Claws - Garden Grove

If you're in the mood for Cajun cuisine, this place is ideal for casual dates, birthday celebrations, watching games (there are flat-screen TVs everywhere), or simply relaxing with friends for no particular reason. All the waitstaff were friendly, efficient, and thoroughly enjoyable. My glass of refreshing strawberry tea, complete with real strawberries and perfectly balanced sweetness, was always filled to the brim. I appreciate when servers aren’t overly eager, as I’ve experienced at places like Cheesecake Factory, where they frequently check in on you with an artificial enthusiasm that can be off-putting. At Claws, the service is attentive yet relaxed, allowing you to enjoy your meal and company without interruption. As for the food I tried, it was delightful: - **Strawberry Iced Tea**: Fantastic (the peach iced tea was great as well). - **Gumbo**: A perfectly balanced dish with mild flavors—hearty yet light; truly healthy comfort food. I finished every last drop! - **Shipwreck**: A mix of baked and deep-fried seafood, including calamari and shrimp. The seafood portions were generous, though I wished the batter had more seasoning and a lighter texture. - **Crawfish**: Served in a bag with corn, potatoes, and crab seasoned with Old Bay. The table is covered with paper to soak up the juices, and once the waitress provides you with a bib, you can dig into the crawfish. These adorable little crustaceans resemble mini lobsters, and much like other shellfish, they require some effort to extract the meat, so if you’re not keen on the task (like I am), bring a friend to help or choose something easier to eat. - **Cajun Fries**: Usually spicy, which adds to the fun! If you're coming from Brookhurst, look for El Pollo Loco and Jumpa Thai at the entrance to find Claws.

It's hard not to compare this restaurant to Boiling Crab. Claws serves delicious Cajun seafood with a significantly shorter wait time than Boiling Crab. If you're willing to make the drive and prefer to avoid a long wait, Claws will definitely satisfy your cravings for crab, catfish, and shrimp. Their Cajun fries are quite addictive and pair perfectly with the spicy cannonball sauce. The atmosphere is laid-back, and they decorate for the seasons, which always adds a lovely touch.