Lorene’s Fish & Crab House

We had jumbo shrimp and wings and they were both pretty good. We were hoping for a seafood place but I would consider it more soul food. There is literally only enough seating for 6 people and food is served in styrofoam boxes so super casual!

This is basically a takeout place even though there are a couple tables. One was so rusty and unstable I was scared it would fall over. That said, this is a great authentic and historic spot to get some garlic crabs, fried fish and other seafood, burger and wing specialties. It is located in the Deuces area next to Chief’s Creole Café and near the African American history museum, Royal Theatre and Manhattan Casino (where Sylvia’s is located.
It was fun to meet Lorene. A drawing of her, a bit younger than she is now :) adorns the wall. Enjoy.

A place that has been in business 20 years has to be doing a lot right. And Lorene’s 20^th anniversary is coming up December 6 2014.
The menu is not as limited as would be implied by the name. Chicken and various types of sandwiches are available. Still, the specialty, fish, is the obvious choice for the first few visits.
This is a lunch and early dinner place normally closing around 6 p.m. The last hour is usually busy as many people stop by for a carry out on the way home from work.
Ah, yes carry out. There are a couple of two person booths inside and a small table or two on the sidewalk but few people eat on premises.
Heading southbound there is parking on the south side of the building. For those heading northbound, there is parking at the curb on the east side of the street.
Shrimp and fries is a good choice at $ 6.75. Prices on the menu are tax included. So is the whiting sandwich and fries. And what fries they are. Hot, tender inside, yet without the hard, crunchy overcooked outside typical of many places. Best fries I’ve ever eaten.
After 20 years of success serving the nearby residents, it’s a place to be discovered by people a little farther away.