Cravin’ Cajun

Bleck. Avoid.
Étouffée was… brown. Crawfish were overdone. Seasoning was wrong.

Oh no no no…
So I had my Jambalaya leftovers the next day. (Tuesday 09÷30÷13)
Long story short and not to get overly graphic, I spent the next two days in the bathroom. Today is Friday, (¹⁰⁄₄) still emptying out my stomach as we speak. Ugh.
Jambalaya, good. Food, good.
Leftovers, bad. (I even reheated it extra hot to kill any bacteria from the shrimp since it was in the fridge for 24 hours.)

I’ve been to Hot ‘N Juicy Crawfish and Crab Boiler here in town and they don’t compare to the crab in this place. There not stingy and the seasoning taste much better than anywhere else, crab comes in a bowl covered in plastic, which I think is good cause you can preserve the flavor and heat. Their crab corn chowder is also good, service was good, very friendly. Service was much better than Hot N’ Juicy where you have young teenage entitled generation kids running around and disappearing on you. Each time i went i came for lunch and it was not crowded at all, not sure how the night scene is. In my opinion I think the price is much more reasonable than the other crab places, we ordered a crab-​corn chowder, 2 lbs of snow crab, 1 lb king crab, dirty rice, 1 lb of shrimp and it came out to a little over $ 80.00. Try the lemon pepper!

2ND VISIT–
The food is ALWAYS excellent and the establishment is always up to par and clean but the service always seems to disappoint me. The servers are really nice, don’t get me wrong but they are NEVER attentive at all. With us being there for almost 2 hours eating, they only checked on us twice for refills. We waited for at least 20 minutes after we were done eating for them to bring us our check and then another 15 minutes for them to come and get my debit card. It’s like they seat you and then forget about you. EVERY single time i have dined here, they have forgotten to bring out at least two things that I ordered. Like I said, the food is really good but I just am so disappointed with the service every time I go. I am not one to nit pick either but They should really try to improve on being more attentive to their guests.

I’m allergic to shellfish so I’m reviewing this from my mom and boyfriend’s point of view.
They thoroughly enjoyed their bags of Mild Cajun Shrimp and Cajun Fries. It was very seasoned, portions were huge, shrimp was succulent and mild was spicy enough.
I ordered the Catfish while they dove in to their bags of shrimp & I enjoyed mine. It had a good Cajun flavor but a tad bit too salty.
Service could be better too. Dined here twice already with different servers and they both seemed stressed and distracted serving us. Maybe they need a few more servers so they’re not all going crazy? Both times, we waited extremely long for our food, refills to our beverages and for our check too. But I’m rating for the food and we give it a 4.

Fiendin for awhile now but haven’t been able to go back because my schedule has been too busy. Well, finally I got that break in my schedule. Made the trip to Cravin Cajun to find out everything is just the way I remember it… except for the way they serve the shrimp. I know it’s minor and the shrimp still tastes great but… I am not a fan of it being served on a dish. Bring back the bags please. Getting sloppy pulling shrimp out of the bag is fun. The plating of shrimp in this place is too formal for the ambiance. This is a fun place… bags r fun.
I still luv the place, bring back the bags and I’ll give u the 5^th star.

Clean, delicious, great service, amazing wine … Love it!
Better food than Hot and Juicy by far … Cleaner than any other crawfish business around… And they have deserts ;)

Great service !
We love this place. It’s actually funny how we came here. we were first heading to BOILING CRABS then they had like an hour wait, so we came here instead. to be honest, we like this place better than boiling crab. Seasoning are yummy && they have kiddy cajun so kids love it to and service is always good.
i would definitely recommend it to friends.

