About
Introducing Shoal Creek Saloon: Nestled at 909 N Lamar Blvd in the vibrant heart of Austin, Texas, Shoal Creek Saloon is where Cajun flavors and Texas charm collide, creating a unique culinary experience. This gem is not just a food establishment; it embodies the essence of Cajun culture right in the midst of a bustling city.
Stepping inside, you are immediately engulfed by warm decor, friendly faces, and the sounds of laughter mingling with the upbeat sounds from the jukebox. Owner Ray Canfield has crafted a space that invites you to relax, unwind, and savor the flavors of Southern comfort food. Known particularly for its authentic Cajun offerings, this saloon is a refuge for foodies craving a taste of Louisiana.
As you enjoy your meal, take in the quaint view of Shoal Creek that runs alongside the patio, providing a charming backdrop. While service may sometimes slow during peak hours, the camaraderie among the staff ensures that the atmosphere remains lively and welcoming.
No visit to Shoal Creek Saloon is complete without indulging in their famed desserts—especially the bread pudding, which many guests have lauded as the best outside of New Orleans. It’s the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable meal.
For those seeking an authentic taste of the South, Shoal Creek Saloon is not merely a dining venue—it's a spirited gathering place where Cajun culture thrives amid friendly faces and fantastic food. With every visit, you are invited to "let the good times roll," and believe me, you'll be tempted to linger a little longer.
“ Shoal Creek Saloon: Cajun Chaos and Crawfish Perfection Stepping into Shoal Creek Saloon on South Lamar feels like stumbling into a Cajun fever dream—smack in downtown Austin, with the namesake creek winking at you from the patio like a tipsy uncle. This place is a vibe, but if you’re expecting McDonald’s speed during peak hours, you’re dreaming harder than a Cowboys fan trying to get to the Super Bowl. Owner Ray Canfield’s all about cooking to order, so settle in with a cold one and let the good times roll—laissez les bons temps rouler, y’all! Crawfish season here is a religious experience. I ordered boiled crawfish, and they hit the table faster than you can say “Who Dat?”—hot, fresh, and seasoned like a love letter to my Cajun roots. None of that greasy garlic nonsense or over-dusted mudbugs you find elsewhere; these were straight-from-the-Atchafalaya-Basin simple, the kind of perfect boil I’d fight a gator for. The fried crawfish boudin balls? Crispy, spicy pillows of joy that could make a grown man cry. And the Gulf oysters? Plump, briny gems that outshined every coastal shack I hit this year. The burgers and seafood never disappoint—always solid, like a trusty pickup truck. But fair warning: if you’re allergic to New Orleans Saints SWAG, you might clutch your pearls. The place is draped in black-and-gold pride, and I swear the jukebox plays “Sweet Caroline” with a Cajun accent. Don’t let it spook you—Ray’s built a joint where everyone’s welcome to get their Cajun on. The patio’s a gem, with Shoal Creek murmuring nearby, adding quirky charm to the chaos. Service can mosey when it’s slammed, but the baristas—er, bartenders—keep the vibes high. Pro tip: come for the crawfish, stay for the people-watching. This ain’t just a saloon; it’s a Texas-sized slice of Louisiana soul. ”
“ Everyone was so nice the food was awesome really enjoyed our lunch ”
“ Best crawfish boil in Austin! Their gumbo and etouffee are top notch. Always 10 out of 10. Casual, laidback vibes! ”
“ Pork chops were superb! Green beans and mashed potatoes were just as well. I think that was the best bread pudding I've ever had, and I've had it over in New Orleans but this was the best. Great staff. Perfect service. Thanks for the love. Will be back soon. ”
“ Spicy chicken burger tastes similar to Popeyes but Shoal Creek kicks it up a few notches & this is a fantastic spicy fried chicken!! Everything they serve is delicious. We've been coming here since they opened & it's always !! ”
“ Checked out this place while in Austin for the weekend and they had really good crawfish. The service was great and the outdoor area looked really nice, too bad we didn’t know about it until after we were done with our food. Definitely worth the visit. ”
“ What an awesome place to eat lunch, I would recommend coming early. They get busy fast. 4 pounds of crawfish. It was delicious so happy I made the choice to drive over here today. ”
“ We loved our experience here! One of our first stops in Austin! Our server was honest and spot on! Great catfish, shrimp, soup, jambalaya and fried chicken! Loved every bite! ”