When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
Submarine Crab
Why Submarine Crab is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Submarine Crab is a standout seafood restaurant specializing in a unique culinary fusion called 'Asian Cajun,' where Vietnamese roots blend beautifully with Louisiana-style Cajun seasoning to deliver bold, flavorful seafood dishes. Founded by Tai Le, who brings his personal heritage together with a chemistry-inspired approach, the restaurant is dedicated to transforming traditional seafood experiences, moving beyond plain boiled or steamed options dipped in butter to dishes rich in spices and zest. With locations including the vibrant Pointe at Wellington Green and Diamond Bar, California, Submarine Crab has established itself as a casual, cozy spot perfect for groups of friends to enjoy messy, delicious seafood in a lively atmosphere. Highlights include their signature crab dishes prepared with a distinctive spicy twist, an emphasis on quality and flavor, and friendly, attentive service. The venue supports social gatherings with ample seating and a welcoming environment, making it an ideal place for a flavorful seafood adventure and memorable meetups with friends.
Here's what people think of Submarine Crab
As of recent, Submarine Crab holds a 4.5-star rating based on 352 reviews.
Reviews of Submarine Crab consistently praise the restaurant's flavorful and distinctive Asian Cajun seafood offerings, highlighting the creative seasoning and fresh ingredients that set it apart from typical seafood places. Many customers appreciate the generous portions and the casual, laid-back vibe perfect for seafood lovers who don't mind getting a bit messy while eating crab and shellfish. Positive feedback often points to the friendly staff and their attentiveness, as well as the overall value for the quality and taste. However, some negative reviews mention occasional inconsistencies in seasoning or spice levels, with a few diners noting that service can be slow during busy times. Additionally, a minority found certain dishes not meeting their expectations in terms of flavor balance. Overall, the reviews depict Submarine Crab as a popular destination for adventurous eaters who enjoy bold, creative seafood dishes paired with a fun and unpretentious dining atmosphere, which explains its strong rating and customer loyalty.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jon Lee
Dining at Submarine Crab on Convoy Street was a seafood lover's dream! With its roots deeply embedded in Louisiana and Texas flavors, this restaurant brings a fresh, exciting twist to seafood boil in San Diego. We ordered the Combo 1, which included 1 pound each of snow crab legs and crawfish (we opted for fresh crawfish for a small extra charge) tossed in their classic Cajun sauce. The seafood was incredibly fresh, noticeably superior to other seafood boil restaurants we've tried—no strange aftertaste or overpowering flavors. It was delightful to find that the combo included potatoes, corn, and sausage at no additional cost, something often charged extra elsewhere. Plus, being able to choose the spice level was a bonus that allowed us to personalize our meal. Submarine Crab truly knows how to create an enjoyable seafood boil experience. They provided high-quality food gloves, plastic bibs, wet wipes, a scrap bowl for shells, and all the necessary tools—scissors, crab crackers, and picks—to make the dining experience effortless and clean. We also indulged in the fried soft shell crab served with crunchy fries. It was perfectly crispy, juicy, and flavorful, making it a must-try for those willing to spend a bit more. The beef with rice dish was decent, featuring quality meat and tasty sauce, though not particularly extraordinary. For the portion sizes and exceptional quality provided, the prices here are unmatched by most seafood places in San Diego. Submarine Crab has certainly set a new bar for seafood boil restaurants, and we can't wait to return!
Ariane Makell
As soon as we walked, we felt welcomed and seated immediately. The waitress was so attentive and kind. Before we even finished drinking our last drop of beverage, she was already there ready to refill. The food was AMAZING. I had the seafood pho. It was so flavorful and filling. My son had the seafood udon that tasted great. Both had a piece of seafood in every bite. My friends both had seafood boil bags that were cooked to perfection in their words. The atmosphere is great. The bathrooms were extremely clean. If I could give the 10 stars I would.
