Joe's Crab Shack

First time going here....and was very pleased. From attentive waiter, ice cold cocktails, and the crab dip which blew my mind! The snow crab bucket was phenomenal! Husband had shrimp and fish, and was pleased with how much food was there. Order a cocktail (even a alcohol free ) and take the cute cups home! Dine in: Yes Outdoor seating: Yes Takeout: Yes Curbside pickup: Yes … More

I give it 3.5 stars and I originally had 4 stars shown but then backed down to 3. The restaurant itself is clean, large, great view of the river, and has cool paraphernalia all around. Staff was polite and helpful even if seemingly understaffed at the time of my visit. The rating comes from my perception of what I thought I was going to have for choices of meals. Lots of fried food choices, few fresh fish grilled choices, a few market rate items like lobster and some crab legs. I think the steam pot would probably have been good but expensive. Overall, I was not impressed with my warm, skinned over lobster bisque and cold broccoli and fries by any means and I personally would not try again as it was not what I was expecting. But you can make up your own mind.

Being from the Maritimes in Canada, and having access to five minutes fresh from the ocean seafood, I was wary of trying it in a landlocked state. I had no reason to fear though, as all three of the dishes I tried at Joe's were completely knocked out of the park. I strongly recommend this place for good seafood. It is as close to as good at home as I've ever found abroad. If you do go here, do yourself a favor and get the crab dip. You won't regret it. Kid-friendliness: The waitstaff was super kid friendly. The way they get the whole restaurant involved when someone orders a Sharkbite was particularly entertaining to our young one as she dumped the "blood" into the "water".