Seemor
Shaking Seafood (Roslindale)B-Worth Trying
19 Poplar St, Roslindale, MA 02131
· Seafood restaurant, Cajun restaurant, Takeout Restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (621 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Crowd-pleasing Cajun-style seafood boils with generous combos at moderate prices, but service inconsistency and occasional quality lapses mean experiences vary.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Shaking Seafood delivers flavorful Cajun boils with strong food quality and quick service pacing, making it a solid neighborhood choice for casual groups. However, inconsistent execution across visits—variable doneness, seasoning accuracy, and occasional freshness concerns—prevents a higher grade, as does uneven service reliability and isolated food safety reports. Best suited for boil enthusiasts seeking casual, group-friendly dining rather than refined consistency.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels casual and messy-fun with paper-covered tables, gloves, and bibs while servers open steaming bags at the table. One diner said it was everything they wanted in a seafood boil, though others found staff efficient but not warm. The cooking leans classic Cajun boil with garlic butter, lemon pepper, and a house mix—comfort-first flavors rather than avant-garde flourishes. Expect bold spice, buttery sauces, and variable heat levels. When it lands, snow crab and shrimp are satisfying; when it misses, overcooking or saltiness can creep in. This suits boil lovers and casual groups more than fine-dining seekers. For families, it works: fried baskets and fries give kids familiar options, plus rice and hush puppies. Boil spice levels are adjustable, but younger or picky eaters may prefer baskets. No explicit kids menu is listed, yet tenders and shrimp baskets make it kid-manageable.
At a Glance
- Flavorful Cajun boils with customizable sauces and heat
- Group-friendly seating and quick pacing for large parties
- Service inconsistency and reports of tipping pressure
- Variable doneness and occasional off seafood complaints
- Parking can be difficult near Roslindale Village
What Sets It Apart
- choose_by_weight_boil
- hands_on_bag_service
- group_accommodation_friendly
What People Love
- Buttery-garlicky mixed sauce that coats everything
- Hearty portions when promos are running
- Fast service for big tables
- Fried baskets that scratch the comfort-food itch
Points of Concern
- Some diners report tipping pressure and post-visit charges; review receipts
- Occasional overcooked crab and variable seasoning accuracy
- A few illness reports tied to mussels/boils; treat as intermittent
- Difficult street parking at peak times
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (low-activity accounts, generic praise) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$32-52 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For best value, pair a 1 lb shrimp or mussels bag ($14.95-$16.50 per lb base) with corn/potato and split a chowder starter
- Kids: Chicken Tenders Basket ($12.95) with plain fries is the safest choice
- If sensitive to spice or salt, choose garlic butter and request light salt
Perfect For
- Casual seafood boil nights with friends
- Budget-conscious seafood cravings without white tablecloths
- Messy, hands-on dining experiences
- Large-group celebrations on a moderate budget
Location Insights
Area: Compact neighborhood center with casual eateries and local foot traffic; relaxed, family-friendly vibe.
Safety: Generally safe, active retail strip; typical urban awareness recommended at night.
Nearby: Near Roslindale Village shops and transit; street parking can be competitive during peak hours.
Roslindale VillageRoslindale Village serves as the commercial and social hub of the neighborhood, with a variety of cafes, casual eateries, and small restaurants that cater to a diverse community. The dining scene is approachable and community-focused, often attracting locals who appreciate a relaxed, neighborhood vibe with a mix of traditional and contemporary options.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday14:00–22:00
Tuesday14:00–22:00
Wednesday14:00–22:00
Thursday14:00–22:00
Friday12:00–22:30
Saturday12:00–22:30
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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