Enjoy water front dining and fresh local seafood at the Crab Shack. The Crab Shack is a family owned business since 1976 run by commercial fishermen delivering the freshest seafood in town. Come and check out our daily lunch and dinner specials. We are a family friendly restaurant so we hope to see you and your family soon.
We do not take reservations or call ahead seating. It is first come, first serve - we do apologize for any inconvience that this may cause. If you are coming for dinner, we would suggest that you come before 5pm to avoid longer than normal wait times. You will be able to grab a drink and head on out to our back dock over looking the water.
We do not take reservations or call ahead seating. It is first come, first serve - we do apologize for any inconvience that this may cause. If you are coming for dinner, we would suggest that you come before 5pm to avoid longer than normal wait times. You will be able to grab a drink and head on out to our back dock over looking the water.
Reviews (25)
Sam Laws
Oct 31, 2021
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A family owned seafood joint dating from the mid 1970s. Try and get there before dark so you can enjoy the view on the intercoastal waterway
We visited on a Sunday evening for our last fix of seafood before we had to leave on Monday.Debi and I split a three item seafood platter. Oysters shrimp and scallops.
The breading was a little heavier than I normally like, but I'm sure there are many people that love it and I sure would eat it again just a little different. Quick friendly service. I understand they're closed during the winter
We visited on a Sunday evening for our last fix of seafood before we had to leave on Monday.Debi and I split a three item seafood platter. Oysters shrimp and scallops.
The breading was a little heavier than I normally like, but I'm sure there are many people that love it and I sure would eat it again just a little different. Quick friendly service. I understand they're closed during the winter
Joe Hightower
Oct 29, 2021
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Hugely popular spot for seafood — and not just crabs! They have all the standards (shrimp, flounder, oysters, clam strips, scallops) plus other fish and non-seafood options. They have other ways of preparing fish but I’ve always gone with fried. Portions are very large so I eat half and take the rest home. Beer options are kind of limited but most folks i saw were having iced tea. It is a scenic spot and nice to see a working boat tied up out back. The place was packed on a Friday in mid-October, so you may have a wait during the busy season!
Chad Roots
Oct 28, 2021
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Katie Dew
Oct 22, 2021
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We decided to go as a group (of 20) for dinner on a Saturday night. We didn't have to wait but maybe a 10/15 minute wait. The food was so flavorful and everyone seemed to enjoy everything they ordered. We tried our friends crab dip and that was great. My husband who doesn't even eat seafood really enjoyed his BBQ plate. I ordered the Eric's stuffed shrimp (shrimp and crab) and it was fantastic.
Jacqueline B.
Oct 11, 2021
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We came from Salisbury ,hickory and Kannapolis. We were so excited to come eat at a restaurant we have seen many times riding by .
We ordered snow crab legs. $55 dollars for 2 pounds. They were only Luke warm and no flavor .
Maybe because they don't use REAL MELTED BUTTER! THE MELTED YELLOW CRAP WE GOT TASTED LIKE MARGARINE AND OIL MIXED TOGETHER! The lady beside us ( party of 5) asked the waitress if you had real butter too. I would think maybe if I only have three tables of customers eating I would maybe change something ! Our bill was $106 . We would of NEVER ordered crab legs
We ordered snow crab legs. $55 dollars for 2 pounds. They were only Luke warm and no flavor .
Maybe because they don't use REAL MELTED BUTTER! THE MELTED YELLOW CRAP WE GOT TASTED LIKE MARGARINE AND OIL MIXED TOGETHER! The lady beside us ( party of 5) asked the waitress if you had real butter too. I would think maybe if I only have three tables of customers eating I would maybe change something ! Our bill was $106 . We would of NEVER ordered crab legs
Scott R.
Sep 25, 2021
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Randy Alan Shaffer
Sep 12, 2021
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Jason A.
Sep 06, 2021
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Not that I'm an expert on Emerald Isle eateries, BUT this place is amazing!!! I do love me some quality seafood and they did not disappoint. Ample portions for the simple yet varied selections. Oh and who doesn't appreciate unlimited hushpuppies, which BTW are the best I've ever put in my face! The staff here is just great and are very laid back to match the atmosphere. Be prepared to wait a good bit, but trust me when I say the wait is worth it.
Jim Thornton
Sep 04, 2021
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Emily Yoo
Sep 04, 2021
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BEST FRIED SHRIMP AND SCALLOPS!!!! the fried oysters are also delicious but i cannot overstate how amazing the scallops are. they have a few outdoor picnic tables overlooking the marina. absolutely gorgeous during sunset and a great setting for pictures.
highly recommend this place for takeout! excellent friendly service and quick turnaround despite being short staffed.
highly recommend this place for takeout! excellent friendly service and quick turnaround despite being short staffed.
Drew Egerton
Aug 29, 2021
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Michael N.
Aug 28, 2021
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I can't comment on the quality of their food, because I never got a chance to try it. I called for over an hour tonight to place a carryout order, but all I ever got was a busy signal. If you are going to take your phone off the hook, how about posting something to that effect on your website instead of wasting potential customers' time?
