Perla’s Seafood and Oyster Bar opened a week ago and the crowds have flocked every night since. This casual seafood eatery in Austin’s SoCo neighborhood took up Mar’s old spot after an extensive renovation. Instead of the modern black decor of Mars, the place is now a fresh blue and white with mounted fish on the wall, a fish tank, and surfboard type tables on the front patio. Attention is paid to detail here as the fish and produce is flown in every two days from around the country. Just last night, the lemons were from a California farmers market and the oyster options include Baja and Massachussets. Do not be turned off if you are told there is a wait for a table yet you see half the tables in the restaurant open. Chef/owner Larry McGuire would prefer you to wait for a table and receive fresh food in a timely manner than to wait for a backed up and overwhelmed kitchen. This policy will be in place until the kitchen runs like a well-oiled machine with the crowds, but remember, they take reservations. Every menu item was delicious so it’s too bad after sitting down for 25 minutes I had to flag down a waiter. Lucky for Erin, she still got a 20% tip. No matter how good the food is, bad service can ruin a restaurant experience. FYI: lunch service starts today and brunch this weekend.
Gazpacho w/ Manchego Toast
To see pictures of Perla’s:
Storefront on S. Congress
The bar is a great way to pass the time while waiting for a table
Caesar: Tito’s vodka, house bloody mix, clamato, celery salt, and pickled green beans
Phaedra: light rum, fresh kiwi, Lillet Blanc, dry vermouth, & kaffir lime syrup
Homemade Hushpuppies & Tartar Sauce: Perla’s version of complimentary bread & butter
Steamed Alaskan Halibut
Half Dozen Glidden Point Oysters
And all the fixins: Saltines, fresh Horseradish, Mignonette, & Cocktail Sauce
Lobster Roll w/ shoestring fries
Perla’s Seafood and Oyster Bar 1400 S. Congress Austin, TX 78704 www.perlasaustin.com 512-291-7300
College Slacker
I like how they serve cans of Tecate but this place is $$$ for a casual eatery. Please announce a happy hour!
Spoiled Brat
The best seafood menu in town, so many choices. And obviously, Perla's being the newest place to open means its the place to see and be seen.
May 7th, 2009 at 8:19 am
I FINALLY tried Perla’s after reading about its opening for months and walking by the space every weekend since I moved back to Austin, and I must say it lived up to my expectations. Everything our group tried (which was a large variety) was spot on and delicious. I think that venue has one of the best patios around and I am thrilled that an excellent seafood joint has opened! Try it out – its well worth it.
May 7th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
This place is good. I’m from Houston. I’ve been dying for decent seafood in this town, being let down time and time again. But this place hits it out of the park. It is sort of expensive. But there are a handful of great dishes under $20 too, I noticed. I went with the soft-shelled crab BLT for $15 I think. MORE than enough for me. It was great. I look forward to returning…with a bigger party, so I can try more things!