For Southerners, crawfish is legendary. Whether it’s dumped out on tablecloths by the bucketful or the featured ingredient in a po’boy, crawfish reigns king. From March through May, a visit to Austin, Texas offers the opportunity to enjoy this cult-favorite just like the locals. And if you’re lucky, you can dine on this delicacy through June. When you’re looking for spicy mudbug boils and crawfish specialties, here’s where to get your claws on the best crawfish in Austin.
The Best Crawfish in Austin: 10 Top Spots To Try
For people who don’t hail from the South, crawdads may get less attention than more popular northern specialties like lobster and crab. But plan a visit to any southern city and you’ll quickly learn why crawfish deserves some notoriety of its own. The humble crawdad is added to a wide assortment of dishes from queso to soup, making it easy to try this delicacy.
Belly up the table and indulge in the messy delight that is a crawfish boil. You won’t soon forget peeling crawfish, sucking down the head, and smacking your lips after this delicious tradition. For something less messy, you can try crawfish soup and mudbug fries. Whatever your preference, here’s where to get the best crawfish in Austin.
1. Crawfish Shack and Oyster Bar
With two locations — one at 2013 Wells Branch Pkwy and the other in Southpark Meadows — Crawfish Shack and Oyster Bar serves up good times and great seafood all year long. Here, you can enjoy crawfish all year long, not just when it’s in season. You can also buy live crawfish by the sack for your own cooking pleasure.
2. Shoal Creek Saloon
During crawfish season, Shoal Creek Saloon boils every day from 11 am to 10 pm. Make sure to show up early at the beginning of the season; it’s not unusual for the sports bar to sell out before closing time. Don’t miss their Louisiana-inspired cuisine including crawfish queso, Gulf oysters, and cajun gumbo. It also doubles as a great spot to watch the New Orleans Saints during football season.
3. La Crawfish
Want your crawfish all year round? Head to La Crawfish, where you can get your hands on crawfish dishes no matter what month it is. Choose from garlic butter or cajun style mudbugs, which are sourced from Louisiana as well as parts of Texas.
4. Cypress Grill
Cypress Grill at William Cannon Dr. Ste L offers a crawfish boil every Tuesday and Saturday starting at 4:30 pm. The restaurant only buys Louisiana crawfish and serves it with corn and red potatoes — creating an authentic and classic experience that shouldn’t be missed. Here, you’ll enjoy traditional cajun specialties with a friendly atmosphere. It’s a great spot to kick back, dig in, and enjoy all Austin has to offer.
5. Big Easy Bar and Grill
Big Easy Bar and Grill runs a South Austin food truck where you can get your claws into delicious Austin crawfish. Aside from boiled crawfish, you’ll also find southern delights including shrimp po’boys, beignets, and seafood tacos.
6. Down South Cajjun Eats
Down South Cajjun Eats is the brainchild of brothers Jahmal and Jermaine Dumes. Here, you can buy crawfish by the pound when in season. Check them out for takeout, curbside pickup, and in-house dining. This is a great spot for lovers of crawfish as well as those new to the delicacies. The restaurant offers several different seasoning options and spice levels — including spicy, lemon pepper, and cajun.
7. Deckhand Oyster Bar & Seafood
What’s not to like about a restaurant with the self-proclaimed motto “we don’t shuck around”? Located at 4211 S. Lamar Blvd, Deckhand Oyster Bar and Seafood is a friendly and fun spot to dive into some of the best crawfish in Austin. Try the crawfish etouffee or the Drunken Sailor — a fresh assortment of seafood including crawfish tails, scallops, mussels, and fried catfish.
8. Stuffed Cajun Meat Market
Want to make your own crawfish boil? Instead of heading to one of the Austin restaurants on this list, head to Stuffed Cajun Meat Market. During the crawfish season, you can pick up live crawfish for your own special recipes. Keep in mind, you’ll need to pre-order 48 hours before you can pick it up so order ahead if you’re hosting your own boiled crawfish event. You can also stop in and dine on their own specialties including seafood gumbo, crawfish etouffee, and jambalaya.
9. Kasian Boil
Kasian Boil is known for having some of the best crawfish in the Austin area. Grab crawfish by the pound or opt for one of their special meal deals featuring crawfish, corn, potatoes, and sausage. It’s not just about crawfish boils here, you’ll also find fun takes like crawfish fries, crawfish mac n cheese, and crawfish fried rice. The seafood restaurant also offers snow crab, catfish, and fresh shrimp on the menu.
10. Quality Seafood Market
Quality Seafood Market is an Austin staple that’s been serving up fresh seafood since 1938. Pick up fresh crawfish and other seafood from the market to cook at home. Alternatively, you can order from the seafood market menu which offers a selection of po’boys, boudin balls, and soups like crawfish etouffee.
Dive Into Austin’s Delights
Whether you live in Austin full-time or are visiting during the springtime, make a stop at these spots to try the best crawfish in Austin. It’s a great way to get into the local culinary scene and partake in fun activities with locals and visitors alike. You’ll also get to experience Austin’s excellent fusion skills where you can try crawfish with Vietnamese, Tex-Mex, and French influences.
Looking for other wars to explore Austin? Continue browsing ATX Guides to find tips on the best attractions in the city and the latest trends. From where to catch live music in Austin to the best brunch in town, you’re sure to find something to keep you entertained in the city that likes to keep things weird.
