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ZipPicks Awards
Best Seafood in Westwood
Master Critic Review
The Boiling Crab
8.6
The Boiling Crab’s Westwood outpost is a loud, lively Cajun seafood boil specialist where bags of shrimp, crab, and crawfish hit butcher-papered tables by the pound. Students, families, and game-night groups pile in for messy, hands-on feasts a few blocks from campus.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp in The Whole Sha-Bang sauce, Snow crab legs with corn and potatoes, Cajun fries
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-volume Cajun seafood boil house known for overflowing bags of shellfish.
Who should go: Groups craving messy, shareable seafood feasts near UCLA.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends when the room is buzzing but still manageable.
What to order: Shrimp or crawfish in Whole Sha-Bang, snow crab legs, Cajun fries.
Insider tip: Ask for extra lemons and bring a light layer—sauces splatter and bibs are mandatory.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in Westwood Village plus nearby garages on Broxton and Tiverton; expect limited availability during evenings and UCLA peak hours.
Dress code: Ultra-casual; expect plastic bibs, gloves, and sauce splatter—come in clothes you don’t mind getting messy.
Noise level: Loud; conversations require raised voices during peak hours due to music and lively group tables.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes depending on UCLA events and game nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short 5–10 minute queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—primarily sides like corn, fries, and rice.
Vegan options: Minimal; fries and plain sides may work but this is not a vegan-friendly spot.
Gluten-free options: Shellfish and boil bags are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if both people enjoy messy, hands-on dining and loud energy. It’s fun and interactive but not ideal for quiet conversation or polished first impressions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only. Arrive early on weekends or join the waitlist upon arrival to avoid long lines.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families come often. Kids who like seafood and don’t mind getting messy will enjoy it; high chairs and simple sides are available.
Best For
Better for: One of the best spots in Westwood for large-group, hands-on seafood feasts with bold Cajun seasoning and high energy.
Skip if: Skip if you want quiet dining, refined plating, or substantial vegetarian/vegan options.
Hours
Monday3pm - 10pm
Tuesday3pm - 10pm
Wednesday3pm - 10pm
Thursday3pm - 10pm
Friday3pm - 10pm
Saturday12pm - 10pm
Sunday12pm - 10pm