The Crab Pad

4.3 ( 690 reviews )
$30–50
2529 N Milwaukee Ave #1, Chicago, IL 60647, United States
+1 773-360-8332

The Crab Pad, located at 2529 N Milwaukee Ave in Chicago, is quickly gaining a reputation as a must-visit Cajun restaurant. Diners rave about the welcoming atmosphere and the exceptional service provided by staff members like Theresa and Nina, making every meal feel special. The star of the menu is undoubtedly the seafood boil, with patrons praising the superb house sauce that strikes the perfect balance of spice and flavor.

Sheesha Sheen's glowing review highlighted the garlic noodles, which paired perfectly with their flavorful seafood, particularly the shrimp and mussels in the Pick 2 combo. Another standout dish mentioned by Brian Posada was the Fish and Chips, complemented by a fun dessert of homemade ice cream horchata popsicle. The attention to detail in the dishes, such as the garlic and pepper additions, enhances the overall dining experience.

Moreover, the affordability of the meals combined with the quality of the ingredients creates a value that’s hard to beat. With options like loaded tots and refreshing BYOB drinks, The Crab Pad caters to all tastes. For those seeking an unforgettable seafood adventure in Chicago, this vibrant spot offers delights that will have you dreaming of your next visit.

Amenities and More

  • From the business
    • Identifies as women-owned
  • Service options
    • Delivery
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Fast service
    • Great dessert
  • Popular for
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Offerings
    • All you can eat
    • Comfort food
    • Food
    • Happy-hour food
    • Vegan options
    • Vegetarian options
  • Dining options
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Catering
    • Dessert
    • Seating
    • Table service
  • Amenities
    • Toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Groups
    • LGBTQ+ friendly
    • Tourists
    • Transgender safe space
    • University students
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs
    • Kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Paid street parking
    • Parking

Reviews For The Crab Pad

Sheesha Sheen
Jun 29,2025
This place is incredible! The staff are super friendly, and the food totally matches their great energy. Even though they were a bit busy, every employee was kind, and the food was absolutely delicious. Tips: The garlic noodles twirled up in your bag sauce? Soooo bomb. Fish and fries? Solid 10/10. Pro tip: ask for the calamari sauce—it’s a game-changer with the fish. Go for the Pick 2 combo—I highly recommend the shrimp and mussels. I’m literally drooling just thinking about it. Medium spice hits just right, and don’t forget to squeeze some lemon juice in that bag ..OMG. I need to go back like... now.
Maria B
Jun 20,2025
Came for the second time but this is my first time coming inside to eat . Loved the food , the service and the atmosphere !!! Had the food before but eating inside the crab pad is another experience . Theresa one of the owners is amazing 1000% recommended ... stop by and try there delicious sea food boil Cajun style ...
Brian Posada
Jun 14,2025
The food was amazing. Had the Fish and Chips for my daughter and she loved the homemade ice cream horchata popsicle. We ordered the Mixed Seafood Bag and with cajun seasoning. It was amazing! Will definitely be coming back.
Aqsa Ahsan
Jun 6,2025
best seafood boil experience i’ve had in Chicago!! the house sauce was AMAZING, the perfect level of spice and flavor. garlic and pepper chunks were a great add too. also had the hush puppies and garlic noodles which were perfect add ons. reasonably priced for the food you’re getting and the staff is so attentive, kind, and detailed. our waitress was nina and she was a gem. would go back just for her! overall 10/10 experience, def come for a staple and delicious seafood boil experience.
Chelsie Tamms
Apr 28,2025
Stopped in for Happy Hour because of their sign outside and it was well worth a visit! We didn’t try the proper seafood boil this time, but look forward to returning. The garlic noodles were really good, as were the loaded tots! Definitely two appetizers worth trying and I appreciated the variety of apps and items they had on special. It’s BYOB, which is cool as well. I tried the Peach Tea/Lemonade and it was really nice. The service was friendly and they also have a whole area with delicious-looking popsicles, too!
Tina Perona
Apr 4,2025
First time having a seafood boil old school style. No plates, no fancy napkins, just a plastic bag and some great seafood. Perfect for Fat Tuesday celebration, a fun night out, or just craving some lobster. The servers were very kind and walked me through the menu to pick the best meats. I grew up eating seafood (fresh caught fish, Dungeness crab, clams), so this was a great experience for me to get all my favorites in one spot. Loved the Cajun Crab Pad sauce but also the lemon pepper sauce was tasty. Don’t forget the potatoes, corn, and noodles. The garlic lemon pasta with shrimp was like my Nonna’s recipe and the garlic soy noodles were simple and yummy, the servers recommend to dip them in the left over Cajun sauce to soak up the full flavor of your bag. Wish I had room in my stomach for their homemade popsicles, next time I’m going to get the horchata or cookie monster flavors. 10/10 Thank you Crab Pad, I’ll be seeing y’all again.
Dada taiwo
Mar 23,2025
I really enjoyed the headless shrimp and the king crab. The Cajun sauce was really good z I love extra spicy but we not wiling to pay extra for it so I just went with medium spicy. The hot was very attentive me kind. I recommend you trying this place and I hope you have good experience too.
Christina V
Mar 21,2025
A Must Visit for Seafood Lovers!! • Server was very friendly and attentive • The ube latte had the perfect amount of sweetness • The crawfish sauce was bomb and flavorful • I also liked how they gave us a bottle of lemon juice just incase we wanted it extra sour! • Garlic noodles are a must try

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