Great place! We're from the New Orleans area so it's great to find a local spot with good food and ambience.

This is a long review so let me just state that I cannot recommend anyone eat at Evangaline Café at this time. We hadn't eaten at Evangeline in quite awhile and I decided I wanted some Cajun for my birthday, so my wife picked up an order on her way home from work. What we got looked and tasted like it had set under a heat lamp all day. The jambalaya was dry and bland with the only real flavor coming when you bit into one of the two small slices of sausage. The crawfish pie had a crust that was greasy and so tough you had to use a serrated knife to cut through it. My meal also came with a cup of gumbo, which unfortunately had either been setting to long, or the roux was burnt either way it really wasn't any good. My daughter's cheeseburger came with no cheese and was so tough and dry that she threw most of it away. My daughter tried her fries and then tossed them stating that "next day reheated fries form IHOP are better". My other daughter supposedly got the black drum, but it was not a filet as promised, but rather chunks of something flavorless mixed into white rice. The chicken fried steak my son ordered was also tough, soggy, and greasy, but at least the chicken fried chicken my wife ordered was only greasy so she was able to pick the breading off and eat it. The best part of the entire meal was the bread pudding, but it also was bland and dry with not enough sauce. I don't know if they were having an off day, or if this is their new normal, but all I can say with certainty is that what my family received wasn't any good. read more

Why don't I go here more was my thought at lunch yesterday. Had a small po boy and cup if gumbo lunch special under $9. Went at 12:30 to miss the lunch rush which is a good call. Sasha was our waitress and she was fantastic. Don't let the strip mall location scare you away. It's not fancy, it's just good! read more

My First review! This place is a little gem. From the outside, it doesn't look like much, especially since it's located in a strip center. However, once inside, you will fill right at home with all the crazy decorations everywhere....Ok, on to the food. I've had all sorts of wonderful creations from this place but, I will just comment on the most recent. I ordered the seafood combo with fried shrimp and oysters and opted for the dirty rice over the fries. The shrimp and oysters were cooked absolutely perfect. I hate ordering oysters and they come out rubbery. NOT HERE! They melted in my mouth. Think Hershey's Kiss on a Texas Sidewalk in August (or June the way things are going). Yes, they are that good. The rice was a little on the dry side but still acceptable ( I added some hot sauce!). The salad was fresh and the dressing (Ranch) was homemade and yummy. The cocktail sauce was different, but in a good way! I wonder what they put in it? Anyway, great food, great service and great atmosphere. Can't wait to go back! xoxo, Abby read more

WONDERFUL! Never had a bad experience here. My husband always orders the stuffed redfish (My opinion, best thing on the menu) and I always try something new. We end up sharing both plates. The wait will always be worth it. You have to get the pecan pistolette!! read more

So I just left this place without eating. I sat at my table for about 12 minutes with no one coming coming by my table nor did they acknowledge me. How about "Can I get you something to drink?" or "I'll be right with you" THIS is what really pissed me off the most...It wasn't even busy. Saw a lot of chatting servers who were too busy to see there was a customer waiting to order. This isn't the first time this has happened. I live really close to this place and thought I would give them another chance. Well, they blew it. There food isn't that great but it is decent as I have enjoyed it. When they first opened, my boyfriend and I would refer friends to this place. I will never set foot in their place again. I will make sure to let as many of my friends and family know to stay away from this place thought Facebook,Email,Twitter and any other way. read more

