Three Seafood Restaurants to Try in Austin

Not to discredit Red Lobster or Pappadeux's but there is something enchanting about going to a seafood restaurant that has a "Mom and Pop" feel to it. If you ever find yourself in the Austin area here are a few places that you should try visiting if you have the taste for seafood and want to try something that can only be found here.

Quality Seafood- one of the most engaging things about this place is not only is it a restaurant but it is also a market place where you can purchase your own food to take home after you finish your meal. They also have daily specials including Lobsterfest Saturday and New Orleans Thursday-plus there are weekly specials for the market that you can also partake in. The prices are pretty moderate but about the same price you would expect for certain items such as oysters. Plus in addition to having unique meals that you cannot get anywhere else (such a Shrimp-stuffed Lockhart quail) there is the market place in which you can purchase your own seafood products to try out your own recipes. This place is definitely worth a look if you are in the area.

Catfish Parlour - the tagline is "Family Owned for 35" years and it shows with their food. With three locations in the area each restaurant is unique but all serve the fried catfish (which comes with a Jalapeño tartar sauce). What is the draw for this place is that each location has a different menu so no matter which one you go to (or if you want to try all three) you will be able to try something new and unique no matter which one you go to. All three are a bit higher price so if you go expect to spend a considerable amount of money, especially if you like to try appetizers, entrees, desserts, and drinks because it could cost you a pretty penny. But the atmosphere (with its Southern hospitality) and uniqueness of food makes this a definite place to stop by.

Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar -if you want a mom and pop feel try this place that is off Wells Branch in the Northern Austin/Pflugerville area. Make sure to get directions because it is possible to miss it as it is a small hole in the wall place. Do not let that deter you however because the food here is phenomenal and even though it is moderately priced, you get your money's worth because the portions that you receive are more than generous. Plus it is friendly for the kiddos as they have a kids menu and the atmosphere and the owners are plenty friendly.

Here are just a few places to try when you are in Austin if you get the hankering for seafood. Make sure to try a few if not all of them and happy eating!!