Steamboat Bill's on the Lake — Restaurant in Lake Charles

Purchased 5 lbs of crawfish with 2 corns and what I was told would be a whole link of sausage but was really just a 1/4 of a link for 53$, on 4/27/24. I noticed from the jump that they had a lot of dirt on them still like they weren't washed very well but I had just paid 53$ so I was still going to try to eat them because who wants to just waste 53$ today??? Not me. After eating about 1lb/1.5lbs I noticed my stomach started hurting real bad like I had to go the restroom but as I went I actually ended up throwing it all up. I was feeling just fine before but I knew it was the crawfish because you can tell when you eat something that just isn't right. So I called the restraunt and let them know that I was sick from eating the crawfish and they denied that they could've made any kind of mistake. After asking to speak to a manger, the manager also denied that it could've been the crawfish and that they were fresh, live, crawfish that they boil and insisted on curving the possibility of something being done about it. So, I asked for another manager, he wasn't rude but basically said the same things the first manager said so I asked him if I could speak to the owner or the person above them because at this point... I'm still throwing up and I'm feeling horrible so I wanted them to know and something to be done about it. Crawfish are way too expensive to go to waste. The manager said he would write my name and number down and have the owner call me the next day... I waited still sick. So the next day, I'm not throwing up but still feeling really bad... I called them back after not receiving a call. I got the same thing... the person I needed to talk to was still not in and would call me when she could. Another day goes by and I waited... no longer sick but still pretty upset about the money I waisted and still no call back to address the situation so I call back and get the same response. She's not in but has my number and will call me when she can. Here it is 5/11/24 and still no call back from no one and I'm assuming they thought they could just keep pushing it off but I still suffered from eating there and that was still 53$ out of my pocket that I basically just gave up to them because I didn't finish the dirt they had in the bag. Who would?

Shame on you Steamboat Bill's... you've been around way too long for this and too many people hold ya'll too high for this kind of service.

I believe everyone should be treated fairly and I don't see it fair that I couldn't even get a call back from the person in...

Walking in was a little confused about how to order but they quickly greeted us and said to grab a menu then pointed where to order. I decided to get the sampler which included the seafood gumbo the soup of the day, which was a corn chowder and the étouffée. I also got a side of red beans and rice. I was looking forward to the corn chowder. It was way too spicy for me to eat though, but I had a great flavor. I just couldn't eat it because of the high level of spice the gumbo had a good spiciness and was a traditional Louisiana dark room really good layers of flavor and it was very meaty. Lots of things filling up the bowl on the the shrimp was perfectly cooked and that was my favorite and had a really nice Cajun flavor. The red beans and rice were once again perfectly cooked and they were not underdone or overdone. There was not they weren't soggy. The flavor was right on point really recommend the red beans and rice and the ate over everything that I had gumbo would be after that, but would not recommend the corn chowder unless they reduce that spiciness so you can't eat it. My husband got the fish Poboy Which was one of the best fish Poboy I've ever had! It was light crispy on the outside and , flakey on the inside. One of the biggest reasons why I did so much is cause it was a thick piece of fish. A lot of people will make these fish sandwiches with a lot of bread and a little bit of the meat and that is aggravating; also it came with a side of slaw My husband didn't care for it, but I did. It was chopped up and squares instead of little grated slices. I liked the chopped pieces better and had a good flavor in my opinion. Hands-down, one of the best things was the rolls! Bloody Mary was simple but well balanced and tasty! Atmosphere was nice cajun and decorated to a T the building was brick with lots of windows and is right next to a railroad track...a ttain went by and we barely heard it so building is secure and it gave us a nastalgia of how people on the lake back in the day would have come around eating seafood. Service was impecable and enjoyed the conversation with the ladies. We will...

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8/10 Overall Experience Steamboat Bill’s, Lake Charles, LA

I had a chance to try Steamboat Bill’s while in Lake Charles, and the food absolutely delivered. I started with the chicken wings, and let me just say, they were incredible. Perfectly crispy, crunchy, and seasoned to perfection. Easily a 10 out of 10.

I followed that up with the Dungeness Snow Crab, which was also phenomenal. Unlike the usual boiled style, these came straight off the grill. It’s a bit different from what most might expect, but I personally loved it. Another 10 out of 10.

That said, the ordering process threw me off a bit. When you walk in, you’re handed a menu and expected to decide what you want before you’re allowed to sit. You have to place your order at the register first, which creates a sense of pressure, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the menu or just want to take your time. Standing near the entrance with people constantly coming in didn’t make for the most comfortable first impression.

Once I placed my order and was seated, things felt more relaxed, almost like a casual lunch diner. The atmosphere isn’t anything particularly special, just your standard daytime diner vibe. I’d rate the ambiance about a 2.5 out of 5 stars (or 5 out of 10). The service was fine, nothing bad, but nothing to rave about either.

Bottom line: The food here is outstanding and well worth the stop. While the ordering setup was a bit inconvenient, everything after that went smoothly. I’d give this place a solid 8 out of 10 overall, mostly because of how good the food is. If you’re in Lake Charles and craving bold, well-seasoned seafood and wings, Steamboat Bill’s...