Steamboat Bill's of Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601: A Review

Once in awhile, an opportunity to try something truly unique comes along, and those who pass it up, usually end up regretting it, and living with the "if only's" from then on. So, when the chance to feast on crawdad's (or crawfish/crayfish/mudbugs) at Steamboat Bill's of Lake Charles, Louisiana came along, Janet and I made a bee-line to 732 Martin Luther King Hwy. She gave me a great recommendation, and neither of us are the sorts to back away from something new (for me) and different (for us both). Reputation 5 out-of-5 stars.

After a short drive, we pull into the semi-full parking lot of Steamboat Bill's on a Friday evening. The dining room was already about half-full of a happy, talkative crowd being serviced by an energetic, hard-working, and smiling staff. I noticed how the establishment smelled immediately - just about every fish you could imagine. Appearance 5 out-of-5 stars

Our turn came to place an order of ten pounds of crawdads, since there was a special. I won't list prices here as anything "in concrete," only as what we spent. We all know prices can change in the Great American Economy. We only paid $2.99 a pound, compared to the regular price-at-the-time of $4.99 a pound. Steamboat Bill's also offers a nice, simple selection of domestic and imported beers to accompany your crawdad feast, too. But this is no bar. Plenty of the tables were filled with entire families having fun. Prices 4 &1/2 out-of-5 stars. (But only because nobody believes a 5-star rating.)

While waiting (not long at all) for our food, I noticed the massive variety of dishes available. No matter the seafood-of-your-choosing, there's something here for everyone. The crab was as reasonably priced, as any other fish on the menu, too. Among the variety of entrees available, Steamboat Bill's even offers customers their very own house Cajun seasoning which I highly recommended you at least order some of, online. Variety 5 out-of 5 stars.

Anyway, our order came up, and as we sat at the table, I had questions. The staff was friendly enough to let me know the folks who tell you to eat more than the tail and/or claws are probably being "funny" and to not risk it. They also give helpful tips to noobs like me, with their crew uniforms reading "Pinch me. Peel me. Eat me," and a picture of a crawdad on the back. Such thoughtful "pict-o-gram" instructional guides are more helpful than many may realize, in such moments. Ambiance 5 out-of-5 stars.

Crawdads are messy, spicy, and a bit more filling than folks may realize. But they are delicious, and they're fun. Every time a fellow diner heard it was my first time to make a crawdad boil they either said "They good," or asked "Wadja think?" Maybe it was only my perception, but most others around seemed to rather enjoy the idea of a first-time crawdad-eater. Of course, the friendly staff, and the lovely company I was with, made for Steamboat Bill's to be a great time for anyone. Fun factor 5 out-of 5 stars.

Reasonable prices, a casual and fun atmosphere, dedicated and courteous staff (Thanks Ty!) make for a great time to be had at Steamboat Bill's. If you happen to be in the area, I'd highly recommend you stop in between 10:30 a.m. To 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 9:30 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays. If you have questions, they can be reached at 337-494-1700, first. Reservations are not necessary, and the only dress code would be that of decency standards of the community (very casual). Bring an appetite,and remember to tip those wonderful folks accordingly, for all they do. I'm going back. Who knows? Maybe we'll run into one another here. Drinks are on you, when we do.

Sources:

http://SteamboatBills.com (Corporate contact and menu)

Google maps:

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=732+Martin+Luther+King+Hwy+Lake+Charles,+LA+70601&aq=&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=35.631106,86.572266&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=732+S+Martin+Luther+King+Hwy,+Lake+Charles,+Louisiana+70601&ll=30.229408,-93.180199&spn=0.151878,0.338173&t=h&z=12