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San Jose, CA

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The Boiling Crab

3.8 (2.8k reviews)
Closed • 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM
Updated 2 months ago

Order The Boiling Crab Takeout or Delivery

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THE BOILING CRAB ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for kids
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - The Boiling Crab

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Gumbo with Rice (Cup)
Tim N.

I love this place because I can eat some good seafood boil and catch a game at the same time. The seafood boil was hot and fresh. It was very seasoned well. The corn and sausages are a must. I really love the fact that gumbo is available here. It's one of my favorite foods!!! I'd recommend getting refills on drinks often if you accidentally or unintentionally get any of the food items spicy. Service was nice and friendly too especially since it was busy. I totally understand.

Becca H.

So good! But be prepared to wait. We got there around 4:15pmish on a Saturday and still had to wait 1 hr 30 min. It was my first time at boiling crab and glad I went. The shrimp really was good, and sadly they were out of the blue crab. We got a Dungeness crab and it wasn't worth the cost. It is a fun atmosphere, but get there early!

Shrimp, Clams, fried calamari, fried oysters and catfish basket
Tiffany C.

Came in on a Friday evening with my family. First time here and It was a full house at 5pm. We waited a bit and order some shrimps, clams, fried catfish, fried oysters, and fried calamari. Disappointed in the fried calamari but everything else was really good. The seasoning. Is quite flavorful but salty. Family enjoyed the food.

Live crawfish were huge!
Amanda D.

One thing I can honestly say is that, boiling crab will always hit the spot! Never had a bad experience here. I am a crawfish lover! Preferably live, but frozen will do the job. Today they had live crawfish so I got 1 pound, whole shabang XXX with extra garlic. Omg.. they were huge today! The claws were so juicy and had lots of meat also. I wish the XXX spice level was more on the spicy side but I still love the flavor packed sauce. Clams were extremely big today! Whooaaaa! Soooo delicious! Miches are always a must! Ask them for a cup of ice to make it colder extra lemon squeezed in. Service was great, and the food came out fast! Love the vibes and music in there. Curtner location always on point! Thanks BC Crew!

Danster L.

I love The Boiling Crab. It is my favorite seafood boil spot and the staff is always nice and friendly. I really love ordering the shrimp with the shabang sauce, corn on the cob, some crawfish, some lemons, and a side of jasmine rice. All of that just hits the spot. This location is incredibly busy and the wait can be excruciating. I would recommend going right when they open or try to put your name on the Yelp waitlist to ease the wait. The downside is that, every time I have gone, this location never has fresh crawfish and some things are sometimes sold out, especially on the weekends. But oh wells, put the sauce on anything and I am sold lol. A little tip. If you want more sauce in your bag, just add some water and lemons into your bag before you eat and shake shake. It will also make the sauce less salty and you can easily spoon the sauce onto your rice or noodles. The restaurant is big and is on the louder side, but lots of tvs on the wall to enjoy sports and shows.

Menu
Elizabeth M.

Came for Lunch right when they open at 3pm and waited about 5-10min. Got a booth and went over the menu. They now serve Truly Margaritas, and I believe I saw some other new items in the menu. After reviewing the menu, I decided to order the bang bang scallops, xxx spicy and lemon pepper fries. I don't know why I always do this to myself and decided to order the spiciest item in the menu. I had to order some side rice to cool it down a bit. However, it was delicious! Service was great and had a great time at the boiling crab. will be coming back in the near future.

Fried scallops-Yummy!
Sheri P.

Absolutely the OG of Seafood Boils!! Jeannie was our server, what a sweetheart -Always attentive and friendly!! 3 in our party-Ordered the brand new friend Scallops/fries(Yummy and HOT-better than chinese buffets!), 2lbs shrimp, 1lb clams, sausages, 3 corn on cobs, potatoes, SnowCrab Legs, gumbo, and 3 cups of rice!! Honestly, could have done with crab, sausages, and potatoes. Crab didn't get enough flavor of the whole Shabang Mild. Sausages-ehhh, and potatoes were whole potatoes. We would have rather spend $ on more clams etc. But definitely 5 STARS for Jeannie and crew helpfulness with water and atmosphere!!

A must!
AmErica A.

