Texas might be famous for barbecue and Tex-Mex, but hidden across the state are incredible Cajun seafood joints that bring Louisiana flavor right to your plate.
These unassuming spots serve up authentic gumbo, spicy crawfish boils, buttery oysters, and po’boys that rival anything you’d find in New Orleans.
Whether you’re craving bold Viet-Cajun fusion or traditional bayou cooking, these hole-in-the-wall restaurants are absolutely worth the journey.
1. Stuffed Cajun Meat Market (Cedar Park/Austin Area)
Walk into this Central Texas gem and you’ll swear you’ve been transported straight to Louisiana. The smell of boudin, cracklins, and smoked meats fills the air in a way that makes your mouth water instantly.
This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a full Cajun market where you can grab authentic ingredients and prepared foods. Louisiana natives regularly make the trip here because the flavors remind them of home, which speaks volumes about the quality.
The boudin is legendary, with perfectly seasoned rice and pork stuffed into casings that snap when you bite them. You’ll also find specialty stuffed meats that are hard to locate anywhere else in Texas.
2. Evangeline Cafe (Austin)
Tucked away in South Austin, this unpretentious spot brings the soul of New Orleans to Texas without any of the tourist-trap nonsense. Live music fills the space on many nights, creating an atmosphere that feels like a neighborhood hangout in the French Quarter.
The prices won’t break your budget, which is rare for quality Cajun food these days. Regulars rave about the gumbo, which has that deep, rich flavor that only comes from a properly made roux.
Po’boys here are piled high with fried seafood or roast beef debris, served on bread that’s crusty outside and soft inside. It’s comfort food that hits different when you’re craving something authentic.
3. Cajun Stop (Houston)
Don’t judge this place by its exterior; what it lacks in fancy decor, it more than makes up for with seriously authentic flavors. Some of the best food comes from places that focus on what’s on the plate rather than what’s on the walls.
Houston locals who grew up eating Louisiana cooking swear by this spot for their fix. The gumbo is dark, smoky, and loaded with seafood or chicken and sausage, depending on what you order.
Po’boys come dressed properly with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo, just like they should. Every bite tastes like someone’s grandmother is back in the kitchen cooking from memory and love rather than recipes.
4. Captain Tom’s Seafood & Oyster Bar (Houston Area)
Quality seafood doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and this Houston-area favorite proves it every single day. Multiple locations make it easier to find one near you, but they all deliver the same reliable goodness.
Raw oysters come out fresh and cold, shucked to order and ready for a squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce. The fried seafood baskets are generous portions of crispy shrimp, fish, or oysters that stay crunchy even as you work your way through the pile.
Their gumbo has earned a reputation as some of the best in the city. The atmosphere stays casual and welcoming, making it perfect for family dinners or casual dates.
5. Gilhooley’s (San Leon, Near Galveston)
Getting here requires a bit of a journey, but one bite of their famous chargrilled oysters makes every mile worthwhile. Perched right on the water, this beloved dive bar has the kind of character you can’t fake or replicate.
The star of the show is definitely those Gilhooley’s Grilled Oysters; plump oysters swimming in garlic butter, charred just right on the grill. They’re messy, they’re rich, and they’re absolutely addictive in the best possible way.
Cold beer, waterfront views, and a laid-back Texas vibe make this place feel like a local secret. Even though it’s gained fame over the years, it hasn’t lost its charm or authenticity.
6. Tejun/The Texas Cajun (Robinson, Near Waco)
Finding great Cajun food in Central Texas used to be nearly impossible, but this spot changed the game completely. What started as a mobile operation has grown into full restaurants that serve up Louisiana flavors with Texas hospitality.
Daily specials keep the menu exciting and affordable, giving you reasons to come back throughout the week. Boiled seafood comes perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of spice, while fried options stay light and crispy.
The convenience and value here are hard to beat, especially for folks in the Waco area who don’t want to drive hours for quality Cajun cooking. It’s proof that good food can thrive anywhere when done right.
7. Cajun Corner Seafood Kitchen (Richardson/DFW Area)
Some people call this a Vietnamese seafood speakeasy, and there’s definitely something special about discovering it for the first time. The menu blends traditional Cajun cooking with Vietnamese flavors in ways that just work beautifully together.
Their signature “Fam Bam” crawfish sack is what dreams are made of; crawfish swimming in buttery, garlicky, spicy sauce that you’ll want to drink with a straw. This Viet-Cajun fusion style has become hugely popular in Houston and other Texas cities.
Standard Cajun fare is available too, but the fusion dishes are where this place really shines. Don’t skip the garlic noodles if they’re available; they’re the perfect accompaniment to any seafood order.
8. Nuttin Betta (San Antonio)
When Louisiana natives are running the kitchen, you know the food is going to taste right. This San Antonio spot brings genuine bayou cooking to South Texas with recipes passed down through generations.
Crawfish etouffee here is rich, creamy, and packed with tail meat swimming in a perfectly seasoned roux-based sauce. The jambalaya has that slightly smoky flavor and the right ratio of rice to meat and vegetables.
Seafood boils arrive at your table steaming hot and ready to be torn into with your hands. The friendly atmosphere makes you feel like you’re eating at someone’s house rather than a restaurant, which is exactly the vibe good Cajun food deserves.
9. Daddy’s Cajun Kitchen & Seafood Market (South Padre Island)
Beach vacations and Cajun seafood make a perfect combination, especially when the restaurant focuses on using the freshest local catch. Being on South Padre Island means the seafood comes straight from the Gulf waters nearby.
This full-service restaurant manages to maintain quality despite being in a tourist area, which isn’t always easy. The Cajun influence shows up in the seasonings and preparations, while the seafood itself showcases what’s available locally.
Whether you’re visiting the island or live in the Rio Grande Valley, this is one of the best options for combining coastal freshness with Louisiana-style cooking. The lively atmosphere makes it fun for groups and families celebrating vacation time.
10. Lotus Seafood (Houston Area)
Houston’s Viet-Cajun seafood scene is legendary, and this spot with multiple locations is a major reason why. The focus here is on bold, buttery, intensely spicy seafood boils that have become a Houston signature style.
Their famous “Crack Sauce” lives up to its name; once you try it, you’ll understand why people become obsessed. It’s spicy, garlicky, buttery, and somehow addictive in a way that keeps you reaching for more seafood just to get another taste.
The casual, fun atmosphere encourages you to get messy and enjoy yourself. Bibs, gloves, and plenty of napkins are provided because this food is meant to be eaten with your hands while laughing with friends.
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