First Look: The Crab Boil, Doraville

6331 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Doraville. 770-458-2722, http://thecrabboil.com.

Though it stakes its claim as a Cajun restaurant, the Crab Boil in Doraville has more in common with Asian Cajun places, like the Crawfish Shack on Buford Highway, where you’ll find boiled crawfish and oyster po’ boys on the menu, but no jambalaya or etouffee.

The look: Located in strip center, near a strip club just off Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, the sprawling space resembles a nightclub or a sports bar rather than a restaurant. The huge dining room, which is divided by platform seating areas on either side, could easily double as a dance floor. A lounge area in back features a long bar and high tables.

The scene: One recent evening, small groups of couples and families were scattered around the expanse, making it seem even bigger. Big screen TVs with the sound off were tuned to football and baseball games while a steady stream of Cajun and zydeco music emanated from the sound system, and a couple of friendly servers trekked between their tables and the kitchen.

The menu: The main attraction is boiled seafood, served with a choice of seasonings, including market-priced crab, lobster and crawfish, plus shrimp ($15.99), clams ($10.99) and mussels ($9.99). Beyond that, there are fried seafood baskets with Cajun fries, such as catfish ($11.99) oysters ($13.99) and alligator ($13.99); po' boys with chips ($8.99-$13.99), hot wings ($9.99-$31.99) and oysters on the half shell ($12.99/$19.99). Sides and extras include andouille sausage ($2.99), red potatoes ($2.99), and corn ($1.99).

The drinks: There's no liquor license, yet, but the plan calls for a full bar, with draft beer, wine and cocktails. Right now, there's soft drinks, iced tea and lemonade.

The extras: Look for desserts ($7.99) such as red velvet cake and strawberry shortcake. And $7.99 lunch specials, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays-Fridays.