Crawfish season is in full swing, and Baton Rouge offers no shortage of places to get a fix.
Seafood spots are serving up pounds of Louisiana’s favorite crustacean all across the city; however, not all crawfish are created equal. To find the best spot, four local restaurants were put to the test. Here’s how they stacked up:
Fred’s Bar and Grill
Fred’s Bar and Grill, located at 1184 Bob Pettit Blvd, offers a popular weekend tradition among LSU students known as Crawfish Sunday; however, the crawfish itself leaves something to be desired.
Prices start at $15 for three pounds, but they increase to $20 by Sunday with the purchase of a Fred’s Lineleap pass. Each order includes corn and potatoes, along with Cane’s sauce for dipping. The crawfish are boiled with oranges and whole heads of garlic that also make their way onto your tray.
Despite these ingredients, the flavor is not as strong as expected and the spice level is lacking, yet the Cane’s sauce pairs very well with the crawfish. For what Fred’s lacks in flavor, it makes up for with ambiance. The college bar offers a great atmosphere for a casual Sunday hangout with friends. For those looking for a social spot rather than the best tasting crawfish, it’s definitely still worth checking out.
Crawfish on the Geaux
For those who prefer takeout, Crawfish on the Geaux, located off Perkins Road across from Purple Cow, is a convenient option.
At $7.49 per pound, it is reasonably priced, but extras like corn and potatoes cost an additional $2.49, and canned drinks are $1.50. The takeout crawfish truck also does not offer any remoulade or dipping sauce.
The crawfish have a nice flavor but aren’t as spicy as expected. Since it is take-out only, they tend to get cold quickly, which can take away from the experience. For a quick dinner to enjoy at home, it’s a solid choice, but it lacks the atmosphere of a sit-down boil.
Sammy’s Crawfish King
Sammy’s Crawfish King, located off S. Foster Drive, delivers a solid experience for crawfish lovers.
The outdoor seating area is a great spot to gather with friends, and the walk-up counter service makes for a laid-back dining experience. The restaurant offers a large selection of canned and bottled drinks, with both takeout and dine-in options provided.
The crawfish at Sammy’s pack a flavorful punch, leaning towards the spicier side. They offer a three pound tray for $21.99 that includes one corn, one potato and a hard boiled egg. The most popular order is a single pound of crawfish for $8.99 that includes one corn and one potato.
The restaurant offers a butter sauce and remoulade on the side that elevates the flavor perfectly. Overall, Sammy’s Crawfish King is a great spot for those who love bold flavors and a fun outdoor setting.
Tony’s Seafood Market and Deli
As the largest seafood market in Louisiana, Tony’s Seafood Market and Deli sets itself apart from any other seafood market in Baton Rouge.
The shop once began as a go-to for produce in the city, but Tony Pizzola, owner and Baton Rouge native, soon realized his seafood was outselling the produce. Tony’s Seafood is now known to sell as much as 50,000 pounds of live and boiled crawfish in a single day.
For the fair balance of price, flavor and variety, Tony’s Seafood takes the top spot. Located at 5215 Plank Road, Tony’s Seafood offers crawfish at an affordable price of $5.89 per pound. The only downside is that the restaurant does not include corn or potatoes in the boil, but sides are available separately.
Tony’s Seafood has an impressive selection of seafood options beyond crawfish including plate lunches like red beans and rice, boudin balls and jambalaya. The crawfish are well-seasoned with the perfect amount of spice, and the remoulade is a must-try. Since the seafood market is takeout only, the full sit down experience isn’t available. For the authentic quality and value, Tony’s Seafood is hard to beat.
When it comes to crawfish in Baton Rouge, the options are plentiful, but the experience varies widely. Whether seeking bold spice, budget-friendly prices or a lively atmosphere, each spot offers something unique.
Tony’s Seafood stands out for its unbeatable combination of flavor and value, while Sammy’s Crawfish King delivers on spice and ambiance. Crawfish on the Geaux provides a quick and convenient option, and Fred’s Crawfish Sunday is a go-to for social gatherings. No matter the preference, there’s a crawfish spot in Baton Rouge to satisfy every craving this season.
