Looking for Fried Seafood in New Orleans? This Bywater Classic Belongs on Your List

A plate of baked mac and cheese, creamy potato salad, and toasted French bread served at Jack Dempsey’s restaurant in New Orleans

By: Accidental Cajun Experiences

When visitors ask where to go for fried seafood in New Orleans, they’re usually directed to the French Quarter or nearby hot spots. But locals know the real answer might take you a few blocks off the beaten path. In the Bywater, Jack Dempsey’s has been quietly serving generous portions of fried catfish, shrimp, oysters, and classic sides for years—without the fanfare, but with all the flavor.

Why Locals Keep Coming Back

Jack Dempsey’s doesn’t chase trends. It serves up consistency, hospitality, and heaping plates of comfort food. It’s the kind of place where the fried seafood platter could feed two, and the mac and cheese tastes like your auntie’s Sunday dinner.

What keeps regulars coming back? The atmosphere. It’s relaxed, familiar, and rooted in community. Newcomers are greeted like old friends. It’s part restaurant, part neighborhood institution.

What to Try at Jack Dempsey’s

Here’s what you’ll want to order:

Fried Catfish – Lightly breaded, flaky, and cooked to golden perfection
Stuffed Crab or Shrimp – Rich, seasoned, and deeply New Orleans
Potato Salad – Creamy, tangy, and topped with a little parsley for good measure
Baked Macaroni – Golden and cheesy with a crust that might be the best bite on the plate
Garlic Bread – Toasted and buttery, perfect for soaking up the extras

A Family-Owned Restaurant in a Chain-Heavy World

Owner Leslie Baiamonte said it best: “We’re an independent, we’re a mom-and-pop. Please try and keep the mom and pops going, after the apocalypse happens and just the tax man and the roaches are here. Applebee’s and McDonald’s are going to be here, but your mom-and-pops are very vulnerable.”

Jack Dempsey’s is more than a place to eat—it’s part of the cultural fabric of New Orleans. Supporting restaurants like this means preserving the stories, flavors, and people that make the city what it is.

Planning Your Visit

Located in the Bywater, Jack Dempsey’s is just far enough off the main drag to feel like a discovery—but close enough to add to your food-focused itinerary. Be ready for generous portions and a true local vibe. Call ahead if you’re going with a group, and don’t be surprised if you leave with leftovers (you will).

Let Us Show You More Like This

Accidental Cajun Experiences offers curated culinary tours that go beyond the expected. We’ll take you to the kitchens, backstreets, and beloved spots—like Jack Dempsey’s—where the food comes with a story, and the flavor sticks with you. Book now at accidentalcajunexperiences.com

BROWSE OUR TOUR PACKAGES