Experience Unique Cajun Dining at Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe in Round Rock

Ever ripped the tail off a properly spiced crawfish or taken a bite into some tender alligator meat? If you have, your mouth is probably watering already. If you’ve never had a chance to try these Cajun staples and they sound a bit too strange for you, don’t knock it ’til you try it.

The moment you start approaching Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe in Round Rock, you can tell that the place is going to be fun. People leaving are smiling, and the folks entering have that anticipatory look that says they know they’re in for a treat. Plus, the frog on their sign is playing an accordion.

It’s also convenient that Razzoo’s is located in the same shopping complex as IKEA, for when you make that bi-annual pilgrimage from Austin proper. The two spots are within a stone’s throw of each other…if you have a really good arm.

Now I know the Austinot faithful will wonder what Razzoo’s has to do with Austin. According to the folks we spoke to, Razzoo’s was actually founded in Austin, South Austin to be exact. You won’t find this information on their website, but the managers at the Round Rock location assure me that it’s true.

For whatever reason, the original location in Austin shut down, and Razzoo’s reopened in the DFW area. Since then, 15 Razzoo’s locations have been opened, including the one we visited. And I hear that this Cajun paradise is hoping to return to Austin in the near future.

The Food at Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe in Round Rock

Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe has made a name for themselves by serving up authentic Cajun food, made from scratch daily. Now, a lot of restaurants claim that everything is made from scratch and made to order at their restaurants. Sometimes I wonder about the accuracy of this claim, but not at Razzoo’s. They deliver on this promise.

The one slight exception to this rule, according to Service Manager Bobby Nestler, is Razzoo’s gumbo. It is made from scratch, but not made fresh on order. “You can’t make gumbo to order. It takes too long. But we do make it fresh every morning.”

After getting a tour of the location, we sat down to enjoy our meal. We were greeted with a smile by Sarah Peterson, our server. She was a delight, and extremely knowledgeable about every item on the menu. What followed was plate after plate of deliciousness. Here’s a breakdown:

Boudin Balls – Cajun-fried balls of zesty goodness. They contain spicy sausage and rice, and are served with a tangy dip that I really enjoyed.

Crawfish (Regular Spice and Firemouth) – Other than little crawfish eyes staring at you, there should be very little holding you back from ripping their bodies in half, taking the succulent meat from the tail and enjoying this traditional Cajun offering. If you’re brave, you can suck out the head too, in order to get all the juicy goodness. Brit was brave; I was not. Razzoo’s crawfish come in regular spice or firemouth, which is seasoned with cayenne pepper. I preferred the firemouth option. Crawfish is seasonal, and the season runs January through June-ish.

Fried Gator – Not on the menu and not always available. But you should definitely ask for it when you visit. The batter is a solid add, but the meat – my goodness – was incredibly tender. Give gator a shot.

Stuffed shrimp – If you like shrimp, you’ll love this plate. Sizable and meaty shrimp is stuffed with crab and crawfish and served over rice, with a white creamy sauce and toasted and buttered bread. The shrimp was excellent and the creamy sauce over the rice was outstanding.

Rat Toes – Just a name, don’t freak out. These are shrimp and crab stuffed jalapeños, battered and fried. They were quite sizable, and the same type of filling used to make the stuffed shrimp was used here.

Razzoo’s has tons of other choices on their menu. They do offer popcorn shrimp, corn dogs and “cheeseboigers” for those little ones who have not yet developed a more adventurous palate. Also for kids, Razzoo’s boasts an excellent outdoor playground and large patio. Our Round Rock friends say that their kids always enjoy a visit to Razzoo’s.

The Food Is Excellent, But Only Half the Fun

Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe goes beyond having excellent Cajun fare. They are also known for hosting great parties and having a wild interior and a very friendly staff.

As you walk into the main dining area, you’ll see what Razzoo’s regulars refer to as “The Tornado.” It’s a staple of Razzoo’s – you’ll find it on the ceiling at each of their 15 locations. Imagine a collection of some of the most fun and obscure objects, hand-picked by two seniors who scout for treasure all over the country. The Tornado is all lit up and it provides ample conversation starters as you wait for your food.

Razzoo’s full service bar makes great drinks and mocktails, as well. They even dress their drinks up festively. Happy hour is from 5-7 PM, Monday through Friday.

During the Summer months, live bands are featured every Thursday night from 7-11 PM. In short, everything at Razzoo’s oozes fun.

Big Party for Mardi Gras at Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe

Speaking of fun, Razzoo’s has a large Mardi Gras countdown board that they update all year long. They’ve been counting down the days for a full year, and have a Mardi Gras celebration going on now through Tuesday, February 12th. You know that no one is going to do it up like this joint.

Check this out:

• Boiled Crawfish: $4.99/lb
• Frozen Hurricanes: $3.50
• Abita Draft Beers: $3
• Rat Toes: $4.99
• Fried Pickle Puckers: $3.99
• Fried Green Beans: $3.99

Of course on Fat Tuesday itself, Razzoo’s will take the party to the next level. Mardi Gras costumes will be worn by the staff, beads will be handed out, and live music will start at 6 PM when The Johnston Brothers take the stage. No cover.

Get on out there and check them out. Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe is located at 201 University Oaks in Round Rock. Call them at (512) 255-2400 if you have any questions, or visit them on their website here.

 

@EricHighland asks:

What is YOUR favorite Cajun-style dish?

 

Cover photo courtesy of Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe.