We are no strangers to seafood here in Austin, and there are plenty of restaurants that serve seafood based sandwiches. Keep reading to find out where some of the best rated fish sandwiches, po’ boys, and rolls are throughout the area. At The Austin Insider, we only tell you about the places that people love, so you know these spots are good. And if you’re hankering for more seafood than just a sandwich read this guide to the best seafood places in Austin!
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1. Get your money’s worth at Turf N’ Surf Po Boy
Let’s start this list off with a place that obviously has a selection of po’ boys for you to pick from, since it’s literally in the name and all. With the Turf N’ Surf menu, any kind of protein can be prepared in the form of a po’ boy. Blackened fish, fried shrimp, the possibilities range and are all topped with mixed greens and slaw. Ask for cajun corn or cilantro fries if you’re wanting even more flavor. Turf N’ Surf Po Boy is located on Lavaca Street and they have plenty of outdoor seating to pick from. You’re able to eat with Turf N’ Surf Po Boy every day from 11 am – 11 pm so make sure to grab some lunch or dinner there sometime.
2. Lobster is on the menu at Salt Traders Coastal Cooking
Inspired by coastal travels from all over the world, Salt Traders Coastal Cooking isn’t a restaurant that happens to feature a fish sandwich on their menu. Salt Traders Coastal Cooking is a seafood inspired restaurant that happens to have other menu items. Sustainably sourced seafood means you can expect only the best flavor out of any bite taken from the lobster rolls to the fish sandwich. High quality ingredients all combine to really showcase the flavor you can achieve with the right process, and these folks take the process seriously. Open daily, Salt Traders Coastal Cooking is located on Mopac Expy until 9 pm at the earliest. Take a trip to beaches you’ve never even heard of when you take a bite of the menu items at Salt Traders Coastal Cooking.
3. DIY Lobster Roll at Garbo’s
Serving New England cuisine with an Austin twist is Garbo’s, the restaurant off Lamar and 6th in downtown Austin that shows off their east coast influence with every meal. Since 2012, Garbo’s has served more than 50,000 lobster rolls in this town. The folks at Garbo’s swear that they taste as good as anything you’ll find on the east coast. A Connecticut roll and the Maine roll are also up for grabs. Garbo’s has a lovely setup with shaded outdoor seating, giving you access to a breeze without having to put up with any stubborn sunlight. North Lamar’s location is closed on Thursday and Friday but otherwise stays open from 11 am – 7:30 pm during the rest of the week. Not only is this restaurant a solid stop for great meals, the ambiance and decor provides great backdrops for any photos taken.
4. Fried Fish Burger at Ski Shores Cafe
When you’re in the mood to dine in a way that stands out in Austin’s ever growing culinary scene, you won’t have to go further than BOA Steakhouse on 6th St. Known for being an upscale location that serves top grade steaks, this restaurant’s menu has more to offer with their sides selection. Favorites include the “boujee” twice baked potato, and it’s as delectable as the name suggests. Picture it, a meticulously prepared potato with a filling that is satisfying beyond your wildest dreams and then topped with gourmet ingredients. Anyone who knows that potatoes are already an artform will be thrilled to try out the absolute picasso of baked potatoes at BOA Steakhouse. The rest of this menu blends traditional steakhouse options with a variety of modern crafting techniques. From the potatoes to the steaks, every dish is perfected with top quality ingredients. Once you’re done drooling over the potatoes, you’ll want to take a look at the wine list and cocktails menu. Their impressive selection of drinks will convince you to get a ride home so you can order just one more. Any celebration is made better by treating yourself to a night of fine dining at BOA Steakhouse so gather up the bachelorette party, family reunion, or whoever wants to be treated right and head over to BOA Steakhouse from 5 – 10 pm any day of the week. A combination of attentive service, amazing flavors, and of course the twice-baked potato makes BOA Steakhouse a favorite in Austin.
5. Put famous to the test at Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls
Lobster rolls might sound like some kind of sushi but don’t be fooled by the name on the sign. A “roll” is pretty much a sandwich, or po’ boy style dish that Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls has many versions of on their menu. Order the classic roll for the straight up version of the dish, served with maine lobster and the standard with mayo and lemon butter on a New-England split top roll. Variations include the Connecticut roll and the lobster salad roll. Mason’s might be famous for the lobster, but don’t count the shrimp version of the “roll” out of the game. A lobster grilled cheese sandwich also stands out on this menu. For a take on the grilled cheese that is particularly tasty you can visit Mason’s Favorite Lobster Rolls on Congress Ave inside of The Austonian. We could talk for days about everything that this menu has to offer but you won’t know until you try for yourself from 11 am – 9 pm any day that suits you.
