The Original Crab Shanty Restaurant
“Most entrées are enough for at least two meals, so there are usually leftovers.”
“We ate and ate and ate…still couldn't finish it all and wrapped up a huge portion to take home.”
“My friends had platters of King Crab legs and whole lobsters, all in the $20 range.”
The Original Crab Shanty Restaurant
Takes Reservations: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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Crab Shanty
Been here twice and happy to report the experience was consistent- clean, good service and food.
What I like- The seafood was fresh and cooked to order. The staff was super friendly and attentive. Once seated we were immediately served water with lemon wedges and our orders taken. I'm not really a fan of fried shrimp but I did taste one of my friends and they were tasty; not dark and fried in old oil. They have a nice craft beer selection available, seasonal beers all year round. The bathrooms were up kept and attended to.
What I disliked- the place looks a little old fashioned, it could use some updating however if a rustic appeal is what they're going for they've nailed it.
I had the broiled shrimps and they do a great job with the broiling, my shrimp were perfectly seasoned, however the fries I got with my order were bland and tasted and looked as if the oil of the fryer was old.
The server was a little forgetful yet attentive but it looked like she was super new
Passed by the bathroom in the way to our seats in the back and it just had the worst reek of pee smell like I get its a bathroom and it won't smell like roses but for it to smell that bad in a food establishment is unacceptable.
I suggest you come here for the crab legs, lobster, the most minimal of seafood dishes cause anything else just will be mediocre
I was really hesitant to dine here because of the very mixed reviews, but I'm so glad that we did! Our entire experience from start to finish was a pleasure. Some have commented on the restaurant's decor, but I thought it was kitschy, quirky fun! Our server, Ben was very kind and attentive. We really enjoyed being seated in his section and thought all aspects of service were up to par.
The menu is enormous and very overwhelming when you first sit down! They really have covered all their bases in regards to combos and mixing and matching options to ensure that everyone gets exactly what they want. The crab cakes were the only item that we were disappointed with. While not bad, they definitely were the weakest part of our meal. Skip these. The oyster rockefeller were however excellent! I also very much enjoyed the new england clam chowder and complimentary garlic bread that accompanied our entrees. We both opted for lobster combos, one with snow crab and the other with shrimp. Both were excellent, with the former being the agreed upon winner. Two cocktails, two entrees, two bowls of soup, and two appetizers came to roughly $155, a very reasonable price for the meal we shared! We have a new favorite restaurant in City Island.
Out of all the restaurants in City Island, this is one of the go to spots, especially if you LOVE shell fish. I've never had a bad experience here. The food usually satisfies my craving for crab legs and shrimp. I can't speak on any other items on their menu because I stick to crab legs, shrimp, and lobster when I visit.
The drinks are strong and the portions are huge! So far every time I visit the service is great. I'm actually surprised to see a lot of one and two star reviews. I will however say that there is nothing special about their side orders but like I said I only come here for specific items on the menu.
If you are a seafood lover give this place a shot.
With these huge portions, skip the daily specials and stick with the tried and true combos on the main menu pages. Even the kid's portions are rather large. Broiled seafood is nice but breaded and fried plump and delicious seafood is way better.
If the food doesn't fill you, order up a specialty cocktail or my personal favorite: piña colada. It just gets the job done every, blasted, time. Their wines are nothing to write home about but they are there if you so desire.
This is a great place for groups, although I often see couples go there. Considering that the decor is kitschy at best, and the paint is hiding years of use, this would not be an ideal place to bring a serious date. Unless, the said date was ready to dig in and crack into crab legs and lobster tails with abandon, squirting butter and seafood juices everywhere.
They make a mean chowder and it usually leaves more room for the feast to come. Beware that delicious garlic and clarified butter bread they place on the table after ordering– it is always so delectable that you must pace yourself or risk running out of room for your entree.
The last time I was there, I was struck by the fact that they play music in the background. However, I am usually so engrossed in conversation that I never noticed it before. Walking in and out of the place can feel like a catwalk since the walkways are so narrow but generally everyone is here for the same thing: guaranteed seafood that is consistently fresh, good and piping hot.
Service is usually very prompt and although they have a valet, street parking is always easy to come by. Prices aren't cheap but it's City Island, so support your local eateries and drive home safe.
Let me begin with that I should have made a left of the bridge when instead I made a right. WE WON'T BE COMING BACK HERE ANYMORE.
This place had the worst New England clam chowder I have ever tasted in my life. No effort or love was put into it or most of the other items made here.
No seasoning made its way to this pot of chowder. The clams were none existent, potatoes were minced, no seasoning at all. I took three spoons one of which went to my wife and had to push it to the side. Hot sauce didn't even help.
My seafood pasta had no flavor. I had a good amount of seafood at least and that seemed fresh.
My wife received a side salad if you can call it that. The tomatoes were on there way it or seemed like they were Friday bit.
Hey crab cakes were good enough.
The oyster Rockefeller oyster casino had zero flavor, had shell bits inside and not worth ordering again. But they did seem fresh.
The service was okay but we did see our server just standing and talking to another employee when our salad and soup wasn't even at our table yet.
Go to other places in sure they are better.
Very yum! We came here on a Saturday afternoon and the wait was only about 20 minutes .
I had the lobster combo special and my hubby had the shrimp linguine. They give you a whole roll of garlic bread and boy it was delicious. It is what real garlic bread should taste like with real garlic on it. My lobster special came with a soup or salad and a side. I had the claim chowder and that was pretty good. Salad was just your usual salad.
I picked the lobster boiled and it came with this seasoning on top and the seasoning was so delicious. And the lobster while on the smaller side was very fresh. The lobster special also came with two baked claims and one shrimp and they were delicious as well.
My husband shrimp linguine portion was huge and had tons of shrimps and the pasta sauce was yummy.
Service was decent. This place is incredibly busy so the place was a little cramped.
Overall, delicious seafood at a very reasonable price. I'll be back again for sure
Had the misfortune of eating here again despite my Trying to convince the parents not to go here. Well I lost out on the vote and had to watch my parents discover for themselves how disgusting the food was. Unfortunately I had to reconsume this bad food again. The salad we got was not fresh- tasted old and bitter and the breading on the shrimp, calamari and fish was too thick and unseasoned. Hospital food tastes better than this.