The Captain's Boil - Kitchener

I have tried similar restaurants with the cajun/creole theme and I can honestly say that Captain's Boil blows every single competitor out of the water. With quality seafood, a fun concept, friendly wait staff, and welcoming ambiance, eating here is an experience in itself. I personally enjoyed the king crab legs and cajun seafood fried rice. Super yummy!! Would definitely come back again and again. Waterloo honestly doesn't have many nice restaurants for first dates, catching up with friends, or birthday celebrations but Captain's Boil has definitely filled that void!

Went to the Boil Bar on a Saturday. We were the only customers there which gave me pause as this is still a relatively new restaurant. The boyfriend ("bf") and I both ordered the Dungeness crab with captain boil seasoning (I picked mild, the bf medium) with a part cob of corn. There was bibs on the tables so of course we took the time to take pictures of each other wearing them as we were waiting on the food. And humongous plastic gloves. The food arrives double bagged. The only utensils that you receive is a crab cracker. It was pretty hot to pick up when we first started but cooled down fairly quickly. They didn't leave the good parts of the head (what the bf cause inedible green slime, but I call the best part of the crab). The spices overpowered the delicate flavours of the crab instead of enhancing. Personally would rather go to the store and steam a few crabs myself. Service was basic. Restaurant was clean as it was new but do not anticipate those booths staying clean as the spices are reddish and stain like crazy. Wish I loved the flavours more as this city isn't exactly known for decent seafood. With dungeness crab I knew that the prices were going to be high but they don't bother to put on menu so deceptive. Nickle and dime for every add on.

Interesting concept of your dinner being presented to you in a bag, of which I assume it is a Sous Vide approach. We both selected the snow crab, as it was mid-range in price. The service was quick, and relatively explanatory, but I would think that a cracking device would be assumed and you wouldn't have to ask for it. The crab was good, not excellent and the sauce it came in was good. It is a very messy experience and that, coupled with the cost and the overall generic appearance of the restaurant, will not necessitate another visit. I enjoy seafood, and I will pay the price for it, but I expect a little more ambience and choice.

This new restaurant is designed for those who like group dining, eating with your hands in a casual setting. There are ample choices of seafood where you can choose your sauce and heat level. My selection was the seafood teriyaki, which came with dry rice, tasty shrimp that needed to be shelled, clams and mussels, which were tender and flavorful, crawfish that I tired quickly from trying to extract a morsel of fish to heavily breaded white fish. The fish was moist, but the coating lacked crispness. Wouldn't recommend this dish. The service was pleasant throughout. Other patrons seem to have a good experience here that may be worthy of a second visit with others.

This was a great experience. First time ever having crawfish, found them not meaty. Restaurant is great, server recommended rice and fries as sides and they were fantastic. Will try again.