Ed Reggi
Aug 27, 2021
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What a fantastic restaurant that was tucked away near the docks. We had a bit of a wait but no worries we were entertained by the woman who took our names at the door. They said 45 minute wait and it was more like 20. Once inside we were charmed by the seafood smells and it was crowded. Wow! The views are spectacular! Love sitting right by a window to the sea. We tried everything they recommended. Everything was delicious. Everything!
Ashley A.
Aug 24, 2021
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Peggy Etheridge
Jul 24, 2021
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Homemade key lime pie and homemade lemon pie with meringue and Ritz cracker crust! Both were delicious! Be sure to go between 11:00 and 2:00 to catch the lunch special that is 9.99 and gives more choices for sides and includes tea. Prices are double after 2:00 and side choices are very limited after 2:00. Cool atmosphere since restaurant is built over water on the sound.
Laura M.
Jul 21, 2021
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Genuine place for crab. Excellent service. No reservations so prepare to wait by checking a great app that tells you how many are ahead of you.
Bar is limited but the Riesling was dry and made a great pairing with the delicious snow crab I had. If you are nearby, don't miss it. Not knowing much of the options in the region, I'd say it's worth even a longish drive.
Bar is limited but the Riesling was dry and made a great pairing with the delicious snow crab I had. If you are nearby, don't miss it. Not knowing much of the options in the region, I'd say it's worth even a longish drive.
Alysha S.
Jul 16, 2021
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Lori Clouse
Jun 27, 2021
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Veronica F.
Jun 05, 2021
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Food and service was good. Prices are fair and expected when you order crab legs. The wait time was a while since they cook everything to order. The French fries are not out of this world but their sweet potato is yummy. It gets pretty full very quickly so make sure to be ready to wait outside. The good thing is that they have a wrap around balcony overlooking the ocean for you to enjoy while waiting. Parking can get a bit muddy so be mindful that your shoes may get dirty. They have seafood, soups, steaks, and some chicken items.
Make sure to tip your waiter since they work he's to get the
Make sure to tip your waiter since they work he's to get the
Dean M.
May 17, 2021
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Jeanne R.
May 16, 2021
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Who ever heard of a seafood restaurant that doesn't have real butter!? Even though the menu says "panned in butter". And crab with melted oil to dip it in?! The tarter sauce in the jumbo squeeze bottle on the table must be a safety violation. Aren't restaurants required to refrigerate Mayo?
The "service" was extremely slow. To order, to get our food, and when the pale, anemic #10 can green beans were served, I took one look and said no thank you. She didn't even ask why. The waitress ran by at one point and asked if everything was alright, not pausing long enough
The "service" was extremely slow. To order, to get our food, and when the pale, anemic #10 can green beans were served, I took one look and said no thank you. She didn't even ask why. The waitress ran by at one point and asked if everything was alright, not pausing long enough
Cowboy F.
May 03, 2021
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The customer service and the quality control definitely needs some work! We did not receive all the condiments we asked for, but they closed immediately after we picked up our food order so we were SOL with that one. Why ask us if we need specific condiments, and pretend to notate it, if you are not going to take the time to check and make sure that they are in fact, included with the order?
My family enjoyed their food but I could not eat mine, unfortunately. Although two of us had Flounder and it was within the same order, both were somehow very different batches?! My wife's plate (Flounder
My family enjoyed their food but I could not eat mine, unfortunately. Although two of us had Flounder and it was within the same order, both were somehow very different batches?! My wife's plate (Flounder
Cathy S.
Jan 20, 2021
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The Crab Shack is just down the street from our vacation home and extremely convenient. However, even if it were a long drive, we would go there. Everything is delicious! Quite often our go to is the fried shrimp; lightly battered and delicious. We cannot wait for them to open back up for the season.
Paul W.
Jul 25, 2020
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Tried the best catch platter. The trout was not fresh. The deviled crab was ok. There was a nice amount of shrimp. The number of oysters was good but they were soggy. The fries were lukewarm and the coleslaw was unremarkable. The best thing I ate was the hush puppies which were excellent and plentiful. If 60 or over there are special low-cost options. Good service.
Chad H.
Jul 08, 2019
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Going to eat salads for the next week after my visit here. Food is excellent, but it's not the type of food I eat too often. All the fried seafood you could think of. Fried shrimp, fried oysters, fried crab cakes, french fries, etc. If you eat here enough, you'll definitely need to see a cardiologist.
They bring over complimentary hushpuppies to start out. It's quite a large basket, and they will keep bringing out more if you want. I ordered the clam chowder to start out. It was good, but certainly not the new england style I am use to. A much lighter broth, but enjoyable nevertheless
They bring over complimentary hushpuppies to start out. It's quite a large basket, and they will keep bringing out more if you want. I ordered the clam chowder to start out. It was good, but certainly not the new england style I am use to. A much lighter broth, but enjoyable nevertheless
