Looking for amazing seafood restaurants near downtown Waco Texas can be exciting, especially when you’re craving fresh fish, juicy shrimp, or tasty crab legs! Waco has grown into a food lover’s paradise with restaurants serving everything from Cajun-style crawfish to perfectly grilled salmon. Whether you’re visiting the Magnolia Market or catching a Baylor Bears game, you’ll find delicious seafood spots just minutes from the heart of the city. This guide will help you discover the tastiest places to enjoy fresh catches without traveling far from downtown.
Top Seafood Restaurants Near Downtown Waco Texas for Fresh Catches
When you want the freshest seafood, seafood restaurants near downtown Waco Texas deliver amazing quality that rivals coastal cities. Here are the best spots you need to try:
1. Opal’s Oysters (228 S 8th Street Suite B)
This brand-new coastal restaurant opened in late 2024 from the Terry Black’s BBQ family. Located right downtown next to Terry Black’s, Opal’s specializes in fresh oysters flown in from both coasts. The restaurant features an oyster bar where you can watch chefs shuck your oysters, plus a beautiful patio perfect for evening dining. Their menu includes raw oysters, crab cakes, Chilean sea bass, red snapper, and lobster mac and cheese. The craft cocktails are strong and delicious, making this the perfect date night spot.
2. Red Herring Restaurant & Bar (319 S 4th Street)
Located inside Hotel Herringbone downtown, Red Herring brings upscale coastal Mediterranean dining to Waco. This 6,000 square foot restaurant features soaring ceilings, historic brick walls, and live piano performances. Their seafood menu includes oysters on the half shell, fresh pasta, seasonal catches, and premium dishes. The atmosphere is sophisticated with art deco design elements. Open 5-10pm Sunday through Wednesday and 5-11pm Thursday through Saturday.
3. Cajun Craft (110 South MLK Jr Boulevard)
This cozy spot serves authentic Cajun-style seafood near downtown. Their crawfish étouffée and seafood gumbo are customer favorites. The restaurant uses fresh, high-quality ingredients in every dish. Try their alligator bites for something adventurous or stick with classic favorites like jambalaya and po’boys. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff make you feel at home.
4. Friday’s Seafood and More (601 South 11th Street)
A local favorite with authentic Cajun cooking, Friday’s has been serving Waco for years. Their Shrimp Po’Boy comes loaded with fresh shrimp and special sauce. The casual picnic-style tables and walls covered with customer signatures create a fun, welcoming atmosphere. They offer generous portions at reasonable prices, with full seafood platters featuring catfish, shrimp, and sides under twenty dollars.
5. 1424 Bistro (1424 Washington Avenue)
This small, privately-owned restaurant offers freshly made seafood dishes in a friendly casual setting. They serve sea bass, snapper, and salmon cooked to perfection with fresh ingredients. The restaurant focuses on quality over quantity, using only pure, fresh ingredients in every dish. The staff is attentive and friendly, making for a pleasant downtown dining experience.
6. Sergio’s Food Truck (608 Austin Avenue) For budget-friendly seafood downtown, Sergio’s Food Truck delivers delicious Mexican seafood options. Their burritos and tacos with fresh fish and shrimp are must-tries. The portions are generous and the service is friendly. Perfect for a quick, casual lunch while exploring downtown Waco’s attractions.
Why Seafood Restaurants Near Downtown Waco Texas Are Worth Visiting
You might wonder why seafood restaurants near downtown Waco Texas have become so popular when Waco sits hours from the coast. The answer lies in the quality of ingredients and skilled chefs who know how to prepare seafood right. Many restaurants receive fresh Gulf Coast catches several times per week, ensuring the fish, shrimp, and oysters taste as fresh as if you were dining by the ocean.
Central Texas has embraced Cajun and Southern cooking styles that make seafood shine. Restaurants like Friday’s Seafood and More bring authentic Louisiana flavors to Waco, with perfectly seasoned crawfish and rich gumbo that rivals what you’d find in New Orleans. Te’jun The Texas Cajun specializes in traditional Cajun cooking methods passed down through generations.
The convenience factor makes downtown seafood dining even better. After visiting the Magnolia Market at the Silos or touring the Dr Pepper Museum, you can walk to several excellent seafood spots. This saves time and lets you enjoy more of what Waco offers in one trip.
Local chefs take pride in their seafood preparation, whether it’s fried catfish with a crispy coating, grilled salmon with lemon butter, or raw oysters served ice-cold. The variety of cooking styles means every visit can bring a new taste experience. When you’re planning where to stay, check out lodging in Waco Texas options close to these restaurants.
