Some people dip ‘em and some people don't.
Some people suck the heads, some people won't.
Some like ‘em mild, some like ‘em hot.
Some want potatoes, corn and ‘shrooms,
Some'd rather not.
However you take your crawdads, one thing is true,
If you're smart enough to eat those mudbugs,
You got some Cajun inside of you.

Mudbugs, a.k.a. crawfish, are a local delicacy resembling miniature lobsters. In season March through June, crawfish can be found at area restaurants, grocery stores, and - our favorite - crawfish boils. Locals are pros at peeling and eating them, but these little crustaceans can cause you some frustration if you're not from around these parts. To help, we've put together a step-by-step guide to enjoying crawfish.  

How to Eat Crawfish:

Remove the Head
Hold the tail in one end, the head in the other. Twist and pull the tail away from the head.

Savor the Spices
If you're a native, you can suck the juices out of the head before you discard it.

Peel, Pinch & Tug
Peel a couple rings from the top of the tail. Pinch the very bottom of the tail while tugging on the opposite end (the top) to free the meat.

Dip & Eat
Dip the meat in the tangy sauce and pop it in your mouth. Sauces come in a variety of flavors and spice intensity, but most usually include the basics - mayonnaise, ketchup, Cajun seasoning (Beaumont-made, TexJoy, is perfect) and Tabasco.

Repeat
Crawfish typically comes in 3 or 5 pound servings (or, all-you-can-eat if you're feeling adventurous). You'll be a pro by the time you're done!

Some favorite places to eat crawfish in Beaumont, Texas:

Madison's on Dowlen
4020 Dowlen Road
Tuesdays &Thursdays at 5:00 p.m., Sundays at 3:00 p.m.
2 ½ lbs $11.99, 5 lb bucket $27.99

Juju's Cajun Crawfish Shack
18277 FM 365 Road
Open 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Tuesday - Sunday
$6.49/lb

*Due to the cold winter, this is a slow crawfish season. Please call your favorite restaurant to make sure they have enough and verify price. Prices will fall as the season progresses.