Dang. Had to check and double check, and this is now 3 times in a row that the sauce (Cravin’ Cajun Medium) has been too salty, and completely missing the overall richness that it had before.
Part of my triple check was going to The Boiling Crab last night and I realized what I was missing. For about a year straight, Cravin’ Cajun had the best sauce going. Cravin’ Cajun STILL has the best quality shrimp of any of the big three (HJC, TBC, CC) by far — they are huge. You will be impressed by this. But unfortunately their sauce recipe has changed for the worse. Total bummer!
Hot ‘N’ Juicy has the worst quality shrimp but arguably the best sauce as of today (June 2013). Boiling Crab somewhere in the middle (decent shrimp, sauce just OK).
And the red stars fall, sadly.
Recipe for the best bag of cajun shrimp in town? Get a Boiling Crab server to come with you, grab a cup of Hot ‘N’ Juicy sauce to-​go, pour it in a bag of gloriously-​sized Cravin’ Cajun shrimp.

LOVE this place! I would choose this place over Hot N Juicy any day. Laid back atmosphere with great use of space. TVs throughout restaurant, comfy booths, extra sinks on the outside of restrooms for convenience and not over crowded. Actually, everyone should come here and make them busier!
Now for the real reason I come here… a bag full of Succulent Shrimp (with heads on them so be prepared) immersed in the best lemon pepper garlic sauce I’ve had! I get mild and it still has a lil kick to it. Pair it with some white rice drizzled with the sauce, some yummy tots, or shrimp alone and you’re good to go! Another fav of mine is the crawfish bisque: rich, creamy, and very tasty!
Definitely My Top Spot for a Seafood Fill!
Bonus: Butter Mints & you don’t leave stinky
My Favorites:
Shrimp by the lbs (Lemon Pepper, Mild)
Crawfish Bisque
Crawfish Tail Basket w/​Sweet Potato Tots
Catfish Basket
Seafood Salad

I know everyone compares this place to Hot&Juicy, and it’s understandable. However the flavor here when you go with that extra extra hot, blows Hot&Juicy’s spice level out the park! I usually go to these style places for snow crab, and my bf gets the king. If we’re not sweating and dying for some sort of bread to eat, were not satisfied. The flavor, freshness, and size of your portions in my opinion top H&J and the Boiling crab. But they were ducked 2 stars for very critical factors. One, service. It sucked, they were half way polite, and not on top of it at all, either time I’ve dined. Second, the corn and crab chowder. Ok if you’re going to add fresh crab to something, don’t ruin it with Campbell’s soup. Or whatever brand of cream corn they used. Which is EXACTLY what the chowder was, canned creamed corn with NO extra seasonings, and a few crab lumps. Save your $ 9!
Go for the huge crab, shrimp & crawfish, skip the rest!

Granted I’ve gone soft over the years, my spicy legend will be forever remembered online. So trust me when I say beware of the «Hot» level of spice here! Once you get past the heat, the Cravin’ Cajun’s sauce is the most flavorful sauce I’ve ever had at any crawfish joint. Sweet, salty, tangy, garlicky, buttery. Very well balanced! No garlicky aftertaste when you’re done eating (but for sure you will be reeking of it the morning of).
As for the décor, this place is well thought out. Extra sinks so you can wash up after without waiting for the bathrooms is GENIUS!

6 hours later and I still smell like garlic and Cravin’ Cajun seasoning. While I am somewhat indifferent to edible crustaceans, I particularly enjoyed my first experience here.
We got here after 4pm. Since my dining companion was gluten-​free, the first thing we did was ask the hostess if they had gluten-​free items. She wasn’t sure what that meant at first, but some explanation and minutes later, the answer was yes. We were seated soon after. After getting our drink order, the hostess/​server and one of the kitchen staff (I think) came out and asked us again about the gluten-​free thing. We listed everything that could not be eaten: wheat, oats, barley, etc etc. They wrote it down and went back to the kitchen to double-​check. The kitchen staffer came back and explained that the seasoning /​lemon pepper was all good and safe to eat. Yay! We ordered 2 lbs of crawfish, one with the Cravin’ Cajun seasoning and the other with lemon pepper. We also got some corn, potatoes and a side of white rice.
While the wait wasn’t terribly long, we did ask for some crayons to draw on the parchment paper on the table when there was a lull in our conversation. But right after we got the crayons, the food came out!
Honestly didn’t know what to expect really. The server plopped down two bags filled with bright red things, a bowl of rice, and a fork. I guess the bemused looks on our faces prompted the server to ask if we wanted gloves. We figured out how to eat the little buggers and had quite a good time. I liked the slightly sweet Cravin’ Cajun seasoning while my dining companion preferred the lemon pepper. The sauce and garlic in the bag was really yum with the rice.
I’d like to come back sometime and try their bag o’ shrimpies.