Budget-Friendly Seafood Restaurants Near Downtown Waco Texas
Enjoying delicious seafood doesn’t mean spending your whole vacation budget. Several seafood restaurants near downtown Waco Texas offer amazing food at prices that won’t hurt your wallet. Catfish King serves some of the best fried catfish in town at incredibly affordable prices. Their crispy coating, perfectly seasoned fish, and homestyle sides like coleslaw and fries make it a local treasure. The sweet tea tastes like authentic Southern sweet tea should.
Friday’s Seafood and More provides excellent value with their generous portions. You can get a full seafood platter with catfish, shrimp, and sides for under twenty dollars. The family-owned restaurant focuses on giving customers real Cajun flavors without the high-end restaurant markup.
Many restaurants offer lunch specials during weekday afternoons. Fish City Grill runs daily specials that can save you several dollars compared to dinner prices. Their six-dollar basket deals include crispy fish, chicken, or shrimp with a side and hushpuppies—perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch.
Look for happy hour deals at The Brazos Landing and other spots near the river. Some restaurants offer discounted appetizers like fried calamari, shrimp cocktail, or raw oysters during certain hours. These deals let you try multiple dishes without overspending. After eating, you might want to explore cheap hotels in downtown Waco if you’re staying overnight.
What to Order at Seafood Restaurants Near Downtown Waco Texas
Knowing what to order at seafood restaurants near downtown Waco Texas helps you get the most delicious meal possible. Fried catfish remains the most popular dish across many restaurants. The light, crispy coating and tender white fish inside make it a Texas favorite. Most places serve it with hushpuppies, coleslaw, and french fries for a complete meal.
Shrimp comes prepared many ways in Waco. Grilled shrimp offers a healthier option with lemon butter sauce, while fried shrimp gives you that satisfying crunch. Po’boys stuff crispy fried shrimp into a soft roll with lettuce, tomatoes, and special sauce. At Cajun restaurants, try the shrimp étouffée served over rice with a rich, spicy gravy.
Crawfish season brings excitement to local seafood spots. From late winter through spring, restaurants serve fresh crawfish boiled with Cajun spices, corn, and potatoes. The sweet meat inside the shells makes all the work of peeling them worthwhile. Some restaurants let you order by the pound, so you can get as much or as little as you want.
Don’t skip the seafood platters if you want to try everything. These combo meals include fried fish, shrimp, oysters, and sides all on one plate. Grilled salmon appears on many menus for those wanting a lighter option, usually topped with lemon butter or cajun seasoning. For appetizers, try the stuffed mushrooms, grilled oysters, or fried green tomatoes. Check out rooftop restaurants in Waco Texas for unique dining experiences after your seafood meal.
Tips for Choosing the Best Seafood Restaurants Near Downtown Waco Texas
Making the right choice among seafood restaurants near downtown Waco Texas ensures you have an amazing dining experience. Check online reviews before visiting. Look for recent reviews that mention fresh ingredients and good service. Photos posted by other diners show you what the portions and presentation look like.
Ask about daily specials when you arrive. Many seafood restaurants feature catch-of-the-day options that showcase the freshest fish available. The server can tell you what just arrived and how the chef prepares it. These specials often cost less than regular menu items while offering better quality.
Consider the atmosphere you want. Casual spots like Friday’s Seafood and More work great for relaxed family meals, while One Thirty Five Prime suits special occasions and date nights. The Brazos Landing offers scenic river views that make your meal more memorable.
Check if restaurants take reservations, especially during busy times. Weekend evenings and Baylor game days fill up restaurants quickly. Calling ahead saves you from long waits. Don’t miss out on seasonal catches like Gulf shrimp in summer or crawfish in spring—these limited-time offerings taste best when they’re in season!
Visit during off-peak hours for faster service. Lunch on weekdays and early dinners on weeknights mean shorter waits and more attention from servers. When planning your trip, explore bed and breakfasts in Waco Texas that put you close to multiple restaurant options.
Conclusion
Now you know where to find the best seafood restaurants near downtown Waco Texas for your next meal! From budget-friendly catfish joints to upscale seafood dining, Waco offers variety that satisfies every taste and budget. The fresh Gulf Coast ingredients, skilled Cajun cooking, and convenient downtown locations make these restaurants perfect for locals and visitors alike.
Start planning your seafood adventure today by choosing a restaurant that matches your style. Whether you want a casual family dinner at Red Lobster, authentic Cajun flavors at Friday’s Seafood and More, or an elegant evening at One Thirty Five Prime, you’ll find amazing food waiting for you.
These spots fill up fast on weekends and during Baylor events, so make your plans now! Don’t forget to try the local favorites like fried catfish, shrimp po’boys, and crawfish when they’re in season. Your taste buds will thank you for discovering Waco’s hidden seafood gems.
Ready to explore more of Waco? Check out our guides on where to stay and what to do to make your visit unforgettable. Happy eating!
Information current as of November 2025. Please call restaurants ahead to confirm hours, menus, and availability.