I believe everyone goes for some type of seafood at one time or another. Periodically, I get a yen for “mashed-up” tuna-and-hardboiled egg sandwiches with lettuce and tomato on lightly toasted bread. Or, I’ll decide to make salmon cakes (think crab cakes with a twist) that are absolutely delicious. The recipe is usually right on the can so you can’t go wrong. However, for this blog I’m going to focus on four New Orleans restaurants that serve terrific seafood. So let’s take a look.

ONE: THE DESIRE OYSTER BAR

Located at 300 Bourbon Street

(504) 553-2281

The reason I made this #1 for this blog was because of all the restaurants and bars that I’ve researched on the web in recent months this was the ONLY one that contacted me via email almost at once and said (I’m paraphrasing) “We see you’re interested in the Desire Oyster Bar!” I was very impressed by this response.

On the web this restaurant is described as having “a Broadway-style marquis sign that lights up the entrance.” Well, since I’m in an apartment on Park Avenue in New York City while writing this I said to myself, “I’ll have to check this out!” Sure enough, that’s an excellent description! This place also has a tin ceiling, and black-and-white checkered floors – love this look.

They have a raw oyster bar where expert shuckers prepare fresh Gulf oysters any way you like them – chargrilled, on the half shell and more. They also serve Seafood Gumbo, Shrimp Remoulade and po’boys. Or, as they say, “Come for the oysters, stay for the menu!”

TWO: DEANIE’S SEA FOOD KITCHEN

Located at 2200 Magazine Street

(504) 962-7760

Deanie’s goes back to 1961 and now boasts three locations that serve the same delicious Creole food that has made New Orleans a seafood destination that goes way back. If you plan to visit with a group of friends why not go for the GIANT SEAFOOD PLATTER that includes: fresh shrimp, oysters, soft shell crabs and crawfish balls served with French fries. The variety of this selection makes for a festive occasion such as a birthday celebration or anniversary. They also have a menu labeled JUST FOR KIDS that includes everything from Mini Dogs to a Chicken Basket.

And by the way, the Magazine spot is a two-story restaurant with a balcony that offers a great view of the street and the New Orleans skyline. Deanie’s is also described as an original SCRATCH HOUSE restaurant – what is that? Even the web couldn’t answer that one.   

THREE: ACME OYSTER HOUSE

Located at 724 Iberville Street

(504) 522-5973

In 1910, before Satchmo had even formed his first band, the Acme Café was in business on Royal Street in the French Quarter. Fourteen years later a fire destroyed the Acme Café so it was reborn as the Oyster House where it’s located today.

You can order AN OYSTER SHOOTER with one freshly shucked oyster with cocktail sauce and vodka served in a shot glass or BOOM BOOM shrimp – a generous portion of fried shrimp coated with the restaurant’s homemade sauce. They also offer Sutter Home Chardonnay or White Zin – these are tasty New York wines that I’ve been drinking for years and NEVER see on restaurant menus. Why not?  

FOUR: BRIQUETTE

Located at 701 South Peters Street

(504) 302-7496

This restaurant can be found in the Warehouse District – in the former Rodd Brothers Molasses Refinery, which dates from the 1800s. Briquette features a contemporary, yet casual restaurant interior made special by their signature OPEN KITCHEN.

Another highlight of Briquette is their 18 ft. seafood display filled with fresh Bronzino, Halibut, Faroe Islands Salmon (a group of islands in the North Atlantic Islands between Iceland and the Shetland Islands), Louisiana Redfish and many other whole fish. This fresh supply is prepared over red- hot briquettes.

The restaurant promises that you’ll feel right at home with their bar and COMMUNITY tables that offer a convivial setting – a great idea for a group celebrating a special occasion.

One diner had this to say, “I ordered the Lump Crab Meat Napoleon for an appetizer – it was the best crab cake I’ve ever eaten. The Blackened Redfish was spicy and delicious. I ended the meal with a perfectly cooked crème brule.”

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever restaurant you choose to visit.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? We’re handy to everything. Take a look, ONE – from Rathbone to: 300 Bourbon Street it’s SIX minutes; TWO from Rathbone to: 2200 Magazine Street it’s FOURTEEN minutes; THREE from Rathbone to: 724 Iberville Street it’s SIX minutes and finally FOUR from Rathbone to: 701 South Peters Street it’s TWELVE minutes – all nearby spots for great eating.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick