There’s something truly special about indulging in fresh, flavorful seafood while overlooking the shimmering ocean waves. From succulent crab legs to mouthwatering shrimp boils, coastal crab shacks offer a unique dining experience that combines delicious cuisine with breathtaking waterfront views. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey to discover the top 10 coastal crab shacks across the globe, where you can savor the best seafood feasts while soaking in the coastal ambiance.

The Crab Pot – Seattle, Washington, USA:

• Location: 1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101
• Overview: Situated on Seattle’s historic waterfront, The Crab Pot is a beloved seafood institution known for its “seafeasts” – hearty platters of Dungeness crab, shrimp, mussels, clams, corn on the cob, and potatoes, all dumped onto your table for a communal dining experience.
• Highlights: Feast on the signature Alaskan Seafeast, crack crab legs with a mallet, and enjoy panoramic views of Elliott Bay and the Seattle skyline.

The Crab Shack – Tybee Island, Georgia, USA:

• Location: 40 Estill Hammock Rd, Tybee Island, GA 31328
• Overview: Nestled on the shores of Tybee Island, The Crab Shack is a laid-back waterfront eatery known for its rustic ambiance and finger-licking seafood boils. Feast on buckets of blue crabs, shrimp, and crawfish while sitting at picnic tables surrounded by palm trees and marshland.
• Highlights: Try the Low Country Boil, feed alligators at the onsite gator lagoon, and sip on tropical cocktails at the Tiki Bar.

The Boathouse – Balmoral Beach, Sydney, Australia:

• Location: 2 The Esplanade, Balmoral Beach, NSW 2088
• Overview: Perched on the sandy shores of Balmoral Beach, The Boathouse offers a chic coastal dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood and beachside vibes. Feast on Sydney rock oysters, grilled tiger prawns, and fish tacos while soaking up the sun on the outdoor deck.
• Highlights: Enjoy brunch with a view, indulge in gourmet fish and chips, and rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the tranquil waters of Balmoral Beach.

The Crab Claw – St. Michaels, Maryland, USA:

• Location: 304 Burns St, St Michaels, MD 21663
• Overview: Tucked away in the charming town of St. Michaels, The Crab Claw is a waterfront seafood restaurant specializing in Maryland blue crabs and Chesapeake Bay classics. Feast on steamed crabs, crab cakes, and crab dip while watching boats glide by on the Miles River.
• Highlights: Try the “All You Can Eat” crab specials, dine al fresco on the waterfront deck, and explore the historic streets of St. Michaels.

The Crab Shack – Wellington, New Zealand:

• Location: 2 Taranaki St, Wellington Waterfront, Wellington 6011
• Overview: Located on the bustling Wellington Waterfront, The Crab Shack is a lively seafood restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere and fresh-off-the-boat seafood. Feast on crayfish, green-lipped mussels, and seafood platters while enjoying live music and waterfront views.
• Highlights: Try the Kiwi Seafood Platter, sip on local craft beers, and take a stroll along the waterfront promenade.

The Lobster Shack – Cervantes, Western Australia:

• Location: 11 Catalonia St, Cervantes WA 6511
• Overview: Perched on the pristine shores of Western Australia, The Lobster Shack is a beachside eatery specializing in Western Rock Lobster – a local delicacy known for its sweet, succulent meat. Feast on freshly caught lobster tails, fish and chips, and seafood chowder while watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
• Highlights: Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the lobster processing factory, sample freshly shucked oysters, and explore the nearby Pinnacles Desert.

The Crab House – Portland, Maine, USA:

• Location: 1708 Portland Fish Pier, Portland, ME 04101
• Overview: Situated on Portland’s historic Fish Pier, The Crab House is a no-frills seafood shack serving up some of the freshest catches from the Gulf of Maine. Feast on lobster rolls, crab melts, and clam chowder while watching fishermen unload their daily haul.
• Highlights: Try the Lobster BLT, indulge in fried clams and scallops, and take a scenic cruise around Casco Bay.

The Crab Shack – Auckland, New Zealand:

• Location: 137 Quay St, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
• Overview: Located on Auckland’s bustling waterfront, The Crab Shack is a lively seafood restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere and a focus on sustainable, locally sourced seafood. Feast on crayfish, paua fritters, and seafood platters while enjoying live music and views of Waitemata Harbour.
• Highlights: Try the Hangi-Smoked Kingfish, sip on cocktails served in coconuts, and take a stroll along the nearby Viaduct Harbour.

The Crab House Café – Weymouth, England:

• Location: 38 Custom House Quay, Weymouth DT4 8BG
• Overview: Situated on Weymouth’s historic harborside, The Crab House Café is a seafood restaurant renowned for its “catch of the day” menu and panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast. Feast on locally caught crab, lobster, and fish while watching fishing boats come and go.
• Highlights: Try the Dorset Seafood Platter, dine al fresco on the outdoor terrace, and take a scenic boat tour along the Jurassic Coast.

The Crab Shack – Wellington, Florida, USA:

• Location: 1050 E Palm Beach Rd, Wellington, FL 33414
• Overview: Located in the heart of equestrian country, The Crab Shack in Wellington, Florida, offers a taste of coastal cuisine in a relaxed, tropical setting. Feast on peel-and-eat shrimp, snow crab clusters, and lobster tails while surrounded by palm trees and horse farms.
• Highlights: Try the Florida Stone Crab Claws, sip on frozen cocktails, and catch live music performances on the outdoor patio.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re craving steamed crab legs on the shores of Seattle or freshly caught lobster in the heart of Sydney, these top 10 coastal crab shacks offer an unforgettable seafood dining experience with a side of coastal charm. From rustic waterfront shacks to chic beachside eateries, each of these establishments celebrates the bounty of the sea in its own unique way, offering patrons a chance to indulge in the freshest catches while soaking in breathtaking views of the ocean.

Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast looking to sample local delicacies or a casual diner seeking a laid-back dining experience, these coastal crab shacks have something to offer for everyone. From the iconic crab feasts of the Pacific Northwest to the lobster boils of New England, each destination promises a culinary adventure that celebrates the best of coastal cuisine.

So, pack your appetite and prepare for a seafood feast like no other as you embark on a journey to explore the top 10 coastal crab shacks around the world. Whether you’re dining with family, friends, or that special someone, these establishments offer an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you craving more. With their mouthwatering seafood offerings, relaxed ambiance, and stunning waterfront views, these coastal crab shacks are sure to satisfy your craving for an unforgettable seafood feast.