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The Boiling Crab

4.0 (1.9k reviews)
Closed • 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM
Updated a few days ago

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THE BOILING CRAB ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Loud
Casual
Good for groups
Good for kids

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Outside the place
Hani R.

Food ambience are amazing !and people very very very helpful and nice girls and boys serving us

Cajun fries
Jordan H.

I haven't been to Boiling Crab in nearly 10 years. Back when it was really hyped and trendy. It was time to try it again. Me and my wife arrived on a Sunday around 3:30 PM. We put our name down on the Yelp waitlist and the wait for a party of 2 was maybe 90 min. Essentially if you go anytime on the weekend expect to wait at least an hour. There is no such thing as "off times" on the weekend. Evidently Boiling Crab is still as popular as ever. We didn't mind waiting. Once our number was next we were promptly seated. First thing I noticed was how great the service was from the host, to the waiters, to the helpers. We ordered shrimp and Cajun fries. Shrimp is $18/pound and it is the only seafood you can order by the half-a-pound. After ordering the food came out in less than 10 min. Besides the initial wait, everything else about the dining experience was very efficient, which tells me the long waits are not a fault to slow service. I think they are being as efficient as they can. The dining experience was pleasant. They supply bibs, gloves, etc for easy clean-up. There are TVs showing sports. We were out of there at $45 for two. A pretty good deal considering the unique dining experience. I can see why Boiling Crab remained popular after all these years.

Elizabeth C.

I'm absolutely hooked on Boiling Crab! Their Sha bang shrimp is incredibly flavorful, and I always ask for it extra wet with a side of corn. Their Coronas are always ice-cold and delicious, and their Cajun fries and rice make amazing side dishes. The service is top-notch, and although it can get busy, there's plenty of seating, so wait times are manageable. Thank You!

Cristian B.

This place was packed and I'm just glad I was able to get my cha bang because it's the only thing that seems to make me satisfied. I often like getting the sharing but this time I gotten the scallop. I was happy and I wasn't disappointed. The girl who served me was awesome and attentive. I was wanting to eat inside but this place was so packed I had to take to go for the beach so it wasn't bad. I say the place is cool place to bring a party. Maybe in another time it be a party I bring.

Inside
Megan O.

Oh my goshhhh. For years I have heard how good The Boiling Crab is and I have always wanted to try it. Tonight was the night and I am so glad I did! Food -10/10. We got snow crab, shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage. All were amazing. We got the sauce that's all 3 in one at mild spice, which was so delicious. Service- 10/10. Everyone was soooooo kind and helpful. Johnathan G was our server and was amaaaazing. Multiple people also came to check in us periodically to make sure we were doing okay. I really appreciated how attentive they were! They also brought us extra gloves, tools, and sauces to help elevate our experience. Environment- Parking was great. Location was great. There was a lot of seating. Clean restaurant and bathrooms. The restaurant was hoppin but not too loud. I can't wait to come back :)

Shrimp n Steamed Rice

The last time I went was amazing The waiter who recommended me to try the mild garlic shrimp was the best choice. Everyone is friendly and attentive. The food was so delicious that I would definitely come back. The atmosphere is so fresh and cheerful.

the good quality shrimp the manager said was totally up to standard

Absolutely horrible experience. I ordered shrimp and received shrimp that was black with obvious freezer burn, along with soggy shrimp that I didn't even feel comfortable eating. I understand that there may be limitations on what the restaurant can do regarding a refund, and that part I can understand. What I cannot understand is the way the manager handled the situation over the phone. He actually tried to tell me that it was okay for the shrimp to be black. That was honestly shocking and came across as extremely dismissive, like he was trying to gaslight me about what I was seeing. If you can't issue a refund, fine... but you can still be professional, apologize for the quality of the food, and at least try to make the situation right. Instead, I felt completely dismissed. I didn't even eat the shrimp because of how bad it looked. After this experience, especially because of how the manager handled it, no more Boiling Crab for me. There are plenty of restaurants that actually care about their customers and the quality of the food they serve.

