ... when I left Louisiana and traveled back to visit relatives Middendorf's was always a stop from the airport in New Orleans to parts north - either going or coming we never missed stopping, often for take-out on the way to the airport ... we celebrated birthdays, weddings, racetrack winnings, etc, or anything as an excuse to visit ... I told friends who were visiting the area to go there, no matter of it was an hour's drive or more, as the catfish is that from which all catfish would be judged ... so recently on the event of my dad's eighty-fifth birthday, there was no other choice but Middendorf's, and the "old building" which I remember from my youth ... I always order the turtle soup and was not disappointed, as well as the catfish, to which there is no comparison ... there was seven of us in the party and my brother and I, rather than fight over the bill, agreed to split it ... my bill was $135 which was a bit high but I am not one to sit and "nit-pick" a bill, and we had brought in two bottles of wine, each getting a $15 corkage fee, and I added twenty-five dollars as a tip ... that was May 7th ... today is June 3rd, and yesterday I found the receipt among others I had and was surprised to see that a gratuity of $25.99 had been added to my bill ... I'm not cheap, but I would not have left a $25 tip had I noticed that $25.99 had already been added ... now mea culpa can be applied as I did not read the "small print" but it would have been nice to be told that that "gratuity" had already been applied ... I called my brother to see if he had been charged as well but he did not have his receipt but said that he had left a tip as well ... so my "tip" was $50.99 and who knows what my brother left - not bad for a slight of hand by the restaurant ... I'll continue to eat there, and recommend it, but I will advise others to check their receipt carefully so they don't get caught up in that trick bag ... the taste of a bad experience will be remembered long after the taste of a good meal ...
(2)Chuck R.
Have never had a bad meal at this place. The fried catfish and oyster platter was scrumptious. And their fried hush puppies are a real treat. Service was fast and efficient if not all that friendly during this visit. The building improvements are very nice too. Will gladly drive the 45 mins there and back every time we visit the NOLA area.
(5)Molly S.
My group was fairly large so we expected longer waiting time. A friend of mine had to ask three times before she got her drink. Our food was delivered quicker than expected. Sadly the thin catfish everyone talks about I found bland (a word not commonly used in Cajun cooking). Stuffed crab was amazing. Hush puppies however I have had much better but they were fair. The real kicker was paying. It took forever for us to get our two waitresses attention to give/pick-up our checks. Finally we get everyone their change an go to the restroom. Now I understand water conservation but brown water anywhere in a restaurant is not appealing even in the toilets. All in all I was left feeling like it didn't live up to it's reputation.
(3)Emily S.
Middendorf's is a south Louisiana staple. In business since the 1930's, it's one of those places that ANYONE who grew up in south Louisiana remembers going to. Located on Bayou Manchac it's been washed away by storms and rebuilt multiple times. They are best known for their thin, and lightly breaded catfish, but they serve other south Louisiana seafood fare as well. The atmosphere is casual, the prices extremely reasonable, the service great and the food delicious. It's out in the middle of nowehere but well worth the drive. Since Hurricane Katrina they have rebuilt and expanded quite a bit. There is also a very nice, sand-box area for kids to play and a serene pier on which you can walk out onto Bayou Manchac and enjoy the south Louisiana swampland landscape.
(5)David T.
There were seven of us; 3-seafood platters, 2-shrimp & fish, 2-oyster & fish. Of course, the fish was awesome, as was everything else.
(4)Christopher W.
Nestled between Lake Pontchatrain and Lake Maurepas Middendorf's is one of the best and most scenic places in Louisiana to enjoy the abundance of seafood that thrives in the area. They specialize in their famous thin fried catfish but other seafood options like overstuffed crab, oyster and shrimp. For those on the lighter side of things can get any seafood option broiled. The soups look great too. If your traveling on I-55 headed to New Orleans this is a must lunch or dinner stop.
(5)Sherri T.
(Fried Catfish/Hushpuppies & Turtle Soup) ----- Stopped in for lunch, no wait. Had the fried catfish/hushpuppies which was excellent. The catfish breading awesome and no hint of grease & the hushpuppies weren't the run of the mill ones lacking flavor...these puppies had so much character, left you savoring every bite trying to identify the ingredients. The bowl of Turtle soup is good sized and it looked delicious. When I tasted it the delicious bell wasn't going off, I kept trying to associate the flavor with something I knew but never made the connection. The flavor was good but it never made friends with my palette which I contribute to the fact my family owns many turtles that are part of the family. The atmosphere was pleasing to the eyes...quite, clean, relaxing open seating. Our waitress "WANDA" was awesome. We are from MO/IL in town for 3 days and she told us of the events happening that are popular among the locals. Wanda Rocks! Highly recommend!
(5)Dana M.
They said they could accommodate our party over the phone and turned us away at the door. Not good news after the long drive there. Boo.
(1)Kathy L.
Very good food and friendly staff. The catfish was cooked perfectly. The waitress was very pleasant, efficient, and patient in answering all my questions. Enjoyed every minute.
(5)Cord M.
The thin fried catfish is what they are known for, so that's what I ordered. Vivian our waitress was very good, as was the food. Most fried seafood joints are very similar, as is Middendorfs, but it is good and worth a try if you are in the area. Oyster stew was simple but good.
(4)Catherine C.
