BOOTLEG SPECIAL

In this restaurant obsessed city that prides itself on a good party and great seafood, it was only a matter of time before someone figured out that this northern town needed a good old southern crawfish joint.

Enter Bootleg Special.

A loose reference to the shape of the great state of Louisiana, Bootleg Special is a uniquely urban take on a classic underground creole hangout. This unassuming eatery serves up incredibly fresh Cajun seafood boils and classic southern comfort food in a hip atmosphere. Located at the corner of Tremont and Herald, Bootleg Special hopes to become a regular stop for residents of the South End, Chinatown, Bay Village, and the ever-expanding Ink Block.

Unlike some of the fast-casual Cajun seafood offerings currently available in the city, Bootleg Special wants you to come hang out for a while. The space is fun, comfortable, seductive, and decidedly more grown up – a perfect place for date night as well as large group celebrations.

The exterior is understated and dive-like. The interior is defined by deceivingly high ceilings and industrial design cues that provide a perfectly imperfect backdrop for a swanky reclaimed 6’ chandelier that greets you as you enter the room. On the right, an oversized stylish banquette runs along a dramatic concrete wall that leads to a lively bar. While on the left, a 20-foot-tall steel installation slathered in street art gives you something to discuss while slurping a wide range of creative cocktails and spicy crustaceans.

With a menu built around shared dishes and culinary treats that force you to use your bare hands, guests should be prepared to get down and dirty and have some fun.