I realize I need to preface this review with a little insight into my obsession with crawfish, as they represent the single greatest food pursuit of my life — no kidding. I have been lucky enough in life to have joined some of the country’s greatest crawfish festivals and eaten at some of the most renowned crawfish joints.
When the sign first appeared above the doors of this traditional Asian section of town, I got so excited I nearly got t-​boned by an SUV trying to cross the road. Of course, it wasn’t open yet, so I shed a small tear and considered heading over to H&J’s to satisfy this sudden crawfish craze that came over me — of course, that’s when I remembered I aint a big fan of H&J’s.
Weeks later, I saw people scurrying about around the place and, once again, I broke several traffic laws trying to get turned around. Apparently, this time they were having a little job fair, looking for a staff I guess (don’t think I didn’t consider a sudden career change).
Then, life got busy, they opened and I didn’t even notice. It was several weeks before I happened to catch that distinguishable sign again, so of course I dropped everything I was doing just to get some of those delicious bugs that make my life happy.
Okay — that’s the end of my happy.
Now for the review.
Cravin’ Cajun is just another H&J — with a little bit different sauce.
The problem, as is the problem with H&J’s, is that, apparently, crawfish in Vegas means 2 things.
* Tiny, little, midget crawfish.
* Impossibly overwhelming sauce.
The crawfish were almost too small to eat, I should have probably just ate them whole — it would have been better. Where do they get these things?
And the sauce (while honestly quite delicious) so overpower the crawfish, you can’t even taste those wonderful juices that come from sucking the head. People, crawfish have a delicious flavor, and it’s completely lost in the sauce.
So in conclusion, Vegas still doesn’t have a decent crawfish joint.
Can’t a guy catch a break?

Like the name implies, there are some days that I simply find myself Cravin’ Cajun. So away I went not too far back to try this place out.
I like the concept of «seafood in a bag» (as Paolo puts it). It’s messy, it’s fun, and there’s a lot of food to pick through. We had a big table, so it took a little while to serve all of us, but once that matter was taken care of, the eating began.
Their crawfish are good. I got a 1 pound medium level spicy bag, and the serving was excellent. The problem with crawfish in general, however, is the fact that for all of its tastiness, it’s just a little meat on that sucker. Don’t misunderstand me. The choice was excellent and I don’t regret it, but after seeing the shrimp that the others got, I know what I’m going to have to get the next time round.
They have other seafood/​Cajun treats if «crustacean in a sack» isn’t so much your thing, and their beer selection is fun. They have a beer served in a Buddha-​shaped bottle that is top-​notch, and the mugs weren’t just frosty cold, they were freezing cold. That’s going to be a great experience to check out when the weather warms up.
Prices were respectable, service was patient and friendly with the large crowd, and the bibs kept all the food bits off the front of the shirt (which you’ll find that you are going to need).
I’ve been wanting to try this place for a while now, and now that I have, I have a justifiable reason to return. I’m still on my «Cajun Quest» to find THE perfect spot, but this is definitely a top ranking contender. I’ll have to sample the other foodstuffs before I can give away such a title so easily.
But you’re okay, little seafood place. You’re okay.

