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    The Boiling Crab

    4.2 (96 reviews)
    Closed 3:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 3 weeks ago

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    The Boiling Crab Photos

    THE BOILING CRAB ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Classy

    Recommended Reviews - The Boiling Crab

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    Katie D.

    This restaurant definitely lives up to the hype! The portions are generous for the price, making it a great value. If building your own boil feels overwhelming, the preset combos are a great option--we usually go with those. The "Get Messy" combo offers better value since it includes two different proteins, while the "Get Dirty" combo comes with only shrimp. The lemon pepper seasoning is outstanding and easily our favorite. We also tried the garlic butter flavor, which was good but didn't stand out as much. A nice bonus is being able to customize the spice level to your preference. You can also elect to have an "easy peel" by requesting the heads off for the shrimp which is an additional charge. We've visited several times on weekend evenings and have always found open tables, with fast and efficient service.

    Menu
    Maria G.

    So happy to see the Boiling Crab in the east coast! I still remember going to its CA location a decade ago, and waited in line for hours for the first time to try the food. It was so good that I went back the next day, again waited for an hour, to try the food again. It's messy, so be prepared. It's also super delicious. I always bring my own disposable gloves, just so it's easy to eat and then maybe take a break and then put on new gloves to continue eating. The menu is simple, so it's easy to decide what you want. Highly recommend this place.

    Gloria L.

    I've had a lot of seafood boil before and I have to say this place is great! Plus, the medium actually has kick to it, which I loved. And they have hard boiled eggs as an option to add on, I've always wanted to try seafood boil with eggs after watching a mukbang. Not only was the food delicious, but the staff was attentive and nice. The decor was cute and seatowny, would come back

    Garlic butter
    Christy W.

    We had lobsters all around -- so delicious! The Cajun fries were really good, and everything came loaded with garlic butter. Tasty cocktails too -- a great meal all around!

    Akshita P.

    Loved the flavors of the sha-bang shrimp! it paired perfectly with the side of white rice. Also would recommend the cajun fries, well seasoned and crispy. Inside is very spacious and can seat large groups.

    Taste of TBC Combo Deal with added sausages
    Loren M.

    As a college student in Boston craving seafood boil, The Boiling Crab in Cambridge is a great choice! I got the "Taste of TBC" combo deal, where I got a large bag of shrimp, corn and mussels with delicious fries on the side. The service was adequate and they were very helpful breaking down the prices for their seafood offerings. I do wish they checked in a bit more as I often had to call them to request for water refills. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very nautical and whimsy, which was nice. I can see lots of people from different backgrounds (college students, families, elders) enjoying eating here.

    Sweet Black Tea
    Nat B.

    Sometimes I crave fried seafood but don't feel like going to a fancy dine-in establishment for that. Thankfully, there's Boiling Crab, and it hit the spot! I got the fried soft-shell crab basket with Cajun fries, and it was absolutely delicious; perfectly portioned and affordable, too. Shoutout to Maisa, who was an incredible server! She was so kind, accommodating, and super knowledgeable about the menu. She needs a raise! I'll definitely be coming back and hope to have her as my server again.

    Alyssa C.

    love a good seafood boil place and this did not disappoint. the snow crab and shrimp were fresh and delicious and I would stick to these! the fresh crawfish was alright. the whole sha-bang sauce was a great choice that combines all of the sauces. mild had a decent kick while still being very flavorful. crabber fries with lemon and pepper were excellent. I just wish they had garlic noodles as a side too

    Shrimp, crawfish, crab leg , sausage, potato, egg
    Kelly F.

    Service was good. Food was good. SO MUCH GARLIC. I think I would go again but was tough on the stomach. There's no other place like this in the city. Would recommend !

    Monica A.

    So good! This might be a bit of a hot take, but my favorite item here is actually the hard-boiled eggs in the Whole Sha-Bang seasoning -- I'd be happy with just those. They've got all the classics: crab, shrimp, mussels, clams. If you're getting shrimp, go with the headless option -- it's a better deal. The staff was great and really accommodating. We had mussels that didn't have much meat, and they quickly replaced them with clams and made sure we were taken care of. It's a fun, hands-on experience with just the right amount of spice. Definitely on the oily side, so not an everyday meal, but perfect when you're craving a seafood boil. This location is solid and homey -- hoping they add scallops to the menu soon.

