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Crab King Cajun Boil and Bar - Chicago
Master Critic Review
Crab King Cajun Boil and Bar - Chicago
7.9
Crab King Cajun Boil and Bar is a Lakeview seafood boil house where guests mix-and-match crab legs, shrimp, mussels, and crawfish with garlic-heavy sauces and spice levels. It’s more laid-back than polished, but generous portions, beignets, and late-night hours make it a handy neighborhood choice when a seafood bag and margaritas sound right.
Must-Try Dishes:
Build-your-own seafood boil with shrimp, crab and mussels, Garlic butter noodles, Beignets
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Casual Cajun seafood boils with customize-your-bag combos and sweet finishers like beignets.
Who should go: Seafood boil fans prioritizing quantity and sauces over polish.
When to visit: Evenings and late nights, especially weekends for busiest vibe.
What to order: Shrimp and crab boil, garlic butter noodles, beignets.
Insider tip: Share one large boil with extra add-ins and split sides to tame the check.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Broadway and nearby side streets; can be competitive after 6pm and on weekends. No valet, but there are small paid garages within a few blocks.
Dress code: Casual and mess-friendly — jeans and sneakers are common, and bibs / gloves are provided for boils.
Noise level: Lively and sometimes loud during peak hours — conversation is fine for groups but not ideal for quiet chats.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins during peak hours; shorter waits earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a brief one, depending on game days and nearby events.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — mostly sides like corn, fries, or garlic noodles.
Vegan options: Minimal options — not a strong fit for vegan diners beyond basic sides.
Gluten-free options: Some seafood boils may be gluten-free by ingredient, but sauces and fryers can have cross-contact — confirm with staff before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both up for a casual, messy, and playful meal — cracking shells and garlic-heavy sauces make it fun but not romantic or polished.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common. Arrive earlier on weekends to avoid longer waits, or plan for a short queue during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like seafood and group dining; high chairs and simple sides help, but the noise and spice levels may be less ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Large, shareable seafood boils, customizable sauces and spice levels, generous portions, and late-night group outings.
Skip if: You want refined seafood, a quiet date-night atmosphere, lighter cooking, or have shellfish allergies or strong spice sensitivities.