A few things to to consider: Food, Service & Ambience are very HIT or MISS. They are a very turn & burn environment during crawfish season. It is a place that you need to go in knowing you need to patient to get greeted once you sit down. If you're not a patient person when dining out, if you're picky and you need everything to go perfect, don't come here. If you are easy going or industry then you'll be fine. There have been times I have waited over 15 minutes to get greeted by a server. They're turning tables quickly when they're busy so I do believe the servers don't have time to recoup. 6-7 table sections are never easy. It's a very regular environment so if you're in the bar area just beware you might need to fight for attention. Their food is expensive, IMO their menu is a tad overpriced. Cups of anything shouldn't be $10. Most sides are $3-5. They do charge a little high for their entrees. Their crawfish is hit and miss it's either good or bad. It sits so sometimes it's mushy or hard. Their spice levels are not consistent. Also they charge for every extra on their crawfish and kind of a lot BUT to be fair everyone has started to. They do give you 1 potato and 1 corn per lb. Their sausage has never been good it's always tough. So I don't recommend adding that. But if you're looking for crawfish I do recommend here, it's the most consistent I've had in the area. This year they're $16.99 lb, I did notice when I added an egg and what was supposed to be (3) potatoes and only got one I seemed to get less crawfish from my first lb. So I'm not sure if they're weighing before adding the extras or not. My advice is come here, I don't think you'll be disappointed but don't have super high expectations either. I won't stop coming here. But I have been a tad sad the last couple of times I've been. Also they need to list their drink prices on their menu. Also, If an up charge is more than .50 you should let your guest know. It's just the polite thing to do. I paid an extra $2 for my drinks and I would have ordered something different had I known. (And it wasn't redbull) *my picture is 1lb, I paid $2 for the egg, and $3.50 for the extra potato. read more

The Boat - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

Best crawfish in Austin, hands down! Spicy and juicy, can't beat them! Over priced? Hell yeah they are raping ppl at $12.40 lb but you gotta pay it if you want decent crawfish. Seriously, the only good crawfish in town. Still the same shady crowd, it's lovely. read more

Awesome crawfish no plastic boil bags (always a downer, makes them look prefrozen)..... Just great spicy flavor.

Only come during crawfish season but it's always 10/10. Spicy as hell just the way we like it

This place is decent. The shrimp appetizer was actually really good. Seems a little pricey however. The appetizer was about $15 bucks and we only got 5 shrimp. The shrimp and grits were decent. I cant complain. They have a nice open area and they have plenty of TV's. I went during lunch so there was not a huge crowd but I do think there would be a nice crowd. read more

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Service was very good! Everyone was very attentive. Food was ok! We started with crab pops and a cup of seafood gumbo. For our entree I got catfish po boy and my husband got combo platter with catfish and shrimp. Overall it was good. I'll go again! read more

Was expecting this place to be just like the previous Sam's Boat, but it was actually way better and definitely exceeded our expectations. The menu and beer selection is much improved. There's also a playground in the shade for the kids. read more

Delicious! Food was great and served piping hot. Our family got fried shrimp, fish tacos, and red fish. All were excellent. Voted best seafood in the area by my family. (Above pappadeax) read more

Brought a large group of 15 of us. Lively atmosphere, delicious food and great service. Would recommend this place if you're looking for some craw! read more

It was terrible. It was super greasy and the oysters were super tiny and very very very dirty/gritty. This picture makes them look good but the taste was awful. The crab dip queso was good. Service was slow on the patio. Waited 25 minutes for drinks. 3 times food came to our table that wasn't ours. read more

The Boat - Oyster Rockefeller - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

I'd heard underwhelming things about Sams Boat when I first moved here 12 years ago, so never did go in. But recently, we were looking for a seafood place and we're coming up pretty short. I searched on Facebook and someone said that the new owner, of what was now simply called "The Boat", was churning out quality, fresh seafood, we decided to give it a try. We were not disappointed! Now, when you GET the food, it's pretty no-nonsense, so you might think it doesn't taste good, but it was all delicious and perfect. They didn't have salmon that night, which felt like a good sign of freshness, so I'll be back for that. I had the red fish with the potatoes and asparagus and it was the most delicious seafood I've had at a restaurant in awhile. The vibe is great and they have a few good beers on tap. If you haven't gone, go! They also have a playground for kids, so ‍ read more

Late night date. Food fresh. Mixed grill and seafood salad. Wait staff attentive. Recommend this place.

