When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Crafty Crab
Why Crafty Crab is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Crafty Crab is a vibrant seafood restaurant in Orlando, Florida, known for its fresh seafood dishes and authentic Cajun & Creole flavors. The restaurant boasts a warm and inviting Southern charm, making it an excellent place to meet up with friends for lunch or dinner. Guests appreciate the generous portions and the family-friendly atmosphere with seating options accommodating groups of all sizes. Crafty Crab features a diverse menu that includes American, Cajun & Creole, and grilled seafood, served alongside full bar options including wine, beer, and cocktails. The location offers accessibility features such as wheelchair access and highchairs for children, enhancing its appeal to diverse patrons. Whether for casual get-togethers or more festive occasions, the lively ambiance and quality seafood dishes make it a popular destination in the Orlando dining scene. Crafty Crab operates until 11:00 PM, making it convenient for evening gatherings and late dinners.
Here's what people think of Crafty Crab
As of recent, Crafty Crab holds a 4-star rating based on 303 reviews.
Reviews for Crafty Crab highlight a generally positive dining experience with a respectable 4.0 rating from over 300 reviews. Many patrons commend the restaurant for its lively and friendly atmosphere, generous portions, and flavorful seafood offerings, particularly noting the freshness and authenticity of Cajun-style dishes. Positive comments often mention the welcoming service and the pleasant environment, ideal for socializing with friends and family. On the other hand, some negative reviews point out inconsistencies in food quality and presentation, such as overly salty dishes, occasional soggy crab legs, and some pricing concerns given the perceived value. There are mentions of issues with food plating and a few service-related hiccups like billing errors. Despite these drawbacks, the overall consensus among reviewers is that Crafty Crab offers a satisfying seafood dining experience with strong points in flavor and ambiance. Many guests indicate they would consider returning, especially for the signature Cajun seafood boil and the casual, convivial setting that suits group outings and casual dining occasions.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
TC Cooper
Some of the best seafood I've ever had. Took my daughter for her birthday, she wanted to try seafood for her birthday. We all enjoy ourselves. For a group of 5, was only $115. Great price for the amount of food we got. If you are looking for great seafood check them out.
Ola Murdock
The food was really good. It was my first time visiting a place of this manner. The atmosphere was light. The music was great. The customer service was very polite and efficient. I would definitely come here again
Tyler Wylie
We were served by Tee and she made some amazing drinks and made sure we had everything we needed! The Cajun crab fries were delicious followed by the shrimp boil and lobster boil. Would recommend to anyone who loves a good boil and a great atmosphere!
Tiana J
Food was delicious! Boom sauce was a bit salty but still very good and flavorful. Oysters were fresh and delicious, however they were still stuck to the shell I had to scrape them out myself , fried shrimp was good but breading did fall off as soon as you picked it up. Blackberry margarita was delicious! Server didn’t know much but she was very friendly and suggested the delicious drink I had. Host who seated us was a little rude but I will still be back for the good food and drinks!
Keisha Webb
Food was good and not overcooked. The service was good, took a little longer than expected but overall good. The DJ made the atmosphere! Great music might want to consider kids are in the building when choosing songs but a great vibe and we danced a bit. Fun was had.
How to reach Crafty Crab
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Website: None
Why rally at Crafty Crab with your friends?
Gathering friends or family for a casual, fun-filled meal becomes an exceptional experience at Crafty Crab, a seafood restaurant known for its fresh and flavorful dishes. With a solid 4.0 rating from over 300 reviews, it strikes a balance between quality and affordability that makes it a natural choice for social outings. The warm, friendly atmosphere complemented by attentive and speedy service allows groups to relax and reconnect over a shared love of seafood. Whether you're craving succulent crab legs, tender shrimp, or a full seafood boil loaded with clams, mussels, and corn, Crafty Crab caters to diverse palates with its broad menu selections and customizable spice levels. Its convenient locations and clean dining spaces add to the appeal for groups seeking a hassle-free venue. Moreover, the communal nature of seafood boils—served artfully in bags with rich sauces—encourages lively conversation and shared enjoyment, perfect for bonding moments. With reasonable prices and generous portions, Crafty Crab enables groups to feast together without breaking the bank, offering a memorable and satisfying meetup destination.
What activities are available at Crafty Crab for groups?
Crafty Crab's principal activity revolves around enjoying a seafood feast in a convivial setting. Their specialty seafood boils, offering a variety of fresh catches such as blue crab, king crab legs, snow crab, lobster tail, shrimp (whole or headless), crawfish, clams, and mussels, form the centerpiece of any group gathering. Each boil is a creative activity in itself, as diners select their preferred seafood combinations, then choose from flavorful seasonings like Crafty Cajun, Buttery Garlic, Lemon Pepper, or the highly praised "Boom!!!" mix that blends all flavors. The level of spice—from mild up to fiery "fire"—can be tailored to individual or group tastes, making the meal both interactive and inclusive. This step-by-step customization turns ordering into a shared experience that sparks conversation and anticipation.
Beyond the boils, Crafty Crab offers an assortment of fried favorites including fried shrimp baskets, catfish, tilapia, chicken tenders, oysters, calamari, cheesesticks, and wings with sauces such as Buffalo, Cajun, or Lemon Pepper. Sides like fries, onion rings, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, potatoes, or corn on the cob accompany these meals, giving groups plenty of variety and choice for sharing. These finger foods support a casual, communal dining style perfect for groups eager to nibble and chat.