Now I remember why we waited so long to come back. Unless you're coming for the catfish, or to enjoy their gorgeous outdoor seating don't waste your time. Every other food item we've tried has been mediocre at best, with way too expensive of a price tag to make the trip out here worth it. There is better closer to wherever you're from. That said, the service is good and Southern...slow and charming.
(2)Christopher J.
The ambience and view is very nice, and the staff is very friendly and usually prompt. I prefer the thick catfish to the thin, and that's what I stick with even though they specialize in the thin-fried catfish. The bread pudding is amazing.
(4)Roger E.
After driving an hour got to the restaurant and found out there was an hour wait for a table for four. Evidently they cater to tour buses because there were two large ones parked in the lot. Many people weren't waiting so we decided to follow the exodus. Nothing worth waiting an hour for in the heat. Since this was a Saturday night at 7:30 pm I would expect a wait but not that long. Might be better on a weekday.
(2)Rae Lynne K.
Came here for my brother's rehearsal dinner party and to meet his new bride's family for the first time. It had been years and I mean YEARS since I had been here. It had been so long that I remember when the place was just the older small building with a wait time that would be hours! But worth it! Now there is a newer larger building with plenty of seating area, large bar, and very nice outside patio area. I briefly checked out the patio area just because the mosquitoes were out and didn't want to become a mosquito sandwich or have bumps for the wedding but during the summer I bet this place is the place to be. Inside, we were able to secure a table large enough for our entire party. We did let them know ahead of time we would have a large party but we had to wait until everyone arrived to be seated. I ordered a crawfish cake with remolaude sauce for an appetizer which was magnificent although small. I could have had more! Our table had fried onion rings which were thick onions and not necessarily my favorite yet still good. For dinner I had fried shrimp with fried thin catfish, which was so good. There's something to be said for the thin catfish. Try it and you will see! For dessert I had a bite of banana split but was so full from everything else I didn't over indulge, besides I'm not used to eating so much fried food in one sitting. Although this place feels out of the way, it is definitely worth the drive. And they are still closed on Mondays.
(4)Mat T.
If you're lookin for this in Ponchtoula, don't waste your time bcuz it ain't there. Maybe the newish Walmart took its place, but I wasted about 40 mins trying to find it. Finally found it in Manchak after asking locals. Popular with locals and traveller's alike. Good quality Cajun food especially the barbecued shrimp! Shrimp and crab Gumbo though was a bit weak with the crab being only a still shell encased claw. Mostly, reasonable pricing.
(3)Christian R.
This....place....is...amazing! It's a bit pricey, our lunch for 2 was about $40 (including an appetizer), but it was hands down the best fried catfish and shrimp I have ever had. If you ever find yourself in Manchac Louisiana, and don't eat here, you are a fool.
(5)Steve F.
Thin catfish and slaw is to die for. If your looking for good fresh seafood then here's the spot. Worth the drive from New Orleans two times over.
(5)William B.
I love this place . I have been eating the thin catfish dinner for years and this is the first time that it was below average. New owner has made some nice changes, but today the kitchen staff dumped too much salt into the batter! Almost inedible. I will give it another try before I dump this place.
(1)J S.
Love this place. It's a must stop if you are in the area. It's fried fish heaven. I must admit, I have never been a big catfish fan (thought I might be disowned when I admitted that I don't really care for catfish while growing up!), but the catfish at Middendorf's is a whole different experience. It's tasty and I think, for me, the thinness makes it easy to eat......and eat and eat! I love the view....true Louisiana. Now I can put away some hush puppies and the ones here are good, not spit in your eye good, but still tasty.
(4)Greg M.
I gotta say I was highly disappointed . Let me first say. The service was great and I love there concept. However the food was was sub par. I had the stuffed crab. Which tasted like the stuffing had been made a week ago and stuffed in a freezer until it was ordered. Had no taste and the stuffing was like digging dirt with a spoon. The hushpuppy's were cold and old. My wife had the shrimp and it also tasted like frozen shrimp u would get at your local chain market. Nothing we ate was fresh and we went at a peak time for dining. And to top it off we paid 70 dollars for food I would not have served for free. I will say this with all the positive feedback this place gets we will try it again for a second opinion and hope that are first trip was a fluke
(1)Michael D.
Food is good, service is so so ( not bad but not Great) If you have a birthday party, don't bring cake or anything like that because they won't lit you bring it inside and use it. It is worth the drive to go hear and eat.
(3)Mark T.
Fantastic. I have been all over the world but this is the best fried catfish in the world! And I love the expansion to the dining room and the deck.
(5)Newly P.
Totally agree with some of the other reviewers who pointed out the catfish, crabcakes etc. have more bread in it than the real deal. The thin fried catfish is supposed to be their specialty, but I thought it was just average. Without liberal doses of lime juice, it would probably not taste like anything. I got the soft shell crab cake, which looked very intriguing on the plate, but again had more bread than crabmeat. The gumbo was good though. It's not worth driving all the way for. but if you're in the area, you might as well drop in.
(3)Barbara G.
Thin fried catfish is a must have! Stuffed crab was delish..a little on the dry side but with a pat of butter melting inside it was all good. Arrived at 1:30 and only had a twenty minute wait. I don't come here often enough!
(5)Sasser M.