    Munah H.

    We dined at Boiling Crab a few times and every time is great! The atmosphere is so lively and welcoming. This time Val was our server and she was very friendly! We ordered the TBC Combo which comes with 1 lb. of Boiled Shrimp, 1/2 lb. of Mussels, 2 Corns and Crabber Fries. Every was cooked fresh and tasted amazing. 5/5! We will be back!

    Menu front
    Jonathan A.

    It's unfortunate that the prices here are so steep, especially considering it's not a Black-owned crab boil or a spot that incorporates Cajun culture. The drinks were disappointing--do not recommend the hibiscus mule. It was awful, and they still charged me for it, even after I had to remind them to remove it from the bill. Meal 1 - Oysters: They didn't have the fresh, briny taste you'd expect. They were fine, but nothing special. Meal 2 - Calamari: The calamari was tough, and there wasn't much of it. The seasoning was lacking, but it was okay overall. The boil itself was tasty, but I still think it was overpriced. This feels like a one-time visit kind of place. The prices weren't clear, and there were too many stipulations on portion sizes--like only being able to order shrimp in half-pound increments, which didn't make much sense. Other places give more accurate pricing. If you're craving NOLA and a good boil, you'd probably be better off booking a flight. It would be much more satisfying.

    Side ("extra") Gumbo w/ extra sausage
    Mark T.

    I have to be honest with you all - when my friends decided this would be the spot to celebrate two birthdays in one, I was a little skeptical. Don't get me wrong, I generally enjoy seafood, but not cooked shellfish. Especially when I have to get my hands dirty and deal with shells and cartilage... just not a fan. Yet: 1. This celebration wasn't about me. 2. Life occurs outside the comfort zone. 3. I did see some items on the menu I would've found agreeable. All this in mind, The Boiling Crab ended up being an overall fantastic experience! I ordered She-Bang Bang Scallops Medium Hot, and a side ("Extra") of Gumbo with Extra Sausage. The scallops were fantastic! They were fried ever so gently to have a gentle crispness and supremely tender interior. They were also not overly fishy - too many places seemingly use the same oil for everything, and if that's the case here, I couldn't tell. The sauce, though, is what took them to the next level. It was phenomenally savory, not overly salty, and had a proper heat! To be fair, while I ordered them "medium" and they were more "hot," it was agreeable to my heat loving self regardless of nomenclature. Rice was a nice touch too to help sop up any excess liquid fire-gold. Since the scallops weren't all that filling on their own, the gumbo hit the right spot in rounding out the meal. While maybe not quite as good as what I had in NOLA proper, it was respectable in its own right. Savory, hearty, appropriate salt level, and well balanced (esp with extra sausage). But wait, there's more! There are two more areas where The Boiling Crab shines! One is service: Our server, Angie, and the overall team were fantastic. She was knowledgeable, and perfectly attentive for our group. Food came out very fast, too. Bonus points because we were a group of eight! Second is value: There is no denying seafood is expensive on its own, and even more so when dining out. Considering the quality, I would say the value at TBC was excellent! Thus, despite my initial hesitations, TBC left a glimmering first impression, and I look forward to returning, and maybe even bringing family to share in the awesome!

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    4 months ago

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    1 month ago

    Each time I've come to Cambridge over the last 3 years I always make a stop. Everything is always delicious and fast.

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    6 months ago

    Unique place. You eat your food with your hands from a plastic bag. Not sure I will go back....

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    5 months ago

    Best seafood broil in Boston for sureeee I recommend the snow crab with lemon pepper. So fresh. So yum.

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    We're so glad you stopped in for a bite! Thank you for the 5 stars.

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    11 months ago

    Fantastic food and drinks with top-notch flavors, complemented by exceptional service from Lorena and Fernando!

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - The Boiling Crab

    What is parking like?

    There's no on site parking but there are a good amount of metered parking spots around Harvard Square. The area can become pretty busy on the weekends but we've always managed to find street parking.

    Can we place order online?

