Crawfish Cafe

Seafood restaurant · Greater Heights

3

@afar

"Viet Cajun cuisine might be one of the most distinctly Houston (and Southern) food traditions to come out of the Gulf Coast region. It was pioneered by Vietnamese immigrant communities living in the H-Town area in the mid-2000s. One of the cuisine’s signature dishes is the Viet Cajun crawfish boil, which is much like a traditional American crawfish boil but with an important twist: After the crawfish is cooked, it’s tossed in a rich, butter-based sauce flavored with lots of garlic, ginger, scallions, peppers, lemongrass, and other aromatics. Crawfish Cafe, which has two locations in the Houston area, is one of the O.G. places to get Viet Cajun food in the city. The original Crawfish Cafe is located in the Hong Kong Food Market shopping complex, home to the eponymous supermarket and several Asian-focused restaurants, stores, and bakeries. I prefer the location on North Shepherd, which is in Houston’s Greater Heights neighborhood and has more seating than the original restaurant (though I recommend visiting the Hong Kong Food Market locale if you’d like to devote an afternoon to lunch and browsing the neighboring establishments). For a tried-and-true Viet Cajun classic, opt for the crawfish and Gulf Coast blue crab slathered in the original Cajun sauce—you can adjust the spice according to your comfort level. Be prepared to leave the restaurant with oily fingers and a full belly." - Mae Hamilton

10 Essential Houston Restaurants Every Visitor Should Try - AFAR

1026 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008 Get directions

crawfishcafe.com
@crawfishcafe

3 Postcards

See full details

More Places For You

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

Restaurant · Downtown

The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium in Downtown Houston is a craft beer paradise, featuring over 200 brews and delicious German-inspired pub fare in a lively, communal setting.

4 Postcards

Proper Rose Garden

Tea house · Eldridge

Tucked in Katy's Asiatown, Proper Rose Garden is an enchanting tea room where elegant vibes meet delicious Asian-European fusion bites, all while sipping on exquisite teas.

5 Postcards

Pondicheri

Modern Indian restaurant · River Oaks

An industrial-chic gem, Pondicheri serves delightful Indian fusion plates inspired by Mumbai’s streets, where vibrant flavors meet warm hospitality.

46 Postcards

Doves Restaurant

Southern restaurant (US) · Midtown

Doves Restaurant in Midtown Houston offers a vibrant dining experience with Southern dishes and Asian flavors, all wrapped in a chic, welcoming atmosphere.

3 Postcards

Ragin' Cajun

Cajun restaurant · Greenway

Ragin’ Cajun, Houston's original Cajun joint since '74, delivers a lively taste of Louisiana with spicy seafood boils, po' boys, and vibrant decor.

12 Postcards

POST Houston

Cultural center · Downtown

Post Houston, the transformed former post office, is a vibrant hub featuring a diverse food hall and an expansive rooftop park with stunning skyline views, perfect for gathering and exploring the local culinary scene.

11 Postcards

Picnik

Health food restaurant · Montrose

Cafe accommodating paleo, veggie & gluten-free diets, plus bone broth, wine, beer & coffee.

2 Postcards

Third Planet Sci-Fi Superstore

Comic book store · Houston

Discover a treasure trove of comics, toys, and collectibles at this sprawling 8,000-sq.-ft. haven, where friendly staff and hidden gems await.

2 Postcards

La Mexicana

Mexican restaurant · Montrose

La Mexicana is a well-loved Montrose eatery serving comforting Tex-Mex fare, renowned for breakfast tacos and a casual vibe, making it a local staple for nearly 40 years.

5 Postcards

Mimo

Italian restaurant · Eastwood

Tucked behind a strip center, Mimo is your go-to cozy Italian haven, serving up rustic classics like creamy fettuccine and hearty sandwiches in a charming, Tuscan-inspired setting.

9 Postcards