When asking yourself about something to do near me in Dallas with a group of friends or family, consider
Red Claws Crab Shack
Why Red Claws Crab Shack is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Red Claws Crab Shack is a favored seafood restaurant located in Arlington, Texas, known for its fresh quality seafood and vibrant Cajun flavors in a casual and fun atmosphere. Positioned conveniently across from The Parks Mall and close to Mansfield, Fort Worth, and Irving, this spot is an ideal meeting place for friends and family who enjoy a lively yet relaxed environment. The restaurant provides a variety of Southern-inspired seafood dishes, catering to fans of Cajun cuisine. Signature offerings include richly flavored gumbo, perfectly crispy fried catfish, and indulgent seafood boils that showcase fresh catches seasoned with their celebrated garlic and Cajun blend sauce. Their menu also extends beyond traditional seafood, incorporating hot chicken and other Southern favorites, making it suitable for diverse palates. The welcoming, laid-back vibe combined with generous portions and quick service creates an enjoyable dining experience. Whether seeking a casual lunch or a festive dinner gathering, Red Claws Crab Shack stands out as an excellent place to meet up, enjoy flavorful dishes, and share in a communal feast of quality, freshly prepared seafood.
Here's what people think of Red Claws Crab Shack
As of recent, Red Claws Crab Shack holds a 4.2-star rating based on 1227 reviews.
Customer reviews of Red Claws Crab Shack generally reflect a positive reception, with an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from over 1,200 reviews. Many patrons commend the restaurant for the freshness and seasoning of its seafood, placing particular emphasis on standout dishes such as the seafood boil, gumbo, and fried catfish. Guests appreciate the authenticity of the Cajun flavors and the generous portion sizes, which often exceed expectations. Service speed and the friendly, casual setting also receive favorable mentions, making it a reliable choice for group gatherings or family meals. Positively, reviewers highlight the rich, flavorful sauces, especially the garlic/Cajun blend that complements the seafood perfectly, as well as the accommodating atmosphere that allows for socially distanced seating during busier times. On the downside, some users express concerns about service coordination — specifically, delays in order timing such as appetizers arriving significantly after main dishes — suggesting room for improvement in kitchen and service synchronization. Additionally, a few reviews note that the prices, while reflecting the quality, might feel a bit high for some customers. Despite minor critiques, the consensus is that Red Claws Crab Shack delivers an enjoyable and high-quality Cajun seafood experience. This mix of flavorful food, inviting ambiance, and mostly positive service experiences solidifies its position as a recommended spot for seafood lovers in the Arlington area.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ebony Crossley
The best crawfish I've had in Dallas' hands down their sauce is what does it. Get all the flavors mixed but only get medium heat even if you like it spicy. Im from New Orleans, so I know good crawfish. It's very pricey, definitely a free paycheck meal, lol They have an all you can eat special that is a great deal with lots of options. The only downside is that everyone in your party has to get "all you can eat"! Their fried catfish is good aswell.
Tiffany Murphy
My boyfriend and I visited this establishment at his suggestion, per a rave review on TikTok. As seafood lovers, we were both excited to try it, but, in all honesty, were disappointed with the quality and taste of the meal we ordered. We opted for the "All You Can Eat" deal, as we were surprised by the variety of dishes included. Aside from him not receiving all of the items he asked for, some components of the dish were overly seasoned, while others were altogether bland and inedible. It is our opinion that the elements of the meal did not go well together at all. On a positive note...the atmosphere was nice, and we very much enjoyed the music, ambiance, and aesthetics.
Michelle Nguyen
My party went for dinner, everyone must eat AYCE IN your party for you to be able to do AYCE. $50 per person, with half a pound of different seafoods (up to four) at a time with variety of sides. I personally had the crawfish, snow crab, octopus and shrimp, all were sooo good. Great flavors - RC KICK is the best! The snow crab, you can only order once! Plus you can order corn, sausage, potatoes, ramen noodles, etc. with your seafood. Service was also good, everyone was very nice! It can get a little busy so if you’re trying to continuously eat, then make sure you order your next batch half way through your current batch. Everything was super flavorful, very garlic rich (except the plain obviously)! The spicy levels were even pretty good! Hot and extremely hot actually had me sweating a little! Great deal for AYCE in my personal opinion. The variety of sides is always great, my husband and friends got the wings and they said it was very delicious!
TJ Foster
Atmosphere was typical of a seafood spot , all you can eat is a slightly specific menu but there were many options. Servers were very attentive and food was fresh.. I’d definitely go back
J R.
One of the top places for seafood boils. The dungeoness crab was amazing. The drinks are really good as well. The staff were very professional and kind. The place is clean. I recommend this place to friends and fam.
How to reach Red Claws Crab Shack
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Why Red Claws Crab Shack may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Red Claws Crab Shack with your friends? At its core, Red Claws Crab Shack offers more than just a meal; it provides a vibrant atmosphere where friends and family can come together and enjoy an unforgettable seafood experience. With a solid 4.2-star rating based on over 1,200 reviews, this beloved establishment has proven itself as a top choice in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex for Cajun seafood and hot chicken lovers alike. Its casual, relaxed, yet lively environment is designed to accommodate groups, whether you're catching up on a weekend, celebrating a special occasion, or just unwinding after a long day. The menu boasts a wide array of fresh, flavorful Cajun-style crab, shrimp, and other seafood, as well as the signature hot chicken that perfectly balances spice and savoriness, appealing to a broad range of tastes. The perfect blend of quality food, warm service, and a comfortable setting makes Red Claws a natural gathering place for memorable group meetups, offering the chance to enjoy delicious food while sharing laughs and good times.
