Get messy with the best! Bold seafood boils in a fun, casual LA spot.
The Boiling Crab is a vibrant seafood restaurant in Los Angeles, famous for its flavorful, hands-on seafood boils served in a lively, no-judgment atmosphere. We specialize in fresh lobster, shrimp, crab, mussels, and clams, all tossed in signature sauces like 'The Whole Sha-Bang'—a spicy, garlicky, buttery delight. With bibs and gloves provided, it's perfect for groups and seafood lovers seeking a memorable, messy feast. Expect fresh ingredients, friendly service, and a casual vibe, though be prepared for wait times due to our popularity!
Fresh lobster, shrimp, crab, mussels, and clams cooked to order with customizable sauces and spice levels.
Includes fried shrimp baskets, Cajun fries, steamed rice, and soups to complement your meal.
Ideal for parties and gatherings with a fun, casual atmosphere and shared seafood platters.
Validated parking available in the underground structure, reducing costs for diners.
Tailor your seafood boil with options for heat tolerance and sauce preferences.
Food: If seafood is what you're craving, then this is the spot for you. It's so scrumptious. 😋 A great addition to the menu is the chicken strips, for those who don't wish to have seafood. The staff is always amazing and very attentive. I love that they provide you with bibs and gloves as an option. As far as the atmosphere goes, it's a super chill vibe. It feels like everyone is just in their own little bubble (table), with no judgment on how people are eating, because things can get messy. 😆
Everything we shared in our group — snow and Dungeness crab, shrimp, lobster, and veg — were delish. The vibe was amazing, everyone around us was having a great time. And the service team was the absolute friendliest, helpful, and overall great set of people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting! Honestly! You can’t miss with choosing this spot.
I visited on Friday evening and waited about an hour to get a table. It was my first time here, and I was pretty excited to try it. Honestly, the food didn’t fully meet my expectations, but the ingredients were fresh. Overall, it was a decent experience I’d say it’s worth visiting once to see what it’s like.
This food was really good! The sauce was amazing! I ordered the snow crab boil and fried shrimp basket was an appetizer… delicious! The food came out fast although, the wait was like an hour -service was good. I spend around $78
We visited The Boiling Crab in Los Angeles in 2025, and while there are a few things you should know before you go, this place is absolutely worth it if you love bold, flavorful seafood and don’t mind a bit of a wait. Parking Let’s start with parking—because in LA, that’s always half the battle. The good news? There’s plenty of parking in the underground structure, and Boiling Crab validates your ticket for up to $15. So even though the garage might say $20, you’ll only end up paying $5 out of pocket if you dine in and get it validated. That’s a solid perk and makes the trip much more stress-free. The Wait Now, here's the downside: the wait time. Expect to wait anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to be seated. That’s right—even on weekdays or slower times, this place draws a big crowd. And honestly, it makes sense—the food and experience are just that good. That said, come prepared: Get on the waitlist early if possible (call ahead or check if Yelp Waitlist is available). Bring your appetite and patience—you’ll need both. During the wait, the area offers a couple of great spots to explore: 85°C Bakery Café is right next door—perfect if you want a little pastry or iced coffee while you wait. HoneyMee, a Korean-style ice cream shop next to the bakery, is also a fun stop. Their desserts are top-notch and great for killing time. The Food Once you're seated, it’s game time. The seafood is phenomenal. We ordered: Lobster, shrimp, mussels, and clams – All cooked to perfection. Their signature seasoning mix (“The Whole Sha-Bang”) – Bursting with flavor, spicy, garlicky, buttery goodness. Steamed rice and Cajun fries – Great side pairings to balance out the rich seafood. Appetizers and soups – Also flavorful and generously portioned. Whether you're a fan of spice or prefer something mild, you can customize your order to your heat tolerance, which is a nice touch. The seafood is fresh, the sauces are bold, and you’ll want to lick your fingers when it’s all over—and that's encouraged here, given they give you gloves and bibs for the full messy experience. Service & Atmosphere The staff is friendly, fast, and attentive. Whether you need more water, extra gloves, utensils, or anything else, they’re quick and polite, even during the rush. The atmosphere is casual, loud, and fun—perfect for groups, friends, or even family outings if you don't mind a bit of a mess. Final Thoughts Pros: Incredible seafood Excellent service Fair parking situation with validation Casual, fun vibe Great nearby snack options during the wait Cons: Long wait times (plan ahead) Not much else to do nearby if you don’t want sweets If you’re looking for a top-tier seafood boil experience in LA, The Boiling Crab delivers big time. Just don’t come starving and expecting to walk right in—this is a place worth waiting for. Highly recommended! Just be strategic with your arrival time, and maybe grab a sweet treat while you wait.
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