Evangeline Cafe

We cannot get enough of Evangeline! Great food and decent prices. Excellent lunch specials and the po-boys are to die for! My favorite is the veggie and my husband loves the roast beef. What we like most about this place is that the food is consistently good, never a hit or miss.

Evangeline Cafe is the next best thing to living and eating right in the heart of Louisiana. Curtis Clarke is doing an awesome job with his little restaurant nestled in the heart of South Austin. Would love to see more locations.

My husband and I are originally from the Lake Charles, LA area and have finally found a little piece of Lake Charles heaven here in Austin. The food was superb - our first visit to Evangeline Cafe. We live in Hutto, TX but it was worth the hour or so drive. Don't skip the pecan praline pistolette - it is divine!!! Owner, Curtis Clarke, took some time to visit with us and our waiter, Sam (I believe that's his name - from Mississippi) was great too. Thanks Curtis and staff for a wonderful evening - we'll definitely be back for more!

I am originally from Austin, and I used to visit Evangeline's just about any chance I could throughout the week. The food is great, atmosphere is great. When I moved away in 2005 to go to school, every time I came to visit my parents I would always tell them I wanted to go eat at Cafe Evangelines. I am now officially back, living in my home town, and I'm still remaining faithful to my favorite restaurant. I would recommend this to any and everyone. They do have live music, so if you do not like a particularly loud atmosphere, then visit them during the day, or on fridays before 10pm when they dont have live music going on. My favorite thing on their menu??? Stuffed Pistolettes!!! They melt in your mouth, with an exploding center filled with your choice of meat and the perfect amount of spice.

Just wanted to say that we like the food and service here and have always enjoyed coming. My wife is from Louisiana and she says the food is just like being home - so we end up here a lot!

I LOVE the fried shrimp po-boy and it's the best when dressed with Evangeline Sauce. There is always a lively atmosphere and the service is relaxed...a great way to spend time enjoying the meal instead of feeling rushed. I have HIGHLY recommended this "hidden gem" a number of times. Laissez les bon temps roulet!

I'm very rarely in south Austin but I happened to drive by around lunchtime and saw this little place off of Brodie Lane today. I am originally from Texas but I lived in New Orleans for four years many years ago and developed a love of good cajun food. I was craving a good shrimp po boy and they did not disappoint me. It was as good as any I have ever had in Louisiana. I also tried the gumbo, which was excellent. For desert I ordered Miranda's Pecan Praline Pistolette, a delicious extremely rich concoction that I have never seen anywhere before. Anyone who says this place has bland food needs to go to the doctor and get their taste buds checked. Although, I admit that I did put some Louisiana hot sauce on my po boy because that's what you are supposed to do. What I'm trying to say here is I highly recommend this place for great cajun food and I will be making a regular trip from my far north Austin home to eat there again. I actually can't wait to go back and try their seafood platter ... Read more

My fiance and I went here for dinner. I had the "seafood platter" for $17 - maybe the most expensive thing on the menu. She had the fried shrimp basket. We both found our meals to be excrutiatingly bland, even though much of it was fried. The "platter" was also more like a "plate." I.e. it was surprisingly small, consisting of 3 fried shrimp, 3 fried oysters, a stuffed crab, and a small fried catfish fillet, with a piece of lame bread, and possibly the least exciting "dirty rice" I've ever tasted. If it weren't for the passable service, I would have given this restaurant one star.

Many people already covered whats wrong with this place, I just want to point out that the owner is asking for cash only cover charge from customers at 10 pm. i am pretty sure there is a reason its unadvertised and is cash only. IRS come lokey here for some underreported revenues.

We were told about Evangeline's by two different people and I doubt I'll listen to either of them again. What a terrible experience. Two of us at the table ordered their "house specialty" Crawfish Evangeline. It was supposed to have a cream sauce that wasn't creamy. There was NO FLAVOR. The pasta was cold and wafer thin, I added a ton of the Evangeline hot sauce, and I'm a total wimp when it comes to hot & spicy, that seemed to at least add some flavor but no heat, then I had to add salt too. We actually added salt to the onion rings! And forget about the fried pickles, they're awful. I love fried pickles, I get them often but I have never seen fried hamburger slices for a reason, it's a bad idea Eva! The music was great, if a bit loud for dinner time but I wouldn't recommend it and I won't be back.

I agree with the other reviews... I dont see why this place is so popular/so well reviewed??? I went there w/ high hopes being new to Austin & being Creole... Yet... I was soooo let down... I ordered Shrimp Etouffee... all it was onion (3 kinds) in a light brown cream gravy... it was served w/ dry cornbread w/ no flavor! Seriously Where was the flavor in that??? While waiting for my togo food I talked w/ the friendly staff & it seemed like they knew what they were talking about. After getting home... & being deeply disappointed I added some Tony's & a cajun style stewed tomatoes... Sadly I think it comes down to this... They need some REAL CREOLES in the KITCHEN!

