What should I order at Crab Shack?
Crab Shack
Seafood Boil
Highly praised for being very tasty and plentiful, suitable for sharing among groups, described as finger-lickin good.
Soft Shell Crab
Recommended for its perfectly seasoned batter and great taste, though slightly oily; also mentioned as delicious in taco form with complementary flavors.
Mud Crab
Mixed reviews, but some found it delicate, sweet, and perfectly cooked with flavorful chili garlic butter sauce, making it a notable dish to try.
Calamari
Noted as 'next level,' well cooked with great presentation, and available as a popular happy hour special; enjoyed as a snack with wine.
Mussel Pots
Recommended multiple times for great flavor, especially when paired with bread and butter to soak up the sauce.
Seafood Broil
Enjoyed with chips that are perfect for mopping up the sauce, contributing to an amazing dining experience.
Catch of the Day
Generally praised for freshness and good preparation, with specific mention of grilled Cajun fish and snapper cooked just right.
Seafood Curry with Jasmine Rice
Mentioned as really lovely food and well worth a visit, highlighting the size and quality of the mussels.
Fettuccini with Seafood
Contains plenty of seafood and olives and offers good value for size, though the pasta was slightly overcooked.
Steak with Chips, Sauce, Salad and Potatoes
Noted for being tender and delicious, with well-balanced sides that complement the dish.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM to 9 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM to 9 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM to 9 PM |
About Crab Shack
Informal restaurant serving burgers, crab & other seafood dishes in a space with a coastal vibe.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Crab Shack known for?
Crab Shack is best known for soft shell crab, mussels, and seafood chowder, with reviewers repeatedly calling out the fresh, flavorful seafood and generous portions. The waterfront location in Wellington also comes up often as part of the appeal, especially for a laid-back meal by the harbor.
What dishes are most recommended at Crab Shack?
Reviewers most often recommend the soft-shell crab tacos, mussels, seafood chowder, fish and chips, and the fish burger. Other dishes that get specific praise include the grilled catch of the day, seafood curry with roti, and the seafood chowder served with bread for soaking up the broth.
What is the atmosphere like at Crab Shack?
The vibe is casual, cozy, and lively, with a strong waterfront feel and lots of character inside. It suits groups and tourists well, and reviewers also mention it works for relaxed family meals or an easy solo lunch by the harbor.
Is Crab Shack good value, and what is the price range?
The listed price range is NZ$20–80, and reviewers say the value is very good for the quality of the seafood and the waterfront location. People specifically mention large portions, such as big mussels and hearty chowder servings, as part of why it feels worth the price.
Do you need a reservation at Crab Shack, especially at busy times?
Reservations are accepted and recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner, because reviewers describe the restaurant as busy and sometimes full, especially on weekends. One review noted a full house on Saturday and that staff quickly found a table after a wait, so booking ahead can help.
Is parking available at Crab Shack?
Yes. Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Is Crab Shack kid-friendly?
Yes, Crab Shack is good for kids.
Restaurants like Crab Shack in Wellington
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