Over the past couple years, truly devoted crawfish fans have embraced Vietnamese preparations that utilize a broader array of seasonings and dipping sauces than Cajun varieties. Tossed in butter and garlic prior to serving, they're a messy, spicy, flavor-packed take on the classic that's highly addictive.
Until recently, diners had to travel outside the Loop for a fix, but now popular favorite LA Crawfish has taken over the former Kobecue space on Richmond in Greenway Plaza (the move was first reported in the b4-u-eat newsletter).
LA Crawfish's original location is a small stall at the 99 Ranch Market at I-10 and Blalock. Diners spill out of the limited dedicated seating area into the entire food court. While this arrangement doesn't prevent diners from devouring the massive plastic bags of crawfish, shrimp and crab, only the restaurant's official seating is approved for BYOB. That's a shame, since cold beer and spicy crawfish are two great tastes that taste great together.
This new location solves those problems. There's much more seating, and it's still BYOB, just like neighboring restaurant Collina's Italian Cafe. Stop at either the Spec's on Bissonnet or Central Market to pick up a favorite brew to maximize the experience.
Crawfish run $6.99 per pound and are sourced from Louisiana.
Not a fan of boiled crawfish? Try the crawfish pho, a favorite of former Houston Press critic Katharine Shilcutt.
The restaurant is already open and ready to go. Crawfish run $6.99 per pound and are sourced from Louisiana. Unfortunately, it's still too early in the season for live crawfish. They'll start showing up as soon as the weather warms.
When it does, take the Greenway crawfish challenge: Knock back a couple pounds of Vietnamese style and then head down the road to either Ragin' Cajun or Bayou City Pasta and Seafood to decide which preparation is best.
That's a day of good eating.
LA Crawfish's full menu is available at the new location.
