When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Crab House NYC
Why Crab House NYC is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Crab House NYC offers a dynamic all-you-can-eat seafood experience that makes it a fantastic spot for groups of friends to gather and indulge in fresh seafood delights. Located conveniently in Midtown Manhattan, the restaurant features an extensive menu that includes jumbo crab legs, Dungeness crab, Cajun garlic butter shrimp, pan-seared salmon, fresh blue crab, and more. In addition to seafood, they also offer land options such as crispy chicken wings and ribs, making it suitable for diverse group preferences. The restaurant's all-you-can-eat model serves dishes made to order, providing a fresh and engaging dining experience rather than a traditional buffet. The atmosphere supports group dining and celebrations, with a notable mention of guests enjoying homemade iced teas along with their meals. Crab House also impresses with its live lobster tank, ensuring freshness and quality of the main star of their menu – the lobster. The two-tier pricing system allows diners to choose from an $80 per person option without lobster or $115 per person with unlimited lobster, catering to different appetites and budgets. Overall, the restaurant’s combination of fresh seafood, generous portions, and a convivial setting positions it as a great place for friends to catch up over a satisfying seafood feast.
Here's what people think of Crab House NYC
As of recent, Crab House NYC holds a 4.6-star rating based on 3606 reviews.
Reviewers of Crab House NYC present a mixed but generally positive portrait of the restaurant. Many praise the freshness and quality of the seafood, particularly highlighting the lobster and crab legs as standout items. Positive reviews emphasize the exciting concept of all-you-can-eat lobster, the variety of dishes available, and the friendly, casual atmosphere that fits group gatherings well. Reviewers frequently mention the seafood being made to order, which enhances freshness and dining experience. Some guests reported enjoying the homemade iced teas and the overall quantity and quality of food served.
On the downside, some reviews point out that the ordering system can be tricky or frustrating, especially for groups who may want individual portions rather than full-group plates. A few customers noted issues with service speed and presentation, such as oysters not being properly shelled or certain fried items tasting greasy. There were isolated mentions of poor service and dissatisfaction with some food quality aspects like overused frying oil or blandness in certain shellfish. Some reviewers also expressed disappointment with the portions or customer service.
In conclusion, while there are some notable critiques—primarily concerning service and ordering logistics—Crab House NYC enjoys a strong reputation for delivering excellent all-you-can-eat seafood value, especially for lobster and crab lovers, making it a popular and lively dining option in New York City.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
James Harding
What can I say except phenomenal. The service is top notch. "All you can eat" You check off what you'd like on a paper menu list and they bring the food out sizzling hot and then hand you another paper menu for your next round. Every time you are just about to finish one item another one is coming out fresh and hot. What an experience and the staffing was spot on. I highly recommend this awesomely wonderful experience. I apologize for my photo presentation as I was truly excited to start eating before taking some of my photos. $90 per person no lobster except mini cakes $125 per person including the lobster NOTE: If one person at the table includes the lobster, everyone at the table has to.
Mark Ballew
First time here. Didn’t know what to expect. Very clean establishment. Nice people ambiance is calm and welcoming. Was seated. Ordered drinks and waitress explained how to order. At first everything seemed very fast and rushed. I took a look at other tables and understood that the buffet style fresh food and how they come out with the food was done for a reason. Drinks were good. Seafood is really good. I like the fact I was given butter and lemons and a decent amount for all the seafood I ordered. I will return again.
Jacqueline Harvey Ewusi
I would like to say I loved everything about this place from the person at the front desk that gives you a great introduction to the place down to the servers that go above and beyond to make sure your experience was worth the trip and price. It’s a buffet style dining experience with price ranging from $90 per person to $120 per person. The menu was vastly superior to most restaurants and they offered a great variety of food options. The atmosphere was very relaxing. I’d say make sure to visit on an empty stomach.