    No.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Alive & Kicking Lobsters

    Alive & Kicking Lobsters

    4.4
    (1k reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    ok who doesn't love a fantastic divey place and it IS, I'll start with the food, I got the lobster…read moreSANDWICH not roll... what a dedcant and YUMMY treat it was. I also got crab cakes to go ( they were nice and frozen for flight) if you're anywhere near this location it's a must do I did ask if they had frozen lobster to go she said not this week so I assume that just comes and goes. very friendly staff and nice picnic tables to eat on outside if you want to stay there. there is no indoor seating per se there's some tables in a tent structure and they do have a porta potty on site I was able to walk over there so it's just a nice place to sit and eat and enjoy.

    Probably my favorite "seafood meal" from this trip! For about $50 and some change, you get 2…read morelobsters, steamed mussels (or clams) and 2 pieces of corn... GREAT deal in my opinion. The lobsters and mussels were steamed to perfection, and I enjoyed them very much. The lady at the cash register was very sweet and patient, and did let us know it would take a while as the seafood were steamed fresh. It came in about 10-15 mins, so it wasn't that bad. I could imagine the wait being longer if it was crowded. The only thing I wished was a little better was the seating/dining areas. The outdoor was nice with the picnic benches but it was way too hot to be outside. The indoor section looked like a middle school cafeteria shack...which was whatever. Overall, food and service were great, ambiance could be a little better! Appreciate the sink to wash your hands after eating. Oh also, a pair of shell crakcers would be nice...had to use my hands to crack the pre-cracked shells but they were a little challenging.

    Photos
    Indoor seating
    Indoor seating
    Lobster Salad Sandwich
    Lobster Salad Sandwich
    Lobster sandwich

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    Lobster sandwich
    Boston Sail Loft

    Boston Sail Loft

    4.4
    (2.1k reviews)
    3.7 mi
    $$

    This was just a great overall experience. The food is solid, the vibe is excellent, the service is…read morepretty good, location is nice on the water and it is exactly what one looks for in their visit to Boston. Here is a breakdown: Clam chowder 5/5 - well flavored and well balanced, I prefer a little thinner but there is nothing to complain about here Fish and chips 3/5 - this was ok, I liked the bite size pieces for sharing but didn't love the breading Lobster mac and cheese 5/5 - loved the big chunks of lobster so you could really taste it vs small pieces that blend in Calamari - 5/5 - lightly breaded and perfectly fried, the cocktail sauce is excellent, the tartar sauce used sweet pickles which weren't my fave but still good

    Tourist trap. Best clam chowder? I beg to differ, had way…read morebetter at the Chelsea Market fish market. Our plan was to sit outside at a table on their SIDEWALK area with my 10lb dog in her stroller, but the hostess said, with an attitude, no dogs allowed in the patio area. Patio area? You mean the sidewalk? Isn't the sidewalk a public area? We were confused. We tried to clarify because maybe he was confused? But no, he said no again. My mom was hungry so we opted to get a bowl of chowder to go and we put our name down at the restaurant next door who was UBER dog friendly and even gave my girl a dog bone when we checked in, and lots of pets. Anyways the clam chowder should be renamed to dill chowder because dang, why so much! And hardly any clam, mostly potatoes. Not a fan of the policy or the chowder, would not recommend

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    Inside
    Inside
    Clam Chowder
    Clam Chowder
    Lobster Mac and Cheese

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    Lobster Mac and Cheese
    Neptune Oyster

    Neptune Oyster

    4.2
    (6.8k reviews)
    3.4 mi
    $$$

    A Boston must-try, Neptune's is a tiny restaurant (like, 20-25 people max seating) that will very…read morelikely have a line when you arrive. Unless you wanna wait an hour or so, it's best to arrive 30min before they open to beat the rush. It's incredibly cramped and rushed inside, and you may need to share a table with others if you're a smaller party. Food is quite pricey but well worth it. We ordered the oysters (they've got a variety so you can choose), clam chowder, lobster roll, cioppino, and johnnycake. Oysters were fine, but the clam chowder was absolutely dismal. Not sure what happened, especially since it's so highly rated, but it was extremely watery and almost completely unseasoned. It could've definitely used salt at the very least. If I didn't know it was from Neptune, I'd have given it a 2/10. To my relief, the lobster roll was the total opposite. Succulent, juicy, heavenly. It was like being in Maine. The cioppino was also very good. The Johnnycake was an interesting but fun way to end the meal. It's a sweet pancake-like cornmeal covered in a syrupy glaze and topped with smoked bluefish paste, crème fraiche and caviar. I've never had anything like it. Nothing was super overpriced, but I personally prefer next door (Paulini's), which is much cheaper and while it isn't as good, it also doesn't require waiting in an hour in line. However, I think Neptune's is definitely worth a try as long as you're willing to wait in line.

