When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
La Seareinita
Why La Seareinita is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Located on Burleson Road in Austin, La Seareinita is a lively seafood restaurant established by siblings Gabriela and Arturo Bucio through their Gabriela's Group hospitality company. This venue offers a refreshing blend of locally sourced ingredients and innovative culinary techniques that create familiar yet exciting seafood dishes. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it an ideal spot for friends to gather and enjoy flavorful meals together. The contemporary setting paired with a focus on freshness and quality makes La Seareinita stand out as a great place to meet, share stories, and indulge in elevated seafood options. From creative plates that highlight the bounty of local waters to a well-curated beverage selection, the restaurant strives to deliver a memorable dining experience. Its opening was met with anticipation, reflecting its commitment to community and taste innovation.
Here's what people think of La Seareinita
As of recent, La Seareinita holds a 4.1-star rating based on 128 reviews.
Reviews of La Seareinita indicate a generally positive reception, with an overall rating of 4.1 based on 128 reviews. Many reviewers praise the restaurant for its fresh seafood offerings and the unique twist given to classic dishes, highlighting the creativity and quality emphasized by the kitchen. Patrons frequently mention the friendly service and comfortable atmosphere, which contribute to enjoyable social dining experiences. On the positive side, guests appreciate the attention to locally sourced ingredients and the balance between traditional and contemporary flavors. However, some critiques note occasional inconsistencies in portion size or flavor intensity, and a few visitors found the pricing somewhat high for certain dishes. Others mention wait times that can be longer during peak hours. While not widespread, these points reflect opportunities for improvement. Overall, most customers recommend La Seareinita as a vibrant spot for seafood lovers looking for a fresh and lively experience in Austin.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Vanessa Vargas
The food was cold and the shrimp tacos were so bad that I ate half of one and left the plate.. it was so greasy and it tasted old…. Not fresh at all. My bf got the torta and the bread was falling apart, the meat was so dry. The service, was horrible our waitress didn’t even bring us waters, would pass by and literally felt like I was at a drive thru. Would pass by almost throw the beer can and I had to get up to get plates and napkins. We asked for the check within 30min. The margaritas tasted watery as well . There was a guy singing which made the atmosphere better but we will never go back . Bad food and service !!!!
Beth Fly
Tried two of their drinks- the Tamarindo London and Sandrita. Both were sweet, tangy and refreshing. Shared the Ceviche de Camarón en Salsas Negras (our favorite), the Tostada Los Mochis, and the Ceviche de Pescado. All three dishes were very fresh with bright flavors- definitely a pleasant surprise in this former Whataburger. Colorful (and loud) like their other restaurants, but nice! Our server Mariana was great and offers good recommendations if you aren’t sure where to start. We will be back to try some of the other dishes.
Margie Durrett
Amazing!!!! I had left my phone in an Uber car and had no phone for directions home. They got an app to communicate with me! I had dinner there and listened to the live music!! The food was incredible!!
Arturo “Art” Guarnero
This is the old Whataburger location on Oltorf. They closed the entrance where the drive thru entrance was. I thought that was silly as it made me go out of my way & turn around to the only entrance on Oltorf. I sat at a table and had to wait for service even though the place was empty. They finally asked me what I wanted to drink. After several minutes I had to request chips and salsa. Yes, they do charge for them. I ordered the chicken enchilada plate with rice and beans. The enchiladas were very good. The watermelon drink was also good. I did find the rice and beans to be very bland. No flavor at all. Even the red & green salsas that came with the chips were watered down and had little flavor. Fortunately, they do have a wide assortment of hot sauces. I made great use of them. I atmosphere did seem nice. Looks like a nice place to have a drink. However, I paid $26 for my plate of enchiladas, chips, and a drink. In my opinion, that's too much. Especially considering the fact that half the plate had no flavor. Service was poor as well. I will not be a repeat customer.
Adolfo Galvan
Came in with a party of 6 and got seated immediately. Our waiter Mariana was attentive and made sure we were well taken care of. I ordered the dish pictured (marisco tower) and it was fresh and delicious. The micheladas were very good and they played my kind of music. I would recommend to a friend and will be coming back when I'm in town!
How to reach La Seareinita
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Why La Seareinita may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at La Seareinita with your friends?
La Seareinita stands out as a vibrant destination to gather with friends or family not just for its flavorful food but for the whole experience it creates. Located in East Austin, this seafood restaurant brings a fresh, authentic taste of Sinaloa-style Mexican seafood, combining traditional flavors with a lively, hip atmosphere that enhances social gatherings. When you and your group come together here, you’re not just sharing a meal; you’re enjoying an inviting space filled with warmth, neon signage, and a mix of traditional Mexican decor that sparks conversation and togetherness. The friendly and attentive staff help make everyone feel welcome, ensuring you never lack for anything, so your focus stays on the fun and connection with your companions. With a sizeable interior space of about 3,500 square feet, it comfortably accommodates groups, allowing ample room for laughter, chatter, and joy. If you want a memorable meetup that’s relaxed yet lively, with delicious seafood dishes bursting with flavor, La Seareinita is an excellent choice that effortlessly fosters a sense of community and celebration.
What activities can you enjoy at La Seareinita?
