The best New Orleans food around. I love the Fried shrimp Po boy and the boudin is a delicious meal all by itself. Prices are great too!

Some of the best Cajun food I've had outside of New Orleans. Appetizer: Boudin - absolutely sick (in a good way) Entree #1: Jambalaya - this shit was perfect. seriously. Entree #2: Etoufee - really good if a bit on the spicy side. Tip: Watch out for live music events. The very first time I visited there was a super loud live band and the place is very small so it's impossible to get away from it. We couldn't talk to each other without screaming. This is not a criticism I mean music is great and all it just wasn't what we were going for at the time. read more

So happy that Evangeline's is back open w dine-in service! We went there for dinner this evening & everything was as delicious as ever. And of course, the place was spotless & the staff were adhering to all the new safety protocols, all the while serving food with a smile (behind their adorable mustachioed masks!) Recommend the oyster / shrimp po boy and the chicken fried steak! read more

Cold beer, great food and awesome music. We started off with an order of fried pickles--by far the best I've had thus far. Then followed up with a cup of gumbo (very good) and a roast beef po'boy. I was warned about it being messy, but it wasn't. It was delicious. I made sure that I had plenty of Turbodog to keep me on course. Bread pudding for dessert was an excellent way to finish the night. The food was perfect but we were really impressed by the service and how well all of the servers handled their tables. We had our own waitress, but all of the girls took turns to check up on us and the other patrons. read more

Great spot for Cajun/Creole food. I came here in a hungry group of 3. We had just finished hiking the greenbelt, and this sounded like the perfect comfort food to refuel us. Kudos to Evangeline Cafe and to us for making the right choice. We shared the regular boudin and the jalapeno boudin--so delicious. I liked that each table had a multitude of hot sauces, and I had fun trying each one with the boudin. For entrees, we ordered the etoufee, jambalaya, and Speedy's catfish. All three were really solid, but the etoufee definitely stood out. Service was not the speediest or most courteous, but the food and Abita beer more than made up for that. I'll be back again when I'm craving some crawfish etoufee. read more

Umm i don't even know how to start this review.....the service was great. But the food is bland....it tastes like absolutely nothing lol. They are lacking in seasoning and flavor, the chicken and sausage gumbo tasted scorched and it was terrible. The dirty rice tasted like fried rice and the fried catfish was plain and ordinary. This isn't Cajun food AT ALL!! I won't be coming back...ever read more

I've only had the crawfish poboy and the gumbo, but I do recommend. I will be back for some crawfish and boudin.

The atmosphere here is amazing. You feel as though you've walked right into a small bar in New Orleans. The vide is good and there's lots of live music. If you want a po-boy, they are THE best! The bread is crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside & the Evangeline sauce is killer. I had a wild hair a couple of times and ordered things other than my normal shrimp po-boy. That was a mistake. Stay away from the pasta and the corn bread we got with the red beans & rice was disgusting. I was so sad the whole menu wasn't as good as the po-boys! read more

This restaurant totally hits the spot for your Cajun cravings! I went to Cypress Grill before this and it's nothing compared to Evangeline Cafe. We ordered Macque Choux, Gumbo, Etoufee, and Shrimp Creole and it was all very flavorful and delicious! The environment is very lively and fun- free live music, colorful and eclectic decor, and the service is great. It's crowded and the restaurant isn't very big, but if you like crowds, good food and a loud atmosphere, then you'll have a great time here! It's a bit awkward when you first walk in because when you open the front door, you basically are walking right into a table, there's not actual divided "waiting area" it all kinda meshes together. read more

I went here for lunch for the first time today, I had the fried shrimp and catfish combo, the food was great & flavorful without it being too expensive, the employees gave it a fun, upbeat atmosphere to where they make everyone feel like they're having a great time, I plan on going back to Evangeline Cafe again soon, I just wish I didn't live 25 miles away from here, at least it's worth the trip going to the Evangeline Cafe :) I've been to at least 300 restaurants in my lifetime and this is definitely ranked among my Top 5 favorite restaurants I've ever been to! :) read more

Evangeline has been our go to Cajun Cafe for years. Their oyster po' boy is to die for. Today I ordered the Evangeline salad with grilled chicken with added avocado. The avocado had discolored pieces. The mixed greens were primarily spinach. It barely had any dressing and I asked for more. Not as excellent as I am used to having. read more

For Cajun food in Austin, this place won't disappoint. It is definitely a preferred lunch spot (when I don't have any meetings planned for the afternoon!). It can fill up on Thursdays and Fridays, so get there on the early side of noon. Staff here is always good. Ask them about their specials, they will lead you in the right direction. They have real boudin, which is usually pretty good. Po Boy's are all good, especially the oyster. They typically have a stuffed pork chop special that is always great. Fish specials as well. I pretty much get the pork chop or fish. I wouldn't really touch the Jambalaya or Etouffee, if you've had your Father-in-laws awesome homemade recipes, they just aren't going to measure up. Gumbo is tasty though. read more

