Texas’s 9 Best Cajun Restaurants Locals Swear By

If you are craving bold Louisiana flavors without leaving the Lone Star State, you are in the right place. From iconic gumbo pots to messy crawfish boils, Texas has mastered Cajun comfort with a local twist. These spots deliver buttery étouffée, crackling po’boys, and seafood feasts that make regulars plan their next visit before the check arrives.

Come hungry and get ready to discover the places locals whisper about first.

1. Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe (Stafford)

Start with a deep, smoky gumbo and you will understand why regulars keep this place on speed dial. The roux has that slow cooked flavor, and the andouille pops with spice without stealing the show. Follow it with shrimp or crawfish étouffée, thick, buttery, and ladled over rice that actually holds its texture.

Po’boys arrive stuffed, from crispy catfish to blackened chicken, each on bread with the right crunch to soft ratio. Spice levels are friendly, but you can crank the heat with their house sauces. Portions lean generous, prices stay fair, and service moves fast even on buzzy weekend nights.

Families, date nights, and after work crews all blend in. Pair a plate with a cold beer and settle in.

2. Cajun Greek (Galveston)

Steps from the water, this spot marries Gulf freshness with Cajun swagger. You get piles of crawfish when in season, shells glossy with spice and butter, alongside shrimp and blue crab that snap with sweetness. The seafood combos let you pick your heat level, then mop up every last drop with warm bread.

Fried platters taste light, not greasy, and the grilled redfish shows off a clean char. Order hushpuppies, tangy slaw, and a cold drink, then settle into the easygoing pace. Staff helps first timers decode the boil and crack crab like pros.

It feels like vacation without leaving town. Come hungry, roll up your sleeves, and plan on a little glorious mess.

3. Shell Shack (Dallas)

This is the place for seafood chaos in the best way. Order a bag loaded with shrimp, crab, or crawfish, choose your seasoning, then shake it up with molten garlic butter. Heat levels climb fast, yet the flavors stay balanced, and the corn and potatoes soak up every drop.

Fried baskets come crisp and hot, ideal for sharing between boil rounds. The vibe is loud, fun, and perfect for friends who think napkins are optional. Staff keeps refills coming and walks you through cracking and peeling without judgment.

Expect to leave perfumed in spice and utterly satisfied. Bring extra wet wipes, claim table space, and dive in for a full tilt Dallas seafood party.

4. Babin’s Seafood House (Katy)

Think date night with a Louisiana accent. Blackened redfish arrives flaky under a rich crawfish cream, and oysters glide from the half shell with that clean Gulf brine. The gumbo leans classic, dark and layered, polished by perfect rice and a slow building warmth.

Service feels attentive without hovering, and cocktails nod to the Quarter with balanced sweetness. Décor whispers New Orleans with wrought iron touches and soft jazz hum. Portions land generous but plated with care, keeping things polished instead of heavy.

Save room for bread pudding crowned with boozy sauce. When you want a refined Cajun experience without sacrificing heart, this Katy favorite delivers smooth hospitality and memorable seafood.

5. Larry’s French Market & Cajun (Groves)

Come ready for bounty. The buffet rolls with Cajun staples, from peppery boudin to golden fried catfish, plus pots of étouffée that smell like home. When crawfish season hits, boils take center stage, bright red and steaming, with corn and potatoes begging for butter.

Live music often kicks up the room, and folks dance off a few plates before circling back. Staff is quick with refills and smiles, keeping the energy warm and neighborly. It is the kind of place where you talk to the next table about spice levels.

Prices stay friendly, portions border heroic, and nobody leaves hungry. If comfort is the goal, this Groves institution nails it every time.

6. Bayou Jacks Cajun Grill (Roanoke)

Expect bold seasoning and zero fuss. Jambalaya lands smoky with tender chicken and sausage, while blackened catfish keeps a crisp crust and juicy middle. Boudin balls crackle at first bite, giving way to savory rice and spice that pairs perfectly with a cold pint.

Service moves fast and friendly, the kind that remembers your sauce preference. Daily specials keep regulars returning, and the menu spans po’boys, gator bites, and creamy pasta with Cajun heat. Side note, the remoulade deserves generous dipping.

It is the local go to for casual dates and post game refuels. Settle in, share a basket, and let the kitchen send out plates that punch above their weight.

7. BB’s Cafe (Houston / Pearland)

This menu reads like a love letter to Louisiana classics. Seafood gumbo arrives rich with okra and depth, and the shrimp and grits come creamy with a peppery finish. Crawfish étouffée nails that buttery, slightly sweet balance that keeps you chasing the last spoonful.

Po’boys are overstuffed heroes, from roast beef debris to crispy shrimp, on bread with the right chew. The vibe stays lively, service quick, and late hours can save your cravings after a long day. Spice lovers should ask for extra heat on the side.

Whether in Houston or Pearland, consistency shines. Bring friends, order too much, and lean into the joyful, messy spirit of Cajun comfort.

8. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen (Fort Worth)

Big flavors meet big portions, and the execution stays tight. Seafood gumbo carries deep, layered roux with generous crab and shrimp, while crawfish plates hit the table steaming hot. Grilled options shine too, especially when paired with buttery lemon sauces that let the seafood sing.

Service is dialed, pacing courses without feeling rushed. Sides like dirty rice and sautéed spinach actually hold their own, and the bar mixes balanced, not sugary, cocktails. Dessert is no afterthought, with bread pudding that deserves a second spoon.

It is a reliable choice for celebrations or power lunches. Expect polished consistency, a lively room, and plates that feel both Cajun rooted and broadly crowd pleasing.

9. Orleans Seafood Kitchen (Katy)

Here, flavor comes fast without cutting corners. Chargrilled oysters arrive bubbling with garlic butter, and crawfish in season bring that heady spice that lingers pleasantly. Jambalaya lands smoky, studded with sausage and tender chicken, while po’boys overflow on crusty bread.

Counter service keeps things moving, and staff handles rushes like pros. The menu is broad but focused, so it is easy to build a feast with sides like corn maque choux and dirty rice. Families love the pacing, and groups can spread out and share.

Quality stays consistent across busy nights. If you want reliable Cajun comfort in Katy, this kitchen nails the essentials and throws in a few craveable extras.