Skip to main content
    Des Moines Insider
    All restaurants
    Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood - Seafood in West Des Moines, Iowa
    Seafood cuisine

    Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood

    4.1Google rating
    Address
    4508 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA
    Price
    $ price level on Google
    Menu
    Menu

    More nearby: West Des Moines restaurants and things to do, Restaurants in West Des Moines

    Listing last updated September 30, 2026

    Hours

    We don't have hours for this place yet. Call ahead before you go.

    Location & Contact

    4508 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA

    West Des Moines, Iowa

    Get Directions
    Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
    (515) 224-5888

    Restaurant Details

    CuisineSeafood
    Price level
    $

    on Google

    Google rating4.1 of 5

    Our take

    AI-assisted

    Written September 15, 2025

    Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood: West Des Moines' Premier Spicy Seafood Destination

    Nestled in the heart of West Des Moines on University Avenue, Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood brings authentic Louisiana flavors to Iowa's dining scene with their motto "If it's not spicy, it's not Cajun!" This vibrant seafood restaurant has quickly become a local favorite among Des Moines area diners seeking fresh, flavorful Cajun cuisine that delivers both heat and exceptional taste.

    What sets Laughing Crab apart in the competitive West Des Moines restaurant landscape is their unique "choose your adventure" dining concept. Guests can select their preferred seafood – from succulent shrimp and crab to crawfish and lobster – then customize their seasoning blend and spice level to create a personalized culinary experience. This interactive approach to Cajun dining makes every visit exciting, whether you're a spice novice or a heat enthusiast.

    Located conveniently at 4508 University Ave, the restaurant offers easy accessibility with ample parking, making it an ideal spot for family dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings with friends. The location's proximity to major West Des Moines shopping and business districts makes it perfect for lunch meetings or post-shopping meals.

    Laughing Crab's commitment to fresh seafood and creative Cajun preparations has established it as a must-visit destination in the Des Moines metro dining scene. Their generous portions, bold flavors, and welcoming atmosphere create an authentic taste of the bayou right here in Iowa. For Des Moines seafood lovers craving something beyond the ordinary, Laughing Crab delivers an unforgettable dining experience that keeps locals coming back for more of that

    AI-assisted

    Laughing Crab is a premier Cajun seafood restaurant located in West Des Moines, Iowa, serving authentic Louisiana-style seafood dishes. Situated on University Avenue, the restaurant brings bold flavors and fresh seafood to the Des Moines metropolitan area.

    Key facts

    • Located at 4508 University Ave, West Des Moines
    • Specializes in authentic Cajun seafood cuisine
    • Budget-friendly dining option
    • Conveniently located in the Des Moines metro area

    Own this business? Claim Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood to keep its details right.

    Sign in to claim

    User Ratings

    No ratings yet

    Be the first to rate!

    Sign in to rate and review this restaurant.

    Sign in to review

    Frequently Asked Questions About Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood

    Answered from the details on this page for Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood in West Des Moines, Iowa.

    • What type of food does Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood serve?

      Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood is listed as a Seafood restaurant in West Des Moines, Iowa.

    • How much does it cost to eat at Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood?

      Google lists Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood at $ on its one-to-four-dollar-sign scale.

    • Where is Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood located?

      Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood is at 4508 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA. The map on this page shows the spot.

    • What is the phone number for Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood?

      (515) 224-5888.

    • Does Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood have an online menu?

      Yes. The Menu section on this page has the menu we captured from their site, with the date we captured it.

    • What is the rating for Laughing Crab - Cajun Seafood?

      Google rating 4.1 of 5.

    AI-assisted answers

    AI-assisted
    What type of cuisine does Laughing Crab serve?
    Laughing Crab serves authentic Cajun seafood cuisine, featuring spicy and flavorful Louisiana-style dishes.
    Where is Laughing Crab located?
    The restaurant is located at 4508 University Ave in West Des Moines, Iowa, easily accessible from the Des Moines metro area.
    What is the price range at Laughing Crab?
    Laughing Crab offers budget-friendly dining with a $ price range, making it an affordable option for seafood lovers.

    Also within 2 miles

    Seafood places first, then the rest, closest first. Straight-line distance.

    All restaurants

    $$West Des Moines

    Seafood

    Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Google

    2900 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA

    $

    Steakhouse

    Rated 4.2 out of 5 on Google

    Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

    10901 University Ave, Clive, IA 50325, USA

    $West Des Moines

    Italian

    Rated 4.1 out of 5 on Google

    Casual eatery featuring thin-crust & deep-dish pizzas, pastas & sandwiches plus beer & wine.

    1755 50th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA

    $Water Tower Place

    Chinese

    Rated 4.4 out of 5 on Google

    Chain restaurant offering all-you-can-eat, customizable stir-fry dishes in an informal setting.

    4100 University Ave, Water Tower Place, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA

    Events Happening Nearby

    Upcoming events within two miles, closest first

    Browse All Events
    Trick or Treat: Clive
    New This Week
    Family

    Trick or Treat: Clive

    Halloween trick or treat in Clive.

    Sat, Oct 31
    City of Clive
    See website
    Full Page

    Where this comes from

    • Rating: Google rating
    • Menu captured October 11, 2026 from their site