The Traveling Fork
A taste for fried fish led me into a search for the best fried fish in Houston. We opted to try this place because it has great reviews and stays open until 10pm. When I walked in, I was greated immediately by the kind owners and a wonderfully delicious aroma! The establishment is cozy and intimate, super clean, and very inviting. The menu offers a variety of options from po-boys to spaghetti and everything Cajun in between. As a huge fan of New Orleans and Cajun style cuisine, I am generally very skeptical of so called Cajun restaurants in Houston as I’ve been disappointed many times. But Backyard Boil House has made a believer of me! Not only was I blown away by the flavors, the portion sizes and presentation were top tier! The fried catfish was light, perfectly cooked, and seasoned to perfection. I got the catfish and grits and can honestly say that I’ve never had grits like that before! The combination of the fried catfish and creamy grits was extraordinary. Everything we tried, even the salad, was perfectly seasoned (not salty). I was completely impressed and look forward to going back and trying other dishes!
Parking is a challenge, but if you can find a way to visit, it is certainly worth it!
… moreRobert Green
This spot right here is a hidden gem. The first time I came, I had the Catfish and Grits, and it honestly set the tone. The catfish was seasoned perfectly, fried just right, and the grits were creamy with real flavor, not just filler. You can tell they put pride in the plate.
I came back for round two and tried the Crab Rice, and let me tell you — they didn’t miss. The crab was fresh, the rice was seasoned, and the flavor was just layered. Not salty, not heavy…just good. It tasted like somebody back there actually knows what they’re doing and cares about the food.
The atmosphere is exactly what I like…cozy, intimate, and relaxed. The music sets the vibe without being too loud, and the whole place just makes you want to sit, talk, and enjoy your food. No rush, no fuss.
This is the kind of place you go back to. And I will.
If you like real flavor, comfort food done right, and a spot with good energy — Backyard Boil House is it.
… moreDestiny S
10/10 highly recommend!! The staff is very friendly and really took care of us. We tried a couple different items and they’re all amazing. The crab legs are def worth the hype and the banana pudding’s to die for. The portions are great also. The bartender made our cocktails perfectly too. We’ll be back 🙂 thank yall
… moreThat Girl
I saw this place on channel 2 “Eat Like a Local” and knew we had to try it. We drove from Rosenberg +- 40 minutes and IT WAS WORTH THE DRIVE!
We ordered:
•The House salad. I know what you’re thinking, it’s just a basic salad….NOPE. The dressing is sooo good I’m gonna dream about it.
•GUMBEAUX in an xl bowl (to bring leftovers for later lol. Sad thing is there wasn’t that much leftover to bring whomp whomp). It was so delicious. Sitting outside and we could smell it outside as it was being made, it made our mouths water.
•Cheeseburger, this had a cheddar gouda mix we did not get to try. Kiddo don’t like cheese. I know this is a seafood place but my kiddo wanted a burger. I figured Eh a burger I didn’t expect much it’s just a burger…..I was so wrong. This was hands down the best burger I’ve ever had thus far. My kiddo said, “this was a happy cow!” It was that good.
•Catfish & Shrimp. It was sooo dang good even the kiddo who doesn’t care for seafood (ordered the burger) finished off the catfish. The super picky 2yr old devoured the shrimp (and that one doesn’t like anything)!
•Seafood Pasta. This is penne with shrimp and crab meat in Cajun sauce. The presentation was beautiful but the taste was just as wonderful.
We ordered a variety of different plates to try (share) and each one that was brought out seemed to get better and better. We finished eating and were trying to process what just happened. It was all so delicious, we all over ate and were bordering a food coma.
We were recommended the homemade banana pudding……UHMMM EXCUSE MEEE!!! How is this even legal?! I only ordered 2 to go, BIG MISTAKE. Once we had a taste everyone was fighting for more. This stuff is deliciously addictive.
This place is phenomenal. The menu was created with love and passion and every dish is hand crafted with magic. You simply must try.
… moreEric Chatfield
4.5 stars over all. Food was amazing…. Had crab n rice. Large portion very good. The gumbo is hearty, savory and earthy, the boil was good (wife) and the seafood etufee (sp?) was large and good but spicy. (Daughter) Small place but a cool vibe.
… moreLUIS ROLANDO CACERES MORA
One of the best sea food restaurant I’ve been too, my wife picked it and hands down the best choice, food super good, service amazing and music on point, when you go please let the whole snapper like this!!!
… moreMelanee Gardner
Backyard Boil House was next-level delicious. The crab, shrimp, beef sausage and sauce were absolutely the show, bold, well-seasoned, and full of authentic flavor. Everything was cooked perfectly, and the sauce tied it all together in the best way.
What really elevated the experience was the atmosphere. The owner and his son were there, and they were definitely a vibe, welcoming, engaged, and clearly passionate about what they do. You can feel the pride and intention behind the food, and it shows in every bite.
This is the kind of place you leave already planning your next visit. If you’re looking for an authentic, well-seasoned seafood boil in Houston, this spot is a must.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ no notes.
… moreJade Medders
Let me start by saying the lady there was very nice. It was strange we had to order and pay before sitting down, no one else was asked to do that. We ordered the ½lb boiled shrimp, oysters, and shrimp pasta. My fiance said the pasta was good, the oysters were really good but it was overpriced for only 4 small oysters. My boiled shrimp was edible but it had hardly any flavor and I guess I overestimated what ½ a pound was. Unfortunately I left still hungry and disappointed.
… moreLe Kisha Douglas
We really enjoyed our visit. Had heard of the restaurant and finally had the opportunity to visit. It felt so warm and welcoming upon entry. It’s a nice, cozy venue (they also have outside seating) where the owners greet you behind the bar, as well as visit you at your table. You order at the bar and then seat yourself. They are full of jokes and smiles. Your beers come in a frozen, dressed mug. The gumbo was delicious! Shrimp and grits were of great portion and very well seasoned. The po’ boys have more meat than sandwich are seasoned well. That banana pudding, booyyyy, that pudding is a level of above home! A delectable delight to end your meal…don’t tell too many, though, it’s our secret!! One can appreciate the mature atmosphere and patrons, that are just as welcoming as the owners. We will definitely be returning!!
… moreTiffany Tilion
Hidden gem for sure. Nice, kind of Quaint spot. Nice atmosphere with good music & good vibes. Cute for a date spot or just going out alone for some good food or a cocktail. The owner Ed was really personable and made sure everything was good. The food is so good and flavorful, it tastes like it’s from home. I had the Gumbeaux to start, Shrimp & Spinach for my entree, & a lavender lemon drop. The spinach alone was a 10 out of 10. I’ll definitely be back.
… more