If you’re looking for something a little fishy to satisfy that seafood craving, you won’t have to look any further than right here in Austin. All over the city, we have everything from fried fish to lobster rolls made with fresh sourced ingredients. This is the best spot to learn about where to sit down for some seafood while you’re here in Austin. Whether you are new to the city and only visiting, or already living in the area, never hesitate to check out The Austin Insider for info on where to be when you’re in town.
Salt Traders Coastal Cooking
4.6 ★
First up on today’s list is Salt Traders Coastal Cooking on Mopac Expressway, a trusted seafood restaurant with a wide variety of dish selections on their vast menu. Inspired by travels all over various coasts, from The Bahamas to the East Coast and more, there’s more than just fabulous oysters, shrimp and crab. Whether you’re filling up on reduced price appetizers or oysters during happy hour, or tearing up some fish enchiladas, Salt Traders Coastal Cooking covers a wide spectrum of seafood favorites. Open every day of the week, your group can enjoy a meal with these friendly folks every day from 11 am – 9 pm, 10 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Perla’s
4.5 ★
When the weather is nice, as it usually is here in the Austin area, Perla’s on Congress Ave is the place you’ll want to be for surf & turf. Grilled octopus and lobster rolls seem to taste better when you are enjoying them from outside and Perla’s has a great patio to take on lunch or dinner. Featuring fresh fish and oysters flown in every day, Perla’s is an exception to the general rule on landlocked states not having fresh seafood. Since 2009, this establishment has been a hot spot for everyone wanting to enjoy their brunch, lunch or dinner outside. Something about an outdoor Texas ambiance makes a meal seem to taste better, though the dishes at Perla’s don’t need any extra help in that department.
Deckhand Oyster Bar
4.5 ★
Since 2010, Deckhand Oyster Bar has been a casual stop for a great meal and oysters that are bigger than your fist. Whether you head to the north or south Austin locations, either will leave you satisfied. Closed on Mondays but open throughout the rest of every week, Deckhand’s opens up for lunch at 11 and closes around 9:30 each night. Weekends are more fun so they remain open after 10 for Friday and Saturday. Try out their Asian menu options if you’re not in the mood for oysters that day, either option makes lunch or dinner all the more satisfying.
Garbos
4.5 ★
Specializing in lobster specifically, Garbos on N Mopac Expy is a low-key eatery that has been keeping the masses fed since 2015. Owned and operated by three sisters who are happy to share stories about growing up next to the beach, these folks know how to do seafood right. Pick anything off the menu whether you’re at the physical restaurant or happen to spot their food truck. Ask about their daily specials if you want to enjoy the best that Garbos has to offer. Come on by any day but Monday from 11 am – 9 pm (10 pm on the weekends) and feel like family from your first visit. Don’t hesitate to ask for a bit more backstory if you catch one of the owners, these ladies love to show off their roots at Garbos.
Cypress Grill
4.6 ★
Taste New Orleans right in Austin when you have a plate at Cypress Grill on William Cannon Drive. Family friendly, or cozy enough for date night, this is an eatery where the staff cares about you. From seating until dessert, every bit of what you experience at Cypress Grill is top notch. Try out some gumbo or crawfish egg rolls as an appetizer and if you’re not already hooked, follow up with a po’boy. (Bonus points if you catch their name reference)
HELP US
Help us keep making awesome content like this, and save a few bucks while having a good time! Use promo code Spooky24 to get 20% off the #1 Highest Rated Party Bike in Austin during October!
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
4.6 ★
Taste New Orleans right in Austin when you have a plate at Cypress Grill on William Cannon Drive. Family friendly, or cozy enough for date night, this is an eatery where the staff cares about you. From seating until dessert, every bit of what you experience at Cypress Grill is top notch. Try out some gumbo or crawfish egg rolls as an appetizer and if you’re not already hooked, follow up with a po’boy. (Bonus points if you catch their name reference)
Pops Crawfish
4.8 ★
Family owned and full of charm that comes straight from Louisiana, Pops Crawfish is truly a visit back home even if you’re not actually from their home spot. From the “by the pound” crawfish coated in their very own house seasoning to the unbeatable service, you won’t leave with anything less than full satisfaction after a trip to Pops on Ranch rd. Only open from Friday-Sunday, you will want to plan ahead for this particular visit so don’t forget to take a quick look at their website before heading out.
Cherry Creek Catfish
4.6 ★
Keep Austin Fried at Cherry Creek Catfish on Manchaca, you won’t want to leave after sitting down to anything on their menu, not just the catfish. From 11 am – 9 pm (10 pm on Saturday and Sunday) you can chow down on some reasonably priced, fried seafood. Save a few bucks with any of the daily specials or dive into a full priced plate of fish and shrimp with a side of mac n cheese. No matter which way you go, you’re headed down the street to flavor town when you make your way to Cherry Creek Catfish. Hospitality mixed with flavor is guaranteed with each order so hurry on down for some lunch or dinner.
Traphouse Caribbean and Seafood
4.9 ★
Comsouth Drive and Colorado Street are both homes to the Traphouse Caribbean and Seafood restaurant, your new favorite stop for something Cajun and full to the brim with flavor. Not for the weekend visits, the Traphouse is closed on Sunday, Saturday and Tuesday. During their open hours (11 am – 9 pm) you can come by for some Jerk shrimp or even Jackfruit if you’ve got a Vegan diet to adhere to. While Traphouse Caribbean and Seafood is not a full blown seafood menu, their menu is more than worth at least one stop by. Check in to either of their two Austin locations and see why everyone suddenly can’t get enough of the Traphouse. Locally owned and operated, either spot will make you want to keep coming back.
Happy Lobster Truck
5.0 ★
Located on Rainey St, you won’t mind the slightly higher prices at the Happy Lobster Truck, their fresh lobster is worth the extra change. While their hours vary and the menu options vary based on what might be available that day, you won’t want to miss out on a chance to taste their lobster grilled cheese or angry fries. Their home made cheese sauce is nothing to ignore either. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to try out a little piece of Austin that everyone keeps talking about but be sure to visit the website first and make sure they are open when the cravings start to hit.
Hestia
4.5 ★
Inspired by the giant hearth that resides inside of the building, Hestia takes fire and makes a point to include the element in as much of their menu as possible. Located on west 3rd st, Hestia is an upscale experience that sticks out in anyone’s memory. Dive right into the appetizers with some smoked crab tart and then some halibut for the main course. Starting or finishing off your meal with any menu cocktail isn’t a bad idea either. Known for their attention to detail, vast knowledge and incredible hospitality, Hestia is open from 5:30-10 pm every day of the week except Monday. Take on a dining expenditure that you and yours are sure to keep talking about for many days after.
CONCLUSION
Now that you know where the top rated seafood restaurants are in Austin, we know you have plans to make and reservations to check on. Thanks so much for taking some time to read with us here at The Austin Insider. Presented by AustinPedalParty.com, The Austin Insider is here to make your planning experience easier while you’re visiting our favorite city. Keep coming back if you ever have any questions about where to eat, drink and party in Austin, Texas. We are always looking for new topics to cover and have a ton of great articles full of information that will fill your “to-do” list before you know it.
Before you click away to get back to vacation planning, don’t forget to take some time to click around the website. Read up on our infamous Pedal Party tours and find out everything you need to know about your new favorite activity. Affordable, fun and eco-friendly, Austin Pedal Party tours are a hype way to learn about Austin with a local tour guide who can share all of the city’s secrets with you. Don’t miss out on a chance to impress your whole party with something new and exciting. We can’t wait to see you riding along with us here at Austin Pedal Party!