The restaurant’s layout—with clean, spacious seating areas—supports group meetups by accommodating small to large parties comfortably. This physical space, combined with the relaxed atmosphere, encourages leisurely gatherings where friends can linger over their meals and the shared seafood adventure. Overall, Crafty Crab’s activities center on savoring a vibrant seafood feast tailored to group preferences, making it an ideal place for social connections and culinary exploration.
Why is Crafty Crab perfect for group meetups?
Crafty Crab shines as a group-friendly venue because it offers an experience designed for sharing and indulging together. The seafood boil concept is innately social: diners literally dig into communal bags brimming with seasoned crab, shrimp, crawfish, and accompaniments that encourage everyone to partake and savor the moment. This hands-on, interactive style of eating naturally fosters a lively environment where conversation flows easily and everyone bonds over the process of peeling, cracking, and tasting.
Moreover, the restaurant’s menu variety ensures all tastes are covered—from the adventurous spice lover to those who want just a mild, buttery garlic flavor. Groups can order family-style platters or mix and match individual orders, enabling everyone to sample different dishes without hassle. Crafty Crab’s commitment to fresh, quality ingredients ensures that regardless of choice, the food is satisfying and memorable. Large portion sizes add value and prevent anyone from leaving hungry, an important factor for group satisfaction.
The atmosphere is casual but vibrant, a place where people feel comfortable to be themselves and enjoy good company. Reviews note the friendly service and clean dining environment, key factors that enhance group comfort. Even takeout and pickup options are well-rated, accommodating those who want to gather at home or in another preferred setting without compromising food quality. The restaurant’s welcoming vibe, combined with affordability and generous servings, makes it a dependable pick for friends and family looking to rally, celebrate, or simply enjoy a great meal together.
What makes the food at Crafty Crab stand out for a group setting?
The standout feature of Crafty Crab’s cuisine is its freshness and the powerful flavors that come with expertly crafted seafood boils and complementary dishes. The seafood is sourced fresh, resulting in tender, juicy meat—whether it’s sweet crab legs, plump shrimp, or flavorful mussels. These qualities are essential when feeding a group, ensuring that everyone enjoys dishes that truly shine. The seafood is steamed or fried to perfection, locking in moisture and taste.
The seasoning options add a personal touch that appeals to group members with varying spice tolerances. For instance, the original Crafty Cajun seasoning offers a classic Southern taste, while the buttery garlic and lemon pepper versions provide milder, aromatic alternatives. The "Boom!!!" seasoning is popular for those who want a complex burst of flavor combining all profiles, creating a remarkable taste sensation that can be shared and discussed among diners. The ability to set spice levels from mild to "fire" further customizes the meal, allowing groups to experience a spectrum of heat and flavor.
Large seafood platters and boil bags come with traditional accompaniments like corn, potatoes, andouille sausage, and eggs, which enrich the dining experience with varied textures and flavors. The fried basket options offer variety and appeal to those who prefer crispy, golden fried foods, adding contrast to the seafood boils. Sides like onion rings and fries round out the meal with familiar, comforting tastes, making Crafty Crab’s menu well-suited for groups seeking a diverse yet cohesive meal.
How does Crafty Crab support a smooth, enjoyable group dining experience?
Crafty Crab’s efficient service is a major asset for groups, as they aim to deliver orders promptly without sacrificing quality. Many reviews highlight the staff’s friendly and quick responsiveness, allowing groups to dive into their meals without lengthy waits—an important consideration when coordinating friends or family’s schedules. The clean dining environment also adds to the comfort, as guests can feel at ease in spacious, tidy surroundings.
Though parking can sometimes be challenging at certain locations due to shared lots, the highly rated food and welcoming atmosphere often outweigh this inconvenience for diners eager for a good seafood meal. The availability of takeout and delivery provides flexible options for groups preferring to gather elsewhere. Additionally, Crafty Crab offers daily specials and affordable pricing that help groups stay within budget without compromising the dining experience, a practical benefit for larger parties.
The combination of quality food, accommodating service, and friendly ambiance makes Crafty Crab stand out as a venue that understands the needs of groups looking for both flavor and comfort. The chance to customize meals and savor seafood varieties in an interactive, shared format brings friends and family closer, turning an ordinary meal into a memorable outing. This holistic approach to group dining underpins Crafty Crab’s reputation as a preferred spot for social gatherings.
What do guests say about their group experiences at Crafty Crab?
Guest reviews consistently praise Crafty Crab for its flavorful food and relaxed atmosphere suited for groups. Many highlight the freshness of the seafood and the originality of the seasoning combinations as key reasons they gather there with friends. Diners often mention ordering mixed seafood boils with shrimp, crab legs, and crawfish, noting how sharing the feast makes for an enjoyable, interactive meal that appeals to everyone's tastes.
Positive feedback points to the generous portion sizes and value for money, enabling groups to indulge without concern for cost. Servers generally receive commendations for their friendly attitude and attentiveness, which enhances group comfort—even when handling large parties. While some guests have noted that the environment is casual and the décor lively, this adds to the charm by creating a vibrant, informal hangout spot that encourages sociability.
On the flip side, some reviews talk about minor service inconsistencies or parking difficulties, but these rarely overshadow the overall positive sentiment centered on the superb food and the warmth of the experience. Many guests conclude they will return specifically to share another meal with friends at Crafty Crab, indicating strong loyalty built through memorable group dining experiences.
Crafty Crab, with its unique seafood boils, diverse menu, and welcoming atmosphere, is an outstanding destination for groups seeking an engaging, flavorful, and satisfying meal together. Whether it’s a casual reunion, celebration, or simple weekend gathering, Crafty Crab offers the perfect combination of taste, space, and service to make your meetup memorable and enjoyable.