The Top 10 Spots For Shrimp Gumbo In Louisiana

A good shrimp gumbo is a truly special find: spicy and rich, unbelievably flavorful, warm and memorable… There are plenty of gumbos to be found in Louisiana, but with so many choices, how do you sift through” Well, look no further than this article to find the absolute best of the best when it comes to shrimp gumbo. If your mouth isn’t watering already, it definitely will be by the time you’re done.

Seafood Palace, Lake Charles

Given the name and Lake Charles’s location near the Gulf, it’s no surprise that Seafood Palace has a menu full of great seafood. More than that, though, it’s a local favorite for the shrimp gumbo. The interior is reminiscent of the beachfront or even a boat, which will put you in the perfect mood to dig into whichever seafood treat you choose, gumbo or otherwise.

Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, New Orleans

Restaurant, American, Cajun

To be open since 1941, Dooky Chase’s Restaurant in New Orleans must be doing something right; the creole gumbo is one of those things. You can always find it on the menu, along with the ever-changing daily specials. The gumbo mixes the flavors of shrimp and other meat, to form the perfect spicy combination.

The Chimes East, Baton Rouge

If you want some excellent brews to go with your gumbo, head to The Chimes East in Baton Rouge. It’s got 80 taps and countless bottles, and beer snobs will find themselves overwhelmed by all of the choices. Beyond that, though, the substantial menu has all the best of Louisiana cuisine, including a seafood gumbo that will always leave you wanting another bowl.

Robin’s, Henderson

Restaurant, Cajun

Robin’s Restaurant prides itself on its fresh shrimp and crawfish, due to its location in the center of crawfish country. The shrimp and okra gumbo is really something special, though. Robin’s starts with the base flavors of onion, bell pepper, and celery and then adds a special blend of herbs and spices to really bring out the best in the okra and shrimp.

Morton’s Seafood Restaurant, Madisonville

Restaurant, Bar, Seafood

The tiny town of Madisonville, located right on Lake Pontchartrain, is lucky to boast the gem that is Morton’s Seafood Restaurant. It’s been open for 30 years and has become a real local institution, actively taking part in the community and always welcoming people in with smiles. The seafood gumbo is one of the highlights of the menu, and should you choose to order it, you will remember it fondly.

Galatoire’s, New Orleans

Diner, Restaurant, French

Galatoire’s has been a New Orleans staple since it opened in 1905; that means it’s had 110 years to perfect its gumbo. The restaurant offers the epitome of Southern charm and high culture, in atmosphere, food, and décor. The shrimp and okra gumbo is among the best in the city, and that’s really saying something considering that it’s New Orleans.

Middendorf’s, Akers

Restaurant, Seafood

Middendorf’s Restaurant in Akers has been in business since 1934. While it’s most well known for its thin fried catfish, the shrimp gumbo is also some of the best in the state. The owners love to have fun and throw a celebration, which has led to their annual tradition of celebrating Oktoberfest.

Dempsey’s, Baton Rouge

Dempsey’s might not have a history stretching back to the Great Depression, but it still has some great gumbo to offer. The po’ boy sandwiches may be what people know the best, but the amount of gumbo Dempsey’s goes through in a day is a pretty convincing indication of how delicious it is. It has both seafood and chicken and Andouille sausage varieties, and you’ll love whichever one you choose.

Liuzza’s by the Track, New Orleans

Liuzza’s by the Track is the best kind of neighborhood hangout; that means a friendly, fun atmosphere, service that makes you feel like you’re a part of the family, and of course delicious food on every plate. It’s also rightfully proud of its po’ boys, but before you sink your teeth into one of them, warm up your stomach with a bowl of the savory creole gumbo.

Prejean’s, Lafayette

Restaurant, Cajun, Seafood, American

Given its location right towards the center of Louisiana, it’s likely that you’ll go through Lafayette as you’re making a swing through the state. And while you’re there, it would be a crime to miss out on the local legend that is Prejean’s. This restaurant alone has drawn people from all over to experience the award-winning food for themselves, and you won’t regret doing the same thing yourself.

About the author

Lani Seelinger

Lani is a freelance writer and translator currently living in Prague, Czech Republic. After growing up in Durham, North Carolina, she went to university at Northwestern University in Chicago and then went on to live in Georgia, Scotland, Hungary, and various cities in the Czech Republic.