About
When brainstorming your next Austin vacation idea, consider indulging in Austin's premiere seafood and oyster bar at Perla's.
This iconic eatery opened in 2009 on South Congress Avenue, whose neighbors are Vespaio Ristorante and attractions like Paramount Theatre and Texas Science & Natural History Museum.
Perla's is the brainchild of renowned restaurateurs Larry McGuire and Tom Moorman and is the go-to destination for seafood lovers. His goal was to create a beachside spot where time slows down and meals are to be savored. This intention is evident in every detail, from the oak-shaded patio to the dishes that celebrate the bounty of the sea.
Perla's boasts an oyster bar with a daily selection from the East and West coasts, ensuring that every visit features new flavors and textures. And they offer juicy steaks for those who aren't seafood lovers.
Perla's has become a staple in Austin's dining landscape and a symbol of the city's love for innovation within tradition. It showcases how a carefully curated dining experience can transcend the ordinary, transforming an Austin getaway into the extraordinary.
Vibe
Perla's vibe is laid-back and chic, encapsulating the essence of a seaside oasis amidst the urban surroundings.
The exterior beckons with its large, welcoming patio adorned with mature oak trees, creating a cool and inviting outdoor dining space. This patio culture is central to Austin's lifestyle, making Perla's appealing to all looking for a relaxing dining environment.
Inside, the ambiance of Perla's is reminiscent of a classic oyster bar but with a distinct Austin twist. The interior design harmonizes nautical elements with sleek, modern touches.
The open layout and large windows ensure the space has natural light, enhancing the airy, open-sea experience.
This harmonious blend of outdoor charm and interior elegance, coupled with the culinary delights, ensures that the vibe at Perla's is always inviting. Here, memories are made, seafood is celebrated, and every visit feels like a departure from the ordinary, proving it to be an essential stop on any Austin vacation.
Perla's: Menu & Drinks
At Perla's, the menu is a testament to the ocean's boundless treasures, offering an array of dishes that draw diners into a whirlpool of flavors.
Let's begin our deep dive by examining their claim to fame: the oyster bar. The cold bar choices will amaze, like oysters from Prince Edward Island to Maine to Alaska. The limitless selections will have you eager to sample them all!
Moving on to fresh seafood, one standout is the Crispy Skin Verlasso Salmon. This delightful entree comes with herb salad, grilled lemon, garlic-drawn butter, salsa verde, red chimichurri, or house tartar sauce. The Seared Maine Scallops are another crowd-pleaser featuring parmesan risotto, shaved fennel, and jalapeño. The flavor combination is out of this world!
Meat lovers will want to cut into the tender 14 oz Oak Grilled Niman Ranch Ribeye. Served with herb salad, roasted tomato, and a choice of salsa verde, horseradish creme, maitre d' hotel butter, or béarnaise sauce, this entree is not to be missed.
The drink menu at Perla's complements its culinary offerings with equal flair. Specialty cocktails like the Ocean's Martini offer a unique taste of the sea. It features a crisp and refreshing blend of gin, cucumber, and a splash of seawater. The Mermaid's Kiss is another top pick. It is delicious and visually stunning, with a tantalizing mix of rum, fresh lime, coconut water, and blue curaçao.
Perla's combines the spirit of Texas with the allure of the ocean, making for an exemplary Austin dining experience.
Local Tips
- Arrive early or book in advance, especially on weekends, to secure a spot on the coveted patio.
- Check out the daily bar menu from 3- 5:30 for specials on food and beverages.
- Consider brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 AM-3:00 PM.
- Take advantage of the valet parking; finding a spot in South Congress can be challenging.
- Ask about the day's catch for a special meal featuring the freshest ingredients.
