Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood

West Des Moines, IA · Restaurant

Rating
4.1/5
★★★★☆ 4.1
Reviews
20
Rank in West Des Moines
#82
of 224 restaurants
City Percentile
40%
rating percentile
Address
Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood, 4508 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone
(515) 224-5888
Website
www.laughingcrab168.com
Status
Closed · Opens 11 AM

Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood is a restaurant located in West Des Moines, IA. It is one of 224 restaurants listed in West Des Moines. Its 4.1-star rating is slightly below the West Des Moines city average of 4.2 stars. There are 10 photos associated with this location.

About Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood

Juicy Cajun Seafood We work seven days a week, ready to welcome you to the ordering and eating. No Checks,Please

Hours

Saturday11 AM–10 PM

Customer Reviews

★★★★★ 5.0 Zana Switzer · Feb 2026

If you’re looking for a seafood spot that values your time as much as your tastebuds, Laughing Crab is a solid contender. We visited recently and were impressed by just how efficiently they move from order to table. • The "Perfect" Hits: The crab legs and shrimp were the stars of the show—cooked precisely to that sweet, tender point where the meat slides right out of the shell. • The Sides: The potatoes and sausage were equally on point, soaking up all that glorious seasoning without losing their texture. • The "Room for Improvement": The only minor hiccup was the corn. It was a bit overcooked this time around, which can happen in the high-heat environment of a boil bag, but it was a small dent in an otherwise great meal. Our server was fantastic—kind, attentive, and incredibly fast. In

★★★★★ 5.0 Claudette Carolina · Mar 2026

Thing was my second time eating here. Whenever I come visit my Nephew in Iowa, this is a MUST visit when I’m in town. I went inside to order to go and there was a long line of people waiting (lunch time). I didn’t have to wait a long time for my food. I ate one of the crab cakes in the parking lot, it was so delicious. The customer service was outstanding.

★★★★★ 5.0 Anna · Oct 2025

We had such a fun time at the Laughing Crab. Our waitress was very kind, personable and interacted with us all night. The food was good considering we aren’t right next to the sea. But it was a fun experience! Buns and all. We both got the combo with shrimp and snow crab. 1/2 lb is sufficient unless you are hungry then a lbs would be recommended.

★★★★★ 5.0 Yolonda Jackson · Dec 2025

Food is always good here, compared to my Louisiana seafood, this comes the closest. Home away from home here in Iowa. Service is excellent, cocktails are good and the music is always bumping☺️

★☆☆☆☆ 1.0 Robert Poche · Feb 2026

The cheapest feeling restaurant i have eaten in in a long time. I felt grossed out everywhere I looked. The cheapest paper plates known to man. The cheapest plastic baskets I have ever seen. Napkins worse than toilet paper. Crab might be good but rest of menu sucks. Oysters terrible. Fish is like Mrs. Pauul's. Quality sucks. Atmospher sucks. Think nail parlor serving seafood. I will never go back.

Accessibility & Amenities

✓ Wheelchair Accessible Entrance ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Restroom ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Services

RestaurantCajun restaurantCrab houseSeafood restaurant

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This listing is informational. Contact the business directly to verify credentials, services, and availability.