New Cajun-Inspired Seafood Restaurant Laughing Crab Opens in Dubuque

The chain's first Iowa location offers create-your-own boils and other Cajun-influenced dishes.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:47am

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A new seafood restaurant called Laughing Crab has opened in Dubuque, Iowa, filling the space previously occupied by Carlos O'Kelly's. The restaurant, which has locations in Louisiana, Wisconsin, and West Des Moines, specializes in Cajun-style seafood boils, fried seafood baskets, soups, and salads. The author visited the new Dubuque location and tried the customizable seafood boil, which allows diners to choose their proteins, seasonings, and spice level.

Why it matters

The opening of Laughing Crab in Dubuque is significant as the area has been lacking in fresh seafood options, according to the author. The restaurant's Cajun-inspired menu and create-your-own boil concept provide a new dining experience for local seafood enthusiasts.

The details

Laughing Crab has completely renovated the former Carlos O'Kelly's space, giving it a new coastal-inspired aesthetic with marble walls, crab and fish decor, and a Margaritaville-esque vibe. The author tried the customizable seafood boil, selecting shrimp, lobster tail, corn, extra potatoes, and the 'extra hot' Cajun seasoning. The boils are served in a bag that diners shake to coat the seafood, then peel and eat with their hands. The author also noted that the restaurant's calamari basket was enjoyed by their dining companion.

  • Laughing Crab opened in Dubuque just a couple weeks ago.
  • The author visited the new restaurant on a Monday afternoon in early February 2026.

The players

Laughing Crab

An expanding seafood restaurant chain that specializes in Cajun flavors, most notably a create-your-own-seafood-boil option. The Dubuque location is the chain's first in Iowa, with other locations in Louisiana and Wisconsin.

Steve Pulaski

The author of the review, who visited the new Laughing Crab restaurant in Dubuque.

Catherine

The author's dining companion, who ordered the calamari basket.

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What they’re saying

“Ordinarily, I've found that when it comes to marinades, rubs, and sauces at restaurants, the second hottest option they have is the perfect level of heat and flavor. However, after two cracks at Laughing Crab's extra hot, I think I'm ready for the ultimate level of heat.”

— Steve Pulaski

The takeaway

Laughing Crab's arrival in Dubuque provides a new option for seafood lovers in the area, offering a unique Cajun-inspired menu and customizable boil experience that was previously lacking. The restaurant's coastal-themed decor and lively atmosphere also contribute to an immersive dining experience.