Mr. Lake's New Orleans Forum

Does anyone remember these two defunct restaurants on Severn Ave. in Metairie - The Catfish Shack and Luther’s BBQ? They were both in rustic wooden buildings located next to each other in the general vicinity of The Outback Steakhouse today.

When customers were seated in the Catfish Shack, they were immediately served a basket of hot biscuits and cornbread. There was a jar of Steen’s cane syrup on each table. The ice tea and fountain sodas were served in Mason jars. They had the standard selection of fried seafood and specialized in fried catfish and hushpuppies. I recall the fried food was always served fresh and hot. I thought I read somewhere the Cajun chef/storyteller Justin Wilson was part owner of this restaurant chain.

When customers visited Luther’s BBQ, they walked along a corridor passing the smoking area which could be viewed through a glass window. Then the order was placed at the counter and the food was carried to the table. I recall the BBQ ribs being pretty good. For dessert, they had a great rootbeer float in a big frozen mug.

Both these restaurants are now history from years ago. They weren’t fancy but had decent food as I remember it.

Any recollections anybody?

I remember Luther's. I thought it was on West Esplanade near Severn but since that was well over 25 years ago, I could easily be mistaken. What I remember most from Luther's was the skinny onion rings -- the first I had ever eaten.

I believe that the Cafe East, across from the side of Whole Foods, is where Luther's was.
I too remember the onion rings....came out in the shape of a small fryer basket.

Wasn't there a Po' Folks there too?

Dale,

In trying to locate those two in my mind,
I thought about two other "Ain't Dere No Mo Restaurants"

Occhipinto's (Red Onion) and the Steamery.
Remember them?

aboy

We dined at Po' Folks frequently. Good down home comfort food. Tasty soups and veggie dishes. Couldn't get enough of their Country Kitchen soup.

But, then, as Mr. Fud often admonished, "Whatever you thought was good about (...anything...) is by no means accurate. It was most likely, at best, ordinary, if not outright terrible." I wonder if Mr. Fud insisted on saying POOR Folks?

Man I remember Luther's too. I thought it was where Outback is now???

Anyway, I liked it. Just as someone mentioned, as you hit the doorway the smell hit you! Onion rings, them big ole' mug beers, and I really liked the fact that you could add the fixings yourself (meaning. sauce, pickles, onions etc...)

The prices were right too!

"It's never the way your remebered it" ??? Kinda funny how that new book just out does not reflect this theory.

luthers and the catfish shack were on severn in the same parking lot behind bennigans. i took my mother to the catfish shack all of the time. we would usually go to the luther's in chalmette.

the red onion was very good. i kind of remember the steamery but not very well.