Crawfish season is a festive time in the Lone Star State, especially along the coast and around Houston. Saltwater crawfish, referred to as crawdads or mudbugs among Texans or crayfish in other parts of the country, is typically boiled up in cajun seasonings along with corn, sausage, and potatoes. Crawfish boils occur at festivals, restaurants, and backyards all around Texas during crawfish season, which typically runs from March to May. Get ready to pinch the butts and suck the heads at these top restaurants for boiled crawfish in Texas.
Crawfish Shack, Crosby
Crawfish Shack is a Houston-area establishment that has two locations, one in Crosby and another in Magnolia. You’ll find Cajun classic dishes like gumbo, red beans and rice and crawfish etouffee along with boiled crawfish, shrimp and snow crab. The Crawfish Shack is also BYOB, so bring along your own beer, wine or alcohol to enjoy with spicy crawfish.
The Boiling Crab, Dallas
Dallas may not be close to the coast, but don’t doubt this Dallas establishment’s ability to boil up some great crawfish. The Boiling Crab is one of the top restaurants in Dallas to head to during crawfish season. However crawfish isn’t the only seafood option on the menu here. Also find oysters, crab, shrimp and other seafood favorites too.
LA Crawfish, Houston (Multiple Locations)
LA Crawfish has a number of locations scattered throughout the state, and five of those are located in the Houston area alone. LA Crawfish may be known for its boiled crawfish but the menu here also has hints of Vietnamese flair. The menu features a wide variety of items from po’boys to pho. If you aren’t in the mood to peel your bugs, enjoy the crawfish pho.
Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar, Austin
If your looking for crawfish in Texas’ capital city, head to Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar. This locally-owned and operated Austin establishment serves boiled crawfish most of the year, along with other seafood and Cajun eats too. If you’re looking for live crawfish for your own crawfish boil, Crawfish Shack is a great place to visit to purchase crawfish by the sack.
BB's Cafe, Houston (Multiple Locations)
This Cajun-Texas fusion restaurant has multiple locations in the Lone Star State. All of BB’s Cafe locations can be found in Houston or the greater Houston area. Texas and Cajun fusion dishes vary from Cajun taquitos to Tex-Cajun fries topped with both queso and gravy. However, people flock here for the boiled crawfish, shrimp or crab served by the pound. BB’s Cafe’s menu will keep everyone in your party happy since the menu has a wide variety of po’boys (15 options!), burgers, seafood platters and Cajun classics.
Floyd's Cajun Seafood, Webster
Floyd’s is not only a cajun seafood joint but also a great steakhouse. This mini-chain based in Houston has a number of locations in the area. You’ll find affordable boiled crawfish with a spicy Cajun seasoning here, along with a variety of crawfish dishes. Enjoy crawfish alfredo, crawfish etouffee or crawfish bisque at Floyd’s. This Houston hot spot is the perfect place to go if you have a hankering for crawdads.
Benno's on the Beach, Galveston
Enjoy great seafood and boiled crawfish while in Galveston at Benno’s. Located along Galveston’s Seawall, this seafood restaurant serves up Cajun specialty dishes along with well-seasoned, boiled crabs, crawfish and shrimp. Benno’s has been serving locals and tourists like since 1983. There is nothing like enjoying a great crawfish boil while enjoying beachfront views.
Wild Cajun, Houston
Wild Cajun is another Vietnamese Cajun fusion establishment located in the Bayou City. This Houston crawfish joint offers two seasoning options for those wanting boiled seafood, a mild option and a spicy Wild Cajun option. This small restaurant is known to have a long line during the weekends and may even sell out of its boiled goodness before the day is over. Therefore always arrive early or hit this place up during the weekdays. For those not in the mood to peel your own bugs, choose a po’boy or one of the Asian specialty dishes.
88 Boiling Crawfish & Seafood, Houston
Find incredible Thai food and seafood classics at 88 Boiling Crawfish & Seafood. Crawfish lovers should indulge in the “88 Special,” which is boiled crawfish drenched in garlic butter and seasoned with lemon pepper and Cajun seasonings. For every two pounds of crawfish you order, you’ll also receive a boiled potato and corn on the cob. However, the 88 Special can also be made with blue crab, snow crab, king crab, shrimp or green mussels. This laidback Houston establishment also serves fried and grilled seafood platters, along with crawfish fried rice and Pad Thai too.
Circle M Crawfish, Big Sandy
If you’re craving crawfish, you can’t go wrong with a Cajun joint. This Cajun restaurant located in Big Sandy features classic Cajun eats along with rib-eye steaks, catfish, alligator and frog legs. Circle M Crawfish, also referred to as Rodney’s, is an East Texas establishment that also caters, especially if you’re looking to have an at-home crawfish or shrimp boil.
Hank's Crawfish, Houston
You may think you’re in Louisiana after having a Cajun meal at Hank’s Crawfish. Come here for the boiled crawfish but stay for the well-prepared Cajun cuisines like jambalaya, gumbo and etouffee. If you’re looking for authentic Cajun food in H-Town, then a visit to Hank’s Crawfish is a must.