I've enjoyed cajun and creole food up and down the Gulf Coast, and I have to say this isn't the best. The rice seemed par-boiled and the entrees (fried, etouffee, et cetera) are all kind of bland. Evangeline's is a better neighborhood bar than a restaurant, in my opinion - but it IS a nice place to stop in for a beer/margarita and an appetizer. If you're more interested in the food, try the Cypress Grill on William Cannon just West of MoPac instead.

I live within earshot of Evangeline and have tried it several times. Each time I have been rather disappointed. The first time I went, I entered with high hopes. I am from Mississippi originally and grew up around good Creole and Cajun cuisine. I was repeatedly told by friends how this place was the real deal, and in some respects it is. The vibe in the place reminds me a lot of some of my favorite cajun places in Slidell. Honestly, if you walk into a joint serving this food that isn't seriously relaxed with a touch of dirt, you should just leave. Tidy and prompt isn't what Louisiana cuisine is about. The place feels like south Louisiana or Mississippi, and I thought that was quite cool. The problem is, the food is not particularly good. The first time I went, I had the shrimp creole and a cup of gumbo. The gumbo was pretty good, not the best I've ever had but certainly worth having again, but the shrimp creole was terrible. It essentially tasted like frozen shrimp on old ... Read more

We went here for a birthday and it was great. The music was really great, it's cozy and the service was good. The food was a little bland for a couple of us. I really would have like for them to blacken my catfish but they do not blacken which I was disappointed in. The fried pickles were great!

Service was great, the staff was friendly and informative. I was new to cajun food, but now an expert. My boyfriend and I dedcided to try the cafe out on a Friday night. The place was packed, but the wait was not long, and our food came out pretty quickly. From a cup of red beans and rice to a desert pistolette we had at the end, everything was wonderful. We ended up hearing a great band and staying all night. pros: friendly welcoming enviroment cons: we didnt know there was a cash cover after 10:00pm

I went to college at Tulane in New Orleans, and am always on the lookout for that great taste in Austin. I have found it at Evangeline!! After many disappointing meals elsewhere, I happened upon Evangeline, and it has become one of my favorite restaurants. My alumni association has dinners there, I eat there with my fiance, I've brought my mom, I tell all my friends. The food is second to none, and Curtis, the owner, is wonderful. Even after being absent for a while, he remembers me and my fiance when we come in. Although he is an LSU alum, he has put a Tulane T-shirt up to represent. Run, don't walk to eat there. Be sure to try the seafood gumbo, and don't forget extra pistolettes. To those of you that think some of the prices are a little high, remember, all of the food is fresh, not frozen or prepackaged. The freshenss is front and center... oysters are flavorful and never rubbery, pistolesttes crunchy and chewy, the food is never too spicy, but always flavorful, one flavo... Read more

I can't say enough about Evangeline Cafe. The food was absolutely incredible and the service was great. I had the Seafood Gumbo and it was fantastic. I went with two friends who both had different selections and they definitely enjoyed them as well. There was live music on the night that I went and that was awesome. Brennen Leigh played which was quite a treat. Everyone should visit Evangeline's, it truly is a treasure in South Austin. I know I will be back very soon.

This is a wonderful little place! The food is always great, as well as the service. It has a true Cajun feel about it! If you are looking to be wined and dined, this may not be the place, it is more of the hole in the wall place, with true Cajun food! They always have great music as well. Small place with lots of Character, and wonderful food. The owner even has greeted me every time I have been. Check it out!

This place doesn't belong in South Austin and should be transplanted to North Austin or Dallas. Back visiting in Austin and went to hear a band there. Cramped venue with rude owner, ridiculous policies, aloof staff and small portions of food. The way you are treated you would think they have some fabulous place that people are dying to get into. Not even full on Friday night. Wake up and maybe the place wouldn't be just the staff and friends of the band. If you do go to see a band there be forewarned. Even if you paid to eat there at 10:00 they will rudely demand CASH for staying to hear the band. No sign states this and you will be asked to leave if you don't have cash. Owner explained this is the only way they can transform a restaurant to a nightclub. Seems to me you have neither. Just a shoe box sized place in a strip mall.

I'm a grad student that was REALLY looking forward to a night out. Wanted to enjoy some good food and good music. Dined with 4 people total, no alcohol with a final price of $65 with MUCH smaller portions than similar restaurants. Table was sticky and the restaurant was very cramped but our waitress was pleasant enough. After dining and leaving over a 25% tip, we were FORCED OUT of the restuarant less than 5 minutes after paying our tab because at 10 pm the music began and according to the owner/manager the Cafe "turned into a nightclub with a $5 cash per person cover". Was EXTREMELY disappointed especially after owner explained, "that was the way they did things", with no apologies whatsoever for miscommunication and the disappointment he caused as we were never notified of a cover charge and cash was the only payment option. They ruined my weekend and can only hope they treat other patrons better than I was treated.

It was one of those days were I found myself hungering for something new... now usualy those days end with a rumbling tummy and a candy bar, but not yesterday. When sat at my table I was greeted just like I had been coming in for years. Unfimiliar to the menu, the server directed me to what became my new top pick. The goldband creole was original, satisfying, and well presented. But the desert was by far the best... a must have. So if you are looking for something new try out the EVANGELINE CAFE. The food is great, the setting is casual and friendly, and you will not be disapointed.

