I went with some coworkers who were in town. We ordered a big spread of appetizer to split and everything was so good. My standouts were the tostadas and oysters. For my entree I ordered the lobster roll. The fries were cooked to perfection and were so thin and crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. While I asked for my lobster roll as is, one of coworkers asked if they could serve it hot instead of cold and they accommodated her request which I loved. All of the drinks here as well were spectacular as well as the service. We sat outside so I didn't get much of a look at the inside of the restaurant. read more

Perla's - Lobster Roll, Bibb Lettuce, House Mayo, Drawn Butter - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

Omg this place has become one of my fave restaurants! Especially for seafood lovers. I could have ordered pretty much everything on the menu; from their grilled octopus, wood grilled oysters, BBQ shrimps, and their yummy licious Lobster Bucatini. I tried their wood grilled oysters for appetizer. It came with 6 large oysters and each of them was perfectly seasoned. I LOVED their Lobster Bucatini! The lobster was cooked perfectly, and the pasta was covered with creamy sauced sprinkled with bacon pieces. Yum! I also had a bite of the halibut which also grilled to perfection and came with a sauce of your choice. I can't wait to go back so I can try other things on the menu. read more

Perla's - Nova Scotia Lobster Bucatini - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

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We recently had a great Sunday Brunch at Perla's . The food was amazing with the house made sausage and the Blue Lump Crab Omelette topped off with a nice e fresh orange mimosa!! The service here is always friendly and attentive! It's one of the best patios for brunch in town! read more

Was in Austin the past weekend and this was my first stop for Sunday brunch. Ambiance 10/10 Food 8/10 The portion size does not equate to the price. The ceviche was delicious but a small potion, charbroiled oysters were very small. The mahi mahi sandwich was big but the fish had no flavor. Watermelon margarita was just ok. Service 8/10 The waitress was very nice and attentive. Please beware there is no free parking lot, we ended up parking in the neighborhood and walking to the restaurant. read more

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Do I think Perla's is too expensive? Yes. Do I love going and spending hours on their patio anyway? Yes! So my take on it is that I'm paying for the ambiance because wow, I just love sitting on that patio for hours, so some people watching while enjoying a good cocktail. That being said, currently pregnant and trying all the mocktails around town, their $8 mocktail mojito was just meh, wouldn't recommend. The food: - the oysters are $4 each but husband approved (I don't eat them) - yummy crab gaspacho and you can ask for them to split in bowls if you're sharing - the mint gem salad was super refreshing and delish The lobster bucatini was fantastic, very creamy so don't go there if you're lactose sensitive but there was a whole lobster in there. - the seabass was disappointing and didn't come with much side - our friend got a steak and it was cooked perfect and super good (for $56 you would expect!) - I've had their shrimp cocktail in the past and it's very good too - their lobster roll is very good but on the small side Pro-tip: - you get 2h free parking validated - on a hot summer day they have misters & fans - don't forget to put bug spray before heading there! Overall just a great experience but mostly due to patio weather. read more

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Really good food. Octopus was delicious. I got the lobster and pasta. I would've liked a side of butter overall really good food and good service. read more

De-lish-us!!! Had so much fun with both friends and staff. We at so much food, family style, and had a great time. Love this place. read more

Our waiter set me up with some fabulous oysters to try as my first time having oysters! It was so incredible. Wonderful view of south congress! I highly recommend you try the French fries, so simple but so so fantastic. Only downside is the priceyness read more

My friend and I were being tourists and decided to take a long walk down Congress Avenue on the South side of Downtown Austin. It is a totally different vibe down there and I highly recommend checking it out. It is pretty gentrified, trendy and expensive but it also has such a laid back feel to it. During our walk, we ended up overheating and wound up on the Perla's patio. It was the middle of the afternoon on a Wednesday so they didn't seem to mind. We ordered a drink (non-alcoholic for me) and the staff was so chill and accommodating. They have lots of tables with beautiful umbrellas on a wooden deck, patio sofas, bar stools, Oak trees that provide a ton of shade and add ambiance. I don't know how to explain it but despite being nowhere near the ocean, it really did make you feel like you were in Laguna Beach, CA or some other beach city taking a break. It was lovely. Since we were overheated we didn't eat anything but I would definitely come back for dinner. I hear reservations are a must (unless you're available midday afternoon). read more

