Best Seafood & Catfish in Gilmer, TX
Texas isn't exactly known as a seafood state, but East Texas has its own relationship with the water. We're close enough to Louisiana that Cajun flavors drift across the border, close enough to the Gulf that fresh shrimp make their way up, and surrounded by lakes full of catfish. Gilmer's seafood scene is small but mighty—and it's got some surprises.
Quick Comparison
| Spot | Must-Try | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krawdaddy's Crawfish Shop | Crawfish boil, shrimp | Cajun, counter service | Seasonal, messy fun |
| Sushito's | Sushi rolls, fresh fish | Japanese, casual | Sushi fix, unique for small town |
| Open Range Bar & Grill | Blackened fish, shrimp | Sports bar, full menu | Groups, something for everyone |
| Davidson's Bar & Grill | Fried catfish, shrimp | Bar & grill, patio | Casual seafood dinner |
| Landin's | Garlic butter shrimp | Mexican, variety | Something different |
Krawdaddy's Crawfish Shop
Must-try: Crawfish boil, shrimp, FREE BEER (while supplies last) Phone: (903) 841-1046
Krawdaddy's is proof that Gilmer knows how to party like Louisiana. They serve excellent crawfish and shrimp boiled in spicy Cajun seasoning, and at the time of this writing they don't have their alcohol license yet—which means FREE BEER while it lasts.
"Texas is a big state... and most people may not think of crawfish as a local favorite when they think of Texas cuisine. But here in Gilmer we are close enough to Louisiana that we get that good Cajun cooking coming across the border and infused right into our soul."
This is a seasonal, counter-service spot. Wear clothes you don't mind getting messy, because peeling crawfish is a hands-on experience.
Insider tip: Call ahead during crawfish season (roughly February–July). Availability changes daily based on what's coming in from Louisiana.
Sushito's
Must-try: Sushi rolls, fresh fish
Yes, Gilmer has a sushi restaurant. Sushito's serves fresh sushi rolls in a casual setting, which is genuinely unexpected for a town this size. The fish is fresh, the rolls are creative, and it's a welcome change of pace from BBQ and Tex-Mex.
Insider tip: Sushito's is a great option when you've been eating heavy East Texas food for a few days and need something lighter.
Open Range Bar & Grill
Must-try: Blackened fish, shrimp dishes Phone: (903) 680-0539
Open Range rotates seafood options on their menu, and the blackened fish is consistently good. It's not a seafood restaurant, but the kitchen knows what to do with fresh protein. If you're eating with a group and some want steak while others want fish, Open Range splits the difference perfectly.
Insider tip: Ask about the fish special. It changes based on what's available, and it's usually the best seafood option on the menu.
Davidson's Bar & Grill
Must-try: Fried catfish, shrimp, wings Phone: (903) 680-8901
Davidson's serves classic fried catfish—cornmeal-breaded, crispy, and properly seasoned. It's East Texas catfish done right, served with waffle fries and a cold drink on the patio. The shrimp is also solid, and the wings are a good alternative if someone at your table isn't feeling fish.
Insider tip: The fried catfish plate is big enough to share. Order one plate and a side of wings, and split both.
Landin's Authentic Mexican Food
Must-try: Garlic butter shrimp Phone: (903) 204-2739
Landin's garlic butter shrimp is a sleeper hit. It's not what you'd expect at a Mexican restaurant, but it's genuinely good—plump shrimp, rich garlic butter, and a generous portion. If you want seafood with a Mexican twist, this is your spot.
Insider tip: Order it as a standalone plate, not a taco filling. The full plate lets the shrimp shine.
What to Know About Seafood in Gilmer
Seasonality
Pricing
| Item | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Crawfish (per pound) | $10–14 |
| Fried catfish plate | $12–16 |
| Shrimp plate | $14–18 |
| Sushi rolls | $8–14 |
| Garlic butter shrimp | $15–18 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where's the best crawfish in Gilmer? Krawdaddy's. It's the only dedicated crawfish spot in town, and they do it right.
Is the sushi in Gilmer actually fresh? Sushito's serves fresh sushi rolls. It's surprisingly good for a small East Texas town.
Who has the best fried catfish? Davidson's does the classic cornmeal-breaded catfish plate best. It's a local favorite.
When is crawfish season? Roughly February through July, with peak season March through May. Call Krawdaddy's for daily availability.
Where can I get shrimp? Krawdaddy's (boiled), Davidson's (fried), Landin's (garlic butter), La Carreta and Open Range (various preparations).
Last updated: July 2026