I grew up in Austin so I didn't grow up on Cajun or creole food. But the food here is pretty much bland. It's ok, I just put a ton of hot sauce on everything. There aren't many Cajun places in Austin and most suck so that's what keeps me coming back... that and not wanting to spend hours in a kitchen cooking. I've been to New Orleans and the food there is amazing!! I wish Evangeline's was at least almost as good. read more

Been here many times, never dissatisfied. Love the atmosphere and the Food. Great service. read more

My new favorite restaurant. I am obsessed with the sea bass special. I think about it at random times throughout my day. It's like I have a crush on it. Went on the Monday before Mardi Gras, so we got free beads. Pretty busy, but got seated quickly. The band was playing lively folk music from the 30's. We enjoyed chatting with the musicians after dinner. Very interesting and personable. Service was friendly, cheerful, and our drinks were always topped off. We both ordered the same dishes as last time. I had the beloved special and date had the gumbo. We started with the gator bites. Fried bits of gator drizzled with spicy Cajun sauce. I don't eat mammals, hadn't really considered eating reptiles. They're pretty darned tasty! Reminds me of the flavor of calamari. We had the bread pudding for dessert. It was made of thick slices of French bread, custardy and with raisins. Caramel pecan sauce on top. Just as delish as I'd expect. We waddled out of there, stuffed like those awful souvenir gators in New Orleans' gift shops. read more

I should start out by pointing out that I'm from Mississippi and I don't mess around when it comes to food from home. Turns out Evangeline doesn't either. Service has been good to great every time we've been. The food has been pretty stellar every time. Start with the house specialties and you can't go wrong from there. Lunch prices are great and you'll leave satisfied. I've been hesitant to give yelp praise to Evangeline because I don't want them to get too busy, but I've decided that the food will always be worth the wait. Show up early to beat the dinner crowd. read more

Absolutely the best authentic Cajun Cookin in these parts. I have tried darn near every entre on their menu and have not been disappointed. Robert, behind the bar is awesome and treats you like family. Great music during the week to boot. Crawfish Evangeline is a favorite in our family and the gumbo is the best. Treat yourself to a great Cajun experience soon. read more

I've never been to New Orleans, and I'll never need to go. Why not? Well, in my long, twenty-eight years I have learned a few things. For example, most plastic beads are made in China, not Louisiana. Also, it might surprise you to learn that exposed breasts are a WORLDWIDE phenomenon, and they're not even limited to a few days out of the year on the cusp of spring. But finally, just today I learned that I can get superlatively satisfying cajun food right here in my hometown of Austin. I don't have to go to New Orleans as long as Evangeline is so much closer. I was looking for a neat place to take my mom and grandmother today, since I wanted us to go somewhere we'd never been. Yelp made Evangeline Cafe look pretty good, and when I contacted a colleague of mine (who happens to be from Louisiana), she gave the place a virtual thumbs up. Difficult to find, even if you know the address! Ack, the sign is hidden behind a humongous, beautiful shade tree. This is the only thing wrong with Evangeline. I shared some pickle chips with Mom and Nanny, and they were among the best of those chips I've ever had. Were they *7.99* the "best"? Well, that's up to you to judge. Mom was paying this time around, so they were priced right for me. For the entree, I tried a softshell crab po' boy (on special) with a side of fries. Uniquely seasoned, both of them, and they went down well with an Abita wit beer. I'm definitely coming back here for the tasty eats and the zydeco playing in the background. read more

Cajun food done right. I'm a big fan of the poboys here. The fried oyster poboy with Eevangeline sauce, jalapeno mayo, and added avocado makes the perfect bite. Every bite. The crunch of the lightly toasted bun contrasts the softness of the oysters really nicely, and you get a little zing from the sauces. If you like your food spicy, I highly recommend adding some of the Spicy Garlic Sauce they have on all of the tables. That stuff is liquid cajun gold. I've also had the shrimp poboy, which was good, and the frog's legs, which were also very good. If you're looking for cajun food, an interesting ambiance, and some good company, Evangeline's is your place. The decor is very Louisiana-themed and the staff is very friendly and courteous. read more

Great food, All the rest needs help! I've been going to Evangeline Cafe for years and I have always loved the food, but the last two experiences have left me cold. We were seated quickly both times, but both times we had to wait at least 10 minutes to be acknowledged by a wait person. Afterword, we would receive tea and or water occasionally, and only if we motioned to the wait person that was waiting on other tables... We finished our meals and nearly had to clear our own tables after begging for our check, and this has been consistent with the last two visits that were spaced over a month a part... Please hire another person to help with your lunch crowd. Thanks! read more