What was once a good dining experience has fallen grace. It's a shame to live off of the name and reputation of former greatness. At our table of 8, everybody had problems with their food. All of the shrimp was overcooked both fried and boiled. The hush puppies were a greasy mess, the fish was fairly bland and the soft-shell crab was over battered. It wasn't the great place that it once was. While our waitress was attentive, the others were downright rude. One even pointedly told me `no` when I asked for remoulade sauce. At least our own waitress provided some later on the mean for my dry stuff crab. I'm not sure the the original owners have died and left the place to their children or if they were simply bought out. It left me wondering why the place was crowded.
(2)Spicy M.
Middendorf's has Experienced the Wrath & Fury of Isaac! Soooo SAD! Check out the HOME TAB on the website & the 8 photos Under Twitter Photos. middendorfsrestaurant.com I'm going to miss sitting at that beautiful bar, sipping a Golden Cadillac, chowing down on some Crab Claws w / the BEST Remoulade' Sauce Ever...& that "Signature" Thin Fried Catfish! I have Faith....they'll BE BACK! STAY STRONG, Middendorf's! Our thoughts & prayers are with ya'll!
(5)Faith A.
My family has been coming here before I was born so Middendorf's holds some nostalgia for me. Every few years a hurricane will come and wipe them away, but that has never broken their spirit and their quality and consistent product. The deck is an outstanding place to enjoy your meal and the catfish is still as good as its always been. I go for the thick fried catfish because the thin fried is almost too thin. The other seafood here is good as well and I can't get enough hushpuppies! It's the perfect distance from New Orleans, the drive suits as the perfect time to digest that glorious meal.
(4)David R.
Turtle soup had great taste but wasnt enough in it. Shrimp was excellent and fried catfish lived up to hype. Cool atmosphere especially outdoor patio and service was solid.
(4)Ross R.
Another long time favorites from childhood to present. It's simple down south Louisiana cuisine, but done perfectly and consistently. Although they have change through the years of my experiences there, I feel they have changed for the better. We have been there for both small, and large dining, and have docked straight from the lake to do so.
(5)Martin Z.
Ate dinner there last night. This is all about deep fried, breaded everything. The catfish lack flavor and was very heavily breaded. The atmosphere was non existent - the lighting in the dining room is very cold CFC/LED type. Quantities of food were plentiful. I know its a classic in the area, and it certainly was full on a stormy Wednesday night, but I will pass on a return visit. Try Freniers Landing, about 10 miles south. Much better quality food in a nice ambiance.
(2)Jason M.
Fried seafood is my least favorite type of seafood. That being said I love the thin cut fried catfish. That and the bread pudding alone are enough to keep me coming back. I am sorry it took me this long to try them out. They are going on my must visit list on my yearly pilgrimages to NOLA.
(4)Kris A.
We sat on covered deck and the breeze coming off the lake made for a perfect outdoor meal. Apps we ordered were the shrimp and crab gumbo,shrimp remoulade(shrimp were tiny but the remoulade was delicious) stuffed mushrooms(came 4 to an order, pretty good) and turtle soup Entrees were stuffed crab, fried frog legs, thin/thick catfish, fried shrimp. I personally liked the sweet cole slaw but no one else seemed to like it. The hush puppies were yummy. the stuffed crab was filled with crab meat but a little on the dry side. The batter they use on the fried food is light and fresh but no seasoning. You order your food at the counter and they call out your name when its ready. You get your own iced tea/water refills and a busser takes your dirty dishes. The atmosphere is laid back and casual. It may not be 5 star food but still worth the drive
(4)Denis P.
Used to live in Louisiana and loved this restaurant. Moved out years ago, and stopped in while traveling through on business. Was very sorry to see it go down hill so bad. I wanted to try a little bit of all my old favorites and was very disappointed. I started out with my absolute favorite, the oyster stew. What used to be a large bowl of a very light dairy and oyster liquor broth, fresh parsley and beautiful plump oysters, turned into a small little serving of onion flavored wall paper paste. Thick and nasty. The oysters were over cooked, and tough. Next was the thin fried catfish, and stuffed shrimp. The fried catfish was okay but not as thin and delicate as I knew it from years ago. The stuffed shrimp were pre-made and thrown in the oven on order. They tasted of refrigerator. The shrimp were very small and the stuffing was bland. Come on people this is shrimp country! This dish should have been served with large jumbo shrimp for the price, or at least fresh enough to not have that nasty refrigerator after taste in the back of your throat. And now on to the fried soft shell crab I got as an add on. The crab was excellent quality however it was so over battered, it's delicate taste was totally lost in a big clumpy mess of fried batter with a taste reminiscent of some old leftover donuts. This place used to be an excellent excuse for a ride up the swamp, but with all the excellent seafood outlets around New Orleans such as Deanie's etc. save your gas, stay in town and eat some good food, leave this place for the tourists. Although I've had much worse, I give this restaurant only 1 star considering how far it has went down hill, and how expensive it is for what you receive.
(1)Carol M.
Great meal. First time back since my first iphone! The food was hot , and greet. Service was superb.
(5)Bert M.
Great family style restaurant. I'm personally not a fan of the thin chip style catfish, but that is what this place is famous for. Definitely start off with the crawfish cakes and then any enter' you pick will be a favorite. ENJOY!
(4)Marty W.
