Rustic Inn Crabhouse

The wait wasn’t to bad compared to how packed it was. The waiting area & bar was busy. The bar staff was weeded and should add additional bartenders.
Our server Karyn, I believe her name was. She was amazing! I ordered the stuffed shrimp and they were so delicious. The crab sampler platter is perfect if you want to try a few different crab legs.

I discovered The Rustic Inn years ago and should have written them a review way back then. Instantly it became my favorite restaurant. Many many great memories of enjoying meals with family and friends eating fresh dungeness, king and queen crab on paper covered tables, enjoying incredible peanut butter pie while sitting on newspaper-​covered tables on the intracoastal,

Was here last month, and had a bad experience. The crabs reeked of ammonia (I had to google it, and was not happy with what I read online), and all of us where eaten alive by mosquitos. Our bill was $ 150 for 4 adults and 1 child, but we left over a lot of food because it was inedible. The waitress didn’t even ask us why we left over so much food, or why we left in such a hurry. I’ve only been here once before, and also didn’t have the greatest experience back then either. Needless to say, I won’t be back.

I have dined here several times since moving to So Fla. Everything is good. Makes me long to be home in New England. The crab all types are fresh.

I went there last night to celebrate my friend’s birthday, and it was awesome! Brittney was our waiter, she was very nice, funny & attentive. The food was PERFECT! We had the fried calamari, shrimp stuffed with crabmeat, the surf and turf (ribs and fish), it was very delicious, although the restaurant was extremely crowded, our food came out in no time. Parking can be a bit frustrating depending on the day of the week it is.

Came here for my sister’s birthday lunch and it was pretty good. The place is amazing with great views and good service. I was just not very happy with what I had. I ordered the stuffed shrimp and it was not as amazing as I thought it would be. I tried some of the other food and I, again, thought it was decent but not amazing. It was a big party and they treated us well.

Came here for my birthday after seeing great reviews. I tried the conch chowder which barely had conch in it. It was nice and spicy, however. I ordered the crab sampler as my entrée, $ 48 for under seasoned tiny pieces of crab. I had them seasoned better at my local grocery store. Not worth the price… will likely never come back.

Excellent seafood option. Menu options are perfect. Good portion sizes for the money. Very fresh. Would definitely recommend.

The restaurant is a nice hidden treasure. The service was good. People were friendly. The portions were large and very savory. I had the sword fish and it was delicious. We had oysters as an appetizer and linguini with clam sauce. We really enjoyed the food.

This place used to be awesome — buckets of crabs were reasonable and not overcooked.
Now this place feels more like a tourist stop — overcooked/​salted with everything swimming in a puddle of butter, with marked up prices…
Pluses are if you get in early enough or lucky to get seating next to the water and are in the mood for butter soaked seafood ;-)

Pulling up to this restaurant leaves little to be desired. I’d been here before but I brought my mom today for lunch. As we pulled in, she got nervous. But I already knew she would love it. Once we got inside, she became more settled, lol. I like this restaurant. It has just a hint of the «dive» feel but reminds me more of a sports bar without the tvs. We chose to sit outside. The weather was nice. Perfect breeze. Beautiful day.
The food here is great. Unfortunately, I can’t attest to the crabs because I’ve yet to order any. I eat crabs so much that it is very rare I order any when I eat out.
Today I had the fried grouper tacos (seasonal). Delicious. She ordered the fried shrimp and scallops. She was happy. Very healthy portions on both dishes.
We started our lunch with oysters. We ended up eating 3 dozen. I would have gone for more but at $ 18 a dozen, i had to limit myself. The oysters were OUTSTANDING. Very fresh and the sauces they provide are excellent.
The customer service was great. Patrick was our server. Very personable and attentive to our needs. The hostesses are not as personable. They could smile just a bit more and add a little more warmth to their personality.
In the end, the bill with tip was $ 140: 1 alcoholic beverage each, 3 dz oysters, 2 entrees. Most I have paid for lunch in my life. Was it worth it today? Yes, because mother was happy. Would I do this very often? No. Not at this price point.