Perla's - Patio - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Located right in the heart of Congress, this is the perfect spot to take a break from shopping or walking on Congress. My boyfriend and I stopped there for just that, to get a drink on the patio and give our feet a break. We only ordered drinks so I can't speak on their food, but it looked great and I would return to give the menu a try! I ordered the espresso martini which was very strong for my liking. It was very vodka forward and it felt like it was missing something. I do like the darker espresso martinis but this one was very bold with an overpowering vodka taste. My boyfriend ordered the Frozen watermelon margarita which again was very alcohol forward, leaving the other flavors to be desired. Don't get me wrong, we like stiff drinks but if you can't taste the other ingredients in the drink or they don't blend together , it defeats the purpose. The ambiance was everything I look for in a restaurant with outside dining. The patio area was very trendy with a bunch of different styles of seating depending on your preference. I hope to return here again in the future to give the food menu a try because I saw lots of tasty plates coming out! read more

Perla's - Raspberry lemonade, frozen watermelon Marg, espresso martini - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Best seafood, service and ambiance in Austin at Perla's on SoCo. Oysters so fresh and succulent you'll think you're sitting on the wharf in San Francisco. Great drinks too! Espresso martini with the delectable pistachio and cherry chocolate cake. Delish! read more

Perla's - Fresh shucked oysters and then dessert with espresso martini at Perla's on a comfortable April evening on SoCo. What's not to love? - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

Love Perla's, but this was the first time to have the lobster roll. For the price it was pretty underwhelming, lacked flavor but did have a decent amount of lobster meat. Would not order again but will certainly come back to Perla's for the oysters and other items on the menu! read more

Perla's - The lobster roll and french fries. - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

Loved the outside seating, our server was very nice and friendly! Food was delicious and they were able to make a gluten free option for the Benedict which was amazing. Overall great vibe and I would come back! read more

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In our experience, Perla's had good ambience, but the food was underwhelming, and definitely not worth the prices charged. We dined on a Monday evening, and dinner for two, with one cocktail and a nonalcoholic beer, without dessert, came to $150. I don't mind paying these prices for an exceptional dining experience, but this fell far from the mark. In my opinion, Pappadeaux's or Eddie V's beats this restaurant hands down for food quality and service for about the same price. read more

This restaurant has an agreement with the parking garage on Eva St. They offer two hours of "free" parking. The problem is if you are even 1 second longer then the two hours you will get a ticket for $60.00. It happened to me. I was 1 minute 42 seconds over the two hours and I just got a ticket for $60.00 read more

Great atmosphere food was on point and fast service for a Friday night would definitely go again any night

Austin institution, but definitely in need of an update. We've been coming to Perla's for years , and service is always terrific as well as ambience, but have noticed in recent year the food is just not all that special!:( definitely good, but not worth the price tag unfortunately. Especially the fish/shrimp was kind of mediocre. will say the oysters are always terrific. Highly recommend the wellfleet. read more

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First time here and they did not disappoint! The service was stellar and the food was phenomenal. Bursting flavors and seasonings on fresh seafood and steak made each bite delicious and exciting to eat. The octopus appetizer was a delightful combination of flavors from spicy to sweet and savory. The sea bass was buttery in each bite. Excellent meal and atmosphere. Can't wait for another excuse to go here! read more

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Let me tell you, at first glance looking at the menu you'll be shook by the pricing - especially for lunch, but once that oyster and red snapper hit your tongue you'll be a happy camper! This place is great hit with outdoor and indoor seating. The menu has a great quality of fish on the menu, smaller bites and larger ones. We ordered oysters and Stephanie was great at guiding us through the menu on what else to order as we wanted to keep it light for lunch. We ordered the red snapper ceviche and it did not disappoint. We did have to order chips on the side for the crunch but they happily provided. Went there for a birthday and Stephanie gave my gf a cute bday surprise and candle dessert. So cute! She made our day super special! If you're going in for specials or deals don't , because the pricing is not cheap but you won't be disappointed on the flavors. read more

Perla's - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

You're buying the brand not the product here. Oysters and fried food are good. Sea Bass and other fine filets are thin & overcooked. Service is good and atmosphere is excellent. read more

Such a fantastic restaurant on the corner. Definitely make sure to make your reservations! All the food we ordered was absolutely phenomenal: - Shrimp Cocktail - Crab cake - Nova Scotia Lobster Bucatini Only reason I didn't give it a 5 was because we were seated RIGHT NEXT to the kitchen. While the kitchen was immaculate, the waiters walking in and out and being seated right next it, I think we could have had a better experience if we were seated somewhere else. Second, most of the lobster pieces were still attached to its shell, requiring extra work. Considering the bucatini it was in, it made it quite messy. For most dishes I eat like this, you just have to pull it out of its shell. Other than the above, we would definitely come back and give it a second try! read more

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Good seafood restaurant. They have indoor and outdoor seatings, and you can also sit at the oyster bar. We made a quick stop here for some shrimp cocktail and prosecco. We also ordered french fries and ordered some cocktails, which was good. Overall, they have a good menu of seafood options and the workers were friendly. read more

