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The Kickin' Crab
Master Critic Review
The Kickin' Crab
8.0
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
The Kickin’ Crab’s Bell Gardens outpost brings Cajun-style seafood boils—piles of shrimp, crab, and mussels in plastic bags of garlicky, spicy sauce—to the Eastern Avenue strip. It’s messy, social, and loud in the best way, with tables covered in butcher paper and groups sharing seafood bags, corn, and potatoes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood bag with snow crab and shrimp, KC gumbo, Seafood scampi platter
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Hands-on Cajun seafood boils with customizable sauces and shareable bags.
Who should go: Groups that don’t mind getting messy over shrimp, crab, and beer.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends when the room is buzzing with groups.
What to order: Snow crab and shrimp seafood bag, KC gumbo, and seafood scampi.
Insider tip: Wear something you don’t mind splattering and share a combo bag to sample multiple shellfish in one order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface-lot parking along Eastern Avenue with steady turnover; fills up quickly on weekend evenings, but nearby street parking is usually available within a short walk.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; expect splatter-friendly clothes since most diners wear bibs and gloves for seafood boils.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours with energetic group chatter; conversation requires raised voices but is manageable for groups.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes depending on party size; larger groups may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait and easy table availability.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—mostly sides like corn, potatoes, and fries.
Vegan options: Extremely limited; core menu is seafood-forward with minimal vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Some seafood boils can be made without breaded items or thickened sauces; ask staff for sauce guidance and cross-contact considerations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date enjoys messy, hands-on eating; the energy is fun but not ideal for a polished or intimate first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most guests walk in. Arrive early on weekends to reduce wait times, especially with groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy seafood and don’t mind the mess; high chairs are available but the loud environment may be overwhelming for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Lively, shareable seafood boils with customizable spice levels and sauces—perfect for groups wanting an interactive meal.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, refined seafood plating, or strong vegetarian/vegan options.