The most wonderful time of the year is upon us – crawfish season! Whether you call them crawfish, crayfish, crawdads, or mudbugs, there’s a boil spot for you. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to get your crawfish fix in Houston.
Atchafalaya Crawfish & Cajun Specialties
Located in Pearland, Atchafalaya is owned by a wholesaler from Louisiana that supplies many of Houston’s favorite crawfish restaurants. While you can’t sit down to enjoy your meal, you can pick up fresh, nicely spiced crawfish, corn, and potatoes at the to-go window. They also offer live crawfish for sale.
BB’s Tex-Orleans
With multiple locations, BB’s Tex-Orleans is a local chain that offers a Houston take on Big Easy cuisine. Their crawfish boils come with a choice of old-school Louisiana style or Tex-Orleans, with garlic paste mixed in post-boil. You can also add sausage to your boil, including unique varieties like spicy alligator andouille.
Boil House
In the Heights, Boil House is a tiny wood shack with a rustic charm. Their regular crawfish option is packed with lemony and lightly spicy flavor, while the "lips swollen" version offers maximum heat. You can add smoky sausage to your boil, along with corn and potatoes.
Cajun Craven
Located in the South Belt/Ellington area, Cajun Craven is a mom-and-pop shop that’s a joy to stumble upon. Owner Henry Tran, a former shrimper and fisherman from Port Arthur, started doing boils for family and friends in the late 80s and early 90s. He offers two crawfish flavors: traditional Cajun and sweet-and-sour garlic glaze called Craven.
Cajun Kitchen
In Asiatown, Cajun Kitchen is a unique spot where crawfish are cooked in a wok after being soaked in a Cajun boil. The Kitchen Special, tossed with green onion, garlic, lemons, orange, butter, and garlic, is sweet, savory, tangy, and original. They also offer Thai Basil flavor, which conjures up the streets of Bangkok.
Crawfish & Beignets
Also in Asiatown, Crawfish & Beignets has been around since 2000. Their crawfish boils come with three options: classic Cajun, Krajun (their version of Viet-Cajun with garlic and butter), and Thai Citrus, made with orange slices, white and green onions, and a tangy, sweet flavor.
Crawfish & Noodles
With two locations in Asiatown and the Heights, Crawfish & Noodles is a popular spot for Vietnamese-Cajun fusion. Chef and owner Trong Nguyen started offering mouth-numbing garlic butter in 2008, and his menu includes other non-crawfish dishes you won’t want to miss.
Crawfish Café
At one of its five locations, Crawfish Café offers a range of flavors, including Original Cajun, Kickin’ Cajun, Texas Cajun, Coco Loco, garlic butter, lemon pepper, Thai basil, and The Mix, a blend of garlic butter and lemon pepper. You can mix and match their house blends to suit your taste.
Mr. Crawfish
In Manvel and Angleton, Mr. Crawfish is the ultimate spot for an all-you-can-eat crawfish experience. Their Mr. Crawfish spice blend is mouth-burning, and you’ll also enjoy the friendly service, quick bar service, and upbeat zydeco soundtrack. Don’t forget to check out the post-meal washing station!
Pook’s Crawfish Hole
In Santa Fe, Pook’s Crawfish Hole is a country-style establishment that offers mostly outdoor seating and live music on the weekends. You can eat at one of the picnic tables or fill up a cooler with a crawfish feast to go. Don’t forget to bring your own beer!
Ragin’ Cajun
In Upper Kirby and Spring Branch, Ragin’ Cajun is a Louisiana staple with a giant red crawfish on top. Their menu includes gumbo, chargrilled oysters, boudin, and even Natchitoches meat pies. You can also get barbecue sauce-marinated, deep-fried blue crabs in season.
Wild Cajun
In Asiatown, Wild Cajun offers less-buttery flavors, which owner Lee Ngo believes is a better approach. They also offer snow crab clusters, crab legs, and jumbo shrimp. For an over-the-top experience, try one of their fried platters, served with fries and garlic bread.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a crawfish aficionado or just a fan of spicy, buttery goodness, there’s a boil spot for you in Houston. From traditional Cajun to Vietnamese-Cajun fusion, these restaurants offer a range of flavors to satisfy your cravings. So, gather your friends and family and get ready to get a little messy!
FAQs
Q: Where can I find the best crawfish in Houston?
A: Our top picks include Atchafalaya, Boil House, Cajun Craven, and Crawfish & Beignets.
Q: What’s the difference between Cajun and Vietnamese-Cajun cuisine?
A: Cajun cuisine is traditional Louisiana-style, while Vietnamese-Cajun fusion combines local flavors with Asian spices and techniques.
Q: Can I get crawfish at any of these restaurants?
A: Yes, most of the restaurants listed offer crawfish as part of their menu, with some exceptions like Ragin’ Cajun, which focuses on other Louisiana staples.
Q: Are there any all-you-can-eat crawfish options?
A: Yes, Mr. Crawfish in Manvel and Angleton offers an all-you-can-eat crawfish experience.