    Neptune Oyster is one of Boston's most well-known seafood restaurants and a staple in the North…read moreEnd. We walked into a small, cozy dining room with a marble bar and a bustling atmosphere that creates the feeling of a classic neighborhood oyster bar, the kind of place where the energy of the room is as much a part of the experience as the food itself. Despite its popularity, the restaurant has built a reputation for serving some of the city's best oysters and lobster rolls, and the intimate setting adds to the sense of occasion. The seafood is the main reason to visit. The raw oyster selection changes regularly and includes a wide variety of East and West Coast oysters, with a menu that describes the flavor profile of each one to make choosing easier. We ordered a mix and found each oyster fresh and clean, with distinct brininess and texture that reflected the descriptions. The hot buttered lobster roll is the restaurant's signature dish, served overflowing with chunks of fresh lobster tossed in warm butter inside a toasted roll, and the richness of the butter paired perfectly with the sweetness of the meat. The traditional cold lobster roll with mayonnaise is equally popular if you prefer something lighter, and the clam chowder is another standout, with a creamy base and generous chunks of clam that made it one of the better versions we have had. The Johnnycake topped with oysters and smoked sturgeon is one of the restaurant's most unique dishes, combining textures and flavors in a way that felt distinct from the more classic options. Everything feels carefully prepared, with an emphasis on high-quality seafood rather than overly complicated flavors. The menu also includes fresh fish, shellfish, and daily specials, making it worth exploring beyond the restaurant's most famous items. Portions are generous, especially when it comes to the lobster dishes, though the prices reflect both the quality of the ingredients and the restaurant's popularity. The biggest thing to plan around is the wait. Neptune Oyster does not take reservations, and lines often begin forming well before opening. The restaurant is also quite small, so seating is limited and tables are close together. Visiting early in the day or dining as a smaller party can sometimes reduce the wait, but it is still worth expecting some time in line before being seated. Neptune Oyster remains one of Boston's essential seafood destinations. The fresh oysters, exceptional lobster roll, and intimate oyster bar atmosphere make it a memorable experience, even if getting a table requires some patience. If you are looking for classic New England seafood and do not mind waiting, it is easy to see why this restaurant has become one of the city's most iconic dining spots.

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    One of the few lines worth standing in + oysters of the day
    One of the few lines worth standing in + oysters of the day
    Wednesday - Fish & chips
    Wednesday - Fish & chips
    Woodbury Littleneck Clams

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    Woodbury Littleneck Clams
    Celeste

    Celeste

    4.3
    (307 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    Celeste has been on my to-go list for forever and I'm so glad I finally visited! We made a…read morereservation for Friday evening and it was pretty busy, as every table was claimed. It's a small space with some street parking out front and even though it's small, it doesn't feel too cramped. The two of us ordered: - Shrimp and Mango Ceviche - Seared Scallops with Squid Ink Fettucine - Peruvian Style Shrimp Scampi with Rice - Peruvian Style Tuna Sashimi My favorites were definitely the squid ink fettucine with aji cream sauce and the shrimp and mango ceviche. After such flavorful small plates, the shrimp scampi was a bit forgettable. We also got drinks and the dulce de leche custard, which came with a little raspberry and blackberry. Service was efficient and friendly, and the food came out relatively quickly. Celeste is on the pricier side, but it's worth it for such a delicious and unique meal.

    I've been wanting to try Celeste for years and I finally got to try it over the weekend. Celeste is…read moretiny - there's only a handful of tables and they have an open kitchen. The service was great and the staff was really attentive. The food was pretty good as well - my favorite thing was the mix seafood ceviche. The seafood was really fresh and the flavors wee well balanced. Some of the foods were a little too rich for me - I was only able to take one or two bites of it before I started feeling really full. Overall, I would come back one day!

