There is a season for everything, even eating crawfish and we have officially entered it. Mudbugs, crawdaddies, crayfish, ditchbugs, freshwater lobsters, rock lobsters, yabbies and baybugs are all acceptable names for this southern staple that was once considered ‘a poor man’s food’. If you’re from one of our favorite states to the west, Louisiana, they are more than a delicacy, they’re an entire food group.
From March to May, crawfish season is in full swing along the Southern states and the Florida panhandle is no exception. While there is definitely a beauty in backyard propane tanks burning under huge pots of boiling water filled with Zatarain seasoning and crawfish, I prefer to leave the mess to someone else. So, if you’re like me and would rather dine out for the snapping, slurping and mess making, here’s 6 local spots and boils not to miss this season.
1) Cubs Crawfish — This is their namesake, so you know they’re good! They do boils at different locations around town, but their main shop is located at 4145 Barrancas Ave and open Thursday-Sunday from 11am-8pm during season.
2) Seafoods Station — Located at 4795 N. 9th Avenue this seafood spot offers weekend deals like a free 1lb of Louisiana crawfish plus corn and potatoes when you order 4lbs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
3) The Break Beach Bar — Tune into their Facebook page and you’ll find that pretty close to every Sunday this season there will be a crawfish boil for anyone looking for a Sunday Funday. Located on Pensacola Beach at 65 Via De Luna Dr.
4) Pensacola Beach Crawfish Festival at Bamboo Willies — The 21st Annual Crawfish Festival will take place on April 21, 22, and 23 at Bamboo Willies on the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. This family friendly event features live music, a crawfish eating content and, you guessed it, LOADS of crawfish.
5) Pensacola Crawfish Festival — miss the beach festival? Lucky for you there is another one the following weekend April 28, 29 and 30 located downtown at Seville Square. More crawfish, more live music and more FUN.
6) Alga Beer Co — Finish out the season strong in East Hill at the Alga Beer Co. Crawfish boil on May 6. Want to know what pairs perfectly with a steaming plate of Crawfish? A locally crafted beer.
Happy crawfish season and happy crackin’ ya’ll.
