When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
The Shrimp Lover
Why The Shrimp Lover is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Shrimp Lover in Los Angeles is a vibrant and popular seafood restaurant known for its flavorful and generously portioned dishes. It offers a welcoming atmosphere perfect for meeting up with friends, especially those who enjoy Cajun-style seafood and spicy flavors. One of the highlights is their signature seafood combo meal, which includes a little bit of everything, allowing guests to sample various fresh seafood options like shrimp, crawfish, mussels, and crumbed fried oysters. The restaurant also serves delicious sides such as Cajun fries and toasted garlic bread, complementing the main dishes beautifully. The interior, while casual, is comfortable and designed to accommodate groups looking for a fun and flavorful dining experience together. The Shrimp Lover is also praised for its attentive and friendly service, ensuring guests feel taken care of, especially when handling the spicier dishes that come with a kick. Open daily from noon to 9:30 PM, its central location on Hollywood Boulevard makes it easily accessible, adding to its appeal as a great place to gather with friends for a hearty and memorable seafood feast.
Here's what people think of The Shrimp Lover
As of recent, The Shrimp Lover holds a 4.4-star rating based on 650 reviews.
Reviews for The Shrimp Lover are overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.4-star rating from over 650 reviews, highlighting the quality and taste of their seafood. Positive reviewers frequently mention the exceptional flavor of the shrimp dishes, especially noting the variety of spice levels that cater to different preferences. The seafood combo meal is a crowd favorite, praised for offering a generous amount and variety, allowing diners to enjoy an authentic Cajun seafood experience. Many appreciate the friendly and attentive service, mentioning how staff anticipate customer needs, such as providing water to cool down from the spicy dishes, which creates a welcoming environment. The casual atmosphere also makes it a great spot for socializing. On the downside, some reviews indicate occasional issues like long wait times, crowded conditions, and pricing that some find a bit higher than expected. A few customers have pointed out inconsistencies with food preparation on slower nights but generally agree that the quality is worth the visit. Overall, The Shrimp Lover continues to be a highly recommended and beloved local spot with a loyal customer base eager to return for their flavorful seafood and lively ambiance.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Erica P
I’ve been coming here for years and it pains me to say I won’t be coming back. The service has gone downhill, the prices have gone up while the portions have gotten smaller. $7 for fries and $5 for a tiny cup of bbq fried rice is ridiculous. We used to order this and had more than enough to share amongst 2 people. Now, no way. The bbq rice is so tiny now!! The server was not pleasant, didn’t refill our drinks until we asked (they used to be on it before!!). And now they’ve added a 10% service charge to the bill (more for parties of 6!). Guess they need to recoup some of the money they spent for the new menus. Very disappointing overall. Used to come here quite frequently but will now have to find a new place.
Lucy Luck
2/5 - Good food, but the worst service, missing food, and an insane wait (1hr+) The food at The Shrimp Lover was alright, but the service made the whole experience frustrating and not worth it. We ordered BBQ ribs, a pound of shrimp, mussels, crab legs, crawfish, pad see-ew, and a kids meal. A few minutes later, the server came back and told us they didn’t have ribs. Just to make sure we asked a different server just to check again, and she said they did have ribs. After 15 minutes, only the ribs came. We thought the rest was on the way, but after waiting another 30 minutes, still nothing. We asked, and the server said she wrote it down but forgot to tell the cook half of the meal, Seriously? 15 minutes later the kids meal finally came, and then 10 minutes after that the rest of the food showed up, except the mussels. We asked again, and the server laughed and said she forgot to tell the cook, again. To make it worse, they charged $35 for tip and tax. Overall, the food was good, but the long wait and bad service made this a really bad experience. We won’t be coming back.
Sushmit Ghosh
This is one of LA’s hidden gems! They give you a bib and it’s a feat to get your hands into the food…literally! Pick any of the seafood bucket options with the medium mixed spice - absolutely delectable! Can’t recommend this enough!
