Great excitement to try this legendary restaurant. Extreme disappointment with the food. South Louisiana is known worldwide for its great seasoned food. Apparently Middendorf's forgot to go to Rouses and pick up some seasoning. The fish was like biting into breaded paper and the hush puppies were nothing but grease. Even salt and Tabasco couldn't help. $60 wasted. You have to go north of Alexandria for good catfish or to a local Catholic Church that serves Lenten fish dinners. Goodbye Middendorf's. Hello St. Edmond's in Lafayette read more

Don't waste your money. like i did. This place has terrible food !! Good service, awful food.

Third try today in Slidell today. I was SO thrilled when Middendorf's opened in Slidell, having been to the original restaurant in Manchac several times & loved all memories of food and experience of being there. I wanted this to be a booming success and I hope for their sake that they make it, but this food doesn't look like it's locally caught or cooked by anyone who has local experience cooking seafood. The food is not memorable. It's bland. I literally cannot remember what I ate the first 2 times I went. Today, I ordered a Caesar Shrimp Salad. I did not read the description of the salad & was so surprised by the looks of it (it had fried catfish all over it) that when it was brought to the table, I said that must belong to a different table. The shrimp were pathetic & unappetizing looking. They looked like they were boiled - lightly - AND WITHOUT SEASONING (they looked like they had been defrosted & barely steamed or boiled). Then, I discover that the Shrimp Caeser Salad has boiled potatoes in it (also flavorless & without seasoning). I've never heard of that or seen that. Weird. I also was told them there was something wrong as it had fried catfish all over it. They told me those were the 'croutons'. Again, my error for not reading the menu better but that was a strange salad from a family restaurant that's over 100 yrs old to list 'boiled shrimp' on the menu & to serve shrimp that looked watery & uncooked. I hope they make it. They have a ways to go. Wait staff confusion with our order. Had to ask for things twice. Not a full house on a Lenten Friday lunch. read more

Our waitress, Alicia, was amazing! She will be the only reason we go back there. She was awesome but the food was horrible. The fish was so bland and the tea was terrible. I will order the Salmon next time, my husband ordered it and it was pretty good. 5 stars for our server, 1 star for the food quality. read more

I never went to the location in Manchac. I have heard so many good things about their food. Tonight we tried the Slidell location. With the exception of the fried oysters which were done very well, the rest of the food was disappointing. All the food was under seasoned. The gumbo was made with tomatoes. I expected so much more from that name. Our waitress, Liana was awesome, attentive and rolled with our jokes. Seasoning would go a long way. read more

I have been a customer of Middendorfs Restraunt's for over 30 years and had never had a complaint about their food until today. The thin catfish was great as usual but I had an appetizer that was the worse thing I have ever had at Middendorfs . Specifically the Italian oysters that were cooked on a metal tray rather than on the half shell and the oysters were literally the size of a nickel. I pointed out the mini oysters to the waitress and she simply said they they have been a little small lately.. a little small was an understatement to say the least. $11 for 6 micro oysters, spinach and cheese served on a tin pan was a disappointment dished out by an old dependable friend. Be wary people of the expanded Middendorfs as they are maybe relying too much on reputation and not so much on producing quality food any more!!!!! read more

Great food!! Best I have had since we moved here 4 years ago!!! Little pricey but wonderful service by Jonah!!

Looks huge and great from the outside. Great interior design on walls, wood planks fishing lures, and ropes. HOWEVER, the brightness inside the restaurant and quality of food brings this place down to the level of a retirement home cafeteria. Seems like they're trying to be a chain restaurant, with the likes of Red Lobster, Cheesecake Factory, or even Tumbleweed. The over cooked hush puppies, cheap seating, and puny styrofoam bowls for serving sides makes this a negative review. read more

