Omar S.
Yelp
Looking for seafood, poboys and creole dishes without having to deal with French Quarter tourist traps? If you have a car, or you don't mind paying cab fare, you're in luck, as Galley Seafood (http://www.thegalleyseafood.net) is just a 15-minute drive, both from the airport (enjoy a meal and wind down from your flight on the way into town) and from downtown New Orleans.
Location aside, there are two reasons to eat at Galley Seafood: the food is tasty and authentic, and the clientele is local... and I mean "the-neighbors-stop-by-for-supper-on-their-way-home-from-work" local.
In the 35 years I've been traveling to Louisiana to fish, enjoy music and other entertainments, and eat, I've occasionally asked my local friends, "Where do you go to eat boiled shrimp, crab and crawfish?" and I've usually heard the frustrating reply, "My back yard."
Galley is exceptional among the few area establishments that do offer boiled seafood, in that they do so seasonally, rather than import scrawny shellfish to accommodate the off-season desires of out-of-towners. And the boil is right. Not too spicy or salty, with a touch of lemon.
But if you crave something else, try a soft-shell crab platter; a huge, lightly-fried trout or catfish poboy; or a bowl of rich, homemade crawfish etouffee. Just promise me one thing: that before you order, you'll take a look at the daily specials; my guess is that your order will come from that list.
So, the location is good and the menu offers various delectable choices. Is it any wonder, then, that Galley mostly draws folks from the neighborhood?
On a recent Thursday evening, my fishing buddy, Keith, and I were seated in the back dining room, next to a large table occupied by three families, including moms and dads straight from the office, kids and their friends, and at least one set of grandparents. The owner, Vicky, took time to visit with the big table, and with us, making sure we were all happy and comfortable, and that we all knew what was for dessert. It was like eating dinner at Miss Vicky's house.
People usually say that when they travel, they like to eat where locals do. In New Orleans, if you haven't been invited into someone's back yard, the next best thing is Galley Seafood.