Steph W
Ambiance (4/5): The lighting is a bit dark with club-like, loud hip-hop/pop music. There’s a blend of nautical and Asian décor. There’s quite a few steps down and then smaller baby steps to step down to the main dining area. The booths feel private with tall wall divides and The booths are large with a bucket for you toss your shells. Service (4/5): Since the dining set-up is so private, it is difficult to flag down service but they do come around to ask if you need anything. The food comes out in succession fairly quickly. Food (5/5): The amount of food is wild so be careful what you end up selecting! For $90, it was definitely worth the price point. The crab legs were humungous and filled with meat. Everything tasted very fresh and the flavors were marinated into the meat. SKIP the oysters, noodles, crab rangoon, salmon, corn Crab legs, scallops, fried rice, and fried seabass were my favorite No one in my party had issues with their stomach.
NYWillEatYou
This was a great experience! The food comes out quick and fresh. My favorites are the butter lobster, crab legs and the steak on the skillet is delicious. The service is phenomenal as since you have a lot of plates on your table the servers are always coming around and picking things up! The decor makes you almost feel like you’re the seafood with the net all over the ceiling. Love this place and how could you ever beat AYCE seafood including lobster and crab!
How to reach Crab House NYC
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Why Crab House NYC may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Crab House NYC with your friends?
Crab House NYC is an exceptional destination for gathering with friends because it offers an immersive seafood experience unlike any other in the city. With a stellar 4.6-star rating from over 3,600 reviews, it’s clear that guests consistently enjoy not only the quality of the food but also the vibrant atmosphere perfect for group meetups. The restaurant specializes in an all-you-can-eat seafood format that invites abundance and sharing, making it ideal for social dining. Its menu, centered mainly on fresh crab, lobster, and other shellfish, encourages communal enjoyment and conversation over plates loaded with indulgent seafood. The balance between upscale dining and casual fun creates an environment where everyone can relax, celebrate, and savor a feast together. In a city where dining options are vast and varied, Crab House NYC stands out as a spot where the focus on quality, freshness, and quantity ensures every group member leaves satisfied and with joyful memories. Whether you’re marking a milestone, catching up after a long time apart, or simply treating your closest circle to a carnivorous feast, Crab House offers a rallying point with a unique culinary twist that fuels laughter and bonding.
What activities can you enjoy at Crab House NYC, and why is it perfect for group meetups?
One of the major attractions of Crab House NYC is its all-you-can-eat seafood experience, which transforms any gathering into a lively event. Rather than a conventional buffet, the restaurant operates a full-service AYCE model in which dishes are freshly prepared and brought directly to your table. This approach adds a layer of sophistication and keeps the food fresh and hot, which is appreciated in group settings where sharing is key. You and your friends can order multiple rounds of dishes like garlic butter lobster claws, salt and pepper crab, fresh sea scallops, clams, oysters, and a variety of other seafood staples. This method of dining encourages interaction, as group members discuss which dishes to try next and share plates, which enhances the sense of togetherness.
Beyond dining, the experience itself—settling around large, communal tables and diving into messy, delicious seafood—creates a fun and informal atmosphere that is difficult to replicate in other venues. The lively ambiance is amplified by the open visibility of the live lobster tanks, giving guests a glimpse into the freshness of their meal. This adds an engaging sensory activity to the dining experience, sparking conversation and excitement before the food even arrives. Crab House NYC’s layout and service style naturally accommodate groups, ensuring everyone can participate fully in the feasting without the pressure of individual ordering complexities. This makes it ideal for celebrations like birthdays, reunions, or casual friend meetups where the focus is on shared enjoyment rather than formal dining etiquette.
How does Crab House NYC’s menu cater to large groups and what makes it special?
Crab House NYC offers two main price levels for its all-you-can-eat menu: one without lobster and one including unlimited lobster, catering to different appetites and budgets. For groups, this flexible pricing is a significant advantage, allowing individuals to opt into the more premium experience with lobster or select the slightly more affordable option. The lobster—especially prepared with salt and pepper—is frequently highlighted as the standout dish, prized for its freshness and expertly cooked texture. This flexibility means groups can customize their dining experience based on preference while still sticking together in a shared food adventure.
