"Lil’ Easy is from the team behind Mexican restaurant De Nada Cantina, but this East Austin spot right across the street is all about Cajun classics. The casual, mostly outdoor space feels like a New Orleans-style courtyard, complete with lots of small metal tables, leafy plants, and retro decor (check out the ‘80s Fiat stationed out front). It’s a cute, buzzy space you'll want to show up to with a big group of friends on the weekend. But a meal here is more about the scenery than the food, which can be hit or miss. Come for a fried seafood basket or a po’boy on the breezy patio if you’re the gambling type, or stop by on a Saturday afternoon for a frozen cocktail and a snack before getting dinner somewhere else. Food Rundown photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Frozens We’ve enjoyed all of the frozen drinks we’ve had here. They’re boozy and especially refreshing on a warm afternoon. We like the classic daiquiri and the painkiller, or the cherry limeade for a non-alcoholic option. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Raw Oysters Gulf oysters are the only option, and they’re sold by the half-dozen at market price ($2). Raw Gulf oysters aren’t as sweet and refreshing as East and West Coast varieties, but we understand the commitment to the New Orleans theme. All of our oysters were still attached to the shell, which made them a little difficult to eat. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Grilled Oysters On one occasion, our grilled oysters arrived at room temperature, and on another, they were hot to the touch but dry and overcooked. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Deviled Eggs The bases are overcooked and rubbery, and the stuffing is underseasoned. Skip these. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Fried Fish Seafood Basket We like the fried fish and shrimp baskets, though we’ve had a few unevenly fried pieces in both. But the biggest disappointment on this plate is the coleslaw that mostly tastes like cold cabbage with a bit of horseradish. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Gumbo This was a great bowl of Louisiana-style gumbo, and we’d gladly make a light meal out of it. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Prime Rib Debris Po'Boy All of the po’boys at Lil’ Easy are big, and the prime rib debris version is no exception. It’s a little messy to eat, but the meat is tender and flavorful." - Nicolai McCrary
