"This restaurant is so underrated! It’s basically a speakeasy with Cajun tapas (with a big emphasis on seafood). The food and drinks are honestly mind-blowing… insanely delicious!! The vibes and decor are very fun (my husband and I went in December and they were all decked out for the holidays!). The waitstaff is incredibly sweet and attentive (shoutout to our awesome waitress Paulina!). We had dinner there before a show at The Wilbur (very convenient location to downtown), and will definitely be coming back for more! They even do brunch with live entertainment on the weekends. 10/10 would recommend."

"Bootleg Special has clearly grown into itself — and I mean that in the best way. AMBIANCE: The last time I was here was around 2019, during their early days, and while it was good then, my visit on December 13, 2025 felt like a full glow-up. The ambiance is now cozy but lively, the kind of place that hums with energy without feeling chaotic. Warm lighting, upbeat vibes, and a crowd that looks like they *know* they picked the right spot for the night. SERVICE: This place deserves a serious shoutout. Our server, Albina, was professional, warm, and genuinely attentive, the kind of service that elevates the entire experience without ever being intrusive. Drinks stayed filled, timing between courses was smooth, and the rest of the staff moved like a well-coordinated team. You could tell they take pride in what they’re doing. FOOD: Now let’s talk food, because this is where Bootleg Special really flexes. We kicked things off with the Beef Birria Bao and Truffle Steak Tataki and wow. The Asian–Louisiana fusion is bold and surprisingly seamless. The bao was soft and pillowy, packed with deeply flavorful meat and veggies that worked beautifully together. The truffle steak tataki? So tender and delicious that I realized halfway through I was eating it too fast to fully analyze it, always a good sign. For mains, the Squid Ink Fried Rice and Vodka Cajun Chicken absolutely delivered. If fried rice is on the menu, THIS is how it should be done: creamy, rich, deeply flavorful, with scallops cooked to perfection. The vodka Cajun chicken was equally impressive — thin, crispy breading with juicy chicken underneath and a sauce that hits that perfect creamy-spicy balance. And then… BEIGNETS Soft, pillowy, and basically melting in your mouth. A flawless way to end the meal. One thing I loved seeing was both owners walking the floor, blending right in with their staff. If you didn’t know they were the owners, you’d never guess — which says a lot about the culture here. Steve was attentive, kind, and clearly invested in both the guests and his team. IMPRESSIONS: All around, this was a fantastic experience, from service to ambiance to food. I’m genuinely happy we came back, and Bootleg Special has officially earned its spot back in my regular rotation. Can’t wait to return."

"Girls’ Night! Time for food and yapping! We chose a seafood boil theme and checked this place out, we got: CEVICHE OYSTERS Such a bright and refreshing start. The jalapeño, shallot, cilantro and lime brought so much zippy flavor and the oysters were chilled perfectly. A light, but super flavorful bite to begin the meal. GARLIC NOODLES A must order here every single time. Buttery, garlicky, slightly sweet and so addicting. The texture was perfect with springy noodles coated evenly in sauce. We finished this in minutes. GRILLED OYSTERS Loved these. Warm, garlicky and cooked just enough so they stayed tender. The char and buttery roasted flavor made them comforting and rich. THE BOOTLEG SPECIAL SIGNATURE BOIL Epic is the best word for it. The mix of lobster, shrimp, crawfish, mussels and clams absorbed the signature Bootleg sauce beautifully. The sauce had garlic, butter, spice and so much Cajun depth. The potatoes, corn and sausage made it filling and fun to share. Easily the highlight of the night, minus the fact it was a teeny bit salty for us. Such a fun girls dinner with delicious food, great flavors and the perfect mix of seafood and comfort."

"A nice restaurant for a night out. The decor and space layout were nice. The service was friendly and the food was good. The chowder fries were okay but not the best creation for a poutine alternative. The pasta dish was a little bit salty. Overall a nice place to enjoy drinks and dinner."

"Loved the shrimp grits here. It’s not a small portion at all, and the mix of spinach and cherry tomatoes makes it really tasty without feeling heavy. Shrimp were fresh and perfectly cooked. The soufflé was huge, warm and super comforting, and the fresh strawberries on the side were a great match."