Located right off I55 south of Ponchatoula Middendorf's is celebrating its 80th anniversary. Parking is ample, but you might have to walk some. The restaurant is large and has different levels. Service was friendly and quick. We had the thin fried catfish, a shrimp po-boy and a cheeseburger. The thin fried catfish is very good, but a little greasy. The fries are good, but the slaw was just OK. The large order of catfish is a lot, but I got it to share. The shrimp po-boy was rated as an 8 out of 10. It is better than average, but needed a little more spice. The burger was good. The prices are OK and the server was friendly. If you order sweet tea or a coke, you get a bottle. Which means that there are no refills. All is all it was good. There was someone selling fresh strawberries in the parking which are awesome in the spring.
(4)Christine S.
This is the best catfish in at least 3 states, we have never been disappointed, we bring all our friends and family that visit, to eat here and we always have a great time. The fish is always our favorite, we tried the crab claws and small onion rings last night, and we're not disappointed. We were able to enjoy the outside seating last nite with a great breeze in early August in southern LA. Enjoy.
(5)Heather H.
After awhile pretty much everything starts to taste the same as its all fried. For some reason the thin catfish is all the rage here, but really I found the seasoning to be bland. Also tried the turtle soup, and BBQ'd shrimp all of which had the same levels of bland, flavorless food. I came in with the expectation that southern cooking would contain some sort of kick to it, but instead I could have gotten that at a Popeyes chain. If you're into people watching though, you'll get an interesting mix of families.
(2)John A.
Went on 11/22/2013. Thin fried catfish was excellent, but the service was a little disappointing due to my waitress being more interested in sitting and talking with another waitress rather than waiting tables. Overall, very good food and atmosphere.
(4)Keith D.
Great catfish fillets!! Not greasy or too salty. Hot from the fryer. Service wad good too!
(5)Gary H.
Over rated. I had the thin fried catfish and shrimp. these were pre frozen shrimp. The fish and shrimp were not seasoned very well {bland} and my fries were limp. The server was friendly though. Why they still pack people in, I don't know...
(1)Dixon S.
Wasn't quite sure about this place being out in the middle of what seemed like nowhere. I am not a seafood fan, but if you are and you like everything fried this is your place. The catfish seemed to be the favorite of the day and everyone in my group tried a little of everything; catfish, oysters, and those nasty lil' crawdad things (gross). I think you could have heard a pin drop when I ordered the bacon cheeseburger, everyone in the place could probably tell I wasn't from there. Anyway ... I am told all of the seafood was delicious, as for the burger it was average, but what do you expect from a well established seafood place.
(3)Jennifer B.
Pretty darn good. I'll admit, I'm not a huge seafood fan. The less "fishy" that it tastes, the better. That being said, I love thin fried catfish. It isn't overly fish-like, and the locals definitely know how to season their breading. The Middendorfs catfish is exceptionally delicious, and the various hot sauces on the table give it that extra kick. If you happen to be a seafood lover like the rest of my family, you will also love Middendorf's. They have an extensive menu of everything from crabs, crawfish, oysters, seafood gumbo, turtle soup, etc. The baby especially loved the crawfish cakes appetizer. Definitely do yourself a favor and see if there is seating available on the patio by the water. There are fans with misting stuff, so it doesn't feel overly hot. The scenery just adds a special something to the meal. We have driven past Middendorf's probably 20x over the past year, and today was the first time I stopped in. I think it's going to become a regular stop for lunch or dinner on our road trips.
(4)John G.
Awesome food!! We visit this place everytime we go to New Orleans.I highly recommend the thin fried catfish plate or shrimp. Their gumbo and bread pudding are good too. The wait staff are friendly and very helpful. Note -- the restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Also, don't be intimidated by the full parking lot. The restaurant is very large and we have never had to wait.
(5)Daniel M.
They love that thin catfish. It was ok, but i'll get the thick next time. Too much like eating bread with a little fish in it. The stuffed crab was very good and had lots of crabmeat in it. I got the seafood platter so i could try all the fried fare. It was all tasty but not the best i've ever had. cool place to go with kids or a large group b/c the food comes out quick and there's a lot to look at (boats, RV's, chickens and rabbits in the back).
(3)Perri V.
Went for lunch for the first time. We had a 20 minute wait at 1:30 on a Friday. Mostly fried seafood of course. I did like the thin catfish. They are a little stingy with the shrimp on the shrimp platter. The Gumbo and Turtle Soup were both made with VERY dark roux's. So dark it begins to taste bitter. It's okay for simple fried seafood. Nothing that really stands out.
(2)Joseph B.
Ate on the deck, self serve, but, very comfortable & easy. Thin Catfish fantastic Will be back!
(5)Phyllis J.
I have never had a bad experience at Middendorf's. I started going there back in the 70's and have been a fan ever since. Can't wait to go back! The thin catfish is to die for, the frog legs are supreme, I've never had anything bad here.
(4)Joel A.
It's kind of in the middle of nowhere, but on our drive from Louisiana to Mississippi we stopped at this local institution for lunch. Despite its location, it's quite popular. We happened to be there for lunch on a Thursday that a Saints game was happening in New Orleans, and the place was packed with fans taking a pit stop on their way to the game. Geaux Saints! From other reviews, I knew I wanted to try the BBQ oysters and the thin fried catfish. I was not disappointed. There are five BBQ oysters per order, and it was a perfect way to start the meal. Save your french bread and sop up the tasty sauce! The thin fried catfish was also a treat -- crispy and flavorful. Someone in our group ordered a half order of the catfish with fried oysters and greatly enjoyed it. The oysters were plump and were served crisp and hot. The broiled flounder was just OK. We sprung for the extra crab lump meat to be served on top. For the extra $6.95 for the crab, we didn't get as much as we expected and it did not add to the overall experience. Not bad, but the dish could have been better.
