Boiling to the Brim: Crawfish eateries to visit in Houston

By Sara Davidson     3/1/22 11:26pm

Crawfish, crawdaddies, mudbugs, rock lobsters — whatever you call it, ‘tis the season for fresh seafood in Texas. Most commonly called crawfish, these crustaceans can come from swamps, farms or freshwater ponds, and are most fresh in January through July. Many restaurants serving them are just a short walk from campus, and famous “crawfish boils” often happen all throughout Houston. To dive into this southern classic, here are some of the best places to eat crawfish this season. 

1. BB’s Tex-Orleans 

This is a Houston Cajun restaurant with a New Orleans theme and a Texas twist. With that in mind, crawfish is available to order both the Tex-Orleans way or the Louisiana way, depending on preferred spice level or various flavors. BB’s also allows for a variety of extras to be added to customize the crawfish, from smoked sausages to edamame to eggs. With a custom style and multiple locations around Houston, including two near Rice, this restaurant is the perfect starting point for first-time crawfish eaters or those looking for a more unique experience. 

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Address: 3139 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77098 & 2710 Montrose Blvd A, Houston, TX 77006

2. LA Crawfish 

Another classic Houston chain, LA Crawfish has locations all around Texas, with plans to expand their business to other states as well. This spot is unique in that it also specializes in crawfish fusion foods in addition to the classics. For example, crawfish pho and crawfish curry are both available here, the perfect mix of classic southern and worldwide culinary tastes. They also offer delivery services for their crawfish, for any party hosters or crawfish boilers content. 

Address: 3957 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77027 

3. Ragin’ Cajun 

This Houston establishment has crawfish raised in an Acadiana Rice Field pond, and uses their “famous” Cajun-style boil recipe. Started in 1974, the restaurant labels itself as “the first Cajun seafood restaurant in Houston,” and has only grown in popularity since its founding. For only $8.99 per pound of crawfish, Ragin’ Cajun has won awards for Houston’s Best Crawfish from both the Houston Chronicle and the Houston Press. The restaurant also showcases artistic talent, hosting two of George Rodrigue’s original Blue Dog’s, world-famous paintings inspired by a Cajun legend. A popular spot for crawfish and art-enthusiasts alike, Ragin’ Cajun is a must visit for crawfish season in Houston. 

Address: 4302 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77027

4. The Pit Room 

The Pit Room is a barbeque joint that also serves crawfish on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. They serve their crawfish with mushrooms, andouille sausage and of course the classic corn and potatoes, selling it by the pound. They also have a specialty “Feast” which includes three pounds of crawfish along with snow crab clusters and a pound of shrimp. Take advantage of their outdoor patio seating as the weather warms up. Located right near Rice in the Montrose area, this is the perfect place to get crawfish and try out some Texas famous barbeque — a win-win. 

Address: The Pit Room, 1201 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77006

5. Goode Company Seafood 

For anyone at the President’s barbeque this year, this is the sister company of Goode Company Barbeque, and serves up crawfish right down the street from Rice. This restaurant is Cajun and Creole-inspired, and offers seating and a bar inside a renovated old rail car attached to the side of the restaurant. The chain of restaurants is another Houston classic, and is worth checking out for fresh seafood just outside the hedges. 

Address: 2621 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77098

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