Reel Cajun Seafood Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Port Arthur

Rarely do I ever post a review. I feel compelled this time because of the service and treatment we received last evening at the Reel Cajun. My fiance wanted to take me out for a change and asked me where I'd like to go. I picked Reel Cajun because I've tried their seafood buffet several times, and they usually hit a home run each time. Last night, this was not the case at all. The buffet was bare when we arrived. After being seated, it was 10 minutes or more before any server came by to take drink orders and ask us what we wanted for dinner. She and I both ordered the buffet. Our first trip, as I said, the buffet was bare. Certain areas of the line reiked of spoiled seafood...particularly the oyster and boiled crab trays. I got several of the oysters and crabs and brought back to our table...just as I had suspected...rancid! I brought this to the attention of our waitress, she smelled it without me even saying anything and immediately took it to the kitchen as evidence. She never returned with an outcome. We reluctantly continued our meal, somewhat sickened by the smell alone. The 2nd trip to the line I stuck with fried seafood and sides. I decided later to try another batch of boiled crab that was just placed out...same song, second verse...rancid. Here is where I get upset. I again called our waitress over (who was absolutely awesome throughout our ordeal and NOT at all at fault). She agreed once again and removed my plate to the kitchen. This time I asked for a manager. After another 10 minutes or so, (they were only moderately busy), the young (new) manager came over...I described the situation to him...he became very defensive and argumentative; claiming there's no way this could happen since their crabs are delivered live and fresh daily. His over all demeanor was rude, uncaring, and complacent. I again reiterated and offered his waitress and the plates that were sent back as evidence. Again, to no avail. Later in our meal we were informed they would be preparing a new tray of crabs as the table behind us had a similar experience and had also complained. Really? My complaint is completely ignored, but apparently there's strength in numbers. At this point we requested the check and left. Both of us had stomach issues into the night. We won't be back and encourage everyone else to think twice before choosing this establishment as well. Perhaps the local health department should check...

We were disappointed in our experience and the attitude of management. I ordered the etouffee and it was not the normal dish you would expect. It was very oily and it did not taste good. I told the waitress I could not eat it. She had offered me a taste before I ordered but I told her that I had eaten etouffee before. She also told me when I sent it back that most people do send it back. I was given the opportunity to order something else. When my bill came they charged me for both meals. I asked the waitress about it and she said she would get it taken off. The manager came to the table and said that since I turned down the taste prior to ordering I would have to pay for the meal. I told her that the waitress should have told us that most people send the meal back when she offered the taste. I would have reconsidered the taste. She said she would take the charge off my bill but the waitress would be charged for the meal. I told her that if the meal was so bad that most people send it back why do they keep it on the menu. They keep from loosing money because they make the wait staff pay for their poor choices. I was pleased with the service given and she was very attentive and friendly. She did not deserve to be mistreated by her employer. I gave her a sufficient tip to cover her having to pay for the meal. I will not visit an establishment that treats their employees in...

I wish we'd read the reviews before choosing to celebrate a birthday here. I am shocked to discover that years of feedback have not resulted in improvement on recipes such as the dirty rice. It tasted like plain white rice. The best thing on my plate was the green beans. My shrimp brochette was tough, and you could not taste the cheese or the jalapeño AT ALL. I could barely taste the bacon. Everyone at my table was unhappy with their meals. The microscopic grilled shrimp on top of the snapper. The chucks of lettuce in the shrimp salad. Too much cream cheese in the creamed corn. Bland, mild crawfish bowl. Only one small dip container with the appetizers. Overall, the food lacks the level of flavoring and seasoning worthy of the Cajun label. There were no condiments on the table. The utensils consisted of a single fork. The waitress did not ensure we had everything we needed for our meals, like a spoon or shell crackers for the crabs. The floor was very sticky and dirty. Also, I did not appreciate an 18% gratuity being added to our tabs for a server who refilled only 2 glasses the entire 3 hrs we were there. There was too much wait time between services for a group of 10, even when we were ready to pay and get out of there. I usually have leftovers every time I eat out... I was hungry again before I got home. Do...