I genuinely cannot believe I've never written a review for Paw-Paw's Catfish House because we have…read morebeen coming here for YEARS and I love this place so much. There are restaurants you try once because they're trendy... and then there are places like Paw-Paw's -- the kind that become part of your family's story over time. From the fried deviled eggs, to the seafood platters, to the chicken tenders, to the genuinely wonderful staff, there just isn't a better spot for this kind of old-school comfort food experience. And the staff? Always SO friendly and welcoming. Every single time we come in, it feels less like "customer service" and more like old friends excited you finally stopped by so they can catch up with you awhile. That kind of warmth cannot be faked, and it makes such a difference. Now let's discuss these fried deviled eggs. Because respectfully... who allowed them to be this good? You think deviled eggs have reached their final form and then Paw-Paw's comes in like, "Hold my beer." Crispy, crunchy, creamy, flavorful perfection. We start most meals with them because not ordering them would simply be poor decision making at this point. I usually get the chicken tender basket and LISTEN -- these aren't sad little freezer tenders pretending to be a meal. These tenders are literally as big as my hand. Juicy, tender, flavorful, cooked perfectly every time. My adult kids are obsessed with the seafood platter: three pieces of fried catfish and three jumbo fried shrimp with fries, pinto beans, slaw, hushpuppies, and homemade tartar or cocktail sauce. And when I say the catfish tastes CLEAN, my fellow seafood people will understand exactly what I mean. No muddy taste, no weirdness -- just fresh, crispy, perfectly fried fish done right. And the portions? Paw-Paw did NOT come to play. Nobody is leaving hungry unless that was a personal choice. What I love most, though, is the feeling of the place. The small-town care. The heart that clearly goes into the food. The old-school comfort vibe that feels increasingly rare these days. Places like this matter. And Paw-Paw's is absolutely one of them.

One of my favs in Bastrop. Always friendly, quick service and great catfish! It's decorated with…read morecatfish, fisherman photos and everything else you'd expect from a small Texas town (although growing and not so small any longer). It is hit or miss with lines. Typically busier during the church crowd window on Sundays. Upon entry, someone will seat you so be patient and kind. There is both indoor and outdoor seating available. Ordered the fried catfish platter. Plenty of food. The catfish is battered and fried to perfection. Always my go to when craving catfish.

Delicious food; inviting atmosphere. Our server, Krystal, was very attentive and pleasant.read more

Food was fantastic fresh. Service was fast and with a smile. Ambiance was really cute but big at…read morethe same time..

Great food! Great service! It was a nice place to go. We sat outside in the covered area.read more

Excellent food - pricy, but you get what you pay for. I forgot to take photos of the main dishes…read more‍. Duck Leg Confit was mouth watering - duck fat kohlrabi, crispy mushrooms, arugula, lemon, roasted sunflower seed. Mushroom + Spring Pea "Ragù" served over fettuccine with parmesan, parsley, & preserved lemon zest - the plate was completely cleaned this dish was so tasty!

CUSTOMERS BEWARE -- mandatory 20% gratuity for parties of 5+, hidden in fine print on the menu…read morecover. What was meant to be a quick lunch stop in Bastrop turned into an ordeal my kids had to witness. When the surprise charge appeared, I asked our waitress where the policy was disclosed. She didn't know. Neither did her colleagues. When I asked to see it posted, a staff member threatened to call the police on us for asking. We finally reached the owner by phone, who pointed to fine print on the menu cover that his own staff didn't know existed. If you're dining here with a group, ask about the auto-gratuity before you order -- and decide whether you want to give your business to a place that threatens to call the cops on customers for a reasonable question.