This location is our GO TO! Consistency in quality of food and service has been A+ for us since they opened! We have been coming here since! We love this place because of the feel and the ambiance. We brought our kids here and now we bring the grandkid!

Garlic noodles
Everett L.

Came for some seafood boil. The flavor was pretty goods the sauce was kind of spicy but watery. Service was great! Gave napkins and gloves. Lots of parking there. We got the volcano heat and it was decent

Snow crab legs
Bianca R.

This place always seems busy which makes me think that their seafood is somewhat fresher. My family is a fan of the shrimps while I love the crab. It seems like every time I have gone they are out of the blue crab, so I ordered the snow crab legs. This last time I went It was a lot of work for such little reward. Each leg had really little meat or it was all bunched up towards the end. So definitely a hit or miss with many nearly shallow legs. My family had no complaints about the shrimps, besides the medium spice level being a little too hot and the mild being like nothing. There should definitely be a half way option. Total for 5 people was $180. 4 pounds of shrimp, 1 pound of mussels, some corn, 1 pound of snow crab, 1 order of lemon pepper chicken tenders/fries and 3 orders of rice. Overall a fair price for the shrimps, not so much the crab legs. Note- they offer thin gloves if you don't want to get too messy. And prep your napkins ahead of time, they are packed in tight and you need to fight for them a little.

Shabang Bang Shrimp
Isaiah H.

This is some of the best seafood boil I've ever had. This is one of my favorites place to get a pound of shrimp with sausage and potato. If you don't have heat tolerance I would recommend getting mild but medium heat is my favorite. This is a great place to eat with friends and family. The service is fast. Also if you are on the wait list (it's worth waiting for) you can hit up Starbucks or walk around target

I went to The Boiling Crab on Curtner Ave a couple days ago. The service was good and the staff were friendly and fast. One of the girls who helped us was very nice and hardworking. She was petite, but I forgot her name. She was very friendly and made us feel welcome. We had a good experience and will come back again!

King Crab
Lorianne L.

Yeesh, my last update was in 2017? Doh! I have been back many, many times. What you need to know--the food is awesome! We've never had anything we didn't devour and lick our fingers. The mess is not only worth it, it is part of the fun. We always get shrimp. Lots and lots of shrimp. Let's see, on some more recent visits, we've tried and added to our favorites the crab fries. The crispy French fries are topped with crab and a creamy sauce (Kewpie?) which really helps to tame the fire that is spicy wholeshabang! The softshell crab, King crab, clams, and Dungeness (when it's in season) were all enjoyed by all. The wait is always crazy long. Even if you try and time it to arrive after the first seating, other people have the same idea. What tends to work for us is arriving 15-30 minutes before they open. That timing gets us in the first mad dash to fill up the restaurant.

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Reviews are mixed. Many highlight the flavorful seafood, friendly service, and lively ambiance.

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29 days ago

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Yummy yummy in my tummy Yummy yummy in my tummy Yummy yummy in my tummy Yummy yummy in my tummy

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Page 1 of 70

The Boiling Crab Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - The Boiling Crab

Is there a Full Bar at this locatoin?

Thank you for asking! We do not offer a full bar, but we do have a selection of beers available, plus margaritas and micheladas.

Puedo hacer una reservación?

No aceptamos reservas, los asientos están disponibles primero.

Are you open Christmas Eve?

Both San Jose locations will be closed 12/23-12/25. Happy holidays!

Donde puedo reservar?

No aceptamos reservas, los asientos están disponibles primero.

Open on January 16, mlk day?

Yes, all TBC locations are open regular hours for MLK Day.

Is there online waitlist that I can join remotely?

you have to show up in person, and wait.......It is kind of ridiculous, with the modern technology...... You would think they could text you or something....When we went, there was a two hour wait......

Will you guys ever bring back Yelp check in?

you can still check in..........Just scroll down on the screen.....They moved it way down on the site....

Will you be open on Thanksgiving day?

All TBCs will be closed for Thanksgiving.

How much is the side sauce ? how much does it come in ? ex 6 oz 8oz? and if Ibuy an entree can I get as many sauce?

We’re sorry but our sauce is not sold on its own. You may purchase an extra side of sauce with an entree.

Do the boils come with corn and sausage or is that extra?

