The Ultimate Crawfish Guide: Where to Find the Best Boiled Crawfish in New Orleans
Whether you are a New Orleans native or a first-time visitor, Spring in NOLA means one thing: boiled crawfish. Get ready to boil, peel, and devour this delicious Louisiana favorite, and check out our guide to get the best of the best.
Best Places for Crawfish in New Orleans
Frankie and Johnny’s
This local favorite is known for their hot and spicy, award-winning crawfish. Venture uptown to this casual, family-friendly restaurant.
Big Fisherman
If you’re looking to host your own boil but intimidated by doing the actual boiling, Big Fisherman’s got all the fixin’s. Located on Magazine Street, this spot can give you all the crawfish, corn, and potatoes you need for your next gathering or picnic.
Cooter Brown’s
A favorite spot for watching the Saints in the Fall, Cooter Browns offers delicious boiled crawfish come spring. For generations, Cooter Brown’s has been an uptown destination.
Cajun Seafood
With scents of boiling seafood wafting through the air, Cajun Seafood is sure to give you a treat. With multiple locations in the New Orleans metro area, stop by for a heaping portion of delicious crawfish to go.
Superior Seafood
For a fancier occasion, check out Superior Seafood, located along the famous St. Charles Avenue. With on-site and catering options, Superior can fulfill all of your crawfish needs.
Melba’s Old School Poboys
This hub is full of soul food, but you can’t pass up their crawfish.
Bevi Seafood Co.
Why get just crawfish when you can have a seafood boil? Their boil includes crawfish, crabs, oysters and shrimp.
Clesi’s Crawfish and Catering
The name says it all… swing by Clesi’s to enjoy some fresh boiled crawfish, or call them to come cook for you!
BOIL Seafood House
Try Vietnamese style crawfish loaded with garlic butter at BOIL on popular Magazine Street.
Blue Crab
Get some fresh air and enjoy boiled crawfish on Lake Pontchartrain at Blue Crab. Wash them down with a frozen cocktail!
SoBou
From March to May, enjoy Mudbugs & Jenga Madness on Saturdays from 12-3 p.m. Head to the W New Orleans' French Quarter courtyard for boiled crawfish, drink specials and the chance to win prizes in the Jenga competition.
Where to host your own crawfish boil
There is truly nothing like devouring crawfish on a warm and sunny NOLA day...but where? If you’d prefer to consume your crawfish in a park or on the water, then these tried-and-true spots will never fail you.
The Fly
Along the bank of the mighty Mississippi, the Fly is a grassy area perfect for relaxing and rejoicing. Hang out ‘til the sunsets for a truly remarkable view.
Bayou St. John
A picnic along the bayou is sure to make you feel like a true New Orleanian. Relax along the bayou and watch as kayakers, paddle boarders and ducks float by.
City Park
Grab a blanket and enjoy the shade of the Oak trees at City Park. After you indulge, you can walk the park to check out all the fun activities the park has to offer.
How to Peel Crawfish
Ok, so you’ve figured out where to get your crawfish…but now how do you eat them? Even though they may look intimidating, worry not - once you get the hang of it, you’ll be peeling them like a pro. It’s really pretty simple - you’re just going to grab the head and tail and twist, then pull the two apart. You can either suck the boil juices from the head (weird, but very good), or just discard the head. Then pinch the end of the tail and pull the meat out from the exposed part. Voila!
