10 Best Crawfish In Austin: Top Spots For A Mudbug Boil

Jump to: Best Crawfish Austin Restaurants | Viet-Cajun Fusion Spots | Where to Buy Live Crawfish

When mudbug season hits Central Texas, the hunt for the best crawfish Austin provides becomes a local obsession. Whether you like your bugs “Vietnam-style” with heavy garlic butter or traditional Louisiana spicy, Austin’s seafood scene has evolved into a powerhouse of Cajun flavor. From North Austin dives to South Austin patios, we’ve rounded up the spots that keep the spice high and the beer cold.

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Also check out these articles – Best Patio Restaurants in Austin, Austin Seafood Restaurants, Late Night Food Austin, Best Austin Rooftop Bars & Restaurants, and Best Sushi Restaurants Austin!

Best Crawfish Austin Restaurants

Shoal Creek Saloon

This iconic Austin staple is the go-to for Saints fans and crawfish lovers alike. Known for their authentic Louisiana-style boil, the atmosphere here during peak season is unmatched. The crawfish are consistently well-seasoned and served with the classic corn and potato sides.

Operating Hours: Daily 11 am – 10 pm
Where: 909 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
How Much: $12 – $15 per pound (Seasonal Market Price)

Deckhand Oyster Bar & Seafood

Image credit: Deckhand Oyster Bar Facebook

Deckhand offers a unique fusion of flavors that Austin locals swear by. Their “Deckhand sauce” is a spicy, savory blend that elevates their crawfish boil beyond the standard salt-and-pepper routine. It’s a casual, high-energy environment perfect for a messy meal.

Operating Hours: Monday Closed | Tuesday – Thursday & Sunday 11 am – 9:30 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 10:30 pm
Where: 701 W Louis Henna Blvd, Austin, TX 78728
How Much: $10 – $14 per pound

The Boat

Located in North Austin, The Boat feels like a coastal getaway. They take their crawfish boils seriously, offering large batches during the season with plenty of spice and flavor. The outdoor seating area is expansive, making it great for families.

Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 10 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am -12 am
Where: 10931 Stonelake Blvd, Austin, TX 78759
How Much: $12 – $16 per pound

Armadillo Den

Image credit: Armadillo Den Facebook

While primarily a massive outdoor bar, Armadillo Den hosts legendary crawfish boils during the season. It’s the quintessential South Austin vibe: live music, dogs allowed, and plenty of picnic tables to pile the mudbugs high.

Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday 4 pm – 12 am | Thursday & Sunday 12 pm – 12 am | Friday – Saturday 12 pm -2 am
Where: 10106 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78748
How Much: Varies by vendor/market price

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen specializes in French Quarter classics– think lobster, gumbo, and Swampthings. They’re also known for their flavorful crawfish boils. If you want all the crawfish your heart desires, their Crawfish Hours are from Tuesday to Friday at 3 pm to 6 pm.

Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Where: 6319 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78752
How Much: $14 per pound

Viet-Cajun Fusion Spots

HappyRito Seafood

Image credit: HappyRito Seafood Facebook

Happyrito is a favorite for those who love the “Viet-Cajun” style. Their crawfish are tossed in aromatic garlic butter and citrus blends that make every bite pop. The spice levels are customizable, so you can go as mild or as wild as you like.

Operating Hours: Monday 4 pm – 9 pm | Tuesday – Sunday 11 am – 9 pm
Where: 11066 Pecan Park Blvd, Suite 540, Cedar Park, TX 78613
How Much: $11 – $13 per pound

La Crawfish

A heavy hitter in the Viet-Cajun world, LA Crawfish offers variety. You can choose from Garlic Butter, Cajun, or Lemon Pepper. Their crawfish are always juicy, and the noodles are a must-order “hack” to toss in the leftover sauce.

Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 11 am – 9:30 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 10 pm | Sunday 12 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: 500 E Ben White Blvd D200, Austin, TX 78704
How Much: $12 – $15 per pound

Where to Buy Live Crawfish in Austin

Stuffed Cajun Meat Market

For those looking to host their own backyard boil, Stuffed is the premier destination. They source high-quality live crawfish directly from Louisiana. You can also pick up authentic boudin and andouille while you’re there.

Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 am – 6 pm | Sunday 10 am – 3 pm
Where: 12226 RR 620 N, Austin, TX 78750
How Much: Market price by the sack

Quality Seafood Market

Image credit: Facebook

A legend in the Austin seafood scene since 1938. They offer both a full-service restaurant and a fresh market where you can buy live crawfish. They are known for having some of the freshest seafood in the city.

Operating Hours: Restaurant: Wednesday – Saturday 11 am – 8 pm | Retail/Fish Market: Wednesday – Saturday 10:30 am – 5 pm
Where: 5621 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
How Much: Market Price

Crawfish ATX

Get your crawfish at Crawfish ATX. Aside from Cajun classics, they have an array of seafood dishes and a whole lot of crawfish. Taste fresh and delicious crawfish here!

Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 3 pm – 10 pm | Friday – Saturday 12 pm – 11 pm | Sunday 12 pm – 10 pm
Where: 9600 I-35 D-300, Austin, TX 78748
How Much: Market Price

Common Questions about the Best Crawfish in Austin

When is crawfish season in Austin?

Crawfish season typically runs from late January through June, with the peak quality and availability occurring in March, April, and May.

Are these crawfish spots kid-friendly?

Yes, spots like Armadillo Den and The Boat offer large outdoor areas that are perfect for families with children.

Can I buy live crawfish for a backyard boil?

Absolutely. Markets like Stuffed Cajun Meat Market and Quality Seafood Market are the top choices for sourcing live mudbugs by the sack.

Looking for more fun in the city? See the upcoming Weekend Events in Austin.

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Lacey Morris

Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.