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New Orleans › Bywater › Jack Dempsey's Restaurant
Jack Dempsey's RestaurantB+Worth Trying
738 Poland Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
· Seafood restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (1265 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
Old-school Bywater seafood favorite with huge portions, friendly service, and standout fried platters; watch for automatic gratuity and occasional inconsistency.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Jack Dempsey's delivers reliable Creole comfort with strong food quality anchored by standout fried seafood and onion rings, paired with friendly, attentive service that defines its neighborhood character. However, inconsistent execution on oysters and gumbo and dated aesthetics prevent it from reaching grade A territory. A beloved local institution with generous portions and fair pricing that exceeds typical restaurant standards in the area.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, the kind of neighborhood spot where regulars wave across tables and servers swap stories. One diner said it felt like eating at grandma house, with plates landing hot and plenty. Service skews friendly and attentive, though parking can be tight and large parties trigger automatic gratuity. The cooking leans classic Creole comfort: crisp fried seafood, blackened and broiled redfish, stuffed flounder, and a mountain of onion rings people rave about. It is not fancy, but portions are heroic and prices are fair for the size. Some diners note occasional misses on gumbo or oysters, yet most plates deliver that satisfying, old-school bite. Families do well here thanks to kid-pleasing staples like fried shrimp, catfish, mac and cheese, and fries. There is no explicit kids menu, but the familiar flavors and shareable platters make ordering easy. Adventurous options like oysters and crab are present, but picky eaters can stick to the basics.
At a Glance
- Massive portions with standout fried platters and onion rings
- Friendly, old-school service with neighborhood vibe
- Automatic gratuity for large parties and confusing suggested tip lines
- Inconsistent hits on oysters and gumbo
- Parking is tight; plan for street parking only
What Sets It Apart
- legendary_onion_rings
- heaping_fried_seafood_plates
- true_neighborhood_institution
What People Love
- That first bite of ultra-crisp fried seafood
- Legendary onion rings big enough for the table
- Genuine neighborhood hospitality
- Feeling like a local in Bywater
Points of Concern
- Pricing confusion: automatic 18% for parties of 6+ plus suggested tip lines may prompt double tipping
- Quality variance: oysters and gumbo draw mixed feedback compared to excellent fried platters
- Parking constraints around the corner-site location
- Isolated reports of aloof hosting and nickel-and-diming for small add-ons
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$35-$52 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a fried platter ($18-$26) with two sides like fries and mac for satisfying value
- If you want variety, choose Half & Half platters to try shrimp with catfish or redfish
Perfect For
- Casual seafood feasts
- Group dinners with shareable platters
- Old-school Creole cravings
- Tourists seeking a local institution feel
Location Insights
Area: Residential Bywater corner spot with local, old-school vibe; casual and neighborhood-oriented.
Safety: Generally safe with typical urban edges; mixed feedback on area since post-Katrina changes.
Nearby: Near Poland Ave and Dauphine; close to local bars and Bywater attractions.
Central CityCentral City offers a rich blend of traditional New Orleans culture with an emerging food scene that includes Creole and Cajun influences. The dining environment is casual and authentic, often frequented by locals seeking genuine regional flavors in a relaxed setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday11:00–14:00
Wednesday11:00–20:00
Thursday11:00–20:00
Friday11:00–21:00
Saturday12:00–21:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Takeout
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