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6. Bagel and lox at FoodHeads
Fresh, clean, local foods have been served at FoodHeads for something like twenty years by people who care about health as much as they care about flavor. With an atmosphere that can only be described as “cute” , everything from the food’s presentation to the jovial staff members will make you smile. Their take on a fish sandwich isn’t your standard fried patty, but more cafe-style. A fish torta served on bolillo bread with spicy apple pico is one option, but they have another choice if you consider a bagel to be a sandwich. A smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese with tomato and alfalfa sprouts is quite the force to be reckoned with. Visit this establishment when you want healthy food that tastes good. They are open every day except Sunday for breakfast, lunch and early dinner.
7. Beyong Mango Sticky at Ocean Blue Oyster Bar
Artistry, innovation, and sustainability are three pillars behind the success at Ocean Blue Oyster Bar, and a wicked po’ boy on top of that. Catfish, oysters, and shrimp are all part of the po’ boy menu and all of them are pretty equally tasty. While we don’t recommend ordering all three at once, we can’t tell you which would be the best. A po’ boy served at Ocean Blue Oyster Bar is always handed off with a smile from the friendly servers. Plenty of TV’s are set up on the walls, making this bar a great place to watch the game. Ocean Blue Oyster Bar is located in Lakehills Plaza on south Lamar Blvd. Open from lunchtime until 10 pm at least, Ocean Blue Oyster Bar is one place where the oyster po’ boy is particularly exceptional. An oyster bar would be the place to find that particular meal if you think about it.
8. Epic Fish Burgers at Phil’s Ice House
You might have heard of Phil’s Ice House at some point because of their expansive burger menu, but we want to tell you about the hot and crunchy fish sandwich. Breaded heavily and cooked to perfection, this fish sandwich is exactly the right amount of crispy texture versus tender fish. Topped with pepper jack cheese, the Phil’s Ice House fish sandwich puts all of their burgers to shame and we aren’t sorry to say that. Three different locations throughout Austin means that you’re likely not too far from a Phil’s Ice House at any time during your stay in the area. South Lamar Blvd, Burnet Road and US-183 are all home to a Phil’s Ice House and they are all open from 11 am – 9 pm (at least) throughout the week.
9. Breakfast + Po Boy at TLC
Trendy and chic without coming off as pretentious, TLC is a friendly neighborhood hangout pretending to be an upscale restaurant and we mean that as a compliment. Without having to spend a ridiculous amount of money, you’re able to experience a fine dining atmosphere without having to worry about what to wear. Ask for “The Bubba” sandwich and get lost in the ingredients for a while. Sauteed BBQ shrimp and avocado are the stars of this sandwich, but you’ll have to place the order to find out more. Lamar Union Plaza is where you’ll find TLC open every day until 10 pm. Don’t get all dressed up unless you want to, TLC is the kind of place for everyone wearing anything from cocktail dresses to cowboy boots.
10. Tender Lobister Roll at Perla’s
If you’re looking for more than the average fish filet sandwich, Perla’s is the place to be. People continuously rave over the grilled mahi sandwich that is served on the lunch and dinner menu. Mahi isn’t your thing? That’s fine, the Perla’s menu also features a lobster roll topped with house made mayo. Look for the large neon “Perla’s” sign when you’re driving down Congress Ave and you’ll know you’ve found the spot. Fresh fish is flown in daily from multiple coasts so you know the flavor is going to be impressive regardless of what day you’ve chosen to visit. From the moment your order is taken by a pleasant staff member until you’re finished eating the stellar sandwich, Perla’s provides an ambiance that feels really good. Take a seat on their shaded patio for lunch or dinner from 11 am – 10 pm and you’ll find out why we love to mention Perla’s here at The Austin Insider.
11. Grilled Tuna Steak Sandwich at Shoal Creek Saloon
Have you ever tried a grilled tuna steak sandwich? If not, you should be hurrying over to Lamar Blvd to order one at Shoal Creek Saloon. Don’t let the “saloon” title fool you, this place is a whole seafood restaurant with more on their menu than most restaurants have. Order the crawfish queso as an appetizer and you’ll be able to tell that Shoal Creek Saloon is not like your everyday fish joint. Locals love it, visitors love it, people from all over can find something to love about Shoal Creek Saloon. For over 20 years, Shoal Creek Saloon has kept the Louisiana-style seafood coming and doesn’t plan to stop. Get ready to get addicted to everything that Shoal Creek Saloon has to offer.
