10 Cozy Hole-In-The-Wall Seafood Shacks In Louisiana Serving Christmas Feasts

Louisiana knows how to celebrate Christmas with flavor, tradition, and plenty of fresh seafood straight from the Gulf. When the holiday season arrives, families across the state trade turkey for oysters, ham for crawfish, and stuffing for hush puppies.

Seafood shacks and local favorites stay open during the holidays, welcoming guests with warm hospitality and plates piled high with fried catfish, charbroiled oysters, and buttery shrimp.

These ten treasures prove that Christmas in Louisiana tastes best with a side of remoulade.

1. Middendorf’s Restaurant – Akers (Manchac) & Slidell

Middendorf’s has been serving thin-fried catfish to hungry travelers since 1934, making it one of the most beloved seafood stops in Louisiana. The restaurant sits along the scenic Manchac Pass, where cypress trees frame the water and the air smells like fried fish and Southern hospitality.

During the holiday season, the entire building glows with festive lights, garlands, and wreaths that give it a cheerful, welcoming vibe.

Families flock here on Christmas to enjoy platters of crispy catfish, tangy coleslaw, and hot hush puppies served with a smile. The fish is pounded thin, lightly breaded, and fried to golden perfection, creating a crunch that keeps people coming back year after year.

Each bite delivers that perfect balance of texture and flavor that defines Louisiana seafood culture.

While Middendorf’s is larger than a typical shack, it maintains a down-home, roadside charm that feels authentic and unpretentious. The staff treats everyone like family, and the portions are generous enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites.

Visiting Middendorf’s during the holidays has become a tradition for countless Louisiana families who crave comfort, flavor, and a true taste of home.

2. SHUCKS! The Louisiana Seafood House – Abbeville & Lake Charles

Abbeville is the heart of Cajun country, and SHUCKS! captures that spirit with every dish they serve. This spot specializes in fresh oysters shucked to order, along with crawfish, shrimp, and crab prepared the way locals have done it for generations.

The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, with walls decorated in Louisiana pride and tables filled with laughter and good conversation.

Christmas at SHUCKS! means a menu packed with Gulf Coast favorites, from buttery garlic oysters to spicy boiled crawfish that’ll make your taste buds dance. The seafood is sourced locally, ensuring peak freshness and flavor in every bite.

Portions are hearty, and the prices are fair, making it a go-to spot for families looking to celebrate without breaking the bank.

The Abbeville location offers a true neighborhood feel, where regulars greet each other by name and newcomers are welcomed like old friends. Service is warm and attentive, and the kitchen never rushes quality.

Whether you’re craving a dozen oysters on the half shell or a full seafood platter, SHUCKS! delivers authentic Cajun flavor with a side of holiday cheer that makes the season even brighter.

3. Oceana Grill – New Orleans

Oceana Grill sits right in the heart of the French Quarter, where cobblestone streets meet the sounds of jazz and the smell of sizzling seafood.

This popular spot has earned a reputation for staying open on Christmas Day, offering both locals and visitors a chance to enjoy a classic Louisiana seafood feast when most places are closed. The menu is packed with Creole favorites, from blackened redfish to shrimp etouffee and jambalaya that warms the soul.

During the holidays, the restaurant buzzes with energy as diners fill every table, eager to taste dishes prepared with bold spices and fresh Gulf ingredients. The gumbo is rich and flavorful, the oysters are plump and briny, and the po’boys are stuffed to overflowing.

Each plate reflects the vibrant culinary traditions that make New Orleans a food lover’s paradise.

While Oceana Grill is larger and busier than a typical shack, it maintains a welcoming, unpretentious vibe that feels authentically Louisiana. The staff works hard to keep service smooth even during the holiday rush, and the location makes it easy to explore the Quarter before or after your meal.

For a Christmas Day seafood experience in the French Quarter, Oceana Grill delivers flavor, tradition, and festive fun.

4. Drago’s Seafood Restaurant – Metairie/Multiple Locations

Drago’s is famous across Louisiana for one thing above all else: charbroiled oysters. These legendary bites are topped with butter, garlic, parmesan, and herbs, then cooked over an open flame until bubbly and golden. The result is a smoky, savory treat that has earned Drago’s a loyal following and countless awards over the years.

The Metairie location is a local favorite, offering a casual atmosphere where families gather to celebrate special occasions, including Christmas. The menu goes beyond oysters, featuring fresh Gulf shrimp, crab cakes, fried catfish, and seafood pasta that showcase the best of Louisiana’s waters.

Each dish is prepared with care and served in generous portions that leave diners satisfied and smiling.

During the holidays, Drago’s keeps the festive spirit alive with decorations and a welcoming vibe that makes everyone feel at home. The staff is friendly and efficient, even when the restaurant is packed with hungry guests.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Drago’s delivers a seafood experience that’s both delicious and memorable. The charbroiled oysters alone are worth the trip, but the full menu offers something for every seafood lover at the table.

5. Deanie’s Seafood – Bucktown/Metairie

Deanie’s Seafood embodies the true spirit of a Louisiana seafood shack, with its no-frills decor, paper-covered tables, and platters piled high with boiled and fried goodness.

Located in the Bucktown neighborhood of Metairie, this spot has been serving locals since 1961, earning a reputation for generous portions and unbeatable freshness. The atmosphere is casual and lively, with the sounds of cracking crab shells and happy chatter filling the air.

Christmas at Deanie’s means feasting on boiled shrimp, crawfish, and crab seasoned with Cajun spices that pack a flavorful punch. The fried seafood platters are equally impressive, featuring crispy catfish, shrimp, and oysters served with tangy tartar sauce and lemon wedges.

Everything is cooked to order, ensuring that each bite is hot, fresh, and full of flavor.