(4)Donna P.
Middendorf's has gluten-free fried fish that is to die for. For those of you with a gluten allergy, you know how difficult it is to find a good place to eat that won't make you sick. Middendorf's is that place. The fish is fresh and delicious. I'll definitely be back soon.
(4)Mike P.
I had the thin fried catfish with fries and hush puppies and it was excellent. The breading on the catfish was not greasy at all and perfectly crisped. It was honestly the best fried catfish I've ever had. I can see why they needed to open a second building next door, that place gets packed!
(5)Zoraida K.
Normal fried seafood but a few twists. I like their BBQ oysters and always stop there with my mother-in-law on the way back from MSY into sunny MS. I also like their Bloody Marys.
(4)Suzie W.
Amazing catfish. Our first visit to Middendorfs but it won't be our last. Our table ordered thin catfish and thick catfish. The thick catfish is very good. Fresh, well prepared. Not greasy. The thin catfish...oh my...the best catfish I have ever had. Served with ties, slaw and hush puppies. The fries, anh. Just fries. I did enjoy the slaw but you have come here for the catfish. Soft drinks are served in glass bottles which makes any soft drink better. I had a Sicilian Margarita, which might be the best cocktail available. Come here hungry, enjoy, and just eat the catfish.
(5)Lori T.
Sometimes this thick girl likes it thin, especially when were talking about fried fish. This is the place to go for fried seafood. Service is good, food is consistent and the drive is relaxing. Last time we ate outside on the patio and enjoyed the breeze. I recommend the thin fried catfish ( a small order is plenty) and the hush puppies are scrumptious. Just save room foe dessert, as the home made ice creams are fantastic as well.
(4)Mike L.
Devils alley
(4)Shannon S.
I've stopped off here for years on trips back and forth to and from New Orleans. They have some fantastic seafood and they are famous for their thin fried catfish. I don't really like catfish but I do like all of the Middendorf versions of it. I always get gumbo or turtle soup and usually the seafood platter with a softshell crab. I think I've liked pretty much everything I've ever had here and they also have a broiled seafood plate if you want to avoid the fried stuff. They have a pretty extensive menu with lots of options and good po boys to round everything out. Definitely a good stop on a road trip and I've always had quick and pleasant service.
(4)Linda O.
Good food, great atmosphere, love the Cokes in glass bottles! Filling food, well seasoned, GREAT breading on the very tender catfish. We always plan to stop here when driving to or from NOLA.
(4)Dana D.
You can sit indoors for table service, which is a longer wait, or sit outside at the patio deck where you order at the counter. Boats can drive up to the deck, which is pretty neat. Makes me want a boat. Most of the patio is covered, but there is a non-covered section with misters to make the summer heat a little more bearable. There is a sand volleyball court and loungers as if you're at a beach. The food was OK- the thin-fried catfish is their thing- it was a little too thin for me- each bite tasted like a ton of the breading with just a little bit of catfish. I like thin sliced catfish, but I don't like it really thin either. The hush puppies were good, the coleslaw was sweet, which was unique, but not for me. Is it worth a drive from New Orleans? Not really.
(3)Katie B.
I'm only giving this place one star because I liked the thin fried catfish. HORRIBLE service. I went with my family for a small reunion and the staff knew we were coming ahead of time. The hostess was rude while we waited for all of our party to arrive, irritated that we had a large group. When they finally sat us (they refused to seat us until the last two people came) we were rushed to place our orders before most of us had sat down and gotten situated. The wait staff around us kept complaining about our group being in the way and rolling their eyes constantly. I thought about tell a manager but the two that I saw were there right along with the wait staff rolling their eyes. We asked if our server could take a picture of us and she flat out said no and went to complain to a manager about our simple request. When we got up to leave and say good bye the waitstaff physically herded us out. I will not be returning, ever.
(1)Hank M.
One of the best catfish poboys I've ever had. Must eat out on the deck! Definitely worth the drive to the middle of nowhere.
(4)Ryan W.
Absolutely delicious seafood. The stuffed Flounder is incredible - just like you used to get out at West End. The catfish is great,but the thin is a bit to thin, and the tick is still pretty thin, so go with the thick.
(4)Miriam W.
The first time I saw this place we were just driving through on I-55, heading north from New Orleans. I made a mental note and googled it when I got home, and, sure enough, it's very popular and highly rated, although it's truly in the middle of nowhere without much else around it. No insult meant to Manchacians...it's a lovely nowhere in beautiful bayou country, with a nice lake for a backdrop. For me, this is part of its charm. The people here are so friendly and sweet that when we left I had a smile on my face and was glowing with all the good cheer. That, and the really yummy thin fried catfish, which is their speciality. We started with barbecued oysters on the half shell, which were good, but I prefer them just raw personally. I probably eat my body weight in these things annually. Anyway, good oysters, great catfish, coleslaw and fries. The thin catfish is perfectly fried and melts in your mouth. Add a little Crystal hot sauce to everything and you've got a great meal. We both ordered the thin catfish, which was stupid of us, as they do both thick and thin, and we should have tried both. Southern Living magazine calls their fried catfish the best in the world. Wow. They also offer gumbos, fried chicken, shrimp remoulade, all kinds of fried and broiled seafood, even hamburgers. The bread pudding was very good, one of the better ones I've had. We'll be back to try more. They're open Wednesday thru Sunday for lunch and dinner, and closed Monday and Tuesday.