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Food is always good. I've gone a handful of times. They have a good price on a lobster mini meal! Love that they have Thai Iced Tea! Parking lot is small and mostly full all of the time.
jake hubbert
Overall, my family and I had a good time here. The portions are large, and most of us ordered the fish and chips and leftovers. My favorite thing was the Cajun fries. The spice blend combined with their frying method made for a crunchy exterior with a soft interior that didn't need additional sauces. The fish was good and also fried well. Our server was great and quick to help.
How to reach The Shrimp Lover
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Why The Shrimp Lover may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Shrimp Lover with your friends?
Gathering with friends and family is all about sharing memorable experiences, and The Shrimp Lover offers just the right environment and cuisine to make any meetup special. This seafood-focused restaurant, with a solid 4.4-star rating derived from over 650 reviews, is celebrated for its flavorful, authentic Cajun-style shrimp and seafood boils that encourage communal eating and enjoying a lively atmosphere together. When you rally your group here, you’re signing up for an interactive dining adventure—messy, saucy, and wildly delicious—that naturally fosters laughter, conversation, and bonding. The setting radiates a casual and welcoming vibe where everyone feels relaxed enough to dig into generous servings of fresh seafood piled high in steaming bags filled with bold, spicy flavors. Whether it’s a casual catch-up or a celebratory night out, The Shrimp Lover’s affordable pricing paired with generous portions ensures that everyone gets to indulge without breaking the bank. Plus, the attentive, friendly service makes you feel right at home, helping keep the good times rolling and the drinks and water flowing to balance out the spices. If you want a venue where the focus is on shared enjoyment of fantastic food and lively company, The Shrimp Lover is hard to beat.
What activities and experiences make The Shrimp Lover ideal for group meetups?
The Shrimp Lover thrives on the social element of dining, making it perfect for groups eager to enjoy seafood together. The primary activity here is the indulgence in their famous seafood boils, which come in customizable “bags” filled with shrimp, crawfish, mussels, potatoes, corn on the cob, and sausage, all drenched in a choice of spicy, garlic, or lemon pepper sauces. This style of dining invites guests to roll up their sleeves and reach into communal bags, creating a fun, hands-on experience that’s messy—in the best way imaginable—and deeply satisfying. Beyond just eating, this encourages shared participation and sparks camaraderie, ideal for a group looking to connect over a feast rather than a formal, sit-down meal. You can pair these dishes with buckets of cold beer or refreshing drinks, further enhancing the relaxed, festive vibe. The restaurant also often has a lively atmosphere with music and cheerful staff, ensuring the energy stays high throughout the gathering. For those who enjoy a bit of spice in their food, The Shrimp Lover offers varying spice levels, letting each guest tailor their experience to their taste, which is perfect when you have a diverse group. The shared focus on food and flavor helps break the ice and keeps conversations flowing, making it easier to enjoy quality time with friends or family.
Why is the food at The Shrimp Lover a crowd-pleaser for groups?
At the heart of The Shrimp Lover’s appeal is its food, especially the shrimp and seafood concoctions that are consistently praised for being fresh, well-seasoned, and generously portioned. Whether you order the spicy Cajun shrimp, garlic buttered mussels, or fried oysters, every dish promises bold flavors that excite the palate and reflect expert preparation. Reviewers often note that the shrimp are cooked perfectly—juicy and tender—but come with a punch from the hot sauces that add a kick without overpowering the seafood’s natural sweetness. The inclusion of sides like potatoes, sweet corn, and sausage enriches the meal, providing a variety of textures and tastes in each communal bag. This variety works well for groups since there’s something for everyone, and sharing plates means everyone gets to sample across the menu. Those who love heat can test their limits with fiery spice options, while others can enjoy milder, buttery garlic flavors. Pricing is consistently described as reasonable, making it a great choice for groups who want a delicious, filling meal without worrying about exorbitant bills. Overall, the food is designed to be devoured together, creating a festive, shared experience that’s both satisfying and social.
What about the atmosphere and space makes The Shrimp Lover perfect for group gatherings?
