Pacific Star Oyster Bar – Round Rock

351 W. Taylor Ave. Round Rock, TX 78664 (512) 255-3535 & 13507 N. Hwy. 183 Austin, TX 78729 (512) 219-5373

Sun-Thu: 11am-10pm Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm

REVIEW – Austin Location MENU pacificstarfood.com

 

One of the acknowledged problems about dining in Round Rock is the lack of owner-operated restaurants. Things up here in the land of Dell tend to get a little “chainy,” if you know what I mean. That’s why if you enjoy fresh seafood with a bit bit a Cajun twist, you’ll want to try Pacific star and Oyster Bar on 351 W. Taylor Ave in RR (take the Hwy 79 exit off IH-35).

This ain’t no four-star homage to Escoffier, but it’s a good little joint with food that really tastes homemade. The Crab Fingers are the tastiest little doodads this side of the Dell Diamond. Take one bite, and I defy you to stop. The Oysters on the half shell are fresh, cold and delicious. And without the downtown $24 a dozen prices. At $6.95 they’re a steal! And the Catfish Nuggets are essential comfort food. A little high on the calorie side, but even the most rigorous weight watcher has to splurge once in a while. Do it with these! And if you like a mild roux, try the Gumbo. It’s not my favorite in the city (could use a bit more “essence”) but it will not leave you reaching for the Zantac, and has a pleasant flavor.

And make sure to try at least one sandwich known as “The Peacemaker” in New Orleans. I refer of course to the fried Oyster Po Boy. I like the name. Who would want to mix it up when you can be chomping down on this baby instead? It’s simple: served on a fresh French roll with lettuce, tomatoes and mayo. And it rocks!

The entrees at Pacific Star are pretty much a mixture of deep fried seafood favorites and Cajun classics. Afficionados of Catfish will appreciate the dish known as the Whole Catfish. Since pond raising has become so popular, that characteristic slightly muddy taste that these bottom feeders have had is fading. And that’s fine with me. And the Pacific Star Platter is similar to what you see at those tourist trap joints along the Gulf coast with one huge exception: the fried shrimp, crab, oysters, catfish and of curse hushpuppies are actually quite good. Mon cher, my cup runneth over. And I love the Stuffed Whole Flounder. The stuffing consists of crab meat, celery, onions, and bread crumbs along with an ample supply of melted butter. This has seriously mellow and beautifully integrated flavors.

And last but not least, the pièce de résistance, the Crawfish Etouffee. There is an almost immediate flavor rush from the rich dark roux. Fans of a blond roux may not be as crazy about this, but I could eat this dish until I inflicted bodily harm on myself. That’s how much I like it.

So the next time you’re heading to some dreary little chain restaurant in RR, try Pacific Star. This is home cooking with a flair! The kids will like it as will Mom and Dad. It’s win-win, and we can all use a bit of that!