During peak crawfish season, Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar typically sells about 2,500 pounds of crawfish—or mudbugs, crayfish and crawdads, as they are called throughout the U.S.—per week. But year-round diners can enjoy the Louisiana-style bright red crustaceans served at the North Austin restaurant, which has been open for almost 12 years, owner Hiep Nguyen said. “We try to get [crawfish] for most part of the year even though we might not make a lot at the beginning or toward the end of [crawfish] season,” he said. “A lot of restaurants around town that do provide crawfish only do it for a couple months out of the year during peak season.” Besides using fresh seafood that Nguyen’s brother supplies from the Gulf, the Crawfish Shack also focuses on its secret blend of spices to add a depth of flavor in the crawfish, Nguyen said. During peak crawfish season—February through April—customers can even order live crawfish by the sack to cook at home, manager Will Brannon said. Crawfish Shack serves other Cajun entrees, such as po’boys, etouffee, gumbo and fried seafood platters. Nguyen said he also updates the menu with new items, such as fried pickles and fried gizzards. Brannon said the restaurant brings in fresh oysters every one to two days. Customers can order oysters on the half shell, fried or on a po’boy. “I’m from Houston, and I’ve struggled to find good seafood restaurants, and I’m so impressed with the seafood here,” Brannon said. “It’s also fresh and delicious, and you can’t beat these prices for the quality of food we’re providing.” The nautical-themed restaurant offers all the supplies customers need to make the most out of enjoying crawfish, including paper-covered tables, plastic bibs and wet wipes. “We’re Cajun; you can put [the crawfish] anywhere but the floor, and we’re happy,” Brannon said.

Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar

2013 Wells Branch Parkway, Ste. 106, Austin 512-252-7556 www.crawfishshacktx.com Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m.; Sun. noon-10 p.m.