The environment at The Shrimp Lover complements its food and social dining perfectly. The atmosphere is casual and lively, inviting guests to kick back, get a little messy, and enjoy themselves without any formal pretensions. The restaurant’s décor leans into a coastal, nautical theme with touches of Cajun charm, creating a warm ambiance that feels festive but comfortable. Seating arrangements accommodate small and larger groups, often with tables that make it easy to interact and share food directly. This openness enhances the convivial feel, encouraging everyone at the table to get involved, talk, and laugh. Staff members are frequently mentioned for their friendliness and attentiveness, often quick to top off drinks or bring extra napkins to help with the inevitable messiness of a seafood boil. While The Shrimp Lover isn’t a high-end establishment, its focus on genuine, fun dining and good customer service means groups can relax and enjoy the afternoon or evening without fuss. For hosting birthdays, casual reunions, or weekend get-togethers, this welcoming setting makes it easy to linger over food and conversation.
How accessible and convenient is The Shrimp Lover for hosting your group meeting?
Convenience is a key factor when choosing a spot for meetups, and The Shrimp Lover scores well on this count. Located in popular areas like Los Angeles and Redondo Beach, it is easily reachable by car or public transit. The availability of parking, while limited in some locations, is usually manageable, and the restaurant’s hours are friendly to both lunch and dinner gatherings, opening from late morning to around 10 PM. Booking ahead or arriving early, especially on weekends, is a smart move, as the place can get crowded due to its popularity. The menu’s streamlined focus on seafood boils means ordering is straightforward, helping groups get their orders in quickly and start enjoying their meal without long waits. Moreover, the option to customize spice levels and add sides means everyone can tailor their plates to their preferences easily. The combination of accessible location, flexible hours, and straightforward ordering makes The Shrimp Lover a hassle-free choice for groups looking to organize a meetup without the stress of complicated logistics.
What makes The Shrimp Lover stand out compared to other seafood places for a group outing?
While many seafood restaurants offer great dishes, The Shrimp Lover stands out for its unique blend of flavor, portion size, and the communal dining experience. Unlike more formal seafood restaurants, this place prioritizes hands-on, casual eating with its signature shrimp boils served in bags that encourage sharing and a bit of mess. The quality and freshness of the seafood paired with authentic Cajun-inspired seasoning create a bold taste profile that many customers compare favorably to other local favorites like Boiling Crab. The atmosphere is consistently described as lively and fun, which when combined with the affordable prices, makes it an excellent value for groups wanting to enjoy a carefree yet delicious meal. The attentive staff often go the extra mile to ensure diners are comfortable, especially when it comes to managing spicy food with complimentary water and friendly service. This combination of factors creates a unique setting ideal for group bonding through food and fun, something not every seafood place can replicate.
What additional features or nearby attractions can enhance your visit to The Shrimp Lover?
If your meetup at The Shrimp Lover is part of a bigger day out, several nearby attractions and options can complement your visit perfectly. For example, in the Redondo Beach location, you can explore the scenic Redondo Beach Pier just minutes away, offering opportunities for walking, shopping, and enjoying ocean views. After your meal, groups can head to nearby parks such as Czuleger Park or enjoy activities like kayaking or paddleboarding in the area if the weather is good. For those who come from Los Angeles locations, vibrant neighborhoods and entertainment options abound, making it easy to combine your dining experience with live shows, shopping, or a stroll through local attractions. This versatility means The Shrimp Lover is not just a spot for eating but a great hub for a full day of fun, which is ideal for groups who want to make the most out of their meetup beyond the restaurant. It’s a place that fits easily into various plans, whether casual or slightly more active, enhancing the overall experience for friends or families coming together to celebrate or catch up.
In summary, The Shrimp Lover’s combination of mouthwatering seafood boils, hands-on shared dining style, lively atmosphere, and convenient locations make it a stellar choice for gathering with friends or family. Its ability to blend great food with a social experience ensures that every group meetup becomes an occasion to remember.