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 new 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.

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

Mukbang Seafood and Bar
Satisfy your Asian cuisine and seafood cravings at Mukbang Seafood. Enjoy Viet-Cajun-style boiled crawfish and other seafood on beautiful Oak Street. 

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 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 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 them 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!