Backyard Boil House

"When the mood strikes for Cajun-style seafood boils or a mean bowl of gumbo, there’s Backyard Boil House. A Third Ward deep cut, it’s a charming little spot with about six tables and a chalkboard menu crammed with Creole seafood staples. Make the adult decision and try them all by getting the Commbeaux—essentially a seafood sampler of snow crab legs, jumbo shrimp, corn, and sausage, all submerged in a decadent garlic butter. There’s never really a bad time to peel back shrimp like you’re going for a world record, so head here whenever you want a cozy, casual seafood excursion." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene

"Backyard Boil House is a hard-to-find spot in the Third Ward. Pay no mind to the missing sign out front. Which should be easy, since it’s not there. When you finally manage to locate this spot on the corner of Scott and Southmore, things can get real cozy, real fast. There are about six tables in this spot and it’s walk-in only, which makes it the perfect weeknight date spot. Come with someone you don't mind seeing you slurp crawfish and vigorously crack snow crab legs. That's what romance is all about." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas

"A Third Ward deep cut, Backyard Boil House is an “if you know you know” kind of spot for Cajun-style seafood boils or good bowls of gumbo. You could easily drive right past it, because there are no signs on the building outside except for a decorative blue crab hanging on the side of the building. The inside of Backyard Boil House is significantly more inviting—a sweet, intimate, spot with less than 10 tables. It can be difficult to choose between the different seafood dishes, so don’t. Instead, get the commbeaux, which features snow crab legs, jumbo shrimp, corn, and sausage, all submerged in a decadent garlic butter. And, if you’re a regular (or a very curious first time guest), strike up a conversation with the owner and maybe they’ll make you a special, off-menu drink." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas

"At Backyard Boil House in the Third Ward, your cup might literally be overflowing with gumbo. Not only is every spoonful all but guaranteed to include a piece of shrimp or shreds of crab meat bathed in spicy roux, but there’s a hefty crab claw topping each portion to remind us that sometimes, more is more. Come to Backyard Boil House on the weekends and have your gumbo with a glass of chardonnay and the sounds of Anita Baker in the background." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas, julie takahashi

"A Third Ward deep cut, Backyard Boil House is an “if you know you know” kind of spot for people looking for a Cajun-style seafood boil or a good bowl of gumbo. You could easily drive right past it, because there are no signs on the building outside except for a decorative blue crab hanging on the side of the building. The inside of Backyard Boil House is significantly more inviting—a sweet, intimate, spot with less than ten tables filled with shy couples early in the dating game, groups of friends catching up, and the occasional lone wolf who’s here to peel shrimp like they’re going for a world record. It can be difficult to choose between the different seafood dishes, so don’t. Instead, you should get the commbeaux, which features snow crab legs, jumbo shrimp, corn, and sausage, all submerged in a decadent garlic butter. And, if you’re a regular (or a very curious first time guest), strike up a conversation with the owner and maybe they’ll make you a special, off-menu drink." - Gianni Greene