Best cajun food in Austin. My family is from Mississippi and Louisiana so cajun food was a staple in our house. I grew up on gumbo and jambalaya...and this place has nailed that authentic, made in grandma's kitchen cajun food taste. I love how they've decorated the place, and LOVE the fact that they pay homage to the late great Rusty Weir with so many photos of him on the walls. It's a small place so expect a little bit of a wait....just grab a barstool and a cold one and meet some new friends, it's just that kind of place. This little cafe has become a favorite of ours and a must-see when we have friends from out of town visiting. read more

Oysters Contraband...so so good. An appetizer of fried oysters with house made remoulade on a fried chip. AAHHH! So good. They also make perfect grilled shrimp. Excellent seasoning that is flavorful but not too spicy. Ham and cheese PoBoy with jalapeno mayo... Get out of town! I love it. Superb atmosphere. There is something to look at everywhere you point your eyeballs. Servers are attentive and friendly. Bartender is fast and funny. The owner is in and out, checking on tables and conversing with patrons. My husband loves the alligator stew. My kid swears by the kid's plate of chicken and fries. We all love the live music. A real hit in my family! read more

There is a reason why so many people have written reviews-this place is great. The stuffed fish is delicious, but you not matter what you order you must start with the oyster appetizer. read more

I was in Austin visiting some friends and they took us here. The only cajun food I have had is the packaged jambalaya, so I was excited to have something authentic, I was also excited to hear that they had Alligator which I had to try. The food was amazing the jambalaya was very good and just the right amount of spiciness. I loved the Alligator to. We had a party of 6 and i was surprised at how well they kept our drinks filled as well. The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because I don't know how well it compares to other Cajun restaurants. I will defiantly go back next time I'm in Austin. read more

Been driving by it everyday for the last 7 yrs, never have stopped by. Being a good old cajun boy I've had so many let downs at places that sell home food. Decided to give it a shot. I picked up the Chicken and sausage gumbo and a side of dirty rice. Well that there gumbo was some of the best I've had the pleasure of eating. Was having flashbacks of living in the swamp down by St.Martins! As far as the dirty rice, well have to say it was not mama's dirty rice. Best I have found so far is at Golden Chicken. Oh well guess not anyone but mama can make a dirty rice. Gumbo impressed me enough to try something else next time! read more

My first time eating real Cajun/creole food but not the man's as he is from the south. This is the real deal authentic Cajun/creole. We had the boudin as an appetizer and it was wonderful. Then for lunch we had the jambalaya, gold band creole & a side of dirty rice. All of it was excellent! They do have a gluten free menu which made it super easy for me to order. The service was excellent...they were busy and were very attentive to everyone. The portions are huge as we still have a bunch of food for dinner. Check this place out!! read more

This place is a roller coaster. The gumbo, mediocre at best. The signature dish, crawfish with cream and pasta... Outstanding! Frog legs, some of the best I've ever had! Alligator nuggets... Excellent! Shrimp po boy... Average Alligator sauce picant...very good Pickle chips... Very good If order well... You eat well... 3.5 stars read more

The cafe itself is great, but be careful of homeless people as they are not actually homelessless

Just had lunch here, and I have to say from someone that had a nanny that made most of this creole food for me when I was younger, it was fantastic. I split the alligator bites with my mother and grandmother, they were great. They had the right consistency, the meat wasn't tough, and the Evangeline sauce they put on top of it was to die for. For my own food I got the Number 4 lunch special, which is fried seafood from either catfish, crawfish, or oysters. I chose the crawfish and let me tell you, they did a good job. The breading was perfect, it had a bit of kick to it that kept with the New Orleans theme and were just sweet enough to where the actual meat had a flavor. The dirty rice was some of the best I've ever had, and that's saying something. My mother had an oyster po boy and just from the smell alone it had my mouth watering. According to her it was very good, very rich and with enough sauce on it to make it not dry, which is hard to accomplish with a proper po boy. She had the gumbo cup to go with as a side, and it looked and smelled proper. My grandma had the full bowl of gumbo with a side of potato salad. I tried some of the gumbo and let me just say that the base of the soup made it nice and dark and murky tasting, and was light enough to not weigh us down in the Texas heat. The sausage in the soup was the best part, it was just spicy enough with a hit of tang and brought to mind very pleasant childhood memories. Then, for desert, we split their Desert Praline. Let me just say that, having never had one before, it was the best thing I've had in a while. This little bite of heaven was nothing short of a pecan bonanza, pecans with butter and sugar like a pie filling, not too sweet, rolled up into a light and crunch crust of what tasted like puff pastry. It was crispy and gooey and all things good in the world. It was dusted with powdered sugar and then served swimming in this marvelous, loose caramel sauce. WHEN we come back, I'm having this again, no matter how full I get. All in all, this place is the place to go for some good down home cooking like momma made. It was fresh, still pipping hot-almost too hot-when we got it, fresh and made to order, the order sizes were huuuuge and I'm still full. Three hours later. read more

