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 its hot and spicy, award-winning crawfish. Venture Uptown to this casual, family-friendly restaurant.

Cooter Brown’s
A favorite spot for watching the Saints in the Fall, Cooter Browns offers delicious boiled crawfish in the spring. For generations, Cooter Brown’s has been an Uptown destination.

Cajun Seafood
With the aroma of boiling seafood wafting through the air, Cajun Seafood will have your mouth watering before you even see the menu. With multiple locations in the New Orleans metro area, stop by for a heaping portion of delicious crawfish to go.

Superior Seafood
Feeling a bit fancier? 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 when they've got 'em. Swing by their original location on Elysian Fields, or check out their newer spot on Tulane in Mid-City. 

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 (what the Louisianans are calling Viet-Cajun) crawfish loaded with garlic butter at BOIL on popular Magazine Street. A second location called Hieux BOIL Seafood House exists in Mid-City.

Blue Crab
Get some fresh air and enjoy boiled crawfish on Lake Pontchartrain at Blue Crab. Wash them down with a frozen cocktail!

Porgy's Seafood Market
They may be the new kid on the block, but Porgy's is the real deal. Located near City Park, enjoy all the boiled seafood you can imagine, which of course includes crawfish when in season.

NOLA Crawfish Fest

Every spring, during the week between Jazz Fest weekends, the Broadside hosts NOLA Crawfish Fest brought to you by the Crawfish King! Typically the last days of April and the first days of May, ticket holders can stop by and eat pounds of delicious crawfish and barbecue all while jamming out to live local music. Find more information here.

See even more of our top picks here.

Where to host your own crawfish boil

There is truly nothing like devouring crawfish with your favorite folks on a warm and sunny NOLA day...but where? If you’d prefer to savor 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 in the spring and summer sun. Bring a frisbee to toss around and 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 water and watch as kayakers, paddleboarders, and ducks float by. 

City Park
Grab a blanket and enjoy the shade of the oak trees in beautiful City Park. After your picnic, get in a swan boat on Big Lake, rent a bicycle, take a stroll in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden, or tee up at City Putt.

How to Peel Crawfish

Ok, so you’ve figured out where to get your crawfish…but how do you eat them? Even though they may look intimidating, don't worry - once you get the hang of it, you’ll be peeling like a pro. First, 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 throw it out. Finally, pinch the end of the tail and pull the meat out from the exposed part. Voila!