Spaced-out seating, outdoor dining and breezy indoor dining options with the convertible walls removed. TLC Austin on South Lamar offers a fun atmosphere and a menu full of seafood and classic Southern favorites.

As they say at TLC, “Flip flops or heels. Wing Tips or Western Wear. All Y’all ‘R Welcome.” That description holds true, as I found a very casual and inviting environment that also boasts ‘larger plates’ over ‘small plates.’

Some of the most popular menu items, especially in the spring, are the boil items. TLC’s owners say they do their best to bring wild caught, sustainable seafood and local ingredients to the table as often as possible.

Customize Your Boil

The boil is fun because you can easily customize your order. First, you choose your seafood, with options typically including anything from Texas Gulf Shrimp, Alaskan Red King Crab, Snow Crab, Dungeness Crab, Maine Lobster, P.E.I. Mussels, Littleneck Clams, or Andouille Sausage. Next, you chose from seven different seasonings and seven different sauces, which are ranked based on their level of spiciness.

For our boil, we went with a combination of Texas Gulf Shrimp and Alaskan Red King Crab, coupled with Cajun spice (one of the milder seasonings) and lemon garlic butter sauce. Served with red potatoes and corn, the boil is a great way to share a fresh seafood meal with a loved one.

Appetizers Aplenty

While you are waiting for your seafood, TLC has about a dozen appetizers to choose from. The Andouille and Cheddar Hushpuppies have a unique kick to them. The Fried Okra is crispy, fresh – and served with a unique black pepper ketchup. Other crowd favorites include Candied Bacon Deviled Eggs, classic Macaroni and Cheese, and Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Corn Hash.

Beyond the Boil

For options outside of the boil, TLC offers a menu full of nine different sandwich types, everything from seafood sandwiches, chicken sandwiches – and its “The Texan” burger, a beef hamburger patty topped with refried beans, Fritos, onions, guacamole, and salsa.

Healthier bowls and greens are also available – as well as three classic dishes labeled as Texas Favorites – the Chicken Fried Steak, Cowboy Ribeye, and Redfish and Crab. The Linz Heritage Ribeye was cooked to perfection and served with brisket country gravy, roasted garlic and rosemary mashed potatoes, and green beans.

30 beers on tap and several wines on tap also make TLC a great spot for a leisurely Sunday. The restaurant’s signature drink is its TLC Margarita – a jalapeno-infused Bribon Blanco Tequila with Cointreau and lime.  Another interesting menu item to try – the Praline Sazerac with Sazerac Rye Whiskey, praline, and bitters.

Margarita kits and takeout are available to go and can be ordered online.

TLC Austin: Lamar Union, 1100 S Lamar Blvd. Ste 1150, Austin, TX 78704

(Near Highball and Alamo Drafthouse.)

Cover photo courtesy TLC Austin

Britni Rachal lives in Austin, Texas. She is a freelance journalist, full-time marketer, and a Realtor®. In addition to writing, Rachal enjoys traveling, event planning, fashion, fitness and serving the Austin community.