I am a Louisiana native, and have been to Evangeline a couple of times. The food is good, but it is not quite 5 star-worthy, and this may be simply because I was eating the best cajun food in the world for the first 27 years of my life. The atmosphere here reminds me of many small hole-in-the-wall resturants in Southern Louisiana (translation= best resturants ever) and the memoribilia on the walls makes me very nostalgic. Overall, I think this is the best creole option in Austin, and is almost as close as you can get without being Louisiana. read more

Evangeline Cafe is a little gem that is tucked away off the beaten path. Oysters Contraband, Muffuletta Sandwich, and the Abita Beer were a perfect combination on a hot, sunny June afternoon. I would highly recommend this to place to anyone...Tony Bourdain needs to find this place! read more

I am SO happy to have found this place. We left Louisiana about a year ago and although Austin has plenty of great food, we couldn't find a single cajun place that was good enough for a second visit. My boyfriend and I ordered a little bit of everything so we could sample it all. Our favorites were the gator bites (that aioli!) and the stuffed pistolettes. I know the boudin isn't made in house, but it was some of the best boudin I've ever had. Absolutely fantastic. The chicken & sausage gumbo was thick & rich. I do wish the étouffée had come with more rice, but it had great flavor! The atmosphere was wonderful. I could tell that the owner was from Lake Charles (or he was a Texan who just couldn't be bothered to travel much farther into the swamps than he had to haha). They had a live band playing the blues all night, and my boyfriend was very pleased with the variety of Abita they had. If there's one thing I could change --- take down that Shiner sign! Overall, we're so pleased to have a go to Cajun restaurant in town for when we're feeling homesick and mom's gumbo supply runs low. Can't wait to head back! read more

Love the atmosphere here. There is usually live music playing in the evenings. The crawfish ettouffee is delish and surprisingly so is their chicken fried steak! read more

We've been here maybe 5 times. Each time the food is really good. We've tried many of the cajun entrees like the seafood gumbo-really good. also have had the chicken fired steak and hamburger on the lunch special. Best I've ever had. Especially for $6.95. Highly recommend read more

Love love love Evangeline Cafe! ate lunch there again today and as always the food was awesome. I always go for lunch as it's much more affordable. Great lunch specials and cheap. Started with homemade potato chips with Evangeline sauce, then a crawfish poboy with a side of shrimp and sausage gumbo. Perfect as always. I lived in New Orleans for four years and this is as good as it gets. Curtis the owner is always on site. He makes it a point to make the rounds. I dine there at least once a month and he always takes extra time to visit. The only reason I didn't give five stars is the service. It always leaves something to be desired. I shouldn't have to beg repeatedly for a tea refill or pick tomatoes off my poboy when I order it without them. read more

I eat here pretty often for lunch, work right down the street. I like the friendly and close atmosphere. Great beer selection and delicious Cajun food. I usually order the gumbo, my favorite food. It has great flavor. Definitely give this place a try. The Shrimp poboy worth it. read more

I love this place! The service is always friendly and down to earth. The food is delicious and it gets extra points for shock value- the location is so unassuming that you go in with low expectations and come out feeling like you have a new secret spot... although here I am yelping about it. I just want to give credit where credit is due. read more

My first time to dine at Evangeline, and it was ravishing. Cute band playing to create a jolley ambiance and the service was amazing. Definitely coming back read more

Okay, truth be told, I'm not an expert on Cajun cookin', but good food is usually self evident, and Evangeline Cafe' has some damn good grub! My son and I have eaten here a few times now, and it's never a disappointment...He swears by the Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, and I'm starting to get an addiction to the Crawfish-stuffed Pistolette appetizer...The entrees' are excellent, especially the Grilled Shrimp and Dirty Rice...As a bonus, the make some mean Fried Gator bites, and the Chicken Fried Steak ain't too shabby! Add to all of this some cool Cajun/Zydeco on the sound system, attentive (as well as cute) waitstaff, and a laid back south Austin vibe, and you get a great place to fuel up... read more

Love love love this place! The atmosphere is fun and casual, especially with the live music. The food is fantastic, I had Steves hot wings for appetizer and the Bold Band Creole for my meal. The hot wings were definitely hot but delicious and I can't say enough good things about the bold band creole...I can't wait to go back and have it again!! Tracy was our server and she definitely made our experience even better, there is nothing like a great meal AND great service thanks for a nice evening Evangeline!!! read more