I came in with a group on Saturday morning. This was our first time at Perla's. We were surprised by the amount of space inside the restaurant. Our waiter was incredible. He had great recommendations, super attentive, and kind. I ordered the bbq shrimp and grits per his recommendation. It was a bit spicy (5/10), but great flavor and texture. For appetizers we ordered the biscuits with strawberry spread, tapas, and hush puppies. Overall Perla's did not disappoint. It is a bit pricey, but great service and food. read more

Perla's - Bbq shrimp and grits - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

Such a fun experience! Everyone had such positive vibes and bar tender hunter was patient and had a fun sense of humor and very attentive! Food was sooo good. I'm not a fan of seafood like my friends but the burger was greatnesssss! Fries did need some seasoning but the crisp on them was good. Co workers loved the salmon and lobster they ordered ! Clean restaurant and clean restroom! Salad wedges with the crab was delicious as well! I definitely recommend this place you do have to make reservations but we were able to slide in and sit at the bar as long at the seats were available! read more

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Came here on a Thursday night and such a nice place and very fresh seafood as always. The staff is so nice and very attentive. The Vibin there is so classy and nice. We got the East Coast oysters which were delicious and did not disappoint. Also did the large shrimp which were very fresh and very good tasting. Also ordered the steak, which was very well cooked and delicious, I did parrot with their seared scallops, which were to die for they were literally the perfect consistency. They were not chewy and they were so nice and buttery.We ordered the seafood pasta which was phenomenal and definitely must order. They have a good menu for wines and any kind of cocktails that you want so you can't go wrong there with that. This is one of the Staples in Austin and you really can't go wrong if you want fresh good tasting seafood. read more

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Loved Perlas the outdoor seating is fun and happening! Also enjoyed the oysters! Great choices! Absolutely recommend it! read more

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I came here for dinner and was blown away by the quality of the food we ordered! As an oyster lover, I am happy to say Perla's delivers. All the oysters we ordered were so fresh and unique from one another. The iceberg crab salad was recommended to me by a friend, and wow, it sure was tasty. Don't let its boring look deceive you; the plate is packed with crab and a nice tangy thousand island dressing. The perfect balance of fresh sweet crab with a burst of acidity from the tomato and dressing. Finally, the highlight of this meal was the Sea Bass. I am impressed by the attention to detail on this dish. Visually, this dish was very impressive. Thin potato slices arranged as scales on top of the fish, with no gaps or uncovered areas. I promise it's not just the looks that were impressive. The delicate fish and the contrasting crunch from the crispy potatoes helped highlight how tender and soft the Sea Bass was. Overall, lots of seafood options and amazing service! read more

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I had the lobster roll, an espresso martini, & oyster shot! Perfect spot for a weekend brunch! Right next to south Congress shops! read more

Perla's - Lobster Roll, Bibb Lettuce, House Mayo, Drawn Butter - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

Make your reservations early! We were in Austin for a weekend and couldn't get in. Lucky for us, our call and a plea resulted in a table by the kitchen that actually turned out to be a great table in the restaurant! Three diners. Fish and Chips, Scallops and Halibut. Not a lick left on a plate. Food was fabulous, service was stellar and the ambiance is fabulous. Highly recommend if you are in town! read more

As with many Austin restaurants lately, Perla's is overrated. The fried okra was stringy and overly salty. Both the oysters and fish were mediocre at best, and the service left much to be desired. read more

Such a cute birthday spot, definitely not the most budget friendly but worth it for special occasions! We came for my friend's birthday and they had prepared a little birthday card for her which was very sweet. Service was great and very understanding with some friends arriving some later than others and they gave my friend a free birthday pot de crème dessert which she loved. I tried a few varieties of fresh oysters ($4 each) and asked the waiter to surprise me with a few that were small, fresh, and not too fishy and they were some of the best oysters I've had in Austin. We also got the cornmeal fried okra ($10) which were decent but I feel like could use a little more seasoning. The spicy sauce the okra were paired with was a bit too spicy for me I opted for ranch as well. The star of the show was the Nova Scotia Lobster Bucatini ($51 and worth every penny) and the Pot De Creme dessert was phenomenal as well. Definitely could be a good date night spot for a fancy dinner. Would highly recommend! read more

Perla's - Fresh oysters & Cornmeal Fried Okra with Remoulade - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

Gorgeous ambience with amazing vibes under the oak tree but service was so poor it was the only bad experience we had our entire weekend. Service is painfully slow and at one point it was even rude. The staff did not engage with us or demonstrate welcoming behavior. The menu is stellar with great seafood options but expect to be at a leisurely pace on their time. read more