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    Ceviche vegetariano
    Ceviche vegetariano
    Celeste
    Celeste

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    The Hollows

    The Hollows

    4.8
    (13 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    I stopped into The Hollows at Teele Square and had a very good experience. This is a neighborhood…read morespot with a creative, eclectic menu that stands out from the usual options in the area. I had the American chop suey with bone marrow, which was a unique take and well executed. Not something you see often, and it worked. I also had the chocolate mousse for dessert, which was very good. I had a couple of IPAs with the meal, and the beer selection held up. Service was good throughout. Friendly, attentive, and well paced. The space has a good vibe with great music playing, which added to the experience. The bar which I sat at itself is large, but it does feel a little cramped. It could probably use a few fewer stools to open things up a bit. Overall, this is a solid and interesting spot in Teele Square. Good food, good drinks, and a place I would come back to.

    I had been really excited to try to Hollows - at the same time, I was hiring a babysitter for a…read moredate night and didn't want to squander a rare night out. I'm happy to say the Hollows is fantastic and we can't wait to return. I was initially intrigued by the menu - for example, Caesar Cucumbers, Frisee Salad, Tripe, Octopus, Deviled Eggs, Chips and Queso, the Tagliatelle with Artichoke and Jalapeno - it was refreshing to see some unique dishes. The host and waitstaff are very hip - and also incredibly friendly! It was nice to feel like I was in a "cool" restaurant, but everyone was really kind. I love the space - an absolutely gorgeous and cozy indoor fireplace; we saw several solo diners seated at the fireplace with books and I'm tempted to return for a solo evening and sit by the fireplace myself. The bar area is great and very conducive to socializing. We sat in the main dining room, but I did notice they have a room off to the side; I'll file that away if I'm looking for a special occasion with a somewhat larger party. We ordered the Duxbury oysters (incredibly fresh and briny), deviled eggs (perfect paprika smokiness), chop suey, and phenomenal mussels steamed in green curry and mango (delicious and a nice kick of heat). I personally loved their $9 crisp prosecco on tap! We can't wait to return and try other items on the menu. I love that they source items locally - phenomenal gelato from Dragon Pizza and tea from MEM Tea in Davis Square. The owners stopped by various tables to check-in with customers and I believe I saw the chef out and about as well. It was honestly so refreshing to go out to a local restaurant with excellent vibes but also feel like the owners and staff are just genuinely really nice and aiming for customers to have a nice evening. I also think this is a great spot if you're looking for some solo dining, starting up conversations at the bar, or just date night or a family dinner. Highly recommend and we can't wait to return!

    Photos
    Stocked bar
    Stocked bar
    Delicious bread with sweet butter. We've ordered it all three times we've gone.
    Delicious bread with sweet butter. We've ordered it all three times we've gone.
    Very cool, intimate interior.

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    Very cool, intimate interior.
    Russell House Tavern

    Russell House Tavern

    3.8
    (2.3k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    I went to this place because the restaurant manager helped my mom when she was stuck in the…read moreelevator going to the 2nd floor. They managed to get her out and gave her information to call CVS headquarters to complain about the elevator. I went back to the restaurant to thank them for helping her. So I went to eat at their restaurant, and I have no regrets about it. I had their Russel burger with fries. Their fries were a little Burnt, but were still delicious. I also asked for a side of tartar sauce, and it was good. My mom had their fish and chips, and she said it was amazing. She didn't leave more food to take home; it was that good. I had to take mine home because I was full. The ambiance was lively and full of energy. Maybe because the World Cup was in town, but it was amazing. In the end, I love this place, and i will be coming back again. I love this place, and I want to thank the manager for helping my mom. You guys are amazing.

    My husband and I spent some time walking around Harvard while in town recently, and stopped here…read morefor a late lunch! First, we shared some oysters (yum!) and mussels. The mussels were delicious and were served with fries and an aioli, which was such a unique preparation in my experience! They were delicious. Then, for lunch, I opted for the fish and chips. Be warned, the portions are huge! The fish was delicious and the tartar sauce seemed made in house and fresh. Overall, it was a good lunch and I'm glad we stopped at this fun spot!

    Photos
    Some of the bar tables
    Some of the bar tables
    Russell House Tavern
    Russell House Tavern

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    The Boiling Crab - seafood - Updated July 2026

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