(4)Jordi G.
Maybe its because I never hear the end of how good Middendorf's fried thin catfish was, I was a little disappointed. I was out in the hood so it was definitely worth a stop, it absolutely would not be worth a special trip from Nola. The fried thin catfish was almost zero catfish and like twice as much breading than actual fish. It also didn't have much flavor and needed the abundance of lemon and tartar/cocktail sauce that they give you. I think the thick fried catfish would have been a better option if you like actually eating fish and not just fried breading. Worth trying- yes, worth going twice- i think not
(3)Derek R.
Killer thin fried catfish! Seriously, the first time you go there this is what you need to get! Hugely popular on the weekends so don't freak out if the parking lot is jammed full. They move people through fairly quickly so the wait isn't so bad. The ambiance/decor is like a beach bar/restaurant. Nothing fancy here. You should have this place on your bucket list - for the catfish.
(5)Sara F.
I'm giving this place an almost perfect review completely on its own standing & not comparing it to any other seafood restaurants located actually in Nola, it just wouldn't be fair as this isn't a fancy place, plus it's a way's away but a nice drive & nice location. I had a tasty, super fresh-shrimp po' boy which was delicious!!! The husbo had a massive bucket of crawfish & took over an hour enjoying his delicious personal crawfish boil :) Great service, nice location overlooking their sand bar for kids, which was adorable, & delicious rum cake for dessert. I'd def go back once I move here!
(4)Kai N.
The catfish was indeed thin and golden but there was more batter than catfish. -1 pt. The BBQ oysters were more sauce than oyster -1 pt. The blatant segregated seating of blacks (in the back) and whites (in the front) made the food barely edible -2 pts. Sad story.
(1)Kelly H.
Three words: Thin fried catfish. Really, that's all you need to know. Well OK...The place is located right off I-55 in the middle of a swamp (it can get really creepy at night). However, the surroundings are actually quite beautiful in certain way. The restaurant itself is quite old (dates from the 1930's I believe). But it does have its own unique charm. The Restaurant serves basic fried seafood. It's all pretty good but nothing is really special other than the Thin Fried Catfish. I will go out a limb and say that it's some of the best catfish I have ever tasted. Is it worth an hour's drive from Baton Rouge or New Orleans? Probably not. But if you are in the area...
(3)Federico S.
to much fried whatever, forever. missing the old style boils but everybody wanna a fry and a lot of them are fat like pigs. the place was ok, the best the oyster soup and the steamed shrimps. not worth a trip especially for the stupid catfish. the waitress was a sweet heart though
(2)Damon R.
Located on the shores of Lake Manchac, Middendorf's has been serving world famous thin cut fried catfish for over 75 years. Great old place for Louisiana seafood, about a 35min drive out of New Orleans. Shrimp, Oysters, Frog Legs, Softshell Crab and of course Catfish. Louis Middendorf moved to Manchac to live with family after losing his job in the 1929 stock market crash. In 1934 all WWI veterans were given a 500 bonus and with another 500 loan co-signed by the New Orleans Mayor opened the depression era restaurant in 1934. A lot of good stuff on the menu but for my first time eating when asked thick or thin, reply thin.
(4)Robert B.
Middendorf's is one of those places locals love to go to if only for the memories it induces, like the Sunday drive up the Hwy 51 roller coaster, the swarms of Tangi Baptists fresh from services lined up waiting for tables, and the little glasses of tea and coke seved by little old lady waitresses in white dresses. Alas, the little glasses n'existe plus, replaced by the monster plastic big gulp variety found at every pizza chain. And there are no little old lady waitresses in white dresses.But the food is as good as ever, maybe better. I hadn't been in awhile so I went with the signature thin fried catfish. It was AWESOME, better than the last time. I may be wrong, but I remember the catfish being too thin, sort of like a catfish potato chip. I had even switched to the thick for that reason. But this time it seemed a little thicker and therefore tastier. The fries were the frozen variety but nice and crsipy. The coleslaw was forgettable, but the hush puppieswere perfect. I ordered the small portion which was plenty big enough for me My friend made a poor choice, a shrimp salad with something called catfish croutons on it. (They turned out to be chopped up pieces of the thin catfish which were pretty useless.) She also royally po'ed the waitress when she asked for "dressing on the side and can you hold the croutons." I literally thought the piano wire was coming out. And the croutons were on anyway. If they could talk they would have been saying "FU, b***h, I'm here, deal with me." Anyway the salad was pathetic looking, mostly because the shrimp looked like they were born and raised in a plastic bag. But I loved my catfish, and so recommend this place. (And it's a fun little road trip. )
(3)Chris R.
Every time I've been I ordered the thin catfish...it's that good. Well worth the wait ...and it always seems to be a wait.
(5)Virginia F.
