Where to Eat Super Duper Seafood in Austin

Published 2 weeks ago• 17 minute read

A tray of lobster, shrimp, and vegetables. — A seafood boil at TLC.

Where to find fine seafood dishes in the city, from fresh to raw to deep-fried

by Updated May 23, 2025, 8:06am CDT

View as Map

A seafood boil at TLC.

| TLC

Even without a coastline, Austin offers a wide array of expertly prepared seafood. Capital City’s dining scene continues to grow with vibrant, creative takes on several dishes from the sea. Polished restaurants and laid-back food trucks alike serve standout dishes, offering raw seafood, po’ boys, ceviches, and shrimp cocktails across the city. There’s never been a better time to dive into Austin’s seafood offerings.

Here are Austin’s best seafood spots, including lobster roll purveyor Garbo’s, East Side’s upscale Este, longtime fish market Quality Seafood, and raw Mexican seafood from El Marisquero food truck. For this update, Eater has removed closed seafood truck Huckleberry and added Downtown and Arboretum’s Eddie V’s, renovated Parkside, Bill’s Oyster, Deckhand Oyster Bar & Seafood in Round Rock, and Aaron Franklin’s Uptown Sports Club.

Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Jack Gilmore’s seafood-forward offshoot of Jack Allen’s Kitchen makes a splash in Round Rock, with a second location in Zilker. The menu is broad, with options like Gulf oysters, grilled fish, chowder fries loaded with clam and bacon, and a killer crab dip. Expect bright, cherry decor with a casual, family-friendly feel that works for weekday lunches or relaxed dinners. It’s a reliable go-to for fresh Gulf seafood and coastal favorites.

An ahi tuna poke bowl. — Lunch is looking good here.

In Pflugerville, Krab Kingz is the place to get your crab leg fix, with a menu heavy on seasoned seafood boils packed with shrimp, lobster, and, of course, king crab. The sit-down space is laid-back and built for big, messy trays of seafood slathered in garlic butter. A Central East Austin food truck serves the same favorites in an outdoor setting ideal for casual hangouts. Online ordering makes takeout easy, but it’s worth sticking around for the full experience.

A foil pan holds several crab legs. — It’s crab leg time.

Garbo’s brings a taste of New England to Parmer, Clarksville, and Dripping Springs with buttery lobster rolls, fish and chips, and rich crab cakes made with fresh lump meat. The North and Dripping Springs locations’ sleek, airy interiors balance casual charm with polish, giving off modern coastal vibes without feeling fussy, while the Lamar locale offers counter seating and picnic space. Whether in the mood for a classic roll or a seafood tower, this spot delivers quality across the board. It’s a strong contender for anyone craving East Coast flavors.

A plate of a lobster with lemon wedges and fries. — Can you manage the whole lobster?

Located in the Domain, this Omaha transplant serves responsibly sourced seafood in every form imaginable. The menu features crab dip, oysters, grilled swordfish, blackened redfish, fish tacos, and yellowtail sashimi paired with classic cocktails. The interior is stylish and polished, ideal for date nights or group dinners that call for a mix of raw bar snacks and substantial entrees. It’s a welcome change of pace from the steak-heavy crowd nearby.

A table full of plated foods. — Get responsibly sourced seafood — in fact, get a table full of it.

This mini chain in Downtown Austin and the Arboretum offers a refined seafood dining experience. The standout Shellfish Tower includes wild Gulf shrimp, oysters, and Maine lobster, presented on ice with champagne mignonette and spicy horseradish. The ambiance combines elegance with comfort, featuring live jazz and a well-curated wine list. While it’s a great option for special occasions, more laid-back diners can mosey up to both locations’ easy-breezy bar.

Gateway’s Simar Seafood Cocina channels coastal Mexico through bright, acidic dishes like shrimp aguachiles, fresh oysters, and layered ceviches. The menu leans raw and refreshing, with plenty of citrus, heat, and crunch throughout, while there’s also hot seafood soups and fish tacos galore. The dining room is sleek and modern with pops of color, perfect for a casual lunch or happy hour over micheladas and tostadas.

A shallow white bowl of sliced avocados and marinated seafood chunks. — Crudo to start, and what’s next?

A staple of the North Loop neighborhood since 1938, Quality Seafood doubles as both a market and restaurant, meaning the red snapper, catfish, and oysters don’t travel far. The menu highlights include fried seafood platters, grilled mahi-mahi, and peel-and-eat shrimp. The atmosphere is casual and bustling, with a no-frills charm that’s been drawing regulars for decades. Pro tip: Order at the bar and get friendly with the heavy-pouring servers. If you need it, this spot offers orders for takeout.

A plate of Texas black drum with fried okra and a glass of white wine. — Get Texas black drum either grilled or blackened.

Mongers blends fish market expertise in Hyde Park with a polished yet approachable seafood menu. The raw bar offerings, think tuna poke, snapper crudo, and ceviche, are dialed in, and the grilled catch changes often based on what’s freshest. The airy dining room feels equal parts neighborhood haunt and upscale coastal cafe. Looking to bring something home? The on-site market has you covered.

A cooler holds ice and oysters. — Lets get some oysters?

In Cherrywood, Este brings a refined take on coastal Mexican cuisine, serving dishes like grilled whole fish, scallop ceviche, and vibrant aguachiles. The menu is full of bold, well-balanced flavors, and the open, plant-filled space makes it feel like a beach house dropped into East Austin. Don’t skip the incredibly crispy fish tacos with masa-battered swordfish. The cocktails, like the paloma and G&T, are citrus-forward and refreshing.