What group-friendly activities and features make Red Claws Crab Shack perfect for meetups? First and foremost, Red Claws specializes in an interactive dining experience centered around communal seafood boils, which naturally encourage sharing and socializing. Large platters piled high with crab legs, shrimp, and other seafood favorites are served in a style that invites your entire party to dig in together, fostering conversation and connection over a satisfying feast. The restaurant’s laid-back ambiance features ample seating suitable for medium to large groups, and the friendly staff is accustomed to hosting lively parties while maintaining attentive service. Additionally, Red Claws offers a diverse menu selection that caters to different dietary preferences, including crispy fried baskets, hot chicken with varying spice levels (from mild to extreme heat), and tasty sides like fried pickles and hush puppies, easily pleasing any group’s palate. Happy Hour specials held Monday through Friday provide an excellent opportunity to gather for drinks and appetizers at a great value, adding to the festive vibe. Whether your group is craving spicy chicken wings or a seafood boil adventure, Red Claws Crab Shack offers an engaging environment designed to enhance any social gathering.
What types of food experiences can you expect at Red Claws Crab Shack? Red Claws is best known for its fresh Cajun seafood cooked with authentic spices and sauces that deliver a flavorful kick. The signature offerings include succulent crab legs, headless shrimp, fried calamari, and seafood baskets that come paired with crispy French fries or hush puppies. One standout aspect is the customization of spice levels ranging from a mild “Lil Kick” to “Extreme Hot” for those who love bold heat, or a buttery non-spicy option for more delicate tastes. Their hot chicken menu complements seafood fans and adds another layer of variety, with options like Nashville-style chicken wings served with choices of mild, medium, hot, or “Damn Hot” spice. This variety ensures that every guest, regardless of heat tolerance, can find a perfect dish. The casual dining format encourages hands-on eating, making it an exciting option for groups who want to share plates, try multiple flavors, and enjoy a communal feast experience that stands out from ordinary dining.
What considerations make Red Claws Crab Shack an ideal venue for friends or family meetups? Accessibility and multiple convenient locations across Texas—including Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston—make gathering easy and stress-free. Each location adheres to similar menus and atmosphere standards, ensuring a consistent experience no matter which spot you choose. The operating hours are friendly for both lunch and dinner with extended weekend hours to fit most schedules. The space accommodates group sizes with options for both cozy booths and larger tables, meaning it’s suitable for intimate dinners or bigger celebrations. The friendly, accommodating staff is experienced in managing group orders and dietary preferences, which greatly reduces hassle. Combined with simple parking access near popular local shopping areas like Hulen Mall in Fort Worth or The Parks at Arlington, plan your meetup at Red Claws with confidence, knowing the logistics and ambiance support a smooth, enjoyable gathering.
Why do customers repeatedly rate Red Claws Crab Shack highly? Reviewers often highlight the consistency in freshness and seasoning of the seafood, describing dishes as “always fresh” with “consistent seasoning” that tantalizes their taste buds. The welcoming staff frequently receives praise for friendly and attentive service that enhances the dining experience. The fun, casual vibe encourages patrons to linger, socialize, and savor the meal at a comfortable pace. Many reviews note that Red Claws offers “the best tasting crab legs” and a perfect blend of heat and flavor in their hot chicken, making it a favorite go-to spot for both locals and visitors. This reputation results in a loyal clientele who repeatedly choose Red Claws when seeking out flavorful Cajun seafood and spirited group dining. Furthermore, the fair pricing combined with generous portions adds tremendous value, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied both taste-wise and wallet-wise.
How can you maximize your meetup experience at Red Claws Crab Shack? To fully enjoy your visit, plan around their happy hour times from Monday to Friday, 3-6 p.m., for special deals on appetizers and drinks. Order a variety of dishes to share — a mix of seafood boils, fried baskets, and spicy hot chicken wings appeals to all tastes and keeps the table exciting. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for spice recommendations or help balancing heat levels if your group includes both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors. Reserving a larger table or calling ahead for accommodations may help guarantee your group’s comfort during busier times. Attending with an adventurous spirit, ready to get your hands messy, will fully immerse your group in the authentic Cajun dining ritual that Red Claws Crab Shack champions. Bringing friends who appreciate both excellent food and relaxed festive surroundings will create memories that ensure your group will want to return again and again.
In summary, Red Claws Crab Shack shines as a premier spot for group gatherings thanks to its vibrant atmosphere, variety of flavorful Cajun seafood and hot chicken options, welcoming service, and accommodating group-friendly spaces. Its multiple locations across Texas and steady high ratings reflect its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Whether you seek a casual weekend outing or a lively celebration with friends or family, Red Claws Crab Shack delivers a delicious, fun, and memorable dining experience that is perfectly suited for rallying your favorite people and enjoying good food together.