Seemor
theBoilB-Mixed Bag
17 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10003
· Seafood restaurant, Cajun restaurant, Fine dining restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (2428 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Casual Cajun seafood boils with bold sauces and generous portions, but cash-only with auto 20% service and mixed consistency; great when it hits, frustrating when it does not.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
theBoil delivers solid food quality and strong service attentiveness in a casual, group-friendly setting, but inconsistent execution on freshness and seasoning and recent food safety concerns prevent a higher grade. The hit-or-miss consistency and multiple self-reported poisoning incidents create meaningful uncertainty about reliability, making this a worthwhile casual option for boils rather than a dependable neighborhood favorite.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels casual and lively, with bibs, gloves, and bags of steaming seafood that invite a bit of mess and a lot of fun. One diner summed it up: "Seafood was fresh and not overcooked; sauce hit the spot." Expect an easygoing vibe where groups settle in over piles of shrimp and crab. The kitchen sticks to classic Cajun boil playbook: pick your seafood, choose a sauce (house Cajun, garlic butter, lemon pepper, O'Bay), and set your heat. The culinary approach leans traditional and ingredient-focused: flavor-first rather than fancy, with generous portions and bold seasoning. When it clicks, it is a craveable, hands-on feast; on off nights, seasoning or freshness can feel hit or miss. For families, it is kid friendly in practice. Beyond boils, there are chicken fingers, fries, mac and cheese, and sliders that kids actually eat. If your crew is shellfish-averse, stick to baskets and sides like broccoli, corn, and garlic noodles; the menu is seafood-heavy, so picky eaters have options but not endless choices.
At a Glance
- Bold, customizable sauces with well-cooked seafood when on form
- Portions are generous and group-friendly
- Cash-only plus automatic 20% service charge frustrates many
- Mixed consistency on freshness and seasoning; raw bar size varies
- Multiple self-reported food safety incidents in recent months
What Sets It Apart
- customizable_cajun_sauces
- family_and_group_friendly_setup
- generous_boil_portions
What People Love
- That first hit of buttery-spicy sauce
- Bags arriving hot and ready to dig into
- Servers who guide portions and spice levels
- Happy hour values when available
Points of Concern
- Cash-only policy with automatic 20% service charge surprises diners; bring cash
- Inconsistent experiences: some bags oily or bland, occasional freshness complaints
- Several recent self-reported food illness incidents; severity unclear but notable
- Birthday or celebration expectations not always acknowledged by staff
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$48-70 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose shrimp or clams ($20-21) for value; add corn ($5) and potatoes ($5) to build a satisfying bag
- Premium items like King Crab ($98) are splurges—confirm weight and freshness before ordering
Perfect For
- Messy, flavor-forward seafood nights
- Casual group dinners near NYU
- Families wanting approachable seafood
- Spice lovers who like customizable heat
Location Insights
Area: Lively student-and-tourist mix near NYU; casual spots and bars with steady foot traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, busy into late evening; typical urban precautions apply.
Nearby: Steps from NYU, Waverly Place corridors, near subway lines and casual dining clusters.
Greenwich VillageThe dining scene in Greenwich Village is eclectic, ranging from casual cafes and pizza joints to upscale restaurants and trendy bars. The atmosphere is lively and creative, attracting a mix of locals and tourists who appreciate its historic charm and diverse culinary offerings.
Washington Square AreaThis micro-neighborhood centers around Washington Square Park and is characterized by a youthful, academic vibe with many casual eateries, coffee shops, and spots popular among the university community.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–22:00
Tuesday17:00–22:00
Wednesday17:00–22:00
Thursday17:00–23:00
Friday17:00–00:00
Saturday16:00–00:00
Sunday16:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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