Tia Y
I've tried a lot of different seafood boiled and this one is my favorite! The flavors is on point! It coats the outside of the seafood but it also seep into the meat of the seafood so the seafood did not taste bland at all. Everything is so well balanced and flavorful. I also go the garlic noodles. It was ok. The coconut snails was also good. I love that they give you a side of the sauce to dip in and they are very generous with the fillers such as corn, sausage, and potatoes. I would definitely recommend 10/10.
rawan ssam
My family and I have been to this place twice, and their food and service are exceptional each time. My favorite is the seafood fry sampler, but everything is top-notch. The lady who serves there is charming. We” 'll go back. Thanks, Submarine staff, for being amazing 🤩
P. Tran
I believe our servers name was Jose. He probably the nicest human being I’ve ever met. He deserves a hefty raise. Service was superb. Food was excellent. I came for the snails and the did not disappoint. The dish was also served with crispy Vietnamese baguette. Crawfish, oysters, scallops, garlic noodles were all good. Least favorite was was the lemongrass clams which just kind of plain.
How to reach Submarine Crab
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Why Submarine Crab may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Submarine Crab with your friends?
Gathering at Submarine Crab is an exceptional choice for a meetup with friends because it offers an immersive, fun, and flavor-packed experience tailored for groups who enjoy indulging in seafood together. First, the casual vibe and cozy ambiance of the restaurant make it a relaxed spot where friends can bond without feeling rushed or formal. The focus on seafood boils, especially their signature Cajun-style dishes, encourages a communal dining style where everyone shares large, visually striking platters of shrimp, crab, mussels, and other shellfish drenched in flavorful sauces. This style of eating naturally fosters social interaction as you crack shells and savor the bold spices side-by-side. The restaurant is highly rated with an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars across over 350 reviews, highlighting consistent customer satisfaction with both food and service. Moreover, the staff is noted for being friendly and attentive, making group visits smooth and enjoyable. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or simply craving a fun night out, Submarine Crab’s combination of delicious seafood, inviting atmosphere, and group-friendly setup makes it a perfect rallying spot for friends looking to share a memorable meal and plenty of laughs.
What kinds of activities can you enjoy at Submarine Crab?
Submarine Crab specializes not only in delivering top-tier seafood but also in creating an engaging dining experience that doubles as an enjoyable activity for groups. The centerpiece is their seafood boil, which is an event in itself: large buckets or platters arrive stacked with a combination of shrimp, crabs, crawfish, clams, and mussels, all liberally coated in richly spiced sauces like their signature Torpedo sauce. This encourages groups to dive in together, cracking crab legs and peeling shrimp, a hands-on communal activity that brings everyone closer. Besides their seafood boils, Submarine Crab offers an Instagram-worthy beverage experience with creative drinks such as their "mermaid" cocktail served with dry ice to create a foggy, immersive effect—perfect for social media photos and conversation starters. The restaurant also takes care of post-meal messiness by providing scented dry ice handwash bottles, keeping the experience clean and pleasant. Unlike formal dinners where everyone quietly eats, the lively and slightly messy nature of a seafood boil makes it a playful and interactive group activity, ideal for parties or casual reunions. Moreover, the manageable wait times coupled with text notifications allow groups to spend time together even while waiting for a table, making the entire outing seamless and enjoyable.
Why is Submarine Crab perfect for a group meetup?
Submarine Crab excels as a meetup spot for groups because of its ability to accommodate various party sizes and its focus on shared dining. The restaurant layout is flexible, with tables that can be rearranged to fit larger groups, meaning friends and family can stay together and engage easily. The menu is designed for sharing, particularly through their combo plates that allow groups to sample multiple types of seafood at once. The communal nature of eating seafood boils encourages conversation and teamwork, as diners assist each other with cracking and peeling shellfish, making the experience interactive rather than solitary. Additionally, the price point is reasonable, which means groups can enjoy a satisfying feast without overspending, making it accessible as a spot for frequent gatherings or special celebrations. The attentive service staff further enhances the experience by ensuring that large parties are promptly accommodated and that everyone’s needs are met quickly. Lastly, the restaurant’s casual and lively ambiance supports a carefree atmosphere—no one needs to dress up or worry about formalities, focusing instead on enjoying good food in great company.