Middendorf's has been a family favorite for the longest. Being that I'm not a big seafood fan, I can usually take it or leave it. But I'm always ready to take that 30 minute ride to Pass Manchac and have that delicious thin fried catfish, their signature dish. I've had both the small and large portions and the small is more than enough. True, you can spend 3 dollars more and get the large portion so you can have left overs--but that catfish doesn't taste as well reheated. We tried the BBQ oysters--they were great! Middendorf's makes their own BBQ sauce that while heavy on the worchestershire sauce, it's makes a kicky companion to the oysters on the shell. Be careful when they are served--those shells are oven-hot and the waitress didn't tell us. Ayy! The funny part is that they were served on rock salt that looked like ice cubes *blush* I did not like the gumbo though. The roux tasted...too floury. Too brown. Does that make sense? The crabfingers in remoulade were pretty good. Fountain drinks do NOT have free refills, only the iced tea. I find that strange these days, but they were bottled sodas and not from the fountain dispenser so probably that's why. There's a deck to sit outside and enjoy the lake view. During the summer, they have misters to deal with the heat and of course, it's shaded. So along with the lake breeze, it's not as bad as you may think to sit outside on a Louisiana summer day.
(4)T S.
Every time I have driven to New Orleans from Memphis, I would pass the Manchac exit and think "One of these days I must stop at Middendorf's." This past trip, we finally did - and it was worth the wait for a table and worth the detour away from the Big Easy. I ordered the turtle soup, and it was good. Full of meat and spiced just right. My son got a shrimp po boy and instead of the frozen popcorn ones that you find on so many, these shrimp were freshly breaded and fried. The bread was crusty - just like it is supposed to be. The boyfriend had catfish and I didn't hear him complain. For dessert, the old fashioned banana split was calling. I haven't had a banana split since high school - and this one reminded me of why I gave them up. Because I would eat the entire thing. Middendorf didn't skimp on the chocolate sauce, strawberries, or whipped cream. We definitely will make this part of the tradition of going to New Orleans.
(4)betsy b.
Absolutely perfectly fried, greaseless seafood. Excellent coleslaw-sweet, tangy and crisp. I have NEVER had a bad meal there. This is what many New Orleans fry houses aspire to be (and very few are). A true Holy Grail for fried catfish. Well worth the scenic ride to Pass Manchac. GO!
(5)David D.
The catfish was thin, yes. Flavorful? No indeed not.
(2)Mark L.
Ive been going here for as long as I can remember. This restaurant definitely holds a special place in my heart, so this review may be a bit biased. When you go here get the seafood gumbo and the thin fried catfish. For me, this is an essential Louisiana food experience, and you won't be disappointed. I eat this every year on my birthday.
(5)Colleen H.
Yesterday I was really craving me some thin fried catfish, so I sweet talked hubby into taking me here for that thin fried catfish. I love love love it! Everything is just kind of OK but that catfish rocks! Totally worth the hour drive from BR.
(4)Aviv G.
I had never heard of "thin-sliced" catfish but it was mighty fine. The gumbo we had there was among the best I've ever had, too. How can you not like a place where the waitress calls EVERYONE hun at EVERY opportunity.
(4)Ragen P.
Great food I love the softshell crabs
(4)Rachel D.
If someone, Yelp for instance, indicates that Middendorf's is worth a detour, do not believe them. It is a crazy lie. At least based on the catfish which, whether you get it thick or thin, is totally bland. The french fries are no better. At least the catfish pool and chicken coop out behind the restaurant were mildly interesting. PS. the map next to this yelp review has absolutely no relationship to Middendorf's actual location. It's all part of the crazy lie.
(2)Judith K.
The weather was perfect when I went with a couple of my co-workers. Although the sun was pretty hot, the covered deck with the breeze from the water made it bearable. I ordered the soft shell crab but by far, the fried catfish was the best - it was thinly sliced and it had just enough batter around it so that it had a crunch without it being too greasy. It was worth the 45 minute drive from New Orleans. I would consider taking some out-of-town guests here.
(4)Patrick B.
It had been a long time since I had last been here, but we went a couple of weeks ago with a group of about 10 of us. The wait staff are wonderful. The place still gives off that "old time" feel even though, they've had some work done since the hurricane. My wife & I split the thin catfish dinner. It was good stuff. The breading isn't too flavorful, but if you're a catfish fan, you can't go wrong...and you know it's fresh too! To this day, this place has the best coleslaw I've ever eaten! The hush puppies & fries were good. Washing it all down with a cold, bottled Barq's root beer was the capper. I say this place is worth the drive. It's not a true New Orleans restaurant by definition, but it helps define the cuisine of the region...if only in some small part.
(4)David L.
The thin-cut fried catfish and hush puppies is the meal to have. Ask for extra tarter sauce. Expect a wait but the line moves quickly because the dining area is huge and they have an army of wait staff. This is a casual restaurant but there will be lots of people in suits. It is in the middle of nowhere but right next to a sheriff's substation. To the reviewer who said that the food wasn't so good and that the map was wrong -- it is clear that s/he was at a different restaurant. There is no other restaurant near where it is located on the map. It is right in the middle of miles of bridges over the swamp to the west of Lake Pontchartrain.
(5)Marc E.
Went by for dinner on a Friday night. I've been going to Middendorf's for 30 years and this was the shortest line we've waited in there on a Friday - 30 minutes. The new waterfront deck is great. The beer is cold, the coke and barq's are served in glass bottles. The catfish was the best it was in my last three visits. The waitresses who've been there forever are still pleasant and patient, but sometimes scatterbrained. If you ask for something you may wait a while to get it. I always stick to the thin fried catfish. Dance with who brung you. My wife bounces back and forth. Friday, she had the turtle soup. She was not impressed, nor was I. Too much spinach, not enough turtle meat and it needed more heat - spice, not temp. Ending the week with a good time at Middendorf's is worth the drive. Stick with the basics on the menu and you can't go wrong. If you're confused, look at the family of 8 sitting next to you and just get what they're getting.
