Posted by Bill Kreger on June 08, 2004
My problem with this place is portion size. I ordered the broiled catfish from the main course selections on the menu and what I got looked more like an appetizer portion. Similarly, my wife chose the thin catfish and while it was indeed crispy and tasty, she had to remind herself that there was actually catfish within the crunch. Perhaps the dishes were light on catfish content because we stopped for lunch. But we doubt it, since there were no "supper" menus evident.
Otherwise, the place is certainly unique with its German-inspired dark wood paneling. But remember, it's nearly a 45-minute drive from New Orleans to Middendorf's at Manchac. And with that as the obvious benchmark, any other highly rated food stop needs to offer much more value than a unique crunch to their catfish.
Overall: Worth a major detour
10 out of 16 people found the review helpful. Was it helpful to you?
Reviewers "Must Eats" List
"A close-up of Middendorf's signature dish: fried thin catfish filets. They crunch as much as a potato chip, yet the ribbon of meat inside is moist and succulent."
Michael Stern
"What a way to start a meal: six barbecued oysters on the half shell."
Michael Stern
"Here's another good way to start a meal, or a nice little meal all itself: a line of barbecued shrimp."
Michael Stern
"Louis Middendorf built his place in the midst of the Depression using his World War I veteran's bonus of $500 and a $500 loan from the mayor of New Orleans."
Michael Stern
"Nice-size chunks of crawfish make these crusty, hand-pattied cakes a joy to eat."
Michael Stern
"A South Louisiana tradition: shrimp Remoulade. There's a lot of good sauce there ... and a lot of shrimp, too."
Michael Stern
"A close view of peach bread pudding shows its sweet striations."
Michael Stern
"This view from the side of Middendorf's shows I-55, which is elevated through the bayous north of I-10."
Michael Stern