I didn't like this local favorite as much as I thought I would. It wasn't that good at all…read more I came during lunchtime and it was packed with people. I was sat towards the back of the restaurant near the noisy kitchen and the restrooms. I ordered tofu spring rolls and stir fry dish. The spring rolls arrived at the same time as the main meal even though it was considered an appetizer. The stir fry was incredibly bland and the vegetables paired with it were wet from being washed making the dish itself soggy at the bottom. The portion size was there, but the flavor of the spring rolls too were bland. I asked for vegan hoisin sauce and was told that it doesn't exist. I told them that it wasn't true because right now in my refrigerator I have vegan hoisin sauce. I was then told again that they only had regular hoisin sauce. The spring rolls were thick and double wrapped creating more rice paper around the tofu making it very chewy to eat. In order to get to the contents inside, I had to take it apart. The peanut sauce was disgusting! I have no idea what they put in it, but the sauce was a very light brown in color, too loose, and tasted awful. I got my food to go only to toss it out. I won't be back.

Got hungry for lunch and decided to stop in and try this place out. I haven't had Ramen since…read morebefore Covid so ya, long time. So with that being said, I ordered the Tonkatsu Ramen and it was DELICIOUS! Definitely coming back if around the area and to try their other dishes. They don't only serve Japanese food, they serve Chinese as well from entrees to lunch menu items. Service is quick and staff is friendly. Definitely coming back for sure!

Had tonkotsu ramen here. The bowl came loaded with thick slices of chashu pork, a soft-boiled egg,…read morenarutomaki fish cakes with the signature pink swirl, sweet corn, bamboo shoots, and nori sheets. This is one of the better places that you can find in Bastrop for Asian food.

This place has amazing service, first of all…read more Kate was our server and she is a 10 out of 10. Very attentive and hospitable. We came in there with 13 kids and she handled our party like a boss. -- Definitely recommend requesting her if you visit! Our food was hot and delicious! The soft baked pretzels were perfectly salted and had a divine buttery flavor and soft texture. The hummus is something we're still talking about! The flavor was phenomenal! Nice and bold on the garlic & full bodied with the tahini forward flavor. And the texture was very fresh and authentic to Lebanese style. Wonderful experience!

I've been here several times. Usually after a late day at work…read more It's always filled but never full. Plenty of seating inside or on the patio (but the music can be loud). Service is efficient and nice. Full bar. Pretty good cocktails. I've really become a fan of the chicken fried chicken. Shrimp &grits is the bomb. Burgers are all pretty good as well. Prices are awesome! Unlike ATX, this place has good food, good beer, good cocktails, good people, and it doesn't break the bank!

The service: everyone was so kind and helpful. The…read moreambiance: a fantastic little hole in the wall with the perfect amount of lighting, low key, not too loud and very clean. The food: where to even start.....I hit the jackpot here. The salsa tasted like it was freshly made and served warm, so so good. The refried beans (which I don't typically order) were hands down the best I've ever had. The enchiladas were top notch, full of flavor and not overly salty. Honestly, I have nothing negative to say, it's a must try when in Bastrop!!

ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING -- BEST MEXICAN FOOD ANYWHERE…read more If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. I've traveled all over Texas and across the U.S., and I can say without hesitation that Las Cocinas Mexican Grill is hands-down the BEST Mexican restaurant I have ever been to -- and that includes all of Austin. My family and I come here several times a week, even though we don't live close by. That alone should tell you how incredible this place is. Must-try favorites (do NOT skip these): The Margaritas - Very strong and absolutely perfect. Order them half & half (half on the rocks, half frozen). Trust me -- you'll thank me later. Nachos Al Carbon (Appetizer) - The beef fajita meat is out of this world. Tender, flavorful, and unforgettable. Beef Fajitas Cremosas (Entrée) - Get them with EXTRA sun-dried tomatoes. Oh. My. God. I have never had anything like this in my life, and it's something I crave several times a week. Stuffed Jalapeños - So good I sometimes order them as my entire meal. And the onion rings they're served on? Easily the best onion rings I've ever had anywhere. Beyond the food, the staff is absolutely amazing. From the moment you walk in, they make you feel like family -- warm, welcoming, and genuinely happy you're there. That kind of service is rare, and it's one of the many reasons this place is so special to us. And yes -- I always forget to take pictures of my food because I eat it before I remember to take photos for a review . That should tell you everything you need to know about how good it is. We are incredibly thankful for Las Cocinas. It's not just our favorite Mexican restaurant -- it's our favorite restaurant, period, and the best in the entire area by a mile. Perfect in every way.