Came in for a quick lunch after hearing a lot of good things. Immediately when I came in the door, I was greeted with smiles from the staff. I ordered a roast beef po-boy and potato salad. The roast beef wasn't quite shaved ribeye, but it was flavorful, tender, and there was plenty of it. The jalapeno mayo is a must-have, the bread was fresh, and the provolone cheese was fully melted and high quality. Overall, a very, very fine sandwich that was well put-together. Solid portion for the price. Definitely good for repeat visits! The potato salad was not awesome. Grocery Store brand dusted with paprika. Pretty uninspiring. Take a pass on this and hit up one of their other sides - red beans and rice, onion rings, maybe even a small gumbo or jambalaya. Lastly, service. I mentioned before that I was greeted with smiles upon entry. The wait staff is very friendly, very attentive, and they know the menu well. Following their recommendations is...recommended! As an aside, Molly (one of the waitstaff) missed a calling as like a model or something - wow! Extremely friendly and welcoming as well. Evangeline's is more well-known for their classic cajun dishes (there's a good case for being the best in town), but stop in for lunch sometime for a quick, solid, inexpensive cajun fix. read more

This is my go-to Cajun restaurant in Austin. I've gone many times and will be back soon. The lunch specials from 11-3 are solid. If I'm really hungry sometimes I'll just get two entrees because they're so inexpensive. I love the Stuffed Pistolette appetizer and just about always get at least a side of the Gumbo regardless of what I'm eating. Haven't had anything yet that I didn't enjoy. Highly recommended. read more

Have enjoyed our weekly take out during the pandemic! The orders have always been correct and ready at the given time for pick up. Great service! Love the food, can't wait to come back once things are back to "normal"! read more

I took the family here for lunch. It was crowded and had a very good atmosphere. No wait really, as the crowd seems to come and go briskly. I liked the lunch time prices. Our orders included a shrimp po-boy, cup of gumbo, fried shrimp, French fries and a side of dirty rice. The gumbo was good, the shrimp, fries and po-boy were average and the dirty rice was not so good. So overall, the price and atmosphere were good and the food was average. I would go back, but not rushing back to try something else. read more

Just ate here over the weekend and wasn't expecting to love the food since I'm not really attached to Cajun cuisine. I ordered the lunch special #5 (po-boy with gumbo or red beans & rice), which was the perfect portion size and very tasty. Each dish had the flavors of Louisiana without being as heavy as I've every others Cajun dish I've tried. The Evangeline sauce was also perfect for the sandwich - my friend likened it to the Whataburger creamy mustard sauce , but whatever it was, it was delicious! read more

This is a cool place to eat. It's not what you would expect waking in but it's a great little South Austin spot. Food was great, the only bad this was a band started to play while we were eating and we were forced to pay a cover charge to finish up our drinks. But I would recommend this place just call before and ask about any cover charges before you dine. read more

The one star is because I didn't get to try the food tonight. Business travelers and solo diners will need to find another place to eat. After returning holiday gifts, I decided to treat myself to some seafood. I have been here before, but never alone. When I arrived there were a couple large tables and one very tiny table open. I was told I could not be seated at a table. They don't have tables for one. I could wait for a spot to sit at the bar (which has a total of 3 seats) or I could eat outside. Since the weather was chilly and there are no heaters - the outside was entirely empty. I drove out of my way to get here, but I won't do that again. read more

LOVE. Oh my goodness. Absolutely loooove their crawfish corn chowder thing that I currently cannot remember the name of. The servers are super friendly and we were so satisfied with our meals. We shared the red beans and rice, he had the jambalaya, and I had the crawfish corn chowder thing. Not a single complaint from us. read more

We went to the Evangeline Cafe to hear the music of Roy Heinrich and the Pickups. He was great. The atmosphere and the food at the Evangeline Cafe was heavenly. I had the crayfish etoufee. It was unbelievably good. I plan to go there again the next time I am in Austin. read more

I have been going here for years. This place is absolutely amazing. One of the best restaurants in Austin. The Gold Band Creole dish is my favorite! Can't say enough good things. The staff and owner are great, friendly atmosphere with live music occasionally. Highly recommended. read more

One of my favorite places in South Austin. Great food, atmosphere, and service! I've never had anything that I didn't really like!