Chelsea M.

My family and I love coming here. The food is delicious and the service is always wonderful. On our last visit a young guy called Aaron was taking care of us and he was very attentive to my sisters shrimp allergy ( I know it's the last place we should be at but we love it and she loves it), he made sure everything was perfect for her order. Aside from that he was really sweet and kept checking up on us. We were sat about 5 minutes upon arriving because we joined the waitlist! We love this spot for the ambiance and the employees.

TBC Cajun Fries and shrimp, potato, sausage and corn in SB sauce (mild spice level)
Yau-Ru C.

Nice and spacious restaurant suitable for small families and also large gatherings. You can scan the QR code on the napkin holder to see the menu but staff will stop by to take your order. Stick to shrimp and skip the crab. We got 2 lbs of shrimp ($36) and 2 clusters of snow crab (1.5 lbs = $66). There's barely any meat in the crab... most of the weight is the crab shell. Next time we will do 3-4 lbs of shrimp for our family of two adults and two kids. Corn and sausage were good. Potato was ok. We got the whole sha-bang (SB) sauce (combo of all 3 sauces: Cajun, lemon pepper and garlic butter) with mild spice level. A bit too salty and spicy for kids. Next time, will get garlic butter with no spice. Kids enjoyed the add on Cajun fries. Saw someone order rice, might try that to go with the garlic butter shrimp. Staff was friendly. Relaxing and family-friendly atmosphere.

Doryaneh M.

I've been to this place once before for dine-in, but this time we decided to order food instead. One thing I really appreciated is that they were open on January 1, especially since many places were closed for the holiday, and I do want to acknowledge the staff who were working that day. The food was good overall. If you're a seafood lover, this is definitely a place worth trying--especially the shrimp, which was amazing. The fried calamari was also very good and flavorful. The ambiance is okay, but it could be cleaner. As for the service, the staff was average--not rude, but not especially friendly or attentive either. They may have been busy, which could explain it, but a bit more attention to customers would make a big difference. Overall, it's a good spot to try, especially if you enjoy seafood.

Jenny P.

Crawfish and shrimp was not as fresh as I remember it to be, but still a solid spot. Sauce is good.

tv
Michelle Q.

LOVE BOILING CRAB DOWWWNNNN. First time visiting on a Friday at around 6PM. It was a thirty minute wait, no biggie just waited with friends in the meantime. After like 35ish minutes our table was ready. Really sweet workers, some in passing would say hello when entering and bye when exiting. Got the sha-bang(?) mix in mild and it sure did have a kick to it. Shrimp was good, sausage even better. Potatoes were just potatoes and the corn was yummy and sweet, good palate cleanser. Service workers were really attentive and helped out if needed! Environment was great which is what pushed the review to a five for me. Just lively chatter, tv's going. No intense fishy smell which I was first worried about lol. It was also hUUUUGGGGEEEE. Would come again!

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1 month ago

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7 days ago

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3 months ago

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3 months ago

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20 hours ago

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8 months ago

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1 month ago

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4 months ago

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7 days ago

Always great service and yummy food! The shrimp might have been a little overcooked but overall the flavor was great !

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18 hours ago

Everything is delicious!! I love the sweet potato fries and the margaritas! The atmosphere and service is amazing!

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5 months ago

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10 months ago

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2 months ago

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Thank you, Mellay! We hope you’ll come visit us again soon!

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3 days ago

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2 months ago

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2 months ago

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2 months ago

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1 year ago

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30 days ago

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10 months ago

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9 months ago

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3 months ago

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1 year ago

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2 months ago

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10 months ago

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5 months ago

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8 months ago

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12 days ago

Best sea food in town, as always boiling crab has one of the best service anywhere you go.