(4)Zoeboe D.
If you happen to be lost in Louisiana and happen upon Middendorf's, you HAVE TO EAT there. We did and we are damn glad we did. Why you ask? There is some serious ass southern food that is served up here. Let me give you a run down of the menu.. *crawfish cakes *catfish fillets *barbecued oysters *peach bread pudding *shrimp remoulade and of course, they have sweet tea. YUM. We saw a fat ass family sitting in this place (yes their asses were HUGE!) so we knew, this place must have some good southern cooking and we were right.
(4)Nancy B.
The fried oyster platter was good and good for the price ($9.50). The oysters were crispy and hot. The platter came with fries, cole slaw, and hush puppies. Fries were average. Cole slaw good but served icy cold - too cold. It is the kind of slaw that I like that is not full of mayonaise. The hush puppies were good and flavorful. Onion rings were ordered for the table to be served with the lunch but were not served until 10 minutes into the meal. Also the small serving of oyster stew advertised to have 1/2 doz oysters only had 5. We attributed the less than stellar service times and service of food that seemed to have sat a while to the fact that the restaurant was so busy and there was a wait during this holiday week - but those are excuses. Middendorf's is less than a hour's drive from NOLA. It is an excursion to go there. Even with the flaws in today's experience I would go again. the oysters were the best I have had in a long time ...
(3)Mary E.
The thin fried catfish is the best on earth, catfish nirvana! It comes with hushpuppies which were crisp and oniony, and ok coleslaw. The french fries are disappointing, and what stopped me from giving them five stars, limp and blah. Still, I would highly recommend it!
(4)randall r.
Great place for seafood, particularly thin fried catfish. This is a very popular place that's been around for 75 years. Be prepared to wait for a table, though.
(4)K P.
(6/23/12) A tourist trap. I had heard such glowing praise for Middendorf's, but found the fried fish, swamp version of Stuckey's. The fish was over-priced and bland. Very disappointed.
(2)Skip R.
I recently went back to Middendorf's for the first time in 20 years. They are famous for their paper thin crispy catfish. I am not a fan of this fish though. I like flaky thick catfish. I ordered stuffed flounder and a fried soft shell crab. The flounder was good, but certainly not anything special. The soft shell crab was something special. It was HUGE and it was, without a doubt, the best fried soft shell crab anyone at our table had ever tasted. They are locally farm raised, so they serve them year round. I also tried a piece of the thin catfish and the first bite I had was just fried batter. The second actually had some fish though. It had a really nice flavor, so I give it high marks as well. We also shared some banana bread pudding for dessert. It was extremely good. Our waitress was also very, very good and the turnaround is fast for a place that is so busy. I look forward to going back soon. The only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5 was because of the average stuffed flounder and no free refills on drinks.
(4)David C.
Worth getting off at the exit from the Interstate. It looks a little freaky at night driving down in the swamp, but this is a hole in the wall gem. Have yourself a few turbo dogs and catfish!
(3)Danny W.
Ate at Middendorf's last night. The new addition is very nice. There is a new entrance (with more waiting room) and a swamp themed dining room. We were seated in the original section but that was OK. Of course, they are known for their thin catfish. We all ordered the fish (except that I also had fried shrimp). The thing about Middendorf's is that they have the fish so thin that a small comes out as a heaping plate of fried goodness. There is so much on the plate, that it almost falls off. I'm not sure how they could put more on a large (we actually think one of plates was a large - by mistake - it had to be). The fish comes out hot and must be eaten right away - it does not reheat very well. The fish is also very consistent. Now my shrimp were just OK. I guess compared to the thin and crunchy fish, they seemed soft. Not sure if it is the coating or what. I think if they would butterfly their shrimp and use the same coating as the fish the shrimp could stand up to the fish - just my opinion. I also tried a different side instead of fires. The spicy new potatoes are like crawfish boil potatoes and were a pleasant contrast to all of the fried food. My mom said that the potatoe salad was good as well. Because of the location and new renovated space, I think that Middendorf's is just about the perfect outing for a casual seafood restaurant.
(4)Michael J.
Ive been going here since i was a kid, the shrimp remolaude is the best in louisiana. I always get the hush puppies and the softshell crabs.
(4)Hoyt S.
Heavenly crisp thin catfish and hush puppies.
(4)Scott L.
Ate here yesterday after about a 6 year hiatus. I know they were devastated by Katrina and am sympathetic - we were all affected by it. But the Middendorfs I ate at yesterday was not the one I remembered. The good things first: I still love the setting, on the northern edge of the lake, perched between the open water on one side and marshland on the other. The wait staff was friendly, restaurant was quaint but clean, bathrooms were well kept. Notice I haven't mentioned the food which, if you're a restaurant is sort of the main thing. I ordered what should have been a signature slam dunk for them - broiled catfish with fries, hush puppies, and Cole slaw. The portions were small - for $14.95 I expected more on a lunch plate. The catfish was divided into 4 small pieces and tasted very average. The fries were warm, not hot. Same with hush puppies which tasted like they had been sitting out a while. The best part was the Cole slaw - not amazing, but above average. It wasn't an awful experience, but definitely not worth the time and effort it took to get there. Sorry guys.
(2)