Their food is really good i have been here many times since we live close by but today the hostess had two parties 2 each we were told their would be 15-20 minute wait while she had 3 open tables which could seat 4-5. The hostess said we could get a drink at the bar while waiting at the bar we are told to move we move then told again to move to the hallway by restroom in back the waitress and hostess that kept telling us to move where so rude! The bar only seats four which was full when hostess told us to go to bar. We try and talk to the hostess and she could care less! read more

I really wanted to give this place a good review. 4 stars for ambience and atmosphere. The staff were nice and friendly. But, the food was just not that great. Very bland and kind of tasteless. My husband ordered the stuffed pork chop, which he said was really tough and not very flavorful. And, I got the Stuffed Black Drum, which is their fillet stuffed with shrimp and crab stuffing topped with a white wine shrimp cream sauce. The fish was not flaky. The stuffing was pasty and not all that yummy. And, the cream sauce was thick and not very creamy. Our kids shared a fried shrimp plate with dirty rice and rice and beans. Fried shrimp, in my opinion, is pretty difficult to mess up. But, these were just not all that good. :( We all shared the Gator Bites, which weren't all that thrilling either. For a Cajun/Creole place, we expected more spiciness and flavor for sure! read more

Place is cool. It feels like you are in the bayou. It's not fancy by any means, but more so homemade feeling Cajun food. Their po boys are awesome for lunch too. Service is also fantastic. read more

When my husband and I are looking for a place to eat, Evangeline Cafe is always on the list. The food is absolutely delicious (try everything!), the service is quick and delightful, and the atmosphere is welcoming. We always recommend going here to friends and family who are visiting Austin and crave it when we've been away from home. It's a staple for us. read more

Second or third time in this restaurant, just getting around to writing this. Even though it's a little spendy, we can walk to it here in the 74745. Not an expert on cajun, but the food is excellent. Try the chicken-fried 'gator special. Real alligator meat, deliciously fried in chicken gravy and spanish rice, and let me tell you, it is outstanding. $2 Lone Stars didn't hurt, either. 2-for-1 cheeseburgers on Mondays, made with homemade patties. Check their live music schedule, there's something good goin' on at least once a week. Be advised, even if you eat dinner there if you stick around for the show, you will be charged a cover. As long as the band gets it, I'm OK with that. read more

This restaurant is truly a gem. Amazing Cajun food. Very cool decor inside. And everyone on staff treated us like old friends. Can't recommend this place enough! Rob & Blaire both took awesome care and chatted with us about Austin and the cafe, even during a Friday night rush of customers. We can't wait to go back! read more

Absolutely love this place. I've never had a bad meal here. Everyone here is so friendly with amazing food. Thank you to Curtis, Nina, Sasha, Devyn, and the rest of the crew! read more

Try the jumbo fried shrimp, they are hand breaded and taste so fresh, it reminds me of my childhood growing up near the coast of Louisiana . The seafood is so good!!! Atmosphere is a little cozy, but makes up for it in friendly service and excellent food. read more

The food and entertainment is pretty good here, but he wait staff/hostess needs help. I was just told I would have to wait even though there were 3 open tables, 2 large tops and a 4 top. They would only seat me at the bar, or one of their Xtra small 2 top tables. This is what happens when the inmates run the asylum. Will not come back for dinner! read more

Shout out to the staff at the Evangeline cafe today who accommodated our ever increasing birthday celebration. They seated and served our party of 15-17 with patience, kindness and warm hospitality. Food was great! I was skeptical, but the green chicken wings were yummy and the bread pudding perfect. Happy early Mardi Gras! read more

Would eat here any day, but got take-out and was a happy fat kid eating their red beans and rice and my crawfish ettoufe...authentic AF and it's so good calories can't count. read more

The restaurant is small and cozy. It has alot of pictures and memorabilia inside. The wait staff is super friendly. And the lunch was amazing. I had the lunch special red bean and rice. Perfect portion! Great price. I would recommend this place to anyone who loves Cajun food! read more

