Crawfish Chronicles: My First Time at Boyd’s One Stop in Texas City
Trying crawfish for the first time is one of those bucket-list moments, especially when you're in Texas. We went to Galveston to celebrate Mardi Gras & stayed with our family. On a random Sunday morning, everyone decided to have their first crawfish of the season. We paid a visit to Boyd’s One Stop in Texas City, and let me tell you, it was more than just a meal—it was a whole experience in Southern seafood culture.
Discovering Boyd's One Stop
Right in Texas City, Boyd's One Stop has a reputation that goes beyond just being a seafood spot. It's known as the “Live Shrimp Capital of Texas” and has served the freshest Gulf seafood since 1969. It’s a family-run business with that warm, friendly vibe that makes you feel right at home. We discovered Boyd’s from a family friend who mentioned a crawfish drive-thru that serves crawfish for $5 a pound. As someone living in Downtown Houston, this was a steal. When you go to restaurants in Houston, the minimum price is around $12 per pound. And since we were already in Galveston and a short drive away from Texas City, we decided to try it out. The storefront is brimming with various fresh seafood options, all proudly sourced from the Gulf. We even got fresh peeled shrimp for $5 a pound. Boyd’s is a hub for seafood lovers, offering everything from live crawfish to the finest cuts of fish, shrimp, and crab.
The First Bite
We lined up and ordered 20 pounds of crawfish shared among four people. We arrived at Boyd’s at around 2 pm and the line was piling up. We secured the goods and went home. I changed into an orange shirt that was safe from crawfish juices splashing. My in-laws, who are native Louisiana, taught me how to properly peel and eat crawfish.
And the taste? Absolutely amazing. The first bite was so juicy, I think I snorted the spice! Each bite was a perfect mix of spicy and sweet. With corns and potatoes on the side, the whole meal was just delicious and satisfying. The crawfish is cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of seasoning to make each bite a savory delight. Paired with classic Southern sides like corn on the cob, potatoes, and sausage, each mouthful was a little piece of heaven. Just be careful with those sides because whew, they are hot & spicy!
A Bit More Than Just Crawfish
But Boyd's isn't only about the crawfish. Their menu extends beyond the crustacean to include a variety of seafood delights. From fresh shrimp to succulent crab and fish, the offerings at Boyd’s are a testament to the bounty of the Gulf. The market also supplies all the essentials for an ultimate seafood boil, including the spices and tools you need to recreate the experience at home.
Boyd’s has even ventured into catering, providing services that make them a one-stop-shop not only for seafood enthusiasts but also for events and gatherings that call for a splash of Southern flavor. Their expertise extends to offering fishing equipment and bait, making them an integral part of the local fishing community as well.
Tips for Fellow Adventurers
Plan Ahead: Crawfish is popular, so it’s a good idea to call them and ask if they would have enough crawfish for the day.
Best Times: They usually serve boiled crawfish in the late afternoon or early evening.
Don’t Skip the Sides: The sausage, corn, and potatoes are awesome!
Explore More: If you’re into seafood, take a moment to explore the other fresh offerings. You might find something else that catches your eye.
Boyd’s One Stop is at 227 Dike Rd, Texas City, and it’s definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in exploring Houston’s culinary delights. Each trip to Boyd's promises something new, whether it's meeting fellow food enthusiasts, learning more about the seafood industry, or simply enjoying a fantastic meal with friends and family.
Keep an eye out for more stories as I continue to explore and taste my way around Houston’s exciting food scene!