What should I order at Steamboat Bill's on the Lake?
Steamboat Bill's on the Lake
Alligator Bites
Mentioned multiple times as delicious and a must-order item, praised for being the best alligator bites some reviewers have ever had, crispy and flavorful.
Boiled Crawfish
Frequently recommended and enjoyed for its bold Cajun flavors and freshness. Many reviewers highlighted it as a top dish and a must-try for Cajun seafood lovers.
Shrimp Étouffée
Highly recommended for its perfect seasoning, flavorful and spicy with plenty of shrimp, considered by some as the best shrimp étouffée they’ve ever eaten.
Gumbo
Noted as authentic and flavorful by several reviewers, with one specifically praising it as a true taste of Louisiana, despite one comment about a thin roux.
Boudin Balls
Mentioned multiple times as a favorite appetizer, with good but mixed reviews compared to other Louisiana experiences, still highly recommended at this restaurant.
Fried Combination Dinner Platter
Praised for offering a variety of fried seafood and considered packed with seafood goodness, a popular choice among visitors.
Crab Clusters (including Dungeness Crab)
Highly praised for being perfectly steamed, sweet and tasty, with excellent seasoning and just the right amount of spice.
Shrimp Po-Boy
Recommended by several reviewers as a great sandwich option, enjoyed for its flavor and authenticity.
Hours
| Monday | 10:30 AM to 9 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM to 9 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM to 10 PM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM to 9 PM |
About Steamboat Bill's on the Lake
Big, bustling fish house providing Cajun seafood in casual quarters with a nautical theme.
Amenities & services
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Steamboat Bill's on the Lake known for?
It is best known for Cajun seafood, especially crawfish, shrimp etouffee, boudin balls, and boiled shrimp. Reviewers repeatedly mention the fast service, fresh food, and big portions, with several saying it is a strong stop when passing through Lake Charles.
What dishes are most recommended at Steamboat Bill's on the Lake?
Reviewers most often recommend the shrimp etouffee, crawfish, boudin balls, boiled shrimp, chicken gumbo, popcorn shrimp po boy, soft crab po boy, and pistolettes. The captain's platter is also called out as a large portion that can feed two people, and the watermelon margarita gets positive mentions too.
What is the atmosphere like at Steamboat Bill's on the Lake?
The dining room is described as busy, loud, energetic, and fun, with a casual and cozy fish-house feel. It suits groups and families, but it is also popular for solo dining because service is quick and the restaurant handles rushes efficiently.
Is Steamboat Bill's on the Lake good value?
Yes, the $10 to $20 price range is generally seen as good value for the portion sizes and speed of service. Reviewers mention shareable plates like the captain's platter and small platters that can feed two people, which makes the meal feel substantial for the price.
How busy does Steamboat Bill's on the Lake get, and is the wait worth it?
It can get very busy, and reviewers mention long lines and a full dining room, but they also say the line moves fast. Many note that the restaurant runs like a well-oiled machine, so the wait is usually manageable even during peak lunch and dinner hours.
Is parking available at Steamboat Bill's on the Lake?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Is Steamboat Bill's on the Lake kid-friendly?
Yes, Steamboat Bill's on the Lake is good for kids.
Restaurants like Steamboat Bill's on the Lake in Lake Charles
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