Review of Cajun Boilers Restaurant in Hot Springs, Arkansas

If you like the unusual and the spicy, eat at Cajun Boilers. Sitting right on Lake Hamilton on Highway 270, just west of Hot Springs, it's pretty easy access.

We usually save Cajun Boilers for special occasions because it is on the more expensive side. Most dinner plates are $10 and up. For a family of four, it is easy to spend at least $50 on dinner there. While a lot of people don't find that to be expensive, we do.

Our favorite appetizer is the fried alligator. It comes in chunks like nuggets, deep fried and crispy with a side of Ranch dressing. It is always tender and juicy. We have not been disappointed in that one yet. It is a little pricey for an appetizer, though, at about $8. You won't get a lot, but just enough to snack on while waiting for your salads and dinner.

Most dinners do come with a salad, dressing of your choice. They are fairly large salads, too. Always crisp and fresh served with crackers on the side.

My favorite meal is the blackened catfish. It comes with a loaded baked potato which helps to curve the spiciness of it. It is very spicy hot, juicy and just full of wonderful flavor. This meal costs about $12.

A favorite of my husband is the all you can eat crawfish. Again, it is served up spicy and steamed. It is brought out on a large, flat platter with a bucket to put the remains into. Come prepared to eat a lot because this meal runs $20 and up, depending on the availability of the crawfish. The easier they are to get, the cheaper they are. But it is an all you can eat, so it's perfect for the big guys in the family.

Crab legs are also a favorite dish at our table. Steamed and juicy and not too spicy, this meal price also varies depending on availability. Anywhere from $20 and up. It is usually not an all you can eat, though. That makes it less of a good value for your money.

The service is usually good at Cajun Boilers. Very seldom have I had to wave someone down for service. They know with the spicy food that they must keep glasses full and they do a good job of it.