At La Seareinita, the primary activity revolves around dining on some of the finest Mexican seafood dishes Austin offers. Their menu features an array of options like shrimp boils, fresh ceviche, fish tacos, and signature seafood cocktails—all seasoned with authentic Sinaloa flair. The rich variety encourages sharing, making it perfect for groups wanting to sample multiple dishes together. Besides the excellent food, guests often enjoy pairing their meals with specialty aguas frescas such as the piña agua fresca, enhancing the overall flavor journey. The restaurant’s setting lends itself to casual dining but also celebration, with music and a lively ambiance that can turn a simple meal into a communal event. In addition, La Seareinita offers a great spot for social interaction, where you and your friends can relax, enjoy good conversation, and soak in the vibrant, ethnically inspired decor. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or just catching up, the mood and activity at La Seareinita naturally complement a spirited meetup.
Why is La Seareinita perfect for a group meetup?
Groups looking to have a meetup will find La Seareinita an ideal venue for several reasons. First, the spacious, 3,500-square-foot interior ensures that larger parties have enough room to spread out comfortably without feeling cramped, which is essential for an enjoyable group gathering. The layout encourages interaction but also offers some privacy where smaller groups within the party can chat easily. The friendly, attentive staff also play a big role in making group meetups smooth and comfortable, as they promptly cater to your table’s needs, helping coordinate large orders and special requests. La Seareinita’s menu is designed to cater to a variety of tastes, including seafood lovers and those who prefer milder options, ensuring everyone in the group finds something they like. The pricing is reasonable, too, offering great value for flavorful, high-quality dishes, making it approachable for groups on different budgets. Ultimately, the combination of delicious food, spacious layout, attentive service, and lively yet welcoming environment makes La Seareinita a top choice to host friends and family for memorable get-togethers.
What makes La Seareinita’s food special for sharing?
The hallmark of La Seareinita is its authentic Mexican seafood inspired by Sinaloa’s coastal flavors, a cuisine beloved for its fresh ingredients and vibrant tastes. Dishes like the shrimp boil are particularly popular for group dining because they come loaded with a mix of seafood, spices, and sauces that are meant to be enjoyed communally. Sharing these plates creates a sense of fun and discovery as everyone digs in and tries the different flavors and textures. From ceviches bursting with citrus and herbal notes to hearty fish tacos wrapped in soft tortillas, the menu is built around sharing plates and flavors that spark conversation and enjoyment among friends. Additionally, the piña agua fresca is a refreshing complement that helps balance the spices and adds a tropical touch to the meal. This focus on shareable, richly flavored dishes enhances the communal dining experience, making it more than just a meal but a flavorful event.
How does the atmosphere at La Seareinita enhance a group experience?
The atmosphere at La Seareinita uniquely blends traditional Mexican aesthetics with contemporary, hip influences to create a vibrant and welcoming environment. Neon signage and colorful decor pay homage to Mexican heritage while giving the space a trendy, upbeat vibe that resonates well with diverse groups. The interior design intentionally creates a festive yet relaxed mood, equipped with appropriate lighting and seating arrangements to encourage interaction and celebration. Such an environment makes it easy for groups to feel comfortable, whether they’re catching up on life, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying a night out. The friendly servers and efficient service amplify this comfort by attending to tables with warmth, ensuring the group never feels neglected even amidst the buzz. Music and the general energy of the venue add an element of liveliness without overwhelming conversations, striking a perfect balance for socializing. This attentive curation of atmosphere makes La Seareinita more than a dining spot—it’s a place that invites connection and conviviality.
What should groups know before visiting La Seareinita?
Groups planning to visit La Seareinita should be aware that it is a popular spot, especially given its excellent reviews and unique culinary offerings, so it’s a good idea to make reservations ahead of time to secure seating for larger parties. The restaurant operates within a 3,500-square-foot space located on Burleson Road in East Austin, making it accessible for locals and visitors alike. While the ambiance is casual and inviting, the seafood menu is authentic and may include bold flavors, so guests who are sensitive to spicy or strongly seasoned dishes might want to check the menu in advance. The staff’s friendliness and attentiveness mean that any special dietary needs or group preferences can be easily accommodated with prior communication. Finally, groups should be prepared to experience a buzzing, energetic environment where the focus is on sharing food and good times, making it a dynamic place for lively meetups rather than quiet, intimate dinners.
How does La Seareinita compare to other seafood spots in Austin for groups?
Compared to other seafood restaurants in Austin, La Seareinita offers a distinct advantage when it comes to hosting groups because of its combination of space, authentic Mexican coastal cuisine, and a hip, colorful ambiance. Many seafood spots focus solely on traditional American or Texan styles, but La Seareinita introduces a fresh perspective with its Sinaloa-style preparations, offering a unique flavor profile that appeals to adventurous eaters and aficionados alike. Its large interior stands out against smaller, cramped venues that struggle to accommodate bigger parties comfortably. Additionally, the blend of traditional Mexican design with modern touches creates an atmosphere that is both culturally rich and fun — something not always found in typical seafood eateries. Service quality, as noted by many patrons, is also a strong point, ensuring groups feel cared for. Overall, La Seareinita’s combination of flavor, space, style, and service positions it as a superior choice among Austin’s seafood eateries for dynamic group meetups.