When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
The Boiling Crab
Why The Boiling Crab is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Boiling Crab is a vibrant seafood restaurant chain widely recognized for its casual, fun atmosphere and flavorful Cajun-inspired seafood dishes. Established in 2004, it has grown to 30 locations primarily in the Southwestern United States, with presence in California, Texas, Nevada, Hawaii, Florida, Massachusetts, Virginia, Washington D.C., and even international locations in Australia, Saudi Arabia, and China. This widespread footprint makes it a convenient meet-up spot for many.\n\nThe experience at The Boiling Crab is defined by its lively ambiance where patrons enjoy hands-on seafood dining featuring fresh shrimp, crab, lobster, and other shellfish drenched in spicy, flavorful boils. The communal style of eating, often messy but delicious, lends itself perfectly to social occasions and group gatherings. Guests often highlight the casual seating and the availability of accommodations like highchairs and wheelchair access, emphasizing inclusivity for all types of groups. With options available for lunch and dinner, The Boiling Crab caters to various social schedules. Additionally, the restaurant offers gluten-free options and serves alcohol, enhancing the dining experience. Parking availability and table service provide added convenience for guests. Altogether, The Boiling Crab stands out as an energetic and delicious spot to enjoy quality seafood with friends in a comfortable setting.
Here's what people think of The Boiling Crab
As of recent, The Boiling Crab holds a 4.2-star rating based on 306 reviews.
User reviews for The Boiling Crab consistently praise the restaurant for its flavorful and fresh seafood offerings combined with a fun, energetic dining atmosphere. Many reviewers appreciate the quality of the Cajun-seasoned shrimp, lobsters, and other shellfish, noting how the restaurant delivers a memorable and messy but enjoyable communal eating experience ideal for socializing. Positive reviews also commend the friendly service and the accommodating environment that supports families and groups, including highchair availability and wheelchair accessibility. Customers visiting locations such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Dallas frequently mention that The Boiling Crab is a great place for casual meetups and seafood indulgences.\n\nHowever, some negative feedback centers around the perceived value relative to pricing. A common critique among less satisfied patrons is that the cost of the meals can be high compared to the portions and the overall experience, suggesting that on occasion the cost-benefit ratio might not meet all customers' expectations. A few reviews mention occasional service speed issues and variability between locations. Despite these critiques, the majority of customers recommend The Boiling Crab for its unique culinary style and atmosphere.\n\nIn conclusion, reviews portray The Boiling Crab as a beloved seafood destination known for its lively vibe and delicious flavors, making it especially popular for group dining, with price and service as points for potential improvement.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Brittany Huddleston
I just have to be honest. This was not a good experience for me. I came in on a Wednesday afternoon, hoping to beat the weekend crowd and enjoy the food. We were greeted by a very helpful hostess and seated immediately, which was great. Unfortunately, that was the only great part about our visit. Our waitress dropped limes on our table while taking our drink order, and once she left, we found the longest brown hair tangled around them. We asked her to take them away- she did. No apology, just picked the limes up off the table, and placed more down atop the now hair infected lime juice from before. yum! Out of everyone at my table, I was the only one to get mussels- and I was bad off for it. They were INTENSELY gritty and tasted like they had been open or dead for a while. Frankly, they tasted like the green foam that collects under the pier at the beach. The manager was kind and understanding and took my boil off the check. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t return here and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone else. Super disappointed!
HN Bugg
I had some time to kill, so I came in a Saturday around 4pm. I was told it was a 15-20 minute wait, but I was seated immediately at an outside table. So if there's more than 1 of you, I'd recommend making a reservation or be prepared to wait for a table. Lisa took care of me and did a great job juggling several tables. I enjoyed the visit very much and am glad I stopped by. Definitely will come back with my family next time. I got the fried softshell crab, Cajun fries, and sweet tea. It was all on point.
galuh angger
I go to The Boiling Crab and have a great time. I order a combo with shrimp, crawfish, and crab all with whole shabang sauce. It’s spicy, buttery, and super tasty. The crab is my favorite, sweet and juicy. I also get corn, sausage, and potatoes everything full of flavor. Eating is messy but fun with gloves. Place is busy but service is fast and staff is friendly. I drink sweet tea, nice to balance the spice. If you love seafood and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, this is the spot. I will 100% come back!
Lee Olivier
Oh. My. God! We got 3 pounds of crawfish, a cluster of snow crab, a pound of shrimp, and 3 potatoes with the whole shabang seasoning and medium heat. Our total came out to $111. I cannot stress enough how good it was. I’m from Louisiana and I have never had anything in Austin that ever came close in terms of seasoning/taste until I came to this restaurant. Our wait was only a few minutes (two people) and our waiter was attentive and kind (I’m sorry I forgot your name bro 😓). PLEASEEEE COME HERE PLEASE I have never wrote a google review in my life but this warranted it. Please eat here. Don’t go anywhere else if you want quality seafood. Ignore the bad reviews. If your food is horrible and u get what we got I’ll pay for it myself. It was amazing. Whoever the chefs are, theyre amazing and deserve a fat raise. Thank you for the service and we will DEFINITELY be back. The only picture I have is of the aftermath because it looked too good when it got to the table.
Dadne Hernandez
My husband and I stopped by The Boiling Crab in Austin after running some errands, and we’re so glad we did! We went in on a whim, but it turned out to be a great decision. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted and seated right away. Our waitress, Angelyna, was incredibly friendly and welcoming. Since it was our first time, she took the time to explain the menu and make sure we knew what to expect. When our food arrived, she even showed us how to crack open the Blue Crab properly and continued to check on us throughout the meal to make sure everything was going well. The service was top-notch, and the food was absolutely delicious: fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. We had a great experience from start to finish and will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend!