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9 months ago

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5 months ago

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2 months ago

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4 months ago

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1 year ago

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19 days ago

Everything was fantastic!! I had the snow crab and really enjoyed! I will be going back soon.

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Thank you, David! We hope you’ll come visit us again soon!

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5 months ago

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23 days ago

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6 months ago

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3 months ago

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1 year ago

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Page 1 of 48

The Boiling Crab Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - The Boiling Crab

What's the difference between chicken tenders basket vs the kids chicken tender basket? How much is in each?

Thanks for asking! The Kids' Chicken Tenders Basket comes with two tenders, while the regular comes with 3-4 tenders (it's about twice as much quantity).

Is there fresh crawfish right now?

Yes, this location currently has live crawfish! Supplies are limited, so please call ahead to confirm availability.

Where can I find an updated menu?

Hi, you can find this location's menu here: https://theboilingcrab.com/menu/south-coast/

Do u guys take apple pay?

Yes their terminals accept Apple pay

Do you open at 12 on fridays?

Monday through Friday they open from 3pm to 10pm Saturday & Sunday they open from 12pm to 10pm

What does JUICY ($5) mean when ordering online?

"Extra Juicy" is an additional side of sauce.

Is there a bar?

Nah fam

Are sauces gluten Free?

Yes, all seafood boils with choice of sauce are gluten-free.

Is dog allowed at this location?

Thanks for asking. No dogs allowed except for service dogs.

How much is 1 lb of shrimp with shell?

Current market prices range from $15-$16 per pound.

Is there a long wait for take out orders on a Friday night?

Best to phone ahead normally take 30 minutes....

Do you offer delivery at this time?

Delivery for this location is available through DoorDash, GrubHub, UberEats and Postmates.

How does the 'e' waitlist work?

You add yourself to the waitlist through YELP. The system will tell you how many minutes the wait time is. It will also tell you the time you should arrive by or they will need to move onto the next person and you will lose your spot. There is a… 

Will they be able to accommodate a large group of 18 in one long table?

I think because of the restaurant layout and how packed it gets in there that they may have to do 2 tables of 9. However I could be wrong so I would give them a call and see how they can accommodate you and maybe allow you to make a reservation due… 

Do they offer bday specials or sing happy bday?

I believe so

Do they take Apple Pay for takeout orders? -I just called, they don't.

Not so sure about Apple Pay - I paid reg credit card.

Are any of your seasonings gluten free? whole Shebang?

Not so sure - I'll give them a call

Roughly how pricy is this place ? For about a party of 6?

Depending on what you order, it can be fairly reasonable to extremely expensive. Shell your own shrimp and the the fried items are reasonably priced. I liked the fried catfish. The corn cobbettes are only $1.25 each. But beware of the Market… 

Why doesn't it open for lunch during weekdays?

Idk I'm not an employee

Does the whole shabang sauce contain sugar?

My friend; no matter what kind of sauce you have they'll have sugar. Believe me!

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Caló Kitchen + Tequila

Caló Kitchen + Tequila

4.5(1.5k reviews)
0.6 mi
•$$$

Came here with a friend before going to watch Beauty & The Beast The Musical. Came at 5:00pm and…read moregot seated immediately. Shoutout to Laura who was the sweetest, most attentive server! I waited for my friend to come and in the meantime, brought chips, salsa, and black beans to start. The chips were hot and fresh and the salsa was the perfect amount of spicy. Beans were warm and coated the chip well. I asked if they can make mocktails and she said anything on the menu! The Strawberry Jalapeno was delicious, but I do wish there was more spice from the jalapeno. My friend wanted a Coke and Laura said they had no more so she was so bummed. Later, Laura came running and grinning and found the LAST Coke bottle in the back and brought it out! Such a funny and cute moment! The Tres Enchiladas de Mariscos were SO yummy. Each one with a different taste, sauce, sea food. My favorites were the shrimp, lobster, crab in that order. The rice was perfectly hot and fluffy and complimented the dish. Then, my friend and I shared the flan, which is truly a sharing portion. It was so RICH and thick and was the best dessert to top off the evening. Thank you, Calo and your amazing staff!