What makes the food experience at Submarine Crab unique?
The food at Submarine Crab is distinguished by its rich, flavorful Cajun-inspired sauces and perfectly cooked seafood. Their Torpedo sauce, a blend of Cajun spices, garlic butter, and lemon pepper with customizable heat levels, stands out as a highlight, providing a bold flavor that complements the freshness of the shrimp, crab, crawfish, and mussels. Customers consistently praise the seafood for being cooked just right—plump, juicy, and tender rather than overdone—ensuring a satisfying textural contrast to the sauces. The combo options allow diners to explore different shellfish varieties in one meal, enhancing the shared dining experience with variety and depth. Beyond seafood, the restaurant offers other treats like Cajun fries and fresh oysters to round out the meal. Eating at Submarine Crab also involves special touches like garlic butter bread for dipping, making every bite flavorful and memorable. The inclusion of a unique hand-cleaning ritual with scented dry ice handwash bottles adds to the uniqueness, turning a messy seafood feast into a fun, memorable event.
How does Submarine Crab handle service and convenience for groups?
Service and convenience are key strengths at Submarine Crab, especially for group visits. The restaurant is known for its quick and friendly service, with staff who assist groups efficiently and offer helpful guidance on menu choices and spice levels. While wait times can occur during peak hours, the restaurant provides a text message notification system to alert diners when their table is ready, allowing groups to relax nearby rather than stand in line. This system adds a layer of convenience that reduces frustration and makes the entire outing smoother. The staff’s attentiveness extends to accommodating large parties by rearranging tables and ensuring that the dining flow remains uninterrupted. Additionally, Submarine Crab offers takeout and delivery options through third-party services, providing flexibility for groups who may want to enjoy their signature seafood boil in a more private setting. Their attentive approach to service helps maintain the friendly, welcoming atmosphere which is essential for successful group gatherings.
What atmosphere can you expect at Submarine Crab?
Submarine Crab offers a cozy, casual, and inviting atmosphere designed to make diners feel comfortable and at home. The setting is unpretentious and small, but that intimacy contributes to a warm and lively dining environment where friends and family can focus on enjoying each other’s company alongside delicious food. While some reviews have mentioned the space can feel compact and sometimes busy, most diners appreciate the energetic vibe created by groups digging into seafood together, the casual chatter, and the occasional clink of seafood shells cracking. The interior emphasis is on comfort and practical function to support messy seafood eating experiences—tables are easy to clean and staff supply bibs and gloves to keep mess manageable. Lighting tends to be softer rather than too bright, fostering a relaxed mood. The overall atmosphere is more about joyful communal dining than formal elegance, making it perfect for casual meetups, celebratory meals, and lively group events.
What should groups know before visiting Submarine Crab?
Groups planning to visit Submarine Crab should consider a few practical tips to maximize their experience. First, the restaurant does not take reservations, so be prepared for possible waits during peak times, especially on weekends. However, their text notification system helps manage this efficiently, allowing groups to wait comfortably elsewhere nearby instead of standing around. It’s also wise to come hungry and ready to dive into messy but delicious food, as seafood boils are best enjoyed hands-on and paired with gloves and bibs provided by the restaurant. Given the casual and lively environment, this spot is better suited for groups looking for an informal, interactive meal rather than a quiet or romantic setting. Also, the menu’s pricing is reasonable, but it’s based on pounds of seafood, so groups should plan quantities accordingly to avoid waste and ensure everyone gets their fill. Finally, don’t forget to capture the moment—the restaurant’s visually appealing food presentations and unique drinks make for great photos to commemorate your meetup.
With its combination of compelling seafood, fun communal dining, accommodating service, and lively but relaxed atmosphere, Submarine Crab is a top choice for groups wanting a memorable dining adventure that brings people together over bold flavors and shared experiences. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a casual get-together, Submarine Crab makes rallying with friends an event that everyone will savor.