Fresh Catch: Where to Find the Best Seafood in Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana sits in the heart of catfish country, where the Ouachita River provides both inspiration and fresh catches for the area's beloved seafood restaurants. Whether you're craving crispy fried catfish, boiled crawfish by the pound, or Gulf shrimp prepared just right, Monroe's seafood scene delivers authentic Louisiana flavors without the pretense. From long-standing local favorites serving up traditional fish camps fare to newer spots putting creative spins on coastal classics, these restaurants showcase the best of what Northeast Louisiana has to offer. Here are the 10 best seafood and catfish restaurants in Monroe where you'll find generous portions, friendly service, and the kind of food that keeps locals coming back week after week.
"Catfish louie with crawfish tails"
Scott's Catfish & Seafood
Order the catfish louie topped with crawfish tails in garlic butter sauce. The catfish is fried crispy on the outside, flaky inside. Portions are generous—two people can split one entrée and still leave satisfied.
"Thick seafood gumbo and fried catfish platters"
Mohawk Seafood Tavern
The seafood gumbo is thick with shrimp, crab, and okra in a dark roux. Get the fried catfish platter with hushpuppies and coleslaw. The shrimp po'boy comes on French bread with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade.
"Award-winning chargrilled oysters"
Claw Daddy’s Crawfish and Oyster Bar
Try the chargrilled oysters—the Jacked Up variety comes topped with jalapeños, garlic butter, and parmesan. The Rockefeller has spinach and cream sauce. The boiled crab and shrimp platter serves 2-3 people. Pair it with the Daddy's Taxi cocktail.
"Southern-fried catfish with hushpuppies"
Catfish Charlie's
The fried catfish platter comes with two sides—get the hushpuppies and coleslaw. The catfish is hand-battered and fried in peanut oil. Lunch specials run Monday through Friday with smaller portions at lower prices.
"Endless shrimp with multiple preparation styles"
Red Lobster
During endless shrimp, pick from fried, grilled, or scampi style—you can mix and match. The Cheddar Bay Biscuits come unlimited with entrées. The Admiral's Feast includes fried shrimp, scallops, clam strips, and one side.
"Blackened redfish and shrimp étouffée"
The Fish House
The blackened redfish is crusted with Cajun spices and seared in cast iron. The shrimp étouffée comes over rice with a rich brown roux sauce. Both entrées include choice of two sides—the dirty rice and green beans are house favorites.
"Whole boiled crabs with Cajun seasoning"
Superior Crab Monroe
Order crab by the pound—they boil it with potatoes, corn, and Cajun spice blend. The crawfish (seasonal) comes prepared the same way. Request extra seasoning if you want more heat. Crack your own crab at the table with provided tools.
"Seafood boil bags with custom spice levels"
Laughing Crab Cajun Seafood
Pick your seafood (shrimp, crawfish, crab legs), spice level (mild to extra hot), and sauce (garlic butter, Cajun, lemon pepper). Everything comes in a bag with corn and potatoes. The Laughing Crab Special includes all three proteins.
"Fried shrimp baskets and fresh Gulf fish"
Golden Pier Seafood
The jumbo shrimp basket includes 10 pieces fried golden brown. Daily fish specials depend on Gulf catch—redfish, snapper, and grouper rotate. The lemon pepper grilled fish is seasoned simply to let the fish flavor stand out.
"All-you-can-eat catfish on Friday nights"
Catfish King Restaurant
Friday all-you-can-eat includes catfish fillets, hushpuppies, fries, and coleslaw for one price. The catfish is cornmeal-battered and fried to order. Refills come quickly—most tables go through 2-3 rounds.
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