First time dining here, and it's a mixed bag. The food is good especially my Tres Enchiladas de…read moreMariscos and the portions are massive, but it comes with a steep price tag--though that's likely tied to being in a high-end mall. The atmosphere was quite loud, and even though we were moved to a quieter section, ambient noise still carried over. Service started off strong with an attentive server, but a major hiccup happened when she cleared away a plate that was barely touched and meant for a to-go box. To their credit, she was very apologetic, and management replaced the dish entirely, which was the right thing to do. Given the high prices, I'm on the fence about returning, but the service recovery was appreciated. 3/5 stars.

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Caló Kitchen + Tequila
Caló Kitchen + Tequila
Caló Kitchen + Tequila

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Habana - outdoor patio, late night dining and cocktails by the fire pit

Habana

4.1(6.1k reviews)
1.5 mi
•$$$
Hipster vibe
Outdoor seating

My husband and I came to Habana in Costa Mesa to celebrate our anniversary, and we had such a…read morelovely experience! We made a reservation ahead of time, and when we arrived, our table was decorated with rose petals and a cute anniversary card. Such a thoughtful little detail that made our celebration feel extra special! For food, I ordered my usual, the Ropa Vieja, and it's honestly a 10/10 every time! The meat is always packed with flavor, and their rice is literally my favorite! My husband ordered the New York steak, which was super buttery, tender, and seared to perfection. We also ordered a side of their Caribbean fries, and the dipping sauce was SO good! For drinks, my husband ordered El Cubanito, which was really good! I went with the Agua de Coco, which literally comes served in a coconut! I also ordered a shot of their Havana Club Añejo to go with it, and I loved the combination. Definitely something I would order again! Overall, such a wonderful experience! Between the delicious food, drinks, and the thoughtful anniversary setup, it made our evening feel even more special. Habana continues to be one of my favorite spots, and I would absolutely recommend it, especially for a date night or special occasion!

More parking than I thought on a weekend…read more Restaurant located at The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa. Tropical vibes and decor. Our server was initially prompt, but as the evening passed, we saw him less and less as the tables began to fill to the point we had to ask other waiters to refill our water. We ordered a bunch of entrees and sides to sample the menu. I ordered the Chef's Special which included a hanger steak, broccoli, and roasted potatoes, along with a side of the Chorizo Mac n Cheese. The consensus was that the food lacked seasoning. The sauces that were served with the dishes enhanced the flavor and added the needed seasoning. What I want to highlight is that they had cooked my steak just as I wanted (rare) and the broccoli was just how I liked it. Price is a bit steep, but you're paying for the aesthetic and atmosphere. Overall, while I'd be open to trying it again, it wouldn't be my first choice for Cuban food.

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Habana
Habana - Outdoor patio

Outdoor patio

Habana - Habana costa mesa patio

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Habana costa mesa patio

Verdant

Verdant

4.0(34 reviews)
0.7 mi

We were going to OCMA so my friend suggested we dine at Verdant which is in the museum, or at least…read moreit used to be. We checked in at the museum front desk and my friend said we were going up to restaurant on the third floor. The person at the desk said they moved it and it was on the first floor now. She pointed over to what I knew to be the snack bar that had been there since opening. We went over and sure enough it was just drinks snacks and a few pre-packaged light meals. I have to guess they just quietly went away.