I actually spent a few formative years in and around New Awlins, so I'd like to think I know a lil sump'n sump'n bout cajun cuisine.. I've been to several cajun places around Austin, and while some of them aren't bad, none of them seem to get it as right as Evangeline. My favorites are the crawfish etoufee and shrimp creole, but they've also got several veggie friendly options, including a portabello burger, a grilled veggie po-boy, veggie gumbo, salads, and of course, Skeeter's Fried Pickles. They've got beer and wine, but no liquor - but feel free to bring your own :) read more

WOW! Its hard to say much else after a trip to Evangeline. Curtis the owner of the establishment seems to always be walking around and talking to guests and suggesting new menu items. I've been maybe 50 times and every time I seem to find something new and better. Last time I went I had the pleasure of trying the peacemaker Po-Boy which is a Fried Oyster Po-Boy with Bacon and Cheddar Cheese. This is probably my favorite place to eat in town. The Fried shrimp is crispy and in a perfect batter while the gumbo has a nice dark roux and is rich and buttery. Being from South East Texas this place makes me feel like home and I am fortunate to have it just around the corner! They also carry every single Abita beer product and some of the seasonal Abita Beers such as the Pecan Ale of the Satsuma Wheat beer make this a nice place just to relax and have a beer also. Do yourself a favor and eat here you wont regret it! read more

I ate here recently for dinner & I'd give it a higher rating if I could. I had the stuffed pork chop + dirty rice special and it was delicious. I finished up with a pecan praline which was smothered in syrup. What a fantastic meal. Well worth the trip to the southside of Austin. It also has to have the friendliest wait staff in town. read more

The food is very good. The atmosphere is lively and inviting. We had the crawfish and fettuccine and the shrimp and fettuccine. The pasta is fresh. The plates were presented beautifully. The bread is fabulous. We would have rated a 5, but there was a delay in the service. But it was a busy Saturday night. read more

I don't usually leave reviews but I just had to. I was really excited to try this restaurant. As a Louisiana native I was really excited to make this place my home away from home. When I order the seafood gumbo, I was fully ready to feel at home. However, the gumbo tasted burnt and was pretty inedible. Every bit of this gumbo made me pretty sad. read more

This is some of the best Cajun food I have ever eaten. This place has great service and super funky atmosphere. The Hank Williams platter is my go to dish. I take a lot of people from out of town here to get a good Cajun meal. read more

i can't put my finger on it, but i wasn't completely sold on evangeline's. the food was alright, generous portions and great presentation. i tried the stuffed red fish special. there seems to be something missing in the taste though. maybe the crab stuffing was too rich and gooey. matt's etouffee was pretty food, very rich though. the service was alright, our server probably had a section of 20 so i was forgiving in our slow beer refills. the atmosphere was cute but i felt they were reaching to create that cajun feel. plus they need to update the menus as they don't offer "gator ritas." overall, i'd be persuaded to give it another try as i ADORE cajun food. maybe it was a bad night for both of us evangeline. read more

The food here has that lack of taste that comes from all previously frozen food. I wouldn't waste my money on this place. We went a few times because they do have good music, but the last time we were at Evangeline, we had a large party and were in the process of finally being seated when the waiter had to come over to us and apologize that the owner decided last minute to show up with a bunch of friends and they TOOK OUR TABLE!! The poor waiter was so embarrassed.. What kind of a person does that to his customers and then is too wimpy to tell the customers himself? He made the poor, embarrassed sheepish waiter be the bearer of the news. Cypress Grill over on Brodie lane has real Cajun food with incredible taste and fun. live music as well. Go check out Cypress Grill instead if you want Cajun. You won't be sorry. read more

Great atmosphere, fast service, great food! Gator bites and chicken-fried alligator were amazing. Live music, but not too loud.

The food here is stellar and the vibe is super friendly...definitely one of my top spots in Austin!

Although the food is pretty good. Watch out for the "bait and switch". When you order the seafood combo, which clearly states you pick 2 of the above 4 item ( oysters being item 2 on the list) you are informed that "oysters are extra". When I pointed out that is not what the menu says. The waitress said well that's the way it is. No more Evangeline for me. TRUTH IN ADVERTISING is important to me. read more