I can't believe some of the bad reviews that I was seeing so My family and I went back (Slidell) for the first time since COVID and the food was amazing. Turtle soup made as good as I have had in some of New Orleans best restaurants and even though I am not a big fish fan, the thin fried catfish is to die for. the service, as expected we great. As a family, we used to drive to the original Middendorfs in Manchac, quite a drive but worth it, and to see a restaurant able to reproduce itself in a second location is almost a business miracle. The owners and staff have done an amazing job. read more

We had lunch today at this location. Our server was Donna and the manager was named Winn. The lunch was delicious as we had the thin catfish with shrimp and a shrimp Poboy. The service and food were excellent. The restaurant was so clean as well. The food came out hot and fresh and fast. We highly recommend this location and will definitely go back in the future. read more

Just so you know, they don't put salt in their food. Maybe a teeny bit but not even on the fries... I don't LIKE a lot of salt... But they don't use hardly any... So if you are into food with zero flavor added in, this is your place! Enjoy! I, for one, will never go back. Yuck!!! Got an oyster plate, tasted my step-dad's stuffed crab (no flavor!) and my mom was super unimpressed with her fried shrimp. My step-dad got a fried seafood sampler plate. Even the coleslaw was FLAVORLESS!!! My step-dad said that the best part of the meal was the red velvet cheesecake. That's sad when you pay so much for all of that food. The reasoning behind NO SALT in anything? They say it messes up the grease that the food is fried in. Really? How come other places have no problems with this?!? At least their food has FLAVOR! Dayum. read more

I certainly hope that our experience is simply due to the fact that it is a brand new location and they are still finding their rhythm. Frankly it was quite disappointing. The positives: The atmosphere was fun and new. The hostesses were cutting up and making everyone feel welcome. The wait was long, but that is to be expected. Our waitress was very friendly and accommodating. The negatives: The food was incredibly bland. The texture of the thin fried catfish was good, but the batter had no flavor, it just tasted like cornmeal or whatever it is they use. No salt and pepper, no surprising razzle dazzle of spices. Just blah. The French fries were Luke warm at best and soggy and the same can be said for the onion ring appetizer. The "side salad" that one of our party ordered was an absolute joke. I will include a photo. It's quite literally the dressing set up for a hamburger in a tiny 4 inch side dish. And at the end of it all, the bill for 3 of us was $70 plus tip. Burned $100 bill for Long John Silvers class of food. With the hype and reputation we expected so much more. Im sorry to say we won't be back. read more

Middendorfs - Slidell - Seafood Near Me - Slidell, Louisiana

It would take hours to talk about the reasons to not eat here. Suffice it to say that all of the negative reviews are right on. Probably the worst dining experience I've ever had. read more

So disappointed! It was awful. I live close by and was excited it was opening close by. The facility is beautiful. Brand new and inviting. It's been open several Months and we waited to hopefully work out kinks. Service was ok. The issue was the food. The food was awful. No kinks to work out. I now feel like this was built as a tourist trap. The catfish was soggy but most concerning it was bland. Absolutely no flavor. The shrimp for the po-boy were like small pop-corn shrimp. Again with no flavor!! You can basically see the lake from the restaurant but they used these embarrassing small shrimp. Wouldn't be surprised if they were frozen or even foreign non Louisiana shrimp. I've had po-boys for the same price literally around the corner with shrimp 3x the size. The execution of the restaurant is embarrassing!!! Not surprised if it closes soon and someone buys it on the cheap abc puts something better there!! read more

I got to tell you, I was disappointed. We went shortly after the new location opened in Slidell for lunch. The service was great, but the catfish was SALTY! I thought maybe I had forgotten that Middendorf's used a salty breading. However, I had an opportunity to eat at the original location in Manchac and their catfish there was delicious. I can't recommend the Slidell location, which is sad since I live in Slidell. read more

I was not impressed with the food. Taste like it was frozen seafood. The service was slow and a long wait time.

The atmosphere looks nice, but that's about it. The food has zero flavor... fish and shrimp are fried in an unseasoned batter. We even found a piece of hair in our seafood platter buried underneath the fries. The crab and shrimp "gumbo" was like a tomato-based stew... far from a gumbo. They have a lot of work to do; doubt it that I'd return. read more

Seriously....nice large portions of bland food. Bring your Slap Ya Mama seasoning with you when you go, because you'll need it.

