The Crawdad Hole – 1150 Lakeland Drive

This Cajun and creole-style shack serves up in-season crawfish priced by the pound depending on market price.

In addition to offering their namesake delicacy, the Crawdad Hole has fresh seafood options like crab and shrimp. You can also add a side of potatoes, corn or sausage to complete your meal.

Meal prices change depending on the week. For more information, visit thecrawdadhole.com.

Ellis Seafood – 350 Meadowbrook Road

Specializing in Cajun and fried seafood options, this family-owned business has been serving the city for over 30 years.

Although Ellis Seafood dishes out several seafood options, their crawfish have won the hearts of locals. Noted as “the best crawfish in town” to simply “great crawfish,” this restaurant is always atop diners’ lists.

You can decide how you want your crawdads seasoned with either a Cajun spice blend or drenched in garlic butter.

If you are in a hurry or prefer not to get out of your car, Ellis Seafood has a drive-thru. Additional locations are Ellis Avenue and Woodrow Wilson Avenue.

For more information, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/ellisseafoodmeadowbrook.

Kickin’ Crab – 6376 Ridgewood Court Drive

The name may fool you, but this restaurant offers more than just crab.

From boiled seafood combo platters to clams, mussels, shrimp, and of course, crawfish, Kickin’ Crab dishes out generous portions of fresh seafood on the daily.

During crawfish season, Kickin’ Crab offers Cajun nachos, made with melty queso dip and your choice of chips or fries, topped with crawfish tails.

For a Cajun-Asian crossover, the Cajun crawfish fried rice is a menu item unique to Kickin’ Crab. This dish features fried rice with a kick of Cajun spices and crawfish tails, served with a side of voodoo sauce— a one-of-a-kind meal.

Or, if you’re looking to experience the fresh crawfish by themselves, Kickin’ Crab offers a half-pound or pound of crawfish boiled in their secret spice blend and then tossed in your favorite sauce. Add a side of corn and potatoes to round out your meal.

To learn more or see the full menu, visit kickincrabms.com.

The Seafood Shack – 1700 University Boulevard Suite 26

Although not technically a restaurant, The Seafood Shack is a great option for anyone looking to order crawfish and enjoy their meal at home. This seafood market sells the freshest, highest-quality seafood available to customers.

At The Seafood Shack, order classic meals like crawfish by the pound, or the crawfish plate: one pound of crawfish with sausage, corn and potatoes.

Not sure what to get? Order the new Shack sampler plate to share with a friend (or two). It includes a crab leg cluster, one lobster tail, a half-pound of crawfish, 12 large shrimp, sausage, corn, potato and a boiled egg.

To order online or learn more, visit theseafoodshackjackson.com.

Saltine – 622 Duling Avenue

For anyone looking to enjoy seasonal crawfish in a contemporary dining atmosphere, Saltine fits the bill. This oyster bar features an array of fresh seafood on its menu, from shrimp to crab, and yes, crawfish.

For a starter, Saltine offers its Oysters Lafitte. This dish includes oysters on the half shell topped with crawfish tails, bacon, parmesan and hot sauce butter.

If you’re not a fan of oysters but are still looking to start with crawfish, Saltine’s famous shrimp and crawfish dip is a popular go-to. White queso dip mixed with fresh shrimp and crawfish makes for the perfect shareable dish.

Entrees featuring crawfish include the Cajun Seafood Pasta on Saltine’s lunch menu: Gulf shrimp, crawfish, house-made linguine, peppers, local shiitakes and housemade Tasso cream sauce.

Saltine has also previously offered crawfish boils for carryout and catering; be on the lookout for this popular menu option.

View the full menu and learn more about Saltine events at jackson.saltinerestaurant.com.