Visited here twice while staying nearby for business. Service was great at the bar both times. First night, had the blackened Texas Redfish with green beans and dirty rice. Overall, small portions for the price, but the dirty rice was REALLY tasty. 2nd night, just had the Boudin balls appetizer. 4 for $10, again a bit pricey for the quantity, but tasty. Some of their menu items were insanely overpriced, but it's a large enough menu that you'll find something to enjoy. Huge space, fun vibe...will be back when I return to Austin in a few months. read more

This place USED to be called Sams Boat which was amazing. We came in on Sunday 10/4, totally disappointed. I thought maybe they just switched the names but turns out half the menu is gone and they no longer serve queso dip which was a bummer because that was part of the reason for our visit. Nothing sounded appealing on the appetizers menu and not to mention majority of them belongs on the entree meal side along with their prices. For our appetizer I ordered lemon pepper wings and asked for it to be extra crispy. When brought out it was completely soggy like they were in a rush. Imagine oily soggy chicken skin with lemon pepper seasonings at the bottom only. We came around 3pm which wasn't as busy. I always get the crawfish & etouffee from the original "Sams Boat" thinking they kept the same recipe, when that came out it completely tasted like curry. Something in the species that made it taste off. Another disappointment there, maybe I should have ordered a fried seafood basket because I'm sure they can't mess up on that. Our waiter came for our bill and collected the plates. Which was awkward because she kind of stood there holding the dirty plates basically waiting for us to pay. After paying we always prefer to leave the tip on table....but instead she "stalled" time and was waiting for the tip to be handed it felt like. I will not be returning unfortunately to say and will be finding another place for our seafood cravings. read more

Very bland food. Got a few things and everything lacked flavor. Atmosphere is cute. Service was fine.

Had not been back since it changed from Sam's Boat to the Boat and wanted to check it out. Everything seems to be pretty much the same little seafood place we've come to love over the years. Will say I think the prices of everything increased a bit, but still not horrible. read more

The Boat - 1lb Shrimp boil and 3lb Crawfish Boil - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

Nothing special but friendly and efficient service. Hard to get to. Not easy to find. read more

I've been going to this establishment for 20 years. I've always thought it was underrated and didn't agree with the negative reviews. But now I'm done! Although there is wait staff and bar tenders at I adore we are done. I spend 500/month bare minimum as The Boat is not The Domain and I love that. Best crawfish in Austin however the same price as eating at True Lucks. The management is awful and unprofessional with zero regard to life long customers and common courtesy. The final straw was two employees one being management being opening rude and slamming things down after I expressed a minor complaint. Without going into details the service outside a few employees is awful. From the top down the management seems like they lack experience and don't have customer fist Philosophy. Rude, unprofessional and overpriced. Pappadeaux and True Lucks are my new "go-to". Stay Away read more

1-13-2022; 5 friends and I came here, two had been here before. Our waiters name was Henry (during the process of being "short staffed" ) It was a 5 star experience for sure if you have some free time you should stop by for a a good plate of food and a great time!!! Shoutout to Henry! read more

The Boat - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

We went for the fist time last Sunday because Sam's Boat has always been our go to spot on Sundays during football season! I was so devastated when I heard Sam's shut down and was curious if The Boat would have the same quality amazing seafood.. I am happy to report that the food is even better than before! I had the snow crab and it was seriously some of the best sized and tasting crab I've ever had! My husband and son both got the catfish plates and both were very happy! The catfish was sooo good and I usually hate catfish. Service was pretty good too. We'll be back on Sunday! read more

The Boat - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

I just picked up an order I placed using DoorDash. I don't know if the lady at the front thought I was a driver or what (still no excuse) but she was so rude. I ordered to of the garlic bread appetizers that are supposed to come with 4 each and thank god I checked before I left because she gave me a tiny box with 2 pieces in it. We have ordered from the boat numerous times and things are forgotten all the time which is why I even checked. Food is good for the most part but service sucks and prices are crazy especially since they don't give you what you ordered and always forget to give you what you buy. read more

The Boat - What she thought was TWO orders of the garlic bread appetizer - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

We have been going to The Boat since it was Sam's Boat. We had a great evening sitting on the patio with a great breeze, enjoying the band. They always have bands Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Tonight it was an all girl band, Miss Guilty. If you get a chance check them out The atmosphere is always fun, laid back, and great option for singles, couples, and families. The food is great!! I used to get the same thing each time, but now I get something different each time, and the food is amazing!! Wide variety and something for everyone. Great place for watching sports, or any reason you choose. Give it a try. You will be glad you did! read more

Had heard from a friend it was good. Well. Service was horrible. Think they only had 1 waitress and many being trained. Boudin balls wonderful. Salmon good. Just very small piece. 2 meat basket same, small portions waitress slow as a sloth. Not friendly. read more

Have to agree to the other reviews. Just ok but could be so much better. The Etouffee was off last week. The vegetables were not cooked down, the rice was crunchy and the shrimp were tiny and undercooked. Ask to see the size of the boiled crawfish before ordering...definitely on the smallish size. read more

To set the scene -- we had a party of 13. Food was delivered to half of our table. The other half were ignored. Food was delivered cold. No silverware was provided. Food was overly salty and not well seasoned. The waiter became quickly overwhelmed. Some of the order was never served. We will not be returning. read more

The Boat met our expectations. A family friendly seafood spot that offers all the typical Texas fried and grilled items. I would put the food on par with what Pappadeaux's serves - with the same generous portions at far more reasonable prices. The atmosphere at The Boat is much more casual. Service was good on a busy night. read more

