Located directly on the Pithlachascotee River, the Crab Shack’s best feature is its location. Sitting with its own dock, this open tiki bar offers riparian atmosphere and superb seafood in a relaxed, comfortable setting.
Don’t expect fancy. This is a no-frills place with benches or plastic chairs, help-yourself napkin holders on the tables and food served in plastic baskets with waxed paper inserts. The servers are familiar and friendly, and the resident cat roams freely along the dock.
The food is great! A favorite appetizer of mine is the clams oregano. The clams are tender and well-seasoned with oreganata stuffing. Try the crab cake for a real treat, and the peel ‘n’ eat shrimp are an excellent value, if you’re so inclined.
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I am thrilled with the latest addition of the Shrimp Po’Boy, perfectly prepared with tender shrimp amid shredded lettuce and tomatoes on a crusty roll. I never expected a seafood Reuben, but one of my dining companions ordered this. The grouper is flaky and tasty.
If you’re not a fish lover, don’t be concerned; their burgers are every bit as good as the seafood. And the fries are also very tasty, although they were a bit limp. I’ve learned to substitute onion rings, which are crispy and tender.
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The only drawback is the service. Food is very slow coming out of the kitchen, and drink refills are also slow. If you’re looking for a leisurely meal or evening out with friends, it works out fine. If you’re on a schedule, I’ve found no way of lighting a fire to speed up service.
The Crab Shack offers a full-service bar. You can order drinks and appetizers. Weekends feature live entertainment. Come for dinner and stay for the show.
Crab Shack
5430 Baylea Ave.
Port Richey, FL 34668
727-847-6300
The Crab Shack is open seven days for lunch, dinner and late night.