I visited the original Middendorf's in Manchac once in the late 80s and again four years ago, so when I heard they were opening a location in Slidell, I wanted to try it. Our group of 14 friends decided to visit last night. Middendorf's will not seat the party until everyone is present, so have your group meet at the bar for 45 minutes before expecting to be seated (on a weeknight; longer on weekends). My goal before I went was to have fried fish, but NO French fries. Turns out that is easier said than done. I ordered the thin-fried fish and my friend had the "tenderloin" (thicker) filets. The thick filets had that "metallic" taste that you sometimes get with catfish. I preferred the thin fish. It turns out that there is NO reasonable alternative to French fries, unless you order a full $7 plate of onion rings. The sides offered were potato salad (always terrible in a restaurant) and some other potato dish (boiled new potatoes?) or "vegetables". The vegetables were a mix that included cauliflower, so no! They need to offer a "Thin Fish and Big Salad" option with a generous green salad or a Caesar salad. None of their food is seasoned, not even with salt. I tried to sprinkle salt on the fish, but it is difficult to place the salt evenly and it is never blended well with the food. This is how Middendorf's always cooks food (to avoid over-salting the grease that it is cooked in), but it is not satisfying. Also, the quirky salt shakers means that you have to hold open the lid while shaking. I sort of had to touch the top of the shaker. Wonder how many others touched it before me.... Two members of our group ordered gumbo; one complained it was way too salty, but the other didn't complain. Both bowls were emptied, so they managed to eat it all. The roux looked too thick and dark brown for my tastes. I'm sure they made the roux from a jar of mix. The French fries and cole slaw are boring. And we need an alternative to fries for today's low-carb diners. That's all we tried, so those are the only items I can comment on. Overall, Middendorf's is okay, but the seafood and options are not nearly as good as Frankie & Johnny's or Vucinovich in New Orleans. read more

Catfish! No point in ordering anything else, thin catfish filets, battered and fried crisp. Hush puppies are nice, too.

I'd have to say for a local Slidell resident who was excited about this place , I am truly disappointed. You'd think they would hire decent , competent, polite folks at their new establishment. Not only are they rude, the quality of food was horrible and noticeable in their employers lack of experience. Middendorf's, you need to re-evaluate who and how you employ. You need quality over quantity, not the other way around.. read more

I had the full fried flounder, fried frog legs, and fried alligator bites. Wasn't bad but the food could use more seasoning. Drinks went down easy. read more

Been twice and I am not impressed with the food or service. The building is beautiful.

This restaurant is highly overrated, the food has no flavor and is very overpriced for the quantity. Would not spend my money here again

I was extremely excited to try this place because my father has raved about it for years. He eats at the old location regularly. Service was good and the waitress was nice and kept our drinks full. The food was subpar though. The salad was great and the lettuce wedge was amazing but when the main course came out ( thin fried catfish of course) it was not fresh at all. The fries were hard and almost stale. The fish was ok but also wasn't hot like it was freshly made. The coleslaw was absolutely awful. I couldn't tell if it was starting to turn or it was mixed with wax . It was stiff and tasteless. The restaurant was clean and looked great. I hope this gets fixed because we needed a seafood restaurant out here. read more

I went with my husband for a meal tonight. Fried catfish was great. Not greasy at all. We will be back.