I have been cravin’ to get on over to Cravin’ Cajun for sometime now. My experience with the shallow water crustaceans is limited only to bad buffets. I wanted to get out and experience the real deal. So the GF and I drove across town to give it a shot.
It is true that the atmosphere hints at a very fun place. When we went it was during that witching hour between lunch and dinner. Things were pretty quiet.
After having been seated and taking a look at the menu, the GF went for the Gumbo and I went for the bag of Procambarus clarkii with the Cravin’ Cajun medium seasoning.
When the bag of bottom feeders arrived, it dawned on me that I did not truly know how to devour the little guys. Though CC was kind enough to give me bib, no one provided me with the knowledge to eat. The GF then pulled out the smart phone and after a quick search a tutorial was found on the internet. I then commenced to pinching, pulling and sucking. after a few minutes I let the GF go and started doing the same to the crawfish.
All in all it was a fun and messy experience. I probably could have eaten three bags but my hands would have grown tired. The bonus was not the overpriced sliver of pecan pie that we bought but that I got to spell « Unilocal» with the bodies of those eaten.

WOOPTYWOO!
Review number 101 for one of my favorite places in the entire galaxy!
WHO: Bring the entire family! =D
WHERE: Spring Mountain & Jones.
WHEN: 11:30am-10pm weekdays, and 2pm-​10pm on weekends! & I also believe that everyday from 2−6pm, it is happy hour! Meaning… $ 2 off entrée meals?
WHY: If you love SHRAMPPP, crawfish, crab, and all the delicious sea creatures as much as me, force some shoes on and run there. Now… NOW!
WHAT: First thing’s first. The moment I first walked in, I fell in love with how the restaurant’s simplicity and calmness gave off such a positive vibe! Ofcourse, as I opened the door to such an exciting aroma, I was greeted by most everyone on staff which genuinely made me happier inside.
Tangent. Yes, there are getting to be a few competitors, as Hot N Juicy has been a hit, and The Boiling Crab has now opened the Las Vegas location. Yes, they are all good locations. And No, I passionately believe that none of them can beat the zest, zing, zeeeliciousness (I make up words sometimes) of CRAVIN’ CAJUN. Sorry, I get a tad bit enthused when I talk about my favorites. Haha.
Back on track. When my cousin and I were finally seated, I looked around and wondered why there weren’t as many people as I thought there would be, since I did hear by word-​of-​mouth that this place was «bombdotcom.» The lack of people in the room didn’t scare me away though!
So, for those of you who have never been to a seafood place like this, be amazed and be ready to get down and dirty with your hands! If you decide to get that delectable seasoned seafood in a bag, you can choose from 3 different seasonings, and can choose between crab (king/​blue/​snow), shrimp (my usual choice), crawfish (it’s better when fresh, not frozen, so ask!), and clams.
I absolutely love, love, love their Lemon Pepper seasoning! I also love their «Ravin’ Cajun» seasoning. It’s a mixture of both their seasonings on the menu. This one, you have to ask for bec you won’t be able to find it on the menu. Super yummy! Also, as I continue rambling, If you want your seafood complimented… try the cajun fries, sweet potato tots, sweet potato fries, or even a bowl of white rice. ;) (I personally love sweet potato everything!)
For those of you who like to keep it on the safe side, there are seafood baskets which include: fried catfish, fried oysters (yum!), and a bunch of other things I haven’t tried yet! =) Better yet, they got some chicken wings you can enjoy! =D.
From reading all these random thoughts I tried to type down, this place is a MUST SEE, MUST EAT, AND A MUST DO (on your food list, of course!) Have fun, bring the family, and maybe I’ll see you there! =)

I learned something very valuable on Sunday – trust in the Bobby.
Because he’s right. Cravin’ Cajun has THE best quality shrimp of the three «seafood-​in-​a-​bag» hot spots. I’ll always have a soft spot for Hot N Juicy Crawfish. I also appreciate the handy napkin dispensers at Boiling Crab. But for large – and I do mean LARGE – shrimp, they just don’t match up to the Cajun. Not only are they larger, but they seem to be juicier. I’ve never put the bib to such good use. And amazingly, every single shrimp was completely intact. I’m no expert, but that says a lot to me.
So now I’m left with a tough decision. You know. First world problem type stuff. Do I go to Hot N Juicy? Or do I go to Cravin’ Cajun? I’ll bridge that cross when it comes to me.