Another visit reminded me how much I like this place. Menu has expanded since my Covid-era visits. Still focused squarely on gulf seafood. Had the fried shrimp basket with red beans and rice, which was all fantastic. Recently also had the stellar ahi salad. All terrific and with football coming, it's a great place to eat drink and watch sports. read more

If this restaurant did not have auto tip we would have left nothing. Our server was so rude. The food was not cooked the way I asked, and when we talked to our waitress about it she dismissed my question. read more

Horrible service ,rude servers super and she told me 3 times they r under staffed while while she charged enough to hire more if they really care about there business all it take is just a sober server to get the order without me repeating it couple of times and the food wasn't fresh may be reheated and so over priced for they cheap service never getting my food from there any more not worth my money and the server she was super ignorant and wreck less and rude! read more

The playground and patio are perfect for a family meal when the weather is nice. The food is pretty decent, service and staff were nice and the drinks were good. read more

Roux was burnt in the gumbo so bad I couldn't eat it, server acknowledged that it isnt good and they would not take off the bill. Crawfish etouffee was nothing close to an etouffee and fried crawfish tails were very bland. Drinks were made wrong and tasted dirty and after all this they automatically added 20% gratuity to the bill because it was over $100. Bill was $189 for 2 people and it was not good at all and service was slow. Nothing close to the Sam's boat I remember in Houston or Conroe. Please stop passing these cajun dishes off as Gumbo and Etouffee. It's an insult to real cajuns that have grown up eating this our entire lives. read more

I would give this place 3 1/2 stars. This used to be called Sams Boat, but is now The Boat, I'm not sure of the reason for the change, but I see no real difference between the two. I love coming here during crawfish season. Their crawfish is always seasoned so well and I love that you can order mushrooms along with the corn and potatoes. If they don't have crawfish I get the shrimp which is also delicious. There are some other things on the menu that are pretty good, but I mainly go for the boiled options. There are two full bars inside and a huge outside patio. I prefer the bar. read more

All and all not bad. I had been here before when it was Sam's Boat, enough said. I was quite surprised at 645pm on a Saturday, it wasn't busy at all. They did have some decent live music but we didn't stay long. Seated right away. The best part of our experience. Our server was Annie, she was amazing. I got the boiled crawfish and my wife the blacked red fish. I requested the spicy crawfish and it was mostly salty but some heat. I actually tasted my wife's red fish and wished I ordered that but being bug season was almost over, had to do bugs. They were a little on the small side. I also got a cup of gumbo, not bad and some raw oysters which were reasonably sized. I guess I got a little spoiled just being in New Orleans a couple weeks back. We also tried the brownie, not much to speak of. All in all a solid 4 stars and we will venture back. read more

Not as good as Sam's Boat for Crawfish. Changed ownership? To the Boat. Crawfish tasted frozen/fresh... oily and no spice. read more

Don't show up past 11, they'll tell you they only do take out ~ even though they advertise to be open until midnight inside. Showed up at 11:15pm, my girlfriend and I were turned away and told its take out only. The manager of the night staff for the serving crew is taking advantage of their shift and managing their own work schedule. Unprofessional and a Waste of time. Don't advertise that your dining room is open till midnight if it's not. read more

Great food and service but abysmal business practices. We love the food here but they do some really strange things here that are more than a little shady. Every pound of crawfish comes with 1 piece of corn - except thar corn is a half cob that's been cut in 3 - and 1 single new potato. If your margin is so thin that you can't even provide a half cob of corn with a pound of crawfish, perhaps you should just charge more. On top of that, the menu talks about gratuity for parties of 6 or more, but they charge gratuity for totals over $100. Our server was very good, thankfully, but gratting a table of 4 is unheard of. These people need to get their act together and run a real business. Maybe we'll be back when they stop the shady practices. read more

The servings are very small and very expensive. I got about two cups of cooked pasta with sauce and five medium size shrimp for over $26.00. The service is nonexistent. The wait staff was all gathered together having a lively conversation with no regard for the customers. read more

Almost didn't stop in here due to some negative yelp posts, but SO VERY glad we gave this place a chance. Food was delicious! I had catfish poboy and gumbo, wife had blackened catfish plate. All was delicious. The gumbo was absolutely legit. And our server Annie was on top of everything throughout the dinner. And like the assortment of sports channels wherever you look. We will definitely be back! read more

Couldn't be more satisfied with our first visit. We were in the area and looking for a place that is pet friendly. The Boat ATX popped up and so we decided to give it a shot. It was a little too chilly for the deck but we're happily invited to dine in with our pup. The waitstaff was friendly and prompt. Was unsure what to order so tried a few different things including the calamari, gumbo, ettoufee, fried catfish, shrimp Alfredo, crawfish, and snow crab legs. EVERYTHING was amazing. The seafood was fresh and the crab legs were big, juicy, and succulent. Had a few good laughs with the staff and even a few other customers. Clean restaurant with laid back vibes. Will definitely recommend and can't wait to visit again! read more

The Boat - Leia enjoying our visit to The Boat ATX! - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

This place is great. Service can vary but the food is always on point. Great to have really good seafood in Austin.