How to reach The Boiling Crab
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Why The Boiling Crab may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Boiling Crab with your friends? The Boiling Crab offers a unique dining experience that is perfect for group gatherings, whether with longtime friends or family. This seafood-focused restaurant is renowned for its casual, fun, and messy eating style—ideal for a lively, shared meal that breaks the ice and sparks conversation. The ritual of cracking crab legs, peeling shrimp, and digging into seafood boils creates a communal atmosphere where everyone interacts not just with their food but also with each other, fostering a memorable social experience. The relaxed setting means no formalities; everyone can feel comfortable getting their hands dirty and fully enjoying authentic Cajun-style seafood cooked with bold Cajun spices and sauces. This playful, hands-on dining complements the sense of togetherness, making The Boiling Crab a natural choice for groups who want to enjoy not only great food but also quality bonding time over a shared feast.
What activities are available at The Boiling Crab and why is it perfect for group meetups? The primary activity is, of course, indulging in a large variety of freshly boiled seafood including crab, shrimp, crawfish, and oysters. The interactive nature of eating seafood boils encourages guests to dig in, share dishes, and literally "break bread" together, turning the meal into an event rather than just dinner. The food is served in large communal bags or trays, perfect for passing around and tasting. Groups can customize their seafood with different spice levels—from mild to extra spicy—accommodating different preferences and making the meal more inclusive. Beyond the food, the casual vibe is great for socializing; the bustling yet laid-back environment enables lively conversations, casual laughter, and even friendly debates about the best sauce or seasoning. This makes The Boiling Crab ideal for occasions ranging from birthday parties to casual weekend get-togethers. Though it’s primarily a dining spot without traditional games or entertainment, the experience of sharing a delicious, messy Cajun seafood boil is an engaging activity all on its own.
Why is the menu diverse and well-suited for a group with diverse tastes? The Boiling Crab offers an extensive seafood selection that caters well to groups with different palates and dietary needs. From blue crab, Dungeness crab, snow crab legs, and king crab legs to lobster, shrimp, and crawfish (seasonal and frozen), there is a seafood option for every preference. Additionally, the menu includes raw oysters from various U.S. coastal regions, clams, and mussels for a broader experience. This extensive array confers flexibility in ordering, allowing groups to mix and match different types of seafood to please everyone around the table. For those less fond of spicy food, the customizable spice levels provide comfort, while spice enthusiasts can enjoy the bold Cajun flavors to the fullest. The wide range of seafood combined with various preparation styles (boiled, grilled, fried) ensures that groups of any size find something they enjoy, making it easier to host diverse gatherings without food-related compromises.
What makes The Boiling Crab a vibrant and comfortable environment for groups? The atmosphere at The Boiling Crab encourages conviviality and casual fun. It lacks the formality often associated with finer dining establishments, opting instead for an open, vibrant, and sometimes noisy space where the focus is squarely on food and friends. The seating arrangements often include long tables or booths designed to accommodate larger groups, further supporting the social nature of the dining experience. The staff are generally friendly and quick, understanding the dynamic nature of group dining, which can involve simultaneous orders, special requests, and shared plates. The casual dress code and the availability of bibs to catch the inevitable seafood drips contribute to an environment where guests can be themselves without worrying about etiquette. This relaxed ambiance makes The Boiling Crab not only a place to eat but a destination to enjoy an informal, joyful gathering with friends or family, promoting laughter and interaction at every turn.
How does The Boiling Crab cater to repeat visits and special occasions? The Boiling Crab builds customer loyalty by maintaining consistent food quality and an enjoyable experience that guests want to return to. Due to the fresh seafood selection that changes seasonally, particularly with crawfish, returning groups can experience new flavors without boredom setting in. The communal seafood boil style also invites people to come back for celebratory occasions because it’s inherently festive and distinctive from regular restaurant meals. Birthday parties, reunions, and casual celebrations find a natural home here due to the lively atmosphere and menu that encourages sharing. Furthermore, limited seating can create a sense of exclusivity and anticipation—making visits feel special, especially when planning to dine during peak crawfish season. Although some reviews mention variability in price and occasional food quality differences across locations, the core appeal of The Boiling Crab’s seafood boils keeps customers coming back for more memorable group gatherings.
In what ways does The Boiling Crab support socializing beyond dining? While the primary focus is on food, The Boiling Crab’s experience creates a social event that is interactive and continuous during the meal. The process of ordering, sharing, and eating itself functions as a natural icebreaker and community builder. Groups often engage in conversations about favorite sauces, spice levels, and memories related to seafood boils. Some guests treat it almost like a culinary adventure, sampling and debating various boil styles or spice blends. This conversational flow makes for an engaging night out where diners bond not only through the food but also through shared tastes and sensory experiences. The informal setting allows guests to linger comfortably, extending the party well beyond the food itself. While the restaurant may not offer structured entertainment like live music or games, the dynamic seafood feast provides plenty of sensory stimulation and communal engagement to make group outings lively and fulfilling.
What logistical advantages does The Boiling Crab offer to groups? The Boiling Crab is often praised for its accommodating seating for groups, and its straightforward menu streamlines ordering for larger parties. Many locations provide ample space and bibs to handle the messiness of seafood boils, ensuring guests are comfortable throughout. Its casual style encourages a come-as-you-are attitude that takes the pressure off coordinating formal attire or strict dining etiquette, simplifying the planning process. Reservations may not always be available, but the anticipation of waiting for a table adds to the communal vibe, as groups rally together before or after their meal for drinks or conversation in nearby areas. The reasonable price points for large seafood quantities make it economical for group dining, spreading cost without sacrificing portion size or flavor. These practical features make The Boiling Crab an efficient and enjoyable choice for group organizers seeking a hassle-free but memorable meet-up location.