Crabby Jacks
Crabby Jack’s is a classic New Orleans style restaurant with down home cooking, in a festive atmosphere. • 428 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70118

Crabby Jack’s: a Seafood Shack with a Pop Art Gallery
There’s something magical about these places in New Orleans that seem to exist in their own pocket of time, where the holy trinity of good food, good company, and great memories come together like the good roux. Crabby Jack’s, founded Jacques Leonardi (the same guy behind Jacques-Imo’s), is that kind of place.
Walk through those doors, and you’re hit with an aroma of slow-cooked goodness that makes your stomach grumble even if you’ve just eaten. The walls are a museum of local art and collected memories, each piece telling its own story of our beloved city.
Jacques, who earned his stripes in K-Paul’s kitchen under the legendary Paul Prudhomme, brings that same dedication to flavor to this more casual joint. But don’t let the paper plates fool you — this is New Orleans cuisine.
The slow-roasted duck po-boy is remarkable. It’s the kind of sandwich that makes say “Where “has this thing been all my life?
What I love most about Crabby Jack’s is how it brings together every slice of New Orleans life. You’ll see guys in work boots fresh off a construction site sharing tables with tourists, while local families squeeze in for their regular fix or perhaps a family reunion with their New Orleans expat contingent. The staff treats everyone like they’re regulars — even if it’s their first time in, and that is the magic at Crabby Jack’s … it’s not an act, it’s just they are.
The lunch rush here is a beautiful chaos that feels like a family reunion. Everyone’s reaching across tables, passing around napkins, and sharing stories about good times.
On some days the line stretches out the door, and it is not just about the food. It’s about being part of something authentic, something that’s uniquely New Orleans (even if this is right at the parish line). It’s about remembering that the best meals aren’t just about what’s on your plate, but who you’re sharing them with, and let’s hope you come with friends.
Next time you’re on Jefferson Highway, look for that humble building with the shell parking lot. It will be packed, but don’t let that scare you. Step inside Crabby Jack’s, grab a seat wherever you can find one, and experience one of the best tastes of New Orleans that won’t break the bank. The poboys are are overstuffed. The gumbo is good-to-great! The plate lunches can be shared by two, and the fried chicken is worth waiting for.
Crabby Jack;s also does catering. Call ahead for a wide variety of local, favorite New Orleans style creole dishes: appetizers for many, entrees, soups, party platters, and sides.
— scott mccrossen
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