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    The Boiling Crab

    4.3 (78 reviews)
    Closed 3:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated a few days ago

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    The Boiling Crab Photos

    THE BOILING CRAB ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Lynnette V.

    HAD: 1 lb Lemon Pepper Shrimp Non- Spicy 1 lb Lemon Pepper Shrimp Mild 2 lbs Shrimp Whole Shabang Non-Spicy 3 lbs Mussels Whole Shabang Mild 4 pcs Blue Crab Qhoke Shabang Mild 1 pc Dungeness Crab Lemon Pepper 5 pcs Corn on the Cob w/ butter only Sweet Potato Fries Boiling Crab always maintains great quality. The sauce is flavorful with the perfect thickness, and the seafood was cooked just right. Depending on your tolerance to spiciness, keep in mind that their mild tasted more like a medium to me. SERVICE: Service was where my score dropped. We chose a booth, so we waited about 10 minutes (though they could have seated us immediately at a regular table). Someone took our drink order about 10 minutes after we sat down, but we were told our server was on break and we'd have to wait another 10 minutes. I thought restaurants have coverage when someone goes on break, so having to wait for another 15 mins for our server was not disappointing but I just thought the wait felt poorly uncoordinated. We also had to wait another 20 minutes for our food to arrive. The restaurant was only half full, and judging by the number of staff members around, I really couldn't understand the delay. And though the servers were nice and polite, it looks like this newer spot just needed a little more coordination and training to get things running smoothly. AMBIANCE: New location in Brea. Rustic nautical style with wooden booths,, butcher paper on the tables, and fun customer graffiti everywhere. PARKING: No street parking is available, but you'll find valet behind the building and a parking garage out front. Keep in mind that the garage fills up quickly because it serves multiple establishments nearby.

    Oysters
    Francine L.

    Yeah, Boiling Crab has opened in Brea and it is off Brea Blvd on the same street as YardHouse, Improv, and Brea Chophouse. Came here right when they opened and had lunch with a party of five. We ordered crab, mussels, clams, crawfish, wings, oysters, and some potatoes and corn. Overall it was a tasty lunch we had the seasoning at a medium level but probably next time would be mild instead. It is flavorful so you can also order a side of rice to eat with it. Service was great and attentive, my water was filled every time it went halfway empty.

    Not saucy :(
    P K.

    We came here on a Sunday afternoon and sat outside. Gabriel helped us and he was very friendly and attentive. Outdoor seating was nice but they should put a shade or some sort of sunshade to block the suns direct sunlight. Food was just ok. Both seafood didn't have enough sauce. We were barely scrambling to get the sauce out of the shrimp and mussels bag. Mussels were over cooked and not debearded. Cajun chicken wings were just OK. Seasoning wasn't as flavorful. Fries were cooked perfectly.

    Fried catfish Cajun medium
    Maheen K.

    We went for the grand opening on 6/2 around 6:30pm. The wait time was only 45 minutes to 1 hour. The shortest wait time we have had at any boiling crab. We got seated outside. The staff was very friendly but new. We ordered our usual, 2lbs shrimp with the whole shabang medium sauce, xxx the whole shabang sauce on the side, potato in butter, steamed rice, and 2 orders of fried catfish with cajun medium fries. They brought the rice out way before any other food came. Normally the timing is better so that we don't wait so long to actually eat it. Shrimp - these were okay. I think the combination of the sauce not being what we are used to and then then the shrimp peeling weird. Normally once peeled, they are still intact. These after peeled were slushy. They also had all sorts of gunk coming out of them. Normally we have a much cleaner shrimp. Catfish - these were good and also not so good. I don't think it was cooked evenly. The parts that were cooked correct were good and steaming hot. The parts thst weren't were rubbery. Unfortunately it was not just one piece that had this issue. Fries - perfect Service - the staff is super friendly. They were a little confused about what was still available and what wasn't, but honestly it was the first day, so that is okay. We would have liked to be checked in a little bit more though. But again, not complaining as it was the first day. Cleanliness- it was the first day and everything was sparkling clean. Overall we were pleased to see this place open up close to us. We love going but hate the drive. This location is perfect. I am hoping all these first day/week jitters come out and they improve an already impressive first day. I keep forgetting to mention my loyalty to receive points, but be sure to mention before you pay.

    June 2026 - Made our grand opening mark!
    Ariel H.

