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The Ultimate 2025 Guide To The Castnet New Orleans Menu: 7 Must-Try Dishes And Market Price Secrets

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Planning a visit to Castnet Seafood in New Orleans East? You are about to uncover the menu secrets of one of the city's most authentic and enduring culinary institutions. As of late 2025, Castnet continues its decades-long tradition of serving the freshest Gulf Coast seafood, from perfectly seasoned boiled crustaceans to legendary Po'boy sandwiches.

This comprehensive, up-to-date guide breaks down the full Castnet New Orleans menu, detailing the iconic dishes, the current pricing structure for their seasonal specialties, and the rich history that makes this casual eatery a true local landmark. Forget the tourist traps—this is where real New Orleanians eat.

The Castnet Seafood Legacy: A New Orleans East Institution

Castnet Seafood is more than just a restaurant; it’s a piece of living New Orleans history, deeply rooted in the New Orleans East community on Hayne Boulevard. The story of Castnet is one of resilience and dedication to authentic Gulf Coast cuisine.

  • Location: 10826 Hayne Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127
  • Neighborhood: New Orleans East / Gentilly
  • Founders/Owners: Ken Bondi and his wife, Denise Bondi
  • Established: 1988
  • Claim to Fame: A beloved, family-owned fixture that famously recovered quickly after Hurricane Katrina, with owner Kent Bondi immediately getting back to serving Po'boys, a symbol of the city's spirit.
  • Cuisine Style: Authentic Cajun and Creole Seafood, focusing on fresh, local ingredients.

The atmosphere at Castnet is casual and unpretentious, reflecting its commitment to quality food over fancy dining. It operates as both a fresh seafood market and a restaurant, ensuring the ingredients on your plate are as fresh as possible.

Castnet New Orleans Menu 2025: Breaking Down the Categories

The Castnet menu is divided into three main pillars: Boiled Seafood, Classic Po'boys, and Fried Seafood Platters. Understanding these categories is key to navigating your authentic New Orleans seafood experience.

1. The Boiled Seafood Experience: Market Price Specialties

The boiled seafood at Castnet is the heart of the operation, representing the freshest seasonal catches. Because the availability and cost of seafood fluctuate daily, these items are always listed at Market Price (M.P.). This is a sign of a truly dedicated seafood establishment that prioritizes freshness over fixed pricing.

  • Boiled Crawfish: A seasonal delicacy, typically available from late winter through early summer. Castnet's crawfish are famous for their intense Cajun seasoning and are sold by the pound.
  • Boiled Shrimp: Fresh Gulf shrimp, available raw or cooked, and sold by the pound. This is a year-round staple.
  • Blue Crab: Available raw or cooked, the Blue Crab is another seasonal favorite, known for its sweet meat and sold by the pound.
  • The Seasoning: The secret to Castnet's boiled seafood is the proprietary Cajun seasoning blend, which offers a deep, spicy flavor that defines the New Orleans boil.

Tip for Visitors: Always call ahead or check their social media for the current Market Price and availability of crawfish and crabs, especially outside of peak season.

2. Iconic New Orleans Po'boy Sandwiches

The Po'boy is the quintessential New Orleans sandwich, and Castnet's offerings are considered among the best in New Orleans East. They are served on fresh, crusty New Orleans French bread and typically "dressed" with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise.

  • Fried Shrimp Po'boy: Crispy, Gulf shrimp piled high on French bread. A fan favorite.
  • Oyster Po'boy: Features perfectly fried oysters, a true classic.
  • Catfish Po'boy: A highly recommended option featuring flaky, fried catfish. (Sample Price: ~$12.99)
  • Stuffed Crab Po'boy: A unique, richer sandwich featuring a fried stuffed crab patty.

These sandwiches are substantial, offering an affordable and filling meal that showcases the quality of their fried seafood. The flavor profile is bold, savory, and distinctly local.

3. Fried Platters, Starters, and Sides: The Full Feast

For those looking for a full, sit-down meal or a taste of everything, the platters and starters provide a complete culinary journey through Cajun and Creole flavors.

Must-Try Starters and Soups

The starters at Castnet are foundational to the New Orleans dining experience, particularly their famous Gumbo.

  • Seafood Gumbo: Often cited as a must-try, the Gumbo is available in both a traditional file-based version (thicker, richer) or an okra-based version (lighter, more vegetable-forward). It is a rich, flavorful stew packed with seafood.
  • Boiled Shrimp/Crab: Can be ordered as a starter, typically in smaller portions than the main boiled seafood orders.

The Castnet Seafood Platters

The platters are designed for a hearty appetite, combining Castnet's famous fried seafood with essential Southern sides. The focus is on generous portions and perfectly crisp frying.

  • Combo Platter: The ideal choice for sampling, typically includes a mix of fried shrimp, fried catfish, and fried oysters.
  • Fried Shrimp Platter: A generous portion of their perfectly fried Gulf shrimp.
  • Catfish Platter: A large serving of the popular fried catfish.

All platters traditionally come served with classic side dishes, including french fries and coleslaw, providing a balanced meal that cuts through the richness of the fried seafood.

Essential Side Dishes

While the focus is on seafood, the sides are the perfect accompaniment to complete the meal, offering contrasting textures and flavors.

  • French Fries: Crispy and savory, the standard accompaniment for all fried platters and Po'boys.
  • Coleslaw: A cool, tangy side that provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy, fried, and boiled items.
  • Other Potential Sides (Varies): Depending on the season and daily specials, other classic Southern sides like corn on the cob or potato salad may be available, especially with boiled orders.

Why Castnet Remains a Local Treasure in 2025

In a city where restaurants open and close constantly, Castnet Seafood’s longevity—since 1988—is a testament to its quality and authenticity. The restaurant’s location in New Orleans East, slightly off the main tourist path of the French Quarter and Garden District, ensures that the experience remains genuine.

The commitment of owners Ken and Denise Bondi to sourcing fresh Gulf ingredients and maintaining a casual, friendly dining environment is what keeps locals returning year after year. Whether you are craving the fiery kick of boiled crawfish, a massive Oyster Po'boy, or a comforting bowl of Seafood Gumbo, Castnet delivers the true taste of New Orleans seafood cuisine without the elevated prices of downtown establishments.

If you are seeking an authentic, high-quality, and affordable seafood meal in the Crescent City, making the trip to Hayne Boulevard to experience the Castnet New Orleans menu is a culinary pilgrimage that is absolutely worth it. It’s a taste of the real Louisiana.

castnet new orleans menu
castnet new orleans menu

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