Lent is one of the most closely-held traditions in New Orleans. The strong Catholic presence in the city influences Catholics and non-Catholics alike to observe basic Lenten traditions such as abstaining from meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays throughout the season. Typically, churches offer traditional fish fries in which parishioners gather to enjoy Lenten dinner. Due to Covid restrictions, churches are limiting their fish fry to drive through service only or cancelling them altogether. Fortunately, New Orleans is a seafood town and finding the good stuff is easy.
Mr. Ed’s has been serving up seafood since 2013, when Ed McIntyre opened Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House in Metairie. The first Mr. Ed’s was located in the former Bozo’s location, which was owned by Chris “Bozo” Vodanovich. The old-school fish and oyster house closed, after 85 years, in 2013.
McIntyre grew up eating at Bozo’s and, when it was time for him to open his own restaurant, he knew he wanted to follow a similar concept. Mr. Ed’s boasts a stand-up marble topped oyster bar which, under normal circumstances, is a great place to socialize with fellow oyster lovers. The restaurant also prides itself on offering catfish from Des Allemands—the fishing village in St. Charles Parish known for its tasty catch.
Since its inception, the Mr. Ed’s restaurant concept has expanded from Metairie into locations in the French Quarter, Mid-City and St. Charles Avenue.
Needless to say, Mr. Ed’s knows seafood. Various appetizers include “Crispy Shrimp Remoulade” made with fried shrimp, crawfish and crab queso and “Seafood Nachos” made with chips topped with crawfish, shrimp, and our homemade cheese sauce. The menu also includes seafood gumbo and Creole gumbo, made with shrimp and crab meat. Seafood platters piled high with oysters, shrimp, and fried fish will make any Lenten Friday a little better. This is only the start of Mr. Ed’s seafood offerings.
When I visited, I enjoyed a plate of delicious, buttery chargrilled oysters and the mixed seafood platter. The oysters are addictive and come to the table practically sizzling. The mixed seafood platter is made with fresh fried shrimp and fish and comes with a choice of jambalaya, French fries, or potato salad.
If you are interested in for some non-seafood fare, Mr. Ed’s serves up their famous fried chicken, which is one of my favorite fried chicken dishes in town. McIntyre’s fried chicken is so beloved that he has plans for Mr. Ed’s Southern Fried Chicken, which will be opening on West Esplanade in Metairie, soon. The restaurant will offer dine-in service, as well as boxes of fried chicken to go.
If you’re more the old fashioned type and you prefer to stick to the traditional fish fry, Clarion Herald has printed a handy list of Catholic churches that will be offering take-out fish fry throughout the season.
Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House is located at five locations in metropolitan New Orleans. They are: 821 Iberville St., 504-265-8774; 512 Bienville St., 504-309-4848; 1327 St. Charles Ave., 504-267-0169; 301 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-872-9975; 3117 21st St., 504-833-6310 in Metairie.
Hours: Seven days a week 11 a.m.- ’til, except Metairie: Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.; Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.
