Austin, the capital of Texas, has a wide variety of attractions for visitors. Located in central Texas in the Texas Hill Country, Austin has numerous restaurants covering many ethnic groups and categories of foods. Cajun restaurants are well represented in Austin. Cajun food originates from south Louisiana from the Acadian or "Cajun" culture of the French-speaking people who emigrated from Canada to southern Louisiana during the second half of the 18th century.
Located in south Austin, the Cypress Grill serves Cajun meals in a casual atmosphere. The owner has lived in Austin for many years but was originally from south Louisiana. Cajun classics include red beans and rice, shrimp Creole and crawfish etouffée. Burgers and sandwiches are also served, including Cajun-style "poboys." The seafood is freshly caught, the chicken has no growth hormones or antibiotics, and they use no hydrogenated oils or trans fats. The Cypress Grill has a full bar and happy hour specials every day of the week. They are open for lunch and dinner and serve breakfast on Sundays. There is live music each Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Prices are moderate.
Cypress Grill
4404 W. William Cannon Dr.
Austin, TX 78749
(512) 358-7474
cypressgrill.net/
With three restaurants in the Austin area, the downtown location of Gumbo's is the most centrally located. Gumbo's serves Cajun classics including seafood, gumbo and poboys. Gumbo's has a full bar and an extensive wine list. Located in the historic Brown Building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Gumbo's is bit more upscale than most Cajun restaurants in Austin, with the high ceilings and white tablecloths being reminiscent of old New Orleans. Prices are moderate to high.
Gumbo's Louisiana Style Café
710 Colorado St., Suite 100
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 480-8053
gumbosdowntown.com/
Voted "Best Cajun Food/Music Venue" by the critics in 2008 in The Austin Chronicle Restaurant Poll Awards, the Evangeline Café serves traditional Cajun fare. The restaurant was opened in 2004 by chef/owner Curtis Clarke, a native of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Bands play live music nearly every day of the week. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner on Monday through Saturday. They are closed on Sunday. Happy hour specials are from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Prices are moderate.
Evangeline Café
8106 Brodie Ln.
Austin, TX 78745
(512) 282-2586
evangelinecafe.com/
Located in central/north Austin, Pappadeaux serves popular Cajun dishes including raw oysters, seafood, gumbo, poboys and boiled crawfish (when in season). Pappadeaux is part of the popular privately owned Pappas family of restaurants, with more than 60 locations. It is a large restaurant with a casual atmosphere. Banquet rooms are available for family or corporate events. Waits can be long, so advance reservations are a good idea. Pappadeaux has a full bar and happy hour specials Monday through Friday including specials on food.
Pappadeux Seafood Kitchen
6319 I-35 North
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 452-9363
pappadeaux.com/location/?id=15