The staff at Deanie’s works hard to keep the experience fun and welcoming, treating regulars and newcomers with equal warmth. Prices are reasonable, making it easy to feed a crowd without emptying your wallet.

For families looking for a true Louisiana seafood experience during the holidays, Deanie’s delivers authenticity, flavor, and a whole lot of heart in every dish.

6. Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant & Bar – Gretna

Gattuso’s is the kind of place where neighbors become friends and every meal feels like a homecoming. Located in Gretna, this neighborhood gem serves quality Gulf Coast seafood with a focus on fresh ingredients and generous portions.

The menu features daily specials that highlight seasonal catches, along with classic Louisiana favorites like shrimp Creole, fried catfish, and seafood gumbo that warms you from the inside out.

During the holiday season, Gattuso’s welcomes guests with festive decorations and a menu that celebrates the flavors of Louisiana. The kitchen takes pride in preparing each dish with care, ensuring that every plate meets the high standards that locals have come to expect.

The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, with a friendly staff that makes everyone feel like part of the family.

Christmas at Gattuso’s is a time for gathering, feasting, and enjoying the simple pleasure of good food shared with good company. The seafood is always fresh, the flavors are bold and satisfying, and the prices are fair.

Whether you’re a longtime regular or a first-time visitor, Gattuso’s offers a warm, welcoming experience that captures the true spirit of Louisiana hospitality and the joy of holiday dining done right.

7. Couchon – New Orleans

Couchon honors traditional Cajun cooking techniques in a rustic, warehouse-style setting that feels both modern and deeply rooted in Louisiana tradition.

The restaurant focuses on locally sourced ingredients and time-honored methods, creating dishes that taste like they came straight from a Cajun grandmother’s kitchen. Fresh seafood plays a starring role, with preparations that highlight natural flavors while adding layers of complexity through careful seasoning and cooking.

The holiday season at Couchon brings a special warmth to the space, with decorations that complement the exposed brick walls and wooden accents. The menu features dishes like butter-poached Gulf shrimp, pan-seared fish with Creole sauces, and seafood stews that showcase the best of Louisiana’s coastal waters. Each plate is thoughtfully composed, balancing bold flavors with elegant presentation.

While Couchon leans more upscale than a typical shack, it maintains a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere that honors the spirit of local seafood culture. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about the food they serve, happy to explain the story behind each dish.

For diners seeking a Christmas feast that combines traditional Cajun soul with refined technique, Couchon offers a memorable experience that celebrates Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage in every delicious bite.

8. Joey K’s Restaurant – New Orleans

Joey K’s is a true neighborhood treasure, serving classic Creole dishes and fresh seafood in a cozy, cash-only setting that feels like stepping into a local secret. Located in New Orleans, this spot has been feeding the community for years, earning a loyal following for its honest cooking, generous portions, and friendly service.

The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, with regulars chatting at the bar and newcomers quickly feeling at home.

The menu at Joey K’s features Creole favorites like fried shrimp, catfish po’boys, red beans and rice, and seafood gumbo that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. During Christmas, the restaurant stays true to its roots, serving the same delicious dishes that keep locals coming back year-round.

The seafood is always fresh, the seasonings are spot-on, and the flavors are bold without being overwhelming.

Service at Joey K’s is personal and attentive, with staff who remember faces and preferences. The cash-only policy adds to the old-school charm, reminding diners of a simpler time when neighborhood joints thrived on quality and community.

For a cozy, authentic Louisiana seafood experience during the holidays, Joey K’s delivers comfort, flavor, and a genuine sense of belonging that makes every meal special.

9. Landry’s Seafood House – Multiple Locations

Landry’s Seafood House operates multiple locations across Louisiana, offering a reliable option for families seeking a full seafood menu on Christmas Day. While it’s part of a larger chain, Landry’s maintains a commitment to serving fresh Gulf seafood prepared in classic Louisiana styles.

The restaurants are spacious and welcoming, with a casual atmosphere that works well for groups of all sizes.

The holiday menu at Landry’s features a wide variety of seafood dishes, from fried platters and grilled fish to shrimp pasta and seafood gumbo. The consistency across locations means you can count on quality and flavor no matter which restaurant you visit.

The staff is trained to handle busy holiday crowds, ensuring that service remains smooth even when the dining room is packed.

Landry’s makes Christmas dining easy with its predictable hours and dependable service, taking the stress out of holiday meal planning. The menu offers something for everyone, including options for diners who prefer non-seafood choices.

While it may lack the intimate charm of a true hole-in-the-wall, Landry’s delivers a solid seafood experience with the convenience and reliability that families appreciate during the hectic holiday season. For a hassle-free Christmas feast, Landry’s gets the job done.

10. The Galley Seafood Restaurant – Metairie

The Galley Seafood Restaurant has been a Metairie favorite for decades, serving boiled and fried seafood in a classic Louisiana casual setting. Locals love this spot for its straightforward approach to Gulf Coast cooking, where fresh ingredients and traditional preparations take center stage.

The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with a dining room that fills up quickly during peak times, especially around the holidays.

Christmas at The Galley means tables covered with steaming platters of boiled shrimp, crawfish, and crab, seasoned with the perfect blend of Cajun spices. The fried seafood is equally popular, featuring crispy catfish, shrimp, and oysters that arrive hot and golden from the kitchen.

The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it easy to treat the whole family to a proper Louisiana seafood feast.

The staff at The Galley works hard to maintain the welcoming vibe that has made the restaurant a local institution. Service is efficient and friendly, even when the restaurant is buzzing with holiday diners.

For families seeking a classic Louisiana seafood experience during Christmas, The Galley delivers authentic flavors, hearty portions, and the kind of warm hospitality that makes the holidays feel special and memorable.