This place is okay. It’s larger and not at all intimate. It’s a good place to bring out-​of-​town people, which is exactly what I did about a week ago, along with other family members.
We arrived right about the time it opened up on a Saturday afternoon. It is near the airport, too, so if you are dropping off people at the airport, this place is a good option.
I had crab legs, which were good. Although I spent a fair amount of time cracking them open with a mallet, which comes with the territory, the reward was well worth the effort.
I had a Bloody Mary before the meal and carrot cake afterward. Everything was pretty good. They have a lot of seafood menu options, which I will have to try on future visits.
Service was quick and efficient. Our server didn’t have much warmth, and was looking to get us feed and get us moving on our way. She succeeded at that.
This place is also loud. They were moving and adjusting tables around us, which was distracting our conversation. Also, there was a loud child running around unsupervised with a mallet in his hand. It was very distracting to all of us, but not much you can do about that.
As good as the food was, I couldn’t wait to get out of there on this particular visit. But, I realize, too, that every visit offers different outcomes.

Wow! I was really thinking this was going to be a great review, & a special day kind of restaurant, I was so disappointed. Not sure if it was Rustic Inn restaurant issue? Came on Sunday afternoon with the wife, too celebrate life & a day off, after having been out of town working. No line, sat right on the water, nice view, started w/​some decent Bloody Mary’s — Was told by waitress that they were out 3 different type of crabs for each single serve dinner & the only way to get a variety of of crabs was to order the sampler platter? So after being, basically forced to order the crabs that way, by a drink & food pushy waitress, we did. The food came out rather quickly, but oddly by another waitress, change of waitress in mid– Serve, or she felt, like she didn’t want to deal with it? It was a lot of food we thought. We wanted to dig in but the only way to get into these non precut crabs, (unlike Joes Stone Crabs) was with a undersize mallet, that when you hit it put chardes of shell into the crab meat. They don’t freely offer shell crackers ?? The different type of crabs, almost all basically tasted the same, one big garlic, salt & TONS of butter drenched mess. My wife while eating mid dinner got violently ill, too the point of almost calling the Rescue Squad. Not sure what? Or why this happened — this is a very popular, well established restaurant that has been open since 1955, was really hoping for a positive experience, but only can review about our unfortunate experience.
Whole meal came out to a pricey $ 160
On a positive note saw others w/​Alaska King crab that looked good, along w/​Key Lime pie.

This restaurant has been around since 1955 and I have been coming since I moved to South Florida in 88. My family and I have been coming here once or twice a year since. Over the years much hasn’t changed except the price and they now offer lunch specials.
They are known for their crabs. They have different kinds; King, Dungeness, Golden and Garlic. They are served at market price and I believe that you get a pound and a half. The other day, they market price was about 68 dollars! This is my only negative about this restaurant. I would think being in South Florida, they would have more access to crab and wouldn’t have to charge so much. Even though they are expensive, they are delicious! They also have other seafood such as lobster, shrimp and fish. Years ago, when I was younger, they had a grabber machine and for 5 dollars you could try and catch a lobster. If you caught one, you could eat it for dinner. I didn’t see the machine around.
Some of the best specials are at lunch. Every weekday they have a different special. They also have the dolphin or mahi mahi special everyday. We went on a Friday, which happened to be the shrimp special. It was 3 different kinds of shrimp, two of which you had to peel and it came with fries, cole slaw and your drink. They were delicious. I was a little worried it may be smaller type shrimp, but they were really great sized. I was definitely full when I was done. My husband and parents all had the dolphin everyday special, which came with a huge piece of fish, veggies, potatoes and their drink. It was also really good. We started the meal with a bowl of clam chowder. We decided to get the bowl, since it was only a dollar more then a cup and it was huge! One person would be really full just eating that. It was great there was 3 other people to share it with me.
Our server was very friendly and since we all ordered ice tea, he brought us a pitcher so we wouldn’t run out. I haven’t been here in a year about so I’m not too sure how the crowds get. But I do know in the past, dinner during the tourist seasons, could get you up to an hour wait. Lunch is much less crowded and they have the same exact menu. I would recommend going for lunch.
If you are looking for good seafood, right on water, I would recommend this place. It was good 20 years ago and it is still good today. Being in business for so long, they have to be doing something right! Definitely check it out if you are in south Florida.