I like this place a lot. I know there are more than a few people who won’t agree with me but IMO this place is so much better than Hot N Juicy. After I ate here I didn’t have the overwhelming taste of garlic in my mouth for the next 48 hours. Which is all I can think about when someone mentions hitting up that other place.
I was here with a group of 3 and we ordered 1lb of shrimp with lemon pepper seasoning, medium heat, 1lb of crawfish with cravin’ cajun seasoning, medium heat, sweet potato tots, 3 ears of corn and a bowl of corn n’ crab chowder. The waitress offered to have the kitchen split the chowder 3 ways before we even asked. Extra points for her. We had the intention of ordering all this to start with, to share, and then adding on from there but this ended up being the perfect amount of food. Everything was good. I actually have no complaints about the food or the service. I can’t wait to go back and try the shrimp and crawfish with the crazy hot level of heat.
I say give it a try.

Spacious! Seats up to 150 guests.
Nice ambiance with appropriate decors.
3 sinks! Yes, right in the hallway near the restrooms, so your hands can freshen up before you dig right into your next round cajun yumminess or desserts :)
That pretty much sums up some of the important observations while I was at the newly opened Cravin’ Cajun, the latest Louisiana crawfish boils restaurant to open up in Las Vegas.
CC serves the same kind of menu offered by other restaurants in the same category. The seasoning comes in three (possibly four) options: Kiddie Cajun (Lightly seasoned), Cravin’s Cajun (the restaurant’s signature blend), Lemon Pepper (A Cravin’s favorite), and maybe Ravin’ Cajun! (their combination of all of their flavors). Then you can further specify the heat levels: Mild, Medium, Hot, Crazy Cravin’ Hot.
I tried the shrimp with the Cravin’ Cajun (medium) and it was served up in the familiar plastic bag over white butcher paper covered table. And I really enjoyed the flavor of the Cravin’ Cajun blend. I also normally wear a pair of disposable plastic glove when eating this kind of food, but opted to go all natural today, and the shrimps were still piping hot. Wearing disposable gloves may help prevent your sensitive fingertips from getting burned, plus your hands will not required the through soap and hot water treatment afterward.
Not into seafood served in a bag? They also have Cravin’ Cajun Baskets of Fried Chicken Strips, Fried Catfish, Fried Oyster, and Fried Shrimp served Fries. Cravin’ a Po-​Boy? They have Catfish, Crawfish Tail, Oyster, Shrimp and Cajun Sausage Po-​Boys to satisfy your tummy. Still not interested??? How about their signature Etouffe, Jambalaya, Gumbo, Seafood Salad, Corn n’ Crab Chowder or Lobster Bisque? They serve just about everything you could think of to order here, EXCEPT Fried Okras (Sorry Misti).
Anyway, I plan to come back for dinner and try other stuff on their menu when I am more hungry.
And in case you do not know where this soon to be popular Cajun crawfish/​shrimp/​crab/​clams boil dining destination is located at, it is in the same strip mall as a few other local Unilocal favorites (China Mama, HK Star) on S. Jone Blvd, between Spring Mountain and Desert Inn Rd.
Service was good. The waitress (Myrene) was attentative, without breating down your neck. Although I would not object to that in a different setting.
Price is on par with the others. $ 9.99 for 1# of crawfish, $ 10.99 for shrimp, etc.
Ambiance is pleasant, interior design work that went into the construction of this restaurant is nicely thought out (3 hand sinks!) and elegantly executed.
4 stars! Yay! I’m a fan, and I will ask friends to come along later tonight :)