Sometimes the best restaurants are worth the extra effort, and this place is no exception. This historic restaurant has been around for ages, and trust us, it’s worth the drive (or boat ride).

Located on the water between Lake Maurepas and Pass Manchac, Middendorf’s is a bit out of the way, but your efforts will be rewarded. Trust us.

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant/Facebook

In 1934, Louis and Josie Middendorf opened a little Cafe in the Manchac area with the help of a $500 loan and the support of their family.

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant/Facebook

When they started out, Josie and Louis were the only two employees. Josie did all of the cooking using her own personal recipes, while Louis worked as the bar tender, building relationships with the customers.

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant/Facebook

Today, Karen and Horst Pfeifer own the famous restaurant, but they’ve kept the same recipes and traditions that have kept this place around for more than 80 years.

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant/Facebook

One of their most popular menu items, (and the dish that put them on the map,) is their thin fried catfish.

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant/Facebook

Perfectly seasoned and fried golden to perfection, this delicious dish is still the same recipe that Josie concocted back in the 30s.

James D./Yelp

And you can’t go wrong with the seafood gumbo. It’s some of the best in the whole state!

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant/Facebook

Not only does Middendorf’s serve some of the best seafood around, but they have some of the best views of the water.

Alexander W./Yelp

Their outdoor seating is the perfect place to watch the sunset on a fall day.

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant/Facebook

Middendorf’s is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. and you can find them at 30160 Old US-51, Akers, Louisiana 70421.

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant/Facebook

But if you’d prefer to arrive by boat, use N 30° 17.337’ W 90° 24.087’ to get there. You can pull right up to the dock.

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant/Facebook

Have you ever eaten at Middendorf’s? What’s your favorite thing on the menu? Let us know in the comments below!

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant/Facebook

James D./Yelp

Alexander W./Yelp

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Address: 30160 Old US-51, Akers, Louisiana 70421