You need to order separately.

Are they still asking for vaccination cards?

No, they are not asking for your vax cards.

Is this location open today 1/1/22?

This location is currently open for dine-in only. Takeout is temporarily unavailable.

Do they have the online waitlist option, like they used to?

Does this location requires vax card for done in?

Can I order via phone and pick up?

They accept over the phone orders but they're super hard to get through to. You always get a busy tone so you'll have to call over and over until it rings . Once they answer you can place a to go order and pick it up inside and you can't pay over… 

Is there dine in now?

Yes!

Hola se puede hacer reservación para un party de 8 personas para mañana sábado?

Hello, TBC does not take reservations, seating is first come. Please note that some locations may still split large parties to multiple tables for social distancing.

Puedo hacer una reservación para el día sábado 19 de junio please?

Hello, TBC does not take reservations. Seating is first come.

Can you reserve on Yelp like precovid, I couldn't find the link for that?

Nope can't reserve on Yelp.

Are they open for dine in again?

Yes, both San Jose locations are open for dine-in with limited seating.

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Mar & Tierra - Mar & Tierra Mexican Restaurant

Mar & Tierra

4.3(71 reviews)
4.1 mi•Cambrian Park
•$$

First, if you eat here, visit it first before you start ordering out. The restaurant has a classic…read moreMexican Restaurant feel, a cheery place that could have been set up anywhere from a year ago to decades ago. It's got a great positive vibe. The food quality is overall very good - it has a "homemade feel" to it, even the more complex dishes. Things I've tried. Nachos with . . . many things. The Salsa is great and spicy, the Guac is good, the bean dip is smooth. The chips are clearly made there. The Guacamole con Chicharron was really excellent. I've found the burritos to be solid. I'd definitely give say give the Chrorizo a try for sure! The Tacos de Gobernador are a new favorite. It's not just good seafood tacos, they also add cool veggies and sauce to out-of-the-fryer fish which really enhances the taste. That's on to have right there. If you like Mexican food, then give this a try. They have a Taco Tuesday, a Dance Floor, and are next to a Mexican pastry shop. You've got everything you need for a nice evening. Just be sure to go in once. Enjoy the ambiance, the nice bar, and the positive attitude. When I first went in two people were sitting at the bar, watching a dog show on one of the big televisions. I knew I'd be coming back.

We went later on a Thursday night. The restaurant wasn't as full as it can handle. But the server…read morewas friendly. Chips and salsa were great to start. We asked for a second serving which they were happy to provide. Our order took a little longer than we'd hoped but the portions were good and food was satisfactory. It seemed like the fajitas combo was just missing something. Not sure if it was that it needed more seasoning or more garnish. The tortilla soup was good but was too spicy for me to finish. They have a lot to choose from. The restaurant is large with cool decor.

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Mar & Tierra - QR code that takes you to there menu

QR code that takes you to there menu

Mar & Tierra - 4 tacos  1 beef  1 chorizo  1 chicken  1 birra  This is all the flavors they offer so far

4 tacos 1 beef 1 chorizo 1 chicken 1 birra This is all the flavors they offer so far

Mar & Tierra - Chips and Salsa are given to everyone who sits down and eats

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Chips and Salsa are given to everyone who sits down and eats

Patio Del Copal - Blue Fajita Tacos ($17)

Patio Del Copal

4.3(214 reviews)
3.4 mi•Cambrian Park
•$$

We stopped in on a Friday evening for dinner after the movies, and it was such a great experience!…read moreI brought my kids, and the staff was incredibly kind, welcoming, and patient with them, which made the meal so much more enjoyable. Our food came out quickly, and everything was fresh, flavorful, and delicious. It was the perfect way to end our evening, and the excellent service made it even better. We'll definitely be back!

It pains me to write this updated review but after the last few meals I just can't go back. The…read morequality has really gone downhill in the last year. Portion sizes are noticeably smaller while prices have gone up. The chips tasted like the frying oil needed to be changed. No pride in the presentation of the food. The tastiness isn't there anymore. I'm happy to pay higher prices if the quality matches but that's not happening here. I get that it's incredibly expensive to run a food service business and they try to help the profit margins with little adjustments but it's those little things that turn people away. People notice them. That said, service itself is always good. They've put a lot of effort into making the patio a nice place to enjoy a meal. But I'd prefer a mediocre ambiance and a great meal. This was my go-to favorite place to get Mexican food. I'm sad to have to shelve this spot and hunt for a new favorite.