Clarksville’s oyster bar is a polished seafood destination with serious oyster game. The cold bar includes oysters, shrimp cocktail, caviar, and tuna carpaccio, while the lobster roll and cioppino are consistent favorites. Inside, it’s all clean lines, white tile, and a breezy feel that channels a coastal bistro. The shaded patio is one of the area’s most coveted spots for a midday martini. Make reservations in advance.

Food from Clark’s Oyster Bar in Menlo Park, California. — A little sample of what to expect at Clark’s Oyster Bar.

This Chestnut food truck from a mother-daughter duo specializes in Baja-style seafood, focusing on fried fish and shrimp tacos, cócteles de camarones, and crisp ceviche tostadas. The setup is casual with picnic tables and shaded seating, ideal for quick lunches or sunset snacks. Portions are generous, sauces are house-made, and the flavors are big, bright, and citrusy. It’s a reliable stop when you’re craving seafood without the sit-down commitment.

The whole fish al pastor at Ensenada will come to Manhattan for a pop-up at Bar Tulix. — Whole fish al pastor.

Downtown’s Parkside is known for its fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere. The menu includes oyster platters featuring varieties like East Coast oysters, ceviche, lump crab fritters, and grilled sea bass. The modern, airy space is perfect for enjoying happy hour specials, which offer half-off select menu items, including oyster platters.

This cozy oyster bar located in Austin’s Second Street District is a charming spot for date nights and casual meetups. The menu features a daily selection of fresh oysters, seafood towers, lobster rolls, and hot plates like crab cakes and fried grouper fingers. The intimate space, adorned with brass touches, creates a welcoming environment for enjoying ice-cold martinis and seasonal dishes.

Two fish sticks sit on a plate and are topped with caviar. — Caviar and fish sticks: name a more iconic duo.

Aaron Franklin’s latest venture in East Austin brings New Orleans flair to the historic East Sixth Street building. The menu features poached shrimp cocktails, raw oysters, crab and shrimp salad, and fried shrimp po’boys dressed with lettuce, tomato, and pickles. The interior exudes a vintage charm with vintage televisions, neon signs, and wooden accents, creating a lively atmosphere reminiscent of a classic NOLA joint. The seafood offerings complement expertly crafted cocktails, making it a vibrant spot for both dining and drinks.

A plate with a dozen oysters. — Go for the full dozen oysters.

Zilker’s TLC takes the idea of a seafood boil and gives it a Texas spin, offering build-your-own trays of shrimp, snow crab, mussels, and lobster by the half-pound. Charbroiled oysters, barbecue shrimp, and hushpuppies round out the menu, all served in a large, lively space designed with families and groups in mind. With sports on the TVs and a full bar, it’s just as good for casual date nights as it is for post-game dinners. The vibe is low-key but polished, with plenty of indoor and patio seating.

As an anchor spot on South Congress, Perla’s combines a charming, shaded patio with an upscale seafood menu heavy on oysters, lobster, and Gulf fish. The lively spot is known as much for its people-watching as it is for its seafood towers and buttery scallops. Inside, it’s coastal elegance with crisp linens and nautical details, while outside feels like an all-day vacation. Go for brunch, stay for bubbles and oysters.

At the edge of West Oak Hill, Shore Raw Bar draws inspiration from Texas, Louisiana, and Mexico, serving oysters, po’ boys, blackened redfish, ceviches, fish tacos, lobster tails, and seafood towers. The atmosphere blends upscale and casual, with warm wood tones, a large bar, and plenty of patio seating. Dishes are boldly seasoned and seafood-forward, with a rotating selection based on what’s fresh. Bonus: There’s a jazz brunch every Sunday.

A bowl holds lump crab gumbo, as a silver kettle pours consumme in. — Get a bowl of jumbo lump crab gumbo.

In Round Rock, Deckhand Oyster Bar & Seafood offers a relaxed atmosphere with a diverse seafood menu and plenty of Asian fare. Popular dishes include raw oysters, salt and pepper calamari, and shrimp diablos — broiled shrimp wrapped in bacon and jalapeno and grilled onions. From the Asian side of the menu, enjoy tom yum seafood soup, spicy stir-fries, and papaya seafood salad. The casual setting, complete with nautical decor and a large covered patio, makes it a comfortable place to enjoy fresh seafood with friends and family.

With two food trucks, one in Westgate and one off Colton, El Marisquero keeps things casual with a menu centered on marinated, raw seafood. Think spicy shrimp cocktails, octopus tostadas, and citrus-laced ceviches served straight from the window. There’s also fish tacos, soups, and quesadillas. Grab a Jarrito, post up at a picnic table, and dig in.

Garrison Park’s Cherry Creek Catfish is a no-nonsense spot for Southern coastal classics, with fried catfish at the heart of the menu. You’ll also find crawfish etouffee, gumbo loaded with shrimp, and oyster po’ boys that hit the spot. The dining room is cozy and unpretentious, with red-checkered vibes and plenty of fried comfort food. It’s the kind of place where regulars come weekly and no one leaves hungry.

Way down in far South Austin, Keepers is a neighborhood seafood spot from the team behind District Kitchen. The menu includes fried catfish baskets, chilled oysters, seafood pasta, lobster rolls, and a full cold bar, all sustainably sourced. It’s bright and modern inside, with a relaxed vibe, making it a favorite for weekday dinners and casual date nights. This spot delivers quality seafood without requiring a trip across the river.