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Star Crab

5383 W Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90045
$$$
Cajun/Creole, Seafood, Seafood

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Master Critic Review

Star Crab 8.3
Westchester
Casual Cajun-style seafood boil spot where bags of shrimp, crab, and mussels arrive drenched in garlic butter or house Cajun spice. Locals like it for generous portions, friendly staff, and an unfussy strip-mall setting near Westchester and LAX.
Must-Try Dishes: Cajun shrimp and crab boil, Garlic butter peeled shrimp, Gumbo soup in a bread bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.1 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 6.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Cajun-style seafood boils with customizable spice and sauces near LAX.
Who should go: Seafood lovers craving messy, shareable Cajun boils.
When to visit: Weeknights for shorter waits and relaxed pacing.
What to order: Cajun shrimp boil, king crab legs, garlic fries.
Insider tip: Ask for half-and-half sauces in your boil for extra depth.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Located in a strip mall with a shared lot — usually easy to find a space, even during dinner hours.
Dress code: Super casual. Expect bibs, gloves, and a messy boil; jeans, tees, and comfy wear are totally normal.
Noise level: Moderate — lively chatter from groups and families, but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak hours, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Rarely a wait; you can typically walk right in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few sides like garlic fries, corn, and potatoes.
Vegan options: Very limited — boils are butter-heavy, and sauces aren’t designed vegan.
Gluten-free options: Manageable — seafood boils without breading are naturally gluten-free, but confirm sauces to be safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both cool with getting messy — boils require gloves, cracking shells, and garlic butter everywhere. Fun and casual, but not for polished first impressions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. They operate mostly on walk-ins, and you’ll usually find a table quickly except during peak weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families come often. High chairs are typically available, portions are shareable, and the vibe is relaxed enough for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Messy, flavorful Cajun-style boils with generous portions at a budget-friendly price point near LAX.
Skip if: You want fine dining, a quiet atmosphere, or seafood that isn’t drenched in sauce and butter.