A lively Southern-US-style spot with big personality, standout brisket and lobster for fans of messy, indulgent food, but the Stratford branch is inconsistent enough that reservations, pacing, and value can be a gamble.
Big Easy Bar. B. Q & Crabshack delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality on signature dishes like brisket and lobster, plus a vibrant, entertainment-focused atmosphere that makes it feel like a proper outing.
Big Easy Stratford comes across like a loud, fun, Southern-US-inspired crowd-pleaser with live music, birthday energy, and enough BBQ smoke and lobster shell cracking to feel like an event. When it’s on form, people rave about the brisket, ribs, lobster, and the kind of service that makes a solo lunch or family celebration feel genuinely looked after. One reviewer summed up the mood neatly: the place has a big, confident American vibe and can turn an ordinary meal into a proper night out. The kitchen leans toward indulgent comfort food rather than culinary wizardry: smoked meats, lobster rolls, seafood boils, steaks, platters, and rich sides. It suits diners who want a hearty, lively meal with a bit of theatre. The catch is that consistency is patchy. The same menu that produces “melt-in-the-mouth” brisket and juicy lobster also generates complaints about cold food, burnt steaks, rubbery seafood, and slow pacing, so expectations need to be realistic. For families, the menu is genuinely workable: there’s a proper kids’ meal with cheeseburger, chicken strips, or BBQ chicken, plus easy wins like mac and cheese, chips, cornbread, and milkshakes. That said, it’s still a noisy, busy, messy-eating kind of place, so it’s better for relaxed family outings than for calm, fuss-free dining. If your children are happy with burgers, chicken strips, or pasta, they’ll be fine; if they’re picky and dislike smoky BBQ or shellfish, stick to the safer options.
Area vibe: Busy, modern retail and entertainment district with a recent redevelopment focus.
Safety: Generally safe with heavy footfall, well-lit public spaces, though some peripheral streets can feel quieter at night.
What's nearby: Adjacent to Westfield Stratford shopping centre, Stratford station, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and theatres.