Eating here today was truly a Gamble of our $50! Oyster P.O. Boy was on the menu as a sandwich for $13.50. They brought me a hogie bread loaded with lettuce and 6 under cooked oysters. Few cold fries. My hubby ordered the small thin fried catfish and it was good. He ate my oysters and gave me a piece of catfish. I won't venture into trying anything else off this menu except the catfish. They should rename it Middendorf's Catfish house. Not impressed at all. read more

This is a great place for Louisiana style seafood. If you are looking for sushi or some modern twist on seafood then you will be disappointed. However, if you are looking for fried seafood then this is the place for you. I love the food and the staff. David, my server was great. Jenna, the hostess was super friendly. I can't wait to go back. read more

Long wait, but worth it! The food was so good! The best tartar sauce I have ever had. Seafood platter was delicious!!! read more

Middendorfs - Slidell - Banana Bread Pudding - Seafood Near Me - Slidell, Louisiana

See all

Our first visit to Middendorf's in Slidell. The thin Catfish is as good as ever at Manchac. Well decorated and designed new location. The wine by the glass prices are ABSURDLY expensive. $9.50 for a small pour of a Cabernet I can buy for $11.50 at retail. And no better option. The Crab Gumbo was not very good. If you want fried seafood they do it well. They should at least make good Gumbo. Maybe that's why they were not full on Friday night during Lent. We will not return. read more

Had a large group luncheon. Service was exceptional. I ordered the fried shrimp and thin fried catfish. It was very delicious and more that I could eat. A great time was had by all. Definitely recommend to everyone. read more

Waitress screwed up our orders. We were not served together. The food was so salty, I will be retaining water. Manager gave us a discount. We felt bad for our family who highly recommended and anticipated sharing this restaurant. So we know they have been great at one point and hopeful for others. read more

We ate at this establishment for our New Years eve dinner. First time here although we have been to their other restaurant. Started out with the onion rings. They were cooked to perfection and tasted great. Next, we had gumbo. I found the crab gumbo was lacking in flavor and the broth was very thin. My husband had the shrimp gumbo and he had the same complaint. My main course was the shrimp and oyster platter. I asked for no fries and a double portion of coleslaw. The waitress was very accommodating. The oysters were fried nicely on the outside and juicy on the inside. The shrimp were also seasoned and fried just right. The atmosphere was casual. We will return. The whole staff was friendly and attentive. Someone even came by our table and thanked us for coming. I was impressed by the service. By the way, the thin fried catfish was delicious. Had to try my husband's. read more

Wait staff excellent! Be ready to pay New Orleans prices? Almost entire menu is fried. It will be our place to go on rare occasions not regularly. Too many other cheaper options. read more

In and out in an hour! We had GREAT service by Brianna. My entire family ordered the thin fried catfish and it didn't disappoint-- just like the older location we've been going to for years! SO GOOD! I had the stuffed crab! So good! Definitely will be here again!! GET THE ONION RINGS read more

This is the fourth time I have given this establishment a try. Only because I lived the other location so much. They have ruined the brand that Middendorfs has created for themselves. Every time we have ordered we get cold, flavorless catfish. We call in the order and pick it up immediately so it's not that it sits. This is their norm. Today I ordered a catfish poboy and so close to New Orleans that you expect to have the authentic poboy bread. NOT! They give you a biggie roll that some one from New England would use. This is a simple staple here and readily available. I ordered the shrimp and crab gumbo again and another flop. They obviously use a box mix, there is not even a hint of roux, not one shred of crab, and translucent flavorless shrimp obvious imported from Thailand. Such a disgrace to Louisiana where we should be able to get gumbo and poboy bread even half way right. This restaurant is an absolute phony and joke. Don't waste you time and money. read more

We ordered the crawfish poppers as our appetizers and found a frozen crawfish tail in it. We let the waitress know she told us she would bring out another set of poppers and she would comp us. She brought out the new poppers and told us management would not be comping us for it because they taste the new ones and they are perfect. Our main dishes were very bland. We will not be visiting this establishment again. read more

Stuffed crab was amazing, thin fried catfish was delish, overall a great experience. Will be back.

This place is not one of my favorites! Everything tastes like breading.. not a good flavor! Did not enjoy the food! However, the staff is outstanding!! read more

The thinly sliced catfish was absolutely amazing. The alligator bites were outstanding. Our waitress was so sweet and wonderful. I highly recommend this place. read more