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Patio Del Copal - The 'bar', so cute!

The 'bar', so cute!

Patio Del Copal - Complimentary Chips & Salsa ($0)

Complimentary Chips & Salsa ($0)

Patio Del Copal - Banana Horchata

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Banana Horchata

California Fish Grill

California Fish Grill

3.8(543 reviews)
3.1 mi•Blossom Valley
•$$

Fresh whole ingredients used to make absolutely delicious meals! The Avocado & Shrimp Caesar Salad…read moreis refreshing, packed full of flavor & textures! OH EM GEE! The shrimp is browned is a seasonsing. The Caesar dressing is light & airy!! Staff were super friendly & quick to offer help/service. They kept the restaurant super clean & picked up any trays/dishes immediately! Not only is their food fresh & healthy, but you absolutely cannot beat their prices!! I mean you cannot!! Especially for the high quality & amount you're given! Here's the bonus: they serve Stubborn Craft Sodas!!!

I am beyond disappointed with my experience ordering from California Fresh Grill. I placed an order…read morethrough Uber Eats, paid full price for my food, and received less than half of what I actually paid for. Instead of taking accountability for sending out an incomplete meal, they hid behind the food delivery app, refusing to issue a proper refund or make it right. They are deliberately taking advantage of delivery customers knowing it's harder to resolve issues after the order leaves their doors. It is utterly dishonest to charge hard-earned money for a full meal and send half an order. Shame on this establishment for scamming paying customers and refusing to take responsibility for their own mistakes. I will never spend another dime here, and I strongly advise everyone else to avoid them. Save your money and order from a business that actually respects its customers.

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California Fish Grill
California Fish Grill
California Fish Grill

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One Fish Raw Bar - That uni was so yummy

One Fish Raw Bar

4.7(268 reviews)
4.7 mi
•$$$$

Awesome spot for fresh and innovative seafood dishes, both cooked and raw! The menu changes daily…read morebased on what they have, and isn't released until 30 minutes before they open. I was craving oysters and noticed they had a happy hour, that luckily include oysters on the afternoon we were going. I'm not sure if they always have them, but noticed quite a few pictures of them, so they might be a pretty good staple on the menu. We ordered almost everything on the happy hour menu; bar nuts, oysters, salmon kebab, tuna loin, calamari, and fish ribs. Each dish was unique and well thought out. The oysters had a rhubarb vinaigrette and came with a little piece of citrus and some edible flowers, the calamari a Thai dipping sauce, and the tuna loin pieces of pineapple, chopped cashews, and a salsa. There wasn't a single boring dish in sight. We liked everything we got, but a few things stood out more than the rest. Favorites were the oysters, tuna loin, and salmon kebab. I would get most again if the menu was similar, I might skip the calamari and got for more raw dishes the next time.

Walking into to the restaurant, we received a warm welcome from the staff right away. We got seated…read morequickly (I did have a reservation) and for hostess showed us their adorable shell menu. We decided with the family tasting to see what this place had to offer. It was a Friday evening, but there weren't many people. Perhaps it was because it was the Friday before a holiday. The tasting menu had a total of 12 dishes: 4 raw, 4 snacks, 3 cooked, 1 dessert. For most of the dishes, I can remember thinking, "I've never had these flavors before" or "so familiar but better". My favorite dishes were the raw fish (I think hamachi) with the Asian sauce and the cornbread! Something about that cornbread still lives in my head. I think about it every now and then. I wasn't a huge fan of the dessert though, but I think I'd still go back to try other things!

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One Fish Raw Bar - Razor clams - $10 each and underwhelming - especially if you've had the fresh ones from Spain

Razor clams - $10 each and underwhelming - especially if you've had the fresh ones from Spain

One Fish Raw Bar - Short ribs

Short ribs

One Fish Raw Bar - Salmon with XO. Definitely get this one.

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Salmon with XO. Definitely get this one.

The Boiling Crab - cajun - Updated October 2026

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