If you’re looking for seafood, beer and a casual, albeit loud environment, this is the place to go.
Dinner was very good. The frog leg and alligator appetizer was superb. We both got «Both Feet in the Water» and the meals were very good.
Cocktails weren’t the best, so I would stick with beer when visiting, but it wasn’t a deal breaker.

It was feeling like this trip to dinner was going to be negative, but Tony the manager, showed professionalism and resolve the issue, the family enjoyed the atmosphere, first time for a few of them (party of 6).
We dine got full and took home enough for that late night snack, as usual will be back again got some unfinished business with the menu.

Ok nothing luxurious about this place — as a matter of fact it’s pretty divey. The one and only reason to come here is for the crabs. Delicious, garlicky crabs.
Priced this night at $ 45 per order for 2 pounds for either the golden crab or the blue crab. We ordered one of each and shared amongst 3 of us.
Our server tied a bib on each of us and gave us our mallets to get cracking. And did we ever! It took us almost an hour to get through it all (tip — don’t wear any rings on your fingers) with buttery garlicky goodness running down to our wrists when we were all done. Thankfully they have a sink in the dining room where you can wash up pronto.
Their side dishes are fries, parsley red potatoes, corn on the cob, vegetables and Cole slaw. We ordered the parsley potatoes which were also good. Other diners at the table had shrimp (great) fried clams (delish) and a landlubber grilled chicken (ok). Portions of these dishes were quite large.
Oh and we were there for a birthday which they announce and everyone bangs their mallets. They even provide a birthday cake if you wish. Full bar — casual dress ok.

My parents spoke highly of this place. Calling it upscale but in the more food sense i guess? But i strongly disagree.
It was my first time here. Came in on a Sunday with a party of 11.
Place is kind of a level below the road, under the bridge kinda but not really.
Took 5 – 10 minutes to set up our table.
The sea smell is pretty strong, but i expect that in a restaurant like this. The table came with hammers and plastic bibs.
We ordered appetizers like mussels and fried gator bites. It was my first time trying gator and honestly I’m still speechless about it. Idk if it’s good or bad.
Entrées we ordered 4 big plates of the Alaskan king crab. Not going to lie, they looked beautiful and they were the biggest ones I’ve seen. They were served with really delicious red skin potatoes. They were also the meatiest ones I’ve ever had, but not the most flavorful.
I believe we also ordered the Loraines famous linguini with marinara, filled with some crabs and lobster. It may have sounded good, but really it was okay. I’m beginning to think that maybe I’m not such a fan of marinara pasta and seafood together.
Dessert we had the chocolate cake and mud pie. I love chocolate but i definitely liked the mud pie better.
Our main waiter was really sweet, Raz i think his name was. But a couple of times they messed up our order with drinks.
I love that they announce through the whole restaurant your birthday and the hammers were pretty fun.
Honestly, the experience was JUST okay. I really wasn’t wowed by it personally. It’s a bit of a drive for me and i don’t think i would go out of my way to come here either. I did not understand the hype of this place.
Nothing really stood out to me that would make me want to put an extra star or 2. I really tried but this place was just okay for me.
Maybe you might like it. Who knows.

I came here one night with friends to finally give this place a try. I actually had a really good time here. When I went it was a Thursday night at around 9 and it was not that packed. The place was HUGE lots of seating room for dining and it also features an outside sitting option overlooking the canal (although it was at night and I wasnt able to get a good look at the canal, it seemed like the water wasnt a great scene to watch while eating– no movement and kind of dirty).
We ordered 2 dungenous crab, and my friends ordered the salmon, spicy shrimp, conch fritters, and the fried calamari.
The conch fritters were ok, could only have 2 becuase they werent that appetizing. The calamari wasnt all that special either. The crab however was delicious! I ate so much and enjoyed it a lot! We got sides of corn (just ok), potatoes (good), and wedge potatoes (super good– highly recommend). The salmon was very tasty, i really liked it. The veggies that it comes with though were terrible, they had absolutely no taste.
The bill was VERY pricey. One dungenous crab was $ 48, so be prepared to dish out some real dough for this place.
It was overall a really good experience. Had a lot of fