Shoal Creek Saloon - Austin, Texas

G. E. K.

It was a busy day apparently. We were unsure where to sit or if we could seat ourselves. We finally sat ourselves. We had to wait a little bit to get service, but the server was apologetic and kind. The food was worth the wait! My son LOVES crawfish. He got 2lbs of it and ate every one!

The atmosphere is probably the second best part. It was a beautiful day in March and we enjoyed the outdoor eating.

Lene

Checked out this place while in Austin for the weekend and they had really good crawfish. The service was great and the outdoor area looked really nice, too bad we didn’t know about it until after we were done with our food. Definitely worth the visit.

Chuck G.

Shoal Creek Saloon: Cajun Chaos and Crawfish Perfection

Stepping into Shoal Creek Saloon on South Lamar feels like stumbling into a Cajun fever dream—smack in downtown Austin, with the namesake creek winking at you from the patio like a tipsy uncle. This place is a vibe, but if you’re expecting McDonald’s speed during peak hours, you’re dreaming harder than a Cowboys fan trying to get to the Super Bowl. Owner Ray Canfield’s all about cooking to order, so settle in with a cold one and let the good times roll—laissez les bons temps rouler, y’all!

Crawfish season here is a religious experience. I ordered boiled crawfish, and they hit the table faster than you can say “Who Dat?”—hot, fresh, and seasoned like a love letter to my Cajun roots. None of that greasy garlic nonsense or over-dusted mudbugs you find elsewhere; these were straight-from-the-Atchafalaya-Basin simple, the kind of perfect boil I’d fight a gator for. The fried crawfish boudin balls? Crispy, spicy pillows of joy that could make a grown man cry. And the Gulf oysters? Plump, briny gems that outshined every coastal shack I hit this year.

The burgers and seafood never disappoint—always solid, like a trusty pickup truck. But fair warning: if you’re allergic to New Orleans Saints SWAG, you might clutch your pearls. The place is draped in black-and-gold pride, and I swear the jukebox plays “Sweet Caroline” with a Cajun accent. Don’t let it spook you—Ray’s built a joint where everyone’s welcome to get their Cajun on. The patio’s a gem, with Shoal Creek murmuring nearby, adding quirky charm to the chaos. Service can mosey when it’s slammed, but the baristas—er, bartenders—keep the vibes high. Pro tip: come for the crawfish, stay for the people-watching. This ain’t just a saloon; it’s a Texas-sized slice of Louisiana soul.

Affee J.

We loved our experience here! One of our first stops in Austin! Our server was honest and spot on! Great catfish, shrimp, soup, jambalaya and fried chicken! Loved every bite!

Scott S.

What an awesome place to eat lunch, I would recommend coming early. They get busy fast. 4 pounds of crawfish. It was delicious so happy I made the choice to drive over here today.

Monica L. S.

Spicy chicken burger tastes similar to Popeyes but Shoal Creek kicks it up a few notches & this is a fantastic spicy fried chicken!! Everything they serve is delicious. We've been coming here since they opened & it's always 🔥🔥🔥!!

Cori B.

Best crawfish boil in Austin! Their gumbo and étouffée are top notch. Always 10 out of 10. Casual, laidback vibes!

El D.

I've met a good friend here several times. I can't eat shellfish so I kind of limit my options when I go there. But it's always good. My wife especially loves the fried boudin balls. Being where it's located, parking is extremely limited.