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You either love Killer Shrimp or you don't. You go there for the Killer Shrimp experience and not because you are looking for fine dining, a bargain, some over-the-top plate-dripping gorge-fest. It's an acquired taste, but one you will never lose once you've acquired it. It's also apparently hard to replicate, as the owners' attempts to expand have all failed.
Just as hard to replicate is the unique flavor that only KS has. There are dozens of (cloned) recipes on the web. Not one has any authenticity at all. The key is the richly yeasty undertone that makes me suspect the secret ingredient is Marmite.
Don't take anyone to Killer Shrimp unless the person adores shrimp and has an open mind. They will be disappointed otherwise and so will you. If you do go, savor the shrimp (unpeeled traditional style) and the experience because who knows how much longer it will be around.
For those who can't bestir themselves to escape the Orange Curtain: Jack Shrimp offers a decently tasty take on the traditional Cajun shrimp boil (PCH near Costa Mesa Freeway in Newport, and other locations).
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re: Dogbite Williams
I have been going to Killer Shrimp in Marina Del Rey for 20 years or so. I love the single ingredient restaurant idea, keeping over head down. I am a huge fan. I always order the "original" peel and eat with lots and lots of bread to soak up the broth so I go hungry and wear loose fitting pants. Never miss a chance to visit when I'm in LA.
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re: chowchow12345678
WildSwede
Jan 29, 2008 02:22 PM
I have had it and it is good. I actually talked them into giving me more broth if I happily gave up some of the shrimp. My friends just glared at me. I told them, you will never know if you don't ask!! However, it definitely does not beat Killer Shrimp. That dish is in a category of its own. I did find a copycat version of KS's recipe online last week. Have not tried it yet, tho.
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Where have you been reading about it? Don't those sources tell what the shrimp is like or how wonderful it is?
Place is -- or at least used to be -- owned by Lee Michaels, the rock 'n' roll organ player/singer/songwriter.›13 Replies-
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re: annalulu
Well, I went to Kung Pao Bistro in Studio City tonight, and had a great shrimp dish with some of the biggest shrimp you will get served in a restaurant these days, and they prepare them in about six or so different sauce preparations and of course combined with many different veggies. Always one of the best dishes on the menu, along with the scallops they do likewise very well, and the best part, it is only 2 or so blocks from the Killer Shrimp!
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re: TE
Killer shrimp is just ok. I live 5 minutes away, LOVE shrimp, but prob won't go back as it's a little pricey for just ok shrimp. God bless them for serving only shrimp, wish there were more like it, but the shrimp is nothing special.
For great shrimp go to Bossa Nova (multiple locations) and get the mexican white shrimp, or go to Uncle Moki's World's Greatest Shrimp on La Cienaga south of the 10 across from Target.
Great coconut shrimp - surprisingly, Outback Steakhouse
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re: TE
Yes, I sold Lee and his wife Mary at the time a house in Venice back in 1980. I seem to recall at the time, when dining at the MdR location (post divorce and the only location at the time) he told me the restaurant was co-owned by his then girl friend with crazy hair and lots of piercings and himself.
Haven't been to KS in 13 yrs, so I have no idea of the ownership. I do remember that when I was still in high school seeing Lee in concert at the Hollywood Bowl, I think he opened for the Iron Butterfly...
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This is one of those places you either love or hate. Warning, they serve one thing: shrimp. There are no alternative entrees, no appetizers, no salads, no sides to speak of, one dessert and a limited selection of beer and wine.
SO everyone who goes MUST like shrimp.
In addition, the shrimp is very hot/spicy. The way it works is that they make this quasi-caribeanish sort of brew and stick your shrimp in it to cook when you order it. I know people's tolerance for heat is highly idiosynchratic. Mine is about middling for a hound, which makes it perhaps a bit above average. But for the average human being it's too spicy. I find that the peel-it-yourself preparation is a tad less hot than the already-peeled before cooking preparation.
SO everyone who goes MUST like hot food.
After that the only coice is pasta, rice or bread -- what white starchy stuff do you want with your rice?
I sort of like Killer Shrimp and could eat there once or twice a year. But I always have trouble finding someone to go with me.
HTH!›9 Replies-
re: Dorothy
The Killer Shrimp in Studio City does serve a Ceasar salad, with or without cold shrimp on it. The Marina del Rey location doesn't have the salad.
We go to Killer Shrimp about once a month. Worth a try if you like shrimp, but agree with previous poster, can be a bit spicy and since they just make huge vats of it, they can't really control that for you.
oooh...got a craving right now.... -
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re: Dorothy
I do not believe all of the hype. My friend raved about it and I was very dissapointed. I think you can get more shrimp for 15.99 elsewhere and give yourself some better options. The house sauce (or broth) is an extremely unoriginal blend of pepper, garlic, and butter. BORING!
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re: Dorothy
I am a fan. I love the spicy broth. I usually order it with the pasta on the side. And lotsa bread to sop up the tasty, spicy broth with. They will give you lemons, which according to them make it less spicy. However, I know that this is not a place to take my mom - or others who cannot tolerate any smidgen of spicyness - they would die. It is pricey for what you get - but where else do you get that broth?? I also believe that I saw them advertising shrimp cocktail at the one on Ventura Blvd.
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re: Dorothy
OC Mutt
Jun 14, 2008 05:42 PM
Just a warning, the food is delicious, BUT be aware, you're likely to be eating at least half a stick of butter even up to an entire stick per portion of killer shrimp. I found this out from a staff member a while back. I had deluded myself into thinking this was "healthy" food.
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