Moreover, because the dishes are made to order, the kitchen can maintain high quality and presentation, an important factor for groups who want to impress each other or mark a special occasion. While the ordering system may require some coordination (as each dish ordered is made for the entire table), this aspect encourages communal decision-making, which can be a fun challenge and part of the group's social interaction. The menu extends beyond just crab and lobster to include seafood staples like oysters and clams, as well as other accompaniments such as edamame and seasoned fries, ensuring there is something for every palate. This variety and abundance make Crab House perfect for groups wanting to explore different flavors and enjoy a diverse seafood banquet together.
What atmosphere and service experience can groups expect at Crab House NYC?
Crab House NYC combines casual dining energy with the excitement of a specialty seafood restaurant to create an atmosphere that’s both welcoming and stimulating for groups. The vibrant environment is designed for sharing and conversation, with tables arranged to accommodate larger parties comfortably. Guests often note the enjoyment that comes from the hands-on experience of cracking crab legs and dipping lobster in butter, transforming the meal into an engaging activity rather than just dining. This tactile involvement naturally fosters a relaxed and fun setting where guests can feel free to linger, laugh, and savor.
Service at Crab House is attentive but informal, aiming to maintain flow and timing with the made-to-order model. While some reviews mention a quirky ordering system and occasional wait times, many find the attentive staff ensures the experience remains smooth and enjoyable, particularly when guiding groups through the extensive menu options. The staff’s familiarity with large-group needs helps streamline the process despite the complexity of group orders. This balance of convenience and quality service is essential when managing the dynamics of a crowd, making sure no one feels rushed or neglected. The overall vibe is upbeat and accommodating, well suited to both celebratory dinners and casual meetups.
How does Crab House NYC compare with other seafood restaurants in New York City for hosting group events?
New York City is home to numerous seafood establishments ranging from high-end fine dining to casual seafood shacks, but Crab House NYC stands out for its distinctive approach to group dining and seafood indulgence. Unlike traditional seafood restaurants that may have limited portions or scattered menus, Crab House’s all-you-can-eat format designed specifically for table sharing creates a unique communal dining experience rarely matched in the city. While some all-you-can-eat establishments rely on buffets with self-service, Crab House’s full-service model ensures higher food quality and presentation, a key factor for groups wanting both quantity and quality.
Additionally, the presence of live lobster tanks and the ability to feast on unlimited lobster gives this restaurant an edge over typical seafood spots, offering a memorable novelty for groups. The restaurant’s mid-range pricing combined with the premium seafood choices also means it offers good value for groups looking to make an occasion of their meal without completely breaking the bank. This balance of fun, freshness, variety, and volume is a winning formula for any group looking for a festive dining experience that also satisfies serious seafood lovers. Its strong online reputation and consistently high ratings further underscore its suitability as a reliable, crowd-pleasing venue in Manhattan’s competitive dining scene.
What special considerations should groups keep in mind when planning a meetup at Crab House NYC?
While Crab House NYC is a superb venue for group gatherings, there are notable elements that can influence the experience. The ordering methodology, where each dish is served to the entire table, means groups need to coordinate and discuss choices effectively to ensure everyone’s preferences are honored. This can be a fun part of the experience but requires cooperation and patience, especially with larger or more diverse groups. Also, the restaurant’s popular nature can lead to wait times, so booking ahead or arriving early is advisable for smooth planning.
Some guests note the service can be uneven during peak times, which is common in busy all-you-can-eat places. Understanding the restaurant’s pace and flow will help groups set expectations for timing, ensuring a relaxed visit. Furthermore, since the meal involves cracking shellfish and dealing with shells at the table, guests should be prepared for a somewhat hands-on and potentially messy experience — one that enhances the fun but might not suit everyone. However, these considerations are minor against the restaurant’s overall appeal: a feast of fresh, abundant seafood served in a congenial setting that promises a memorable outing for friends and family alike.
In summary, Crab House NYC is a highly rated seafood destination that excels in creating an inviting, playful, and plentiful dining experience uniquely suited to group meetups. Its all-you-can-eat format centered on premium crab and lobster encourages sharing and conversation, while the casual yet vibrant atmosphere nurtures connection and celebration. Whether marking a special occasion or simply seeking a delectable way to enjoy one another’s company, Crab House NYC offers an unforgettable rally point for friends eager to bond over a feast of fresh, flavorful seafood.