Cajun Boil & Bar - Oakbrook Terrace

I’ve visited this restaurant a few times before and had generally decent experiences, but this was my first time dining with a large group—and unfortunately, it didn’t go as smoothly. They are very inflexible and have many policies in place where most restaurants are able to accommodate their patrons.

The young lady who took the reservation seemed very inexperienced and lacked basic customer service skills. When I asked how billing would work for a large party, she vaguely said, “You just pay the bill with a credit card.” When I clarified I was referring to splitting the bill, she told me I’d need to ask the server, as she was “just the host.”

Upon arrival, the hostess was friendly, but many answers to questions were met with policy quotes. We were told that our group couldn’t be seated until everyone had arrived—even though they had clearly prepared space for a large party. (separate tables).This would have forced several guests to wait outside the building, with no covering or seating, on a hot day, again that was their policy, especially for a group with a reservation.

When I informed the host our group had decreased from 14 to 12 and asked to speak with a manager, hoping to get our tables connected , the manager also lacked a customer-friendly attitude. She acted as if we were asking for too much when we simply requested to have tables pushed together so we could sit comfortably as a group as we were celebrating my birthday. She stated it was against their policy—even though it was a quiet Wednesday evening and the restaurant was far from busy.

I also inquired about the party room, which had not been explained during the reservation call, and were told it wasn’t an option. I understand that the party room may have a minimum requirement—but true customer service considers context. On a slow weekday night, and with 12 guests ready to order drinks, appetizers, entrées, and more, it would have been reasonable to offer a bit of flexibility for a group clearly prepared to patronize and support the business. Because we were squeezed into a nook for 12, we only ordered entrees.

Our server Dre, was friendly, entertaining, and did his best to accommodate us. He seemed a bit overwhelmed at times, but maintained a positive attitude and was very personable. I would give him 4 stars.

The birthday drink and sign from staff was an appreciated gesture, but was overshadowed by the experience.

Overall, the experience was disappointing. Staff seemed inflexible and not particularly focused on customer service. There was very little autonomy due to “policy”. For a restaurant that automatically adds a 22% gratuity for large parties (which is understandable), the service should reflect a higher standard. A little more effort to accommodate and communicate clearly would make a big difference in the overall dining experience.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 2

My date and I arrived at 12 o’clock Very. place was empty, but that doesn’t matter. Who was OK white service was OK. Also nothing great. when I recommend it, I don’t think so.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

First time customers who will sadly not return for cleanness practices. This review is very well needed. My family of 6 and I visited here on an afternoon weekday. We were greeted and seated right away. Nice size space with ample seating. We were seated at a table that had our shoes sticking to the floor. There was food visibly left over underneath the table from the previous family. There is a photographer on staff that will snap pictures of you and your family and provide you with a Chicago themed border picture frame with your photo(s) inside for a small charge. While waiting for our food there was a gentleman and young woman that were handling trash from the kitchen area, cleaning tables and serving customers their food simultaneously. The women’s bathroom was disgusting. There was a dirty clothes hamper thrown in there with dirty rags in and outside of the hamper and also underneath the sink. The cleaning supplies looked as though it hadn’t been touched as it was covered in dust. The bathroom was nasty and the floors were dirty and sticky.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 3

I've come to this establishment twice now. Once in 2023 and now in 2025. Overall food is phenomenal flavorful,spicy, and well seasoned. The shrimp for the Mac N cheese was overcooked I wouldn't recommend adding any chicken which looks like fried chicken bites. Stick with a regular Mac and the taste is good. The wings are amazing,but make sure you can handle spicy jerk and buffalo wings will have your nose running. Sea food bread is a plus taste very good. Now the sea food boil bags are worth the price you get what you pay for flavorful and plenty of food.

Cons. SERVICE both times it was horrible the waiter doesn't introduced themselves, they just come over an ask are you ready to order. You will wait for a while for them to come back. Drinks will not come unless you hound them and even then you won't get them until your food comes. The waiter will be sitting talking with staff, my last waiter stayed outside most of the time. It's loud talking amongst staff and friends visiting them. I saw people screaming to one another about whatever was on the phone. Not respecting the costumers around. I had to keep trying to find my waiter for simple things,like drinks,boxes,our cake we brought, lemons for the sea food bag. They never gave refills,because the drinks come at the end. Staff had a baby andwaa carrying her around, people were dressed as if they jumped out of bed an came to work. Belly tops,basketball shorts, hoodies,winter hat with pig tails hanging from it. With a year apart from visiting they still haven't changed how they run the place. Bathroom distinguishing not cleaned and staff care more about hanging with each other than doing there jobs. I would recommend never to dine in, but get the food to go. New management is needed to help establish a more professional setting. With us celebrating a birthday and they still didnt give us any attention. Cajun boil is in a wonderful area I enjoy the food,but I leave angry because the environment and service is horrible. I hope something gets done about how they run the place so we can sit an enjoy food and atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 5

Service: 1

The food and service were OK. First time there, if I go back and try a different dish, I may have a different opinion. Their gumbo was just OK. Cajun fries were good. Service was slow, and I was never offered a refill even though I was eating at the bar.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

Definitely always a great meal and time at Cajun boil sat at the bar for happy hour and settled in ever since

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

The seafood boil at Cajun is really good here and the House Special sauce is the best. I always get broccoli too. I’ve been to many other seafood places but this one stands out more. Prices are fair here for everything . The music is good with a diverse playlist. I recommend this place for sure.

The food is amazing! My husband and I ordered the seafood boil with crab. The house sauce is awesome! Not spicy at all and very flavorful (I have no tolerance to spicy things). The service on the other hand was pretty subpar where we spent 2 hours here (30 minutes for an appetizer). The music was not very restaurant friendly and didn't really fit the atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 5

Service: 2

A1… been coming to Oakbrook my whole life and I gotta admit I was sleep on this spot. Food hit like grandma made it. Seafood boil fulla flavor! Catfish crispy n seasoned on the outside soft and tasty on the inside. Koolaid lemonade was nuclear🤯! Best beignets in Chicago.. hands down! Atmosphere is a real vibe and service was timely and on point! Come spend ya money here. You’ll be happy you did!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

All and all a great place to eat and the service excellent 👌 👍 😀 👏

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Our waiter was Eboni R service and food was 10/10, We were well taken care of and will be coming back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Eboni!!! This is the second time I’ve been here and she’s absolutely fabulous! The environment is vibrant and the food is delicious. Someone give Eboni a raise :)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Service was horrible. Wasn’t even that busy and server didn’t come check on us at all. Took almost 30 minutes for drinks. The drinks was strong tho. very unprofessional but he was nice. Just not a good server. Would not be coming back at all. 0/10 recommend. jus go to tasty crab 😂

Food: 1

I’m not sure about the food. I’m a vegan, but my granddaughter ate there. She said the food was good. It was her birthday. And her graduation party

First time here, Eboni was fast and friendly. Helped with suggestions which is great if you don’t know what your doing. Bring your appetite!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5