Middendorf’s: The Holy Grail of Fried Catfish

The world’s best fried catfish is dished out in a quaint restaurant in Manchac, Louisiana right on the bayou. A 40- minute drive northwest of New Orleans through scenic Cypress swamps along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, Middendorf’s is the holy grail of fried catfish. And for good reason. A visit to Middendorf’s will forever change the way you think about fried catfish.

Middendorf's in Manchac, Louisiana

Dining on the bayou

People come here from all over the place for “Middendorf’s Special” – a plate piled high with their famous thin fried catfish, served up with a side of tartar sauce, sweet cole slaw, crunchy fries, and heavenly hush puppies with just the right amount of jalapeno chili. The paper thin fish is breaded with cornmeal, ensuring the perfect crunch. It is then deep fried at just the right temperature, making it light as air and never greasy.