What is the history of Quality Seafood Market?

Quality Seafood Market has been an Austin institution since 1938. It began as a humble stall in Starr's Fruit and Vegetable Market across from the Texas State Capitol before moving to its current Airport Boulevard location in 1970.

Where is the market located?

The market is located at 5621 Airport Boulevard, Austin, TX 78751.

What are the hours for the restaurant and the fish market?

The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The retail fish market is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

What services does Quality Seafood Market offer?

They offer fresh seafood to enjoy in their restaurant, for takeout, or to prepare at home. They also accommodate catered functions and online pickup ordering.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Quality Seafood Market in Austin

Name: Quality Seafood Market
Address: 5621 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751, Austin, Texas, US

Quality Seafood Market

Savor a piece of Austin history at Quality Seafood Market. Operating since 1938, this legendary institution offers a fresh fish market and a dine-in restaurant serving seafood from Texas and beyond.

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What to know

Quality Seafood Market stands as a beloved Austin institution and one of the city's oldest dining establishments. The business traces its origins back to 1938, when it began as a humble fish counter and stall inside Starr's Fruit and Vegetable Market. This original location was situated at 1005 Congress Avenue, directly across the street from the Texas State Capitol in downtown Austin. In 1970, the market transitioned away from its downtown roots and moved to its current home at 5621 Airport Boulevard. The new building was specifically designed to support the expanding business, housing a kitchen, a fresh seafood market, and wholesale facilities including coolers, freezers, and an office. Over the years, the physical footprint of the business underwent significant growth, expanding from 8,000 square feet to 16,000 square feet. The modern era of the market began in 2003 when Paul and Carol Huntsberger acquired the business and officially changed its name to Quality Seafood Market. Carol, who earned her accounting degree from Texas State University in 1983, became the sole owner of the establishment in 2010. Under her leadership, the market has undergone several expansions and improvements to better serve the community. Today, the venue operates as a multi-faceted culinary destination. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood cooked to order in the dine-in restaurant, purchase raw seafood from the retail fish market to prepare at home, or utilize their catering services. The kitchen offers both dine-in and takeout options, ensuring that this historic Austin fixture remains a go-to spot for seafood lovers.

Visitor tips

Plan your visit between Wednesday and Saturday, when the restaurant is open from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
If you want to buy fresh seafood to cook at home, the retail fish market operates Wednesday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
For a quick meal on the go, take advantage of their takeout and online pickup ordering options.

Nearby context

Located at 5621 Airport Boulevard, Quality Seafood Market sits in a vibrant commercial corridor of Austin. While it moved here in 1970 to accommodate its growing wholesale and retail operations, its location connects visitors to the bustling midtown area of the city. It serves as a historic anchor in a neighborhood that has evolved around it over the decades.