    So happy we were able to make their grand opening. We waited for roughly ten minutes to be seated. We ordered our goodies with the famous Sha-Bang sauce and medium spicy. The service was phenomenal, Don and Jessica were the main ones assisting our table, but we had many others that checked on us throughout the experience. The restaurant vibes were energetic and lively. As always, parking in downtown Brea can get hectic...so anticipate it with a little patience!

    Irma E.

    We had the opportunity to attend a special event before the grand opening, and it was a fantastic experience! The service was excellent, the staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the food came out fast. Everything we tried was delicious. We're especially excited to have The Boiling Crab so close to home here in Brea. Congratulations to the team on their grand opening today, June 2, 2026. Wishing them all the success and can't wait to come back!

    Katie B.

    AMY!!!!!! omg Amy was so kind and fun and gave us the best advice on what to order and how to build our bags. We didn't have a super solid idea of how to build our combos/extras so we just told her everything we wanted and she recommended which seasonings and food options to put together. If you're going (which you should because it was sooooooo good) you need to ask for the queen Amy's section. We didn't get a picture before eating but this is the chaos of after (get the whole shabang it's soooo good)

    Ready
    Cynthia M.

    Absolutely loved our experience at The Boiling Crab! The food was fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The service was friendly and attentive, and the fun, lively atmosphere made it even better. We'll definitely be coming back

    Onion Rings

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    2 months ago

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    1 month ago

    I love boiling crab . Restaurant is nice . But needs more flavor did not get the Cajun flavor kinda disappointed no spice

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    2 days ago

    The service was really good and were attentive and careful with my shellfish allergies!

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    2 days ago

    Nice place awsome service and super Fast service.. I love it because its just a couple of minutes from my house

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    9 days ago

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Boiling Crab

    Review Highlights - The Boiling Crab

    We had the opportunity to attend a special event before the grand opening, and it was a fantastic experience!

    Mentioned in 11 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Tempo Cantina

    Tempo Cantina

    4.4
    (7.8k reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    I haven't been here in ages but out of all the things I wanted from here... it was their butter…read morecake lol best butter cake I have ever had and the star of the show for me! Perfectly sweet and served with dulce de leche, strawberry syrup with fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream.. they all go well with the butter cake. Of course that was for dessert.. but to start for lunch, I ordered the house taco selection which comes with 4 tacos (Korean, steak, birria, and cueva tacos). I loved the cheese crusted tortilla on their tacos, and the cueva taco was my fave out of the four! The steak was dry so it was my least fave but the Korean and birria taco were also yummy! Nice way to sample their different tacos! Their guava agua Fresca was a refreshing drink to go with my tacos. My friend ordered their cheese enchiladas in their cream red sauce. She said it was different from any red sauce she has ever had but she said she enjoyed her enchiladas. Service was attentive and friendly. Each server checked in on us regularly. Came here on a Saturday for lunch and it was surprisingly not busy at all like how it used to be. Overall, the food was just like I remembered and I wish I had come back sooner. I'll def be back again to try other things on their menu!

    Food no Bueno. Service was ok…read more I would never go back. They inside they try to do some sort of back alley graffiti and some Japanese umbrella but the place looks like it's has identity issues.

    Photos
    Strawberry  Margarita!
    Strawberry Margarita!
    Asada Chilaquiles. Don't expect a whole plate of chilaquiles with carne asada on top! Both are served as separate sides on the plate.
    Asada Chilaquiles. Don't expect a whole plate of chilaquiles with carne asada on top! Both are served as separate sides on the plate.
    Coffee. Straightforward, hot, and caffeinated.

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    Seasurf Fish

    Seasurf Fish

    4.3
    (809 reviews)
    5.3 mi
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    Let me start off by saying this place was a hidden gem that my boyfriend and I found via…read moregoogle/yelp. When we first arrived it looked cozy/small dine in space but realized it actually opened up and was very spacious in the back of the restaurant! The atmosphere felt like I was taken back to the piers of Oahu. I appreciate the server asking all of our questions and the staff had great communication with one another and their customers! The decor felt very lively and kept finding myself getting creative with the artwork! 100% did fish theory at home later that night. Okay, now for my review of the food... 10/10!!!! Oysters were so fresh I feel like we could have ordered more than 40 during HH lol! You know its a good HH menu when the place has great apps, ordered a yummy drafted cider, and their personal sauces hit the spot. I think the only thing I would recommend was that the clam chowder was a bit on the thicc side (i personally loved the buttery and creamy taste but my bf wasnt a fan). Definitely will be coming back. Keep up the great work!

