Middendorf's Seafood Restaurant in Lousiana

Manchac, La. Restaurant Celebrates 75 Years in Business

Sep 23, 2009

Middendorf's Restaurant, just outside New Orleans, celebrated its 75th anniversary this year with newly renovated facilities but the same wonderful food.

In September 2008, Hurricane Ike flooded the original building of Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant, forcing owners Horst and Karen Pfeiffer to demolish the kitchen and move into a secondary building while renovations took place. A year later, on September 2, 2009, the Pfeiffers reopened the renovated space, including a new, air-conditioned kitchen. But while the building may be updated, the fabulous seafood and friendly service remain the same.

Middendorf’s — a Manchac Landmark for 75 years

When original owners Louis and Josie Middendorf opened their original “café” in 1934, it was not with the intent of creating a culinary institution. The Middendorfs had moved back to Manchac, Josie’s home, after Louis lost his job in the stock market crash that kicked off the Great Depression. Having trouble fishing and hunting for a living, Louis took a $500 government bonus for his service in World War I, along with another small loan, and opened a restaurant to support his family. The café featured “Mama Josie’s” recipes, including the thin-cut catfish for which the restaurant is now famous.

Middendorf’s remained in the family for over 70 years. Business grew steadily, experiencing enormous growth as Interstate 10 and Interstate 55 were put through near the restaurant. During that time, the restaurant was expanded to include an extra dining room, and eventually a separate building. When Horst and Karen Pfeiffer bought the restaurant from Louis and Josie’s granddaughter, they kept the recipes and the family feel, while continuing to expand with a waterfront deck for diners.

With such determination and dedication, it is unsurprising that not even a hurricane could shut Middendorf’s down. In fact, the restaurant has only gotten better. The new kitchen provides better service to diners on the deck, and the Pfeiffers took the opportunity of the renovations to shore up and level the dining room floor.

Mama Josie Middendorf’s Recipes

The most famous item on the menu at Middendorf’s is Mama Josie’s thin-cut catfish (although thick-cut “tenderloins” are also available). While catfish is a staple in the Mississippi Delta, Middendorf’s is unique in its thin cut and light breading. The combination is one that keeps the fish at once crisp and light on the outside, yet moist and tender inside. A small order, including fries and cole slaw, costs $10.50; the large order, with the same side items, is $13.25.

For those who want more than catfish, Middendorf’s also serves up amazing fried oysters and fried shrimp which are just as light and delicious as the catfish. Both are available individually as dinners, but there is no reason for diners to limit themselves to just one item — the fried oyster and thin catfish dinner is $13.75, while the fried shrimp and thin catfish is $14.00. And for those who really can’t decide, the fried seafood platter, including shrimp, oysters, thin catfish, and stuffed crab is also available, for $16.50.

Other menu items include local creole items such as gumbo, turtle soup, crawfish cakes, and frog legs. Appetizers run from $5.00 to $9.00, and sandwiches, including catfish, soft shell crab, shrimp, oyster, and burgers, cost between $5.50 and $9.00. Portions are generous, and diners will not go home hungry; those who do manage to save a bit of room can enjoy bread pudding, pies, or homemade ice cream, all for $5.00 or less.

Middendorf’s Restaurant — General Information

Middendorf’s is located just off Exit 15 on I-55 in Manchac, Louisiana. In addition to offering their full dining room menu to go, Middendorf’s also offers off-site catering. Private parties at the restaurant can accommodate up to 180 guests, with either seated or buffet dinners. A tailgating menu is also available. Regular dining room hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Accepted forms of payment include Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and cash; an 18% gratuity is added to parties of seven or more. More information about the restaurant, including detailed driving directions and the full menu, can be found on the Middendorf’s website.

The copyright of the article Middendorf's Seafood Restaurant in Lousiana in North American Culinary Travel is owned by Laney Traylor. Permission to republish Middendorf's Seafood Restaurant in Lousiana in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.