Vera's
Backstory
Vera's opened on the Slidell shores of Lake Pontchartrain in 1952, in a frame building on stilts. It was much like the restaurants over the water at West End Park. It survived (after many repairs) all the hurricanes until Katrina. But that killer storm blew the place away entirely. After a few months, Vera's reopened in its present, much less scenic but safer strip-mall location, far inland.
Dining Room
The new Vera's is pleasantly spartan, if a bit on the dark side. The young service staff is easy to get along with.
Why It's Essential
A West End-style restaurant in Slidell, Vera's has fried, boiled, stuffed, and shucked local seafood for over fifty years. In its new location, it's not as scenic as it was when it overlooked the lake, but the food is, if anything, better.
Why It's Good
Vera's has the best fried shrimp anywhere in the New Orleans area. I say that through a lifelong dislike for fried shrimp boring--that's how good they are. All the rest of their fried platters are equally appealing. Also here are poor boys and some non-seafood plates in the style of a New Orleans neighborhood restaurant, all prepared to order with fresh local ingredients.
Most Interesting Dishes
<em><strong>Starters</strong></em><br /> Raw oysters on the half shell<br /> Grilled oysters on the half shell<br /> Shrimp remoulade <br /> Fried crab fingers<br /> Crabmeat au gratin (appetizer or entree)<br /> Crawfish stuffed mushrooms with garlic butter<br /> Seafood gumbo<br /> <em><strong>Entrees</strong></em><br /> Boiled shrimp and crabs <br /> Fried shrimp <br /> Grilled or blackened shrimp<br /> Fried frog legs<br /> Fried seafood platters <br /> Broiled or stuffed whole flounder<br /> Grilled or broiled snapper<br /> Grilled, blackened, or barbecue chicken breast<br /> Fried chicken<br /> Hamburger steak<br /> Poor boy sandwiches<br /> <em><strong>Desserts</strong></em><br /> Bread pudding
Deficiencies
The premises could be brightened up a bit. I wish they did more with oysters.
For Best Results
The biggest crowds are on Friday nights, of course. Take advantage of the boiled seafood; not many restaurants have it anymore.
Bonus Ratings
1
Local Color
1
Service
1
Value