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Great staff, especially our server who was super friendly, provided good suggestions and helped us with cocktail orders. A full star just for the server The environment was good but not anything over the top: we sat inside and the decor fit with the seafood focus of the place. We started with 3 types of their oysters (they had 6 types to choose from when we visited). The oysters were good, but the "mookiemoto" were excellent. Next we had the octopus appetizer which was delicious. The brussel sprouts were good but couldn't hold a candle to the squash (one of the best things we've had recently). We shared the red snapper which was very good, and shared the scallops (fantastic). We had a few of their cocktails, but the frozen daiquiri was (unexpectedly) the best. We would definitely come here again and try more of the menu and maybe try to sit outside. read more

I love coming here for lunch!! It's between 3-5:30 pm. The vibe and atmosphere is amazing, very relaxed and welcoming. It's perfect to catch up with an old friend and order a few tapas to share. I like to request the patio "blue comfy booths." The service is very good, the staff is very at tentative. We got oysters obviously. 10/10. I requested a briny oyster and a cleaner fresh one:) read more

Perla's - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

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The best seafood lunch spot! My dog and I sat out on the covered patio area on a slightly rainy Wednesday for lunch - there were heaters so we stayed warm and had the entire section to ourselves. Kristen was absolutely amazing - she was knowledgeable about the wine options and helped me make a great choice, made sure Rio had a bowl of water (and even refilled it!) and made sure we didn't feel rushed. The food was incredible (seriously, the raw oysters were great!) as was the ceviche and crispy hamachi. Wonderful spot for a calm, cozy afternoon out - I will definitely be back! read more

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I am the biggest Perla's fan. I actually visited twice this week and realized I owe them a review - I brought friends to sit on the patio on a Friday and again to the bar on Tuesday. We all loved the amazing vibe and food. This is definitely the best shrimp cocktail and oyster bar experience in Austin and everyone agrees the location is supreme - sit at the bar with Chris for amazing service and conversation. Cannot recommend this place enough. read more

When I'm jonesing for real oysters (not the warm gulf variety) it's either Perla's or Clarke's for me. Both offer fresh NE and PEI harvested oysters. We recently found ourselves on SoCo on a beautiful afternoon and decided on Perla's for a lite lunch. Yes they were crowded and there was a 45-minute wait but the host told us that tables were clearing fast. We received a text about 15 minutes later that we were in! Our initial order of Fire Lake, PEI oysters, and New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp arrived as we were enjoying our martinis. Fire Lake oysters are sweet as sugar and need zero help from horseradish or cocktails sauce. The BBQ shrimp arrive large and included the head (sweet meat resides there). This is a spicy dish and the garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the wonderful broth. Nice touch - hot towels and lemons arrived between courses! Since this was a lite lunch we split the lobster roll and I ordered a cole slaw side. The lobster was cooked perfectly and included both claw and tail meat. Perla's is always crowded and it's not lite on your wallet but the wait and the cost are worth it. Pro tip: No tables, then ask to sit at the bar as there is usually an empty seat to two. Be sure to first check in at the host desk. read more

Perla's - Martini Time! - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

While wandering around SoCo, we decided to have brunch at Perla's. Perla's is known for their seafood, but they also have great brunch options. We ordered a little of everything - shrimp po boy, mahi mahi sandwich, and the crab omelette. The omelette was light and refreshing while also being filling, and the sandwiches were generously portioned. With a helpful staff and beautiful decor, Perla's is definitely a place that I would visit again. read more

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The pearl of Austin. Let me take it from the top: Stunning location on Soco, with a large, outdoor patio lovingly shielded by a large pecan tree* dotted with twinkle lights. Complimentary hush puppies and aioli. To die for. God, I know I'm going be dreaming about those hush puppies. We got oysters, Brussels, shishito peppers, squash, Mac and cheese, fries, fried shrimp, and grouper for the table. Every dish was impeccable, but I especially enjoyed the shishito peppers and squash, which was served with a kind of yogurt sauce. I had to stifle an audible moan upon taking a bite of the squash. Dinner was punctuated with rich espresso, a brown sugar cube, and a pear tart with ice cream. Service was on point at every turn and the manager went out of his way to check on our table and say hi to us personally. Will be returning. read more

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I went there alone on my birthday specifically for the oysters. I went at 4pm. I was the only one in the restaurant. This is the second time I've been here in the last month that the young girls at the hostess were very unfriendly with no smiles or greetings. My waiter put a little sign reading happy birthday on my table. Unfortunately that was about all they did. The waiter took my order and brought my oyster and that was literally it. I received more welcoming and birthday wishes every other place I went that day. This restaurant caters to a higher end clientele and with that comes the expectation of exceptional hospitality and service from EVERY SINGLE worker who comes in contact with the customer. That's customer service 101. This place false short of that. I suggest you train your employees how to go above and beyond your basic standards and requirements of customer service. Go back to the drawing board. read more