    97 degrees in the restaurant today at the bar. Employees could not touch the thermostat. also could…read morenot talk to a manager, he was not at this location and could not give me any kind of discount because he was at other restaurant or talk on phone with me. I was at YL location ( needs beers in ice bucket ) or offer a glass of water, which never happened. I asked to speak to manager and no one knew which restaurant he was at. The bartender had no authority to turn down AC or call GM over our hot beers. No refunds given because we drank them that's the only thing we were offered to drink. Sorry we were thirsty, no H20 offer or buckets to keep beer cool That cold would have helped. I called two other locations And managers were not in or willing to speak To me or anyone that could help us people at bar. I was told to leave messages and maybe I could get refund. Mind you I ate before HH and no problem with that. It was after 3pm that the place was on fire Available, employees that can make restaurant comfortable, One one Offered refunds or offered water to everyone. Employees knew restaurant was uncomfortable and hot And they said and this is Nothing! Lovely, raw fish does well in heat. I will complain to city and owner whoever he is...He might need to train his staff on how to deal with maintenance issues and mKw things things right,

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    Interior
    Interior
    HH Smash Burger (kinda dry) $9 | IG @moniquedao
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    Happy Hour Poki | IG @moniquedao

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    Tang Bar

    Tang Bar

    3.9
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    Price can surprise if you put too much heavy items in the bowl like fishballs, tofu, and certain…read moreveggies and noodles. You can easily reach $40 for a bowl of soup if you are hungry and that isn't worth it at all. Also the Wagyu meat is tough and definitely low grade. But it's still a fun option at the mall. Many soups to select from and their spicy options are crazy spicy. It's also fun to make your own sauces. I recommend going with the glass noodles because it's super light, some light veggies, but a lot of beef. It's normally about $14 to $18. Another fun thing is their free ice cream for the kiddos.

    I usually order takeout from this place since it's convenient, and it's always been pretty decent…read more But man, today was the worst :( They gave me someone else's order. I literally saw two workers looking confused about the takeout orders, and I heard one girl say, "I'll ask them." She never asked me anything, so I assumed everything was sorted out. I didn't think to check the bag since I figured they had a good system in place. Lesson learned!! I guess I'll be checking my order every time now (but at the same time, it's hard to check food that is already sealed?) I was so excited to eat my dinner, too. Someone else got my bowl of deliciousness, and I went home with some health-freak monstrosity :((( I'm so sad. I tried calling them but they didn't pickup and I don't know what to do with the order now. Do I return it when I go back??

    Photos
    Seating outdoor 12.16.25
    Seating outdoor 12.16.25
    My bowl & dipping sauce I made 12.16.25
    My bowl & dipping sauce I made 12.16.25
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    Geisha

    Geisha

    4.1
    (588 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    Came in on a Wednesday night and there was a mah-jongg tournament going on, which was fun to see…read more Looked like it would be a good place to hold events. They also had all-day Happy Hour deals on Wednesdays. Loved the decor of this restaurant, just an incredibly cool vibe with elaborate Japanese-Mexican fusion art, neon, and even a huge rainbow color-changing tree in the middle of the dining room. We had calamari, corn ribs, steak tacos, king roll, dragon roll, pork belly bowl, and everything was well-cooked and tasty. The hot sauce they give is hot, fair warning! The dishes are complex with lots of varied flavors, which is a good thing because it's not just simple and boring, but it does take time to read the menu carefully. That's probably on us, lol. We will definitely return. Gorgeous restaurant and delicious food, decently priced for what you get.

    Came in on a weekday night and the restaurant was completely empty. I love the other Tempo Cantina…read morelocation in Brea, but honestly this new location was a bit disappointing. The food was alright and didn't really justify the price. They do have different daily deals, which is nice. However, I was surprised by how empty the restaurant was and couldn't help but wonder how well it's doing. Even with only two tables occupied, there were times when we couldn't find our server. The restaurant itself is huge and has a lot of potential, but it's unfortunate that it doesn't seem nearly as popular as Tempo Cantina.

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    Bar with a view
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    The Boiling Crab - cajun - Updated August 2026

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