I'd like to start out by thanking our server, Christian for being very accommodating and helping us…read moreout on Sunday! I had made a reservation online for 6 people at 12:30pm and my reservation was accepted. When we got to the museum, we were told the restaurant was closing at 12:30pm and I felt very upset. Why was the reservation accepted then? When I got to Verdant, there was no one in sight. The restaurant was empty and there was 1 other party, but no staff. I actually ended up making my way near the kitchen, and that's where I found Christian, who appeared really busy. He explained that they had a wedding later that day and had to close at 1pm for set up. He still sat our party and was very kind, accommodating and helpful. He gave me a great tip and said when making cafe reservations, it's best to call ahead, because they do sometimes have event buy outs. As far as the ambiance, it is a really beautiful space. But, it was SO cold. It seemed like the AC was on full blast. The food was pretty good, but the menu seemed to change since I was there last.

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Verdant
Verdant
Verdant - Setting up...

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Setting up...

The Great Room

The Great Room

4.3(7 reviews)
0.6 mi

The great room is a restaurant within the Weston. It's got a casual but ups ale type vibe. I had…read morebreakfast there and it was on point. I had the classic American breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns and sourdough toast. The servers were attentive without being too present. I always appreciate that. I'd come back tomorrow if I was staying another night.

Brunch at The Great Room in Costa Mesa was such a classy casual vibe. The ambience feels modern and…read morerelaxed, and we had a lovely view of the fountain outside which made everything feel a little more elevated and serene. We ordered the Lox and Bagel with smoked salmon, capers, cream cheese, pickled red onions, fresh dill, and sun dried roasted tomatoes. The salmon was fresh and silky, and I loved the brightness from the pickled onions and dill. The roasted tomatoes added a nice depth of flavor. I also had the white crab white omelette with spinach and substituted the fruit for hash browns. The omelette was light and fluffy, and the crab added a subtle sweetness. The hash browns were crispy and satisfying. Cappuccinos were great, rich, smooth, and perfectly foamy. Just note they are nine dollars each, which feels a little steep, but they were well made. Service was pretty good overall, attentive and friendly without being overbearing. Overall, a solid four stars. Great atmosphere, quality brunch options, and a polished setting that feels perfect for a relaxed weekend catch up. I would come back for the vibes and the cappuccino.

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The Great Room - Fire Table

Fire Table

The Great Room
The Great Room

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Pioneer - Transfusion...sooo good!

Pioneer

4.6(212 reviews)
2.4 mi
•$$

We made a reservation at Pioneer and really enjoyed this little spot! It's tucked inside a diner,…read moreso it can be a little hard to find at first, but it's just inside the back patio area with a cute wooden saloon-door entrance. The space is small, cozy, and intimate with just a few tables. Our waitress was super friendly and took the time to explain the menu and different options to us. - Guava Y Queso (4.5/5): I loved this! It was really unique with the cream cheese topping, but the combination worked so well. Definitely a fun spot for cocktails and something a little different!

This place is well hidden, but unfortunately the experience was ruined by how rude and dismissive…read morethe employees were. I asked about seating for two and was simply told to wait outside with no explanation. After 15 minutes, I asked for an update and was again given a vague, dismissive response. Why not give a yes or no answer to whether accommodations can be made? There were several parties waiting in the brightly lit hallway with no A/C, despite plenty of tables seemingly available. At one point, another party peeked inside and a young kid employee with an Afro came out and rudely waved his hands in a "what do you want" manner without saying a word. Two waiting parties immediately left, and we decided to do the same after witnessing that. Another party with a reservation waiting told us this happens regularly and that the staff can be rude. Whether that's their normal practice or not, it was enough to make me not want to give this place my money. We ended up going to two other bars nearby that the one party waiting there recommended and had a completely opposite experience, welcoming and respectful. Definitely disappointing and don't recommend wasting your time as there's so many other places to try.

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Pioneer - EL CAPITAN Grape Leaf * Soft Herbs * Pomegranate Summer 2026

EL CAPITAN Grape Leaf * Soft Herbs * Pomegranate Summer 2026

Pioneer - Sourdough bread

Sourdough bread

Pioneer - New york sour, in the fall menu

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New york sour, in the fall menu

The Boiling Crab - seafood - Updated October 2026

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