In Short Beyond the cheery sidewalk seating, stuffed animal heads, neon beer signs and Mardi Gras beads cover the gray walls. The local worker lunch crowd laps up the well-priced fare. Families and older couples fill plastic tables and chairs at dinner time, while a TV airs sports above a two-seater bar. The kitchen's strong suit is the ambrosial gumbo with huge chunks of chicken and sausage. Signature crawfish Evangeline has lumps of tender crawfish swimming in a creamy cheese sauce over fettuccine.

Quite possibly the worst chicken & sausage gumbo I have ever had, it tasted like roux with roux & sausage. The rest of the food was not much better. Service was awful, relaxed is one thing but clueless is quite another. Meals served with no silverware on the table, order screwed up, empty drinks with no offers, food not eaten but no one asked why. I am an authentic cajun born & raised in South Louisiana and I know and love cajun food, take my advice and skip the cajun restaurants in Austin.

1. Food: Amazing! Start with the Oysters Contraband, try the Chicken & Sasuage Gumbo 2. Service: Artsy, casual, and always friendly 3. Live Music: Cajun music on some weeknights and Saturday nights. Can get loud but draws a crowd. 4. Owner: Curtis - owned this restaurant for years and still makes an attempt to shake everyones hand who eats there. You won't find better Cajun food in Austin!

We decided to try Evangeline Cafe on 3/14/06 at 6pm. We were seated inside, but later chose to sit outside due to the caterwaul masquerading as live music. Although we got a drink, that's all we got. After 25 minutes of waiting, we asked three waitresses for service. We were told that waiter for our section was very busy. They simply would not take our order, and told us that he would be with us shortly. He didn't come, so we left. Very highly recommended is Beijing Wok next door...

i have been to evangeline many times. i love their wings and the service is very good. everyone there cares about you and the owner even makes an effort to greet everyone who walks through the door. if there is EVER a wait, it is never longer than 15 minutes at most. the menu has much to select from and the prices are reasonable. you get what you want for your money.

Cajun & Creole: The food is awesome. The owner gets some of his ingredients from Louisiana. Ambience: Nothing fancy, just comfortable and good. Service: The service has been friendly, informative, and attentive every time for my wife and I. The tall dude with the mustache is awesome. Value: The price of the gumbo seems a little high at $12.99, but worth every penny. You can get a badass po-boy for about 7 bucks if you're on a budget. I recommend the oysters contraband for an appetizer and the pecan praline pistolette for dessert.

They have the best fried shrimp in Austin, hands down. If this is your first time I highly recommend getting the Gold Band Creole. This is 7 fired shrimp over fettuccine pasta doused with Creole sauce, with parmesan cheese on top. I love this dish. To the person who said the burgers were not good, they don't know what good is. The burgers are great, if you don't believe me go on the 2 for 1 burger night on Mon. or Tues., it's one of those days. Call ahead for the right night.

We love this place! Its small and unassuming tucked into a strip mall. It deserves a bigger venue. The atmosphere is authentic cajun and the food speaks for itself. It is fresh, spicy, unique and yet traditional cajun fare. The portions are good and the owner, Curtis is there every night to make sure you have a great dinner. Last reveiwer made an ugly comment about the ketchup free burgers, but NO burger should ever be dressed with ketchup!! Try the crawfish stuffed pistolets! They are hot spicy and delicious!! The desert prailine pistolet is a wonderful finish to a delightful meal. Go once and you will be hooked!

If you're going to eat here, dine-in. I've gotten the take-out from this place many times and lately they've become incredibly skimpy on the portions. You're paying about $8 bucks for a meal that's smaller than a kid's meal from a fast-food joint. The owner also has some freak thing about not putting ketchup on his burgers (which are tasty, even though you shouldn't get a burger at a cajun joint!) which is kind of a pain. The Evangeline signature sauce/dip is the best part about this place.

If youre looking for true Cajun food in south Austin, this place cannot be beat. Take it for me native of Baton Rouge, it's not often to find a Cajun restaurant out side of Louisiana that has true Cajun cuisine. This place has it all live music (southern Louisiana style), great atmosphere, staff and the most important a true Louisiana taste. The bread is baked fresh daily so the po boys are excellent and the gumbo is perfect. Try this place, it will become a favorite.

Tucked away, this little restaurant doesn't look like much. It has the feel of a little local dive bar. The food, when it arrived, simply blew us away. I'd won a gift certificate so the lure of a free meal drew us out. I'd asked friends who live near the restaurant if they'd eaten there and they said, "No, we don't like cajun, but some friends of our were here from Louisiana and tried it. They said it was very authentic." That sounded like a good recommendation to us! We didn't expect a lot but the waitress was bubbly and fun and the place grew on us immediately. Even more surprising was the presentation and quality of the food. The presentation was as nice as anything I'd had at many 5 star restaurants and the quality matched. The food was spicy and delicious.