On the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain in Old Mandeville, Rip’s on the Lake has been delivering what regulars call a million-dollar view for decades. The two-story building sits right on the seawall with Lake Pontchartrain and the twin spans of the Causeway — the world’s longest continuous bridge at 23.8 miles — as the permanent backdrop. Chef-owner Roslyn Prieto keeps the menu anchored in the deep culinary traditions of South Louisiana: Crab Fingers New Orleans BBQ style, Redfish Atchafalaya smothered in crawfish étouffée, seafood gumbo that earns the name, and Key Lime Pie that is best ordered three at a time. The front porch at sunset is mandatory.
