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Crab House NYC
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Crab House NYC
8.3
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
All-you-can-eat, cook-to-order seafood towers this Midtown East buffet into a destination for crab lovers. Guests tick off snow crab, lobster, shrimp, and fried fish, which arrive hot from the kitchen instead of sitting on steam tables.
Must-Try Dishes:
Snow crab legs (all-you-can-eat), Dungeness crab with garlic butter, Fried sea bass with sweet chili sauce
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: An all-you-can-eat seafood buffet where every plate is cooked to order.
Who should go: Seafood obsessives and groups who like to feast.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier reservations and steadier pacing.
What to order: Snow crab legs, Dungeness crab, fried sea bass.
Insider tip: Come hungry and pace yourself—ordering in smaller waves keeps everything hot and crisp.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited in Midtown East, especially after 5pm; nearby paid garages on 2nd & 3rd Ave are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and comfortable tops are normal, but groups celebrating often lean a bit dressier.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is doable, but peak weekend dinner hours can get loud with large groups.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, depending on party size.
Weekday lunch: Rarely a wait; walk-ins usually seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—mostly sides like fries, rice, and salads. This is a seafood-heavy operation.
Vegan options: Minimal—no dedicated dishes beyond basic sides.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—boiled and steamed seafood options work well, but fried items are not GF. No separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date enjoys casual, messy seafood feasts. The all-you-can-eat format is fun but not especially intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weeknights. For groups of 4+ or weekend dinner, a reservation is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common, and younger kids tend to enjoy the interactive, shareable seafood plates. No dedicated kids’ menu, but the format is flexible.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, casual celebrations, and diners who want cooked-to-order crab legs instead of steam-table buffet seafood.
Skip if: You want a refined seafood tasting menu, have strict dietary restrictions, or prefer quiet, intimate dining.
Crab House NYC
8.2
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
An all-you-can-eat seafood house where the surprise standout is a sticky, charred BBQ spare rib that comes out sizzling alongside piles of crab legs and fried fish. It’s loud, fast-paced, and built for groups who want to eat a lot of rich food for a set price.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Spare Ribs, Garlic Butter Snow Crab Legs, Baked Mac & Cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A rare Midtown East AYCE spot where hearty BBQ ribs share the table with mountains of crab.
Who should go: Big groups craving seafood and indulgent ribs
When to visit: Weeknights for slightly shorter waits and fresher pacing
What to order: BBQ spare ribs, crab legs with garlic butter, baked mac & cheese
Insider tip: Treat the paper checklist like a tasting menu and order ribs in several small waves so they stay hot and freshly glazed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; expect meters and competition after 6pm. Closest reliable option is nearby paid garages ($20–$30 for 2 hours). No valet.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable. Most guests wear jeans, tees, and sneakers — expect bibs and hands-on eating.
Noise level: Loud and energetic. Conversations require raised voices, especially during peak dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — a few sides like corn, fries, and mac & cheese. The AYCE format heavily favors seafood and meat.
Vegan options: Minimal — fried items and sides often contain butter, dairy, or shared oil. Not recommended for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Some steamed seafood and simple preparations may be gluten-free, but cross-contact is likely due to shared fryers and fast-paced service.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date is fun-loving and down for messy, hands-on eating. The noise and chaotic energy make it better for casual hangouts than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Walk-ins are common, especially for smaller parties. Large groups should expect a wait unless arriving early on weekdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, and kids who love seafood or BBQ will be happy. Best for ages 6+ who can handle the noise, quick service, and AYCE format.
Best For
Better for: Great for high-volume group meals, AYCE seafood value, and unexpectedly strong ribs compared to other Midtown buffet-style spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, refined BBQ, or strict dietary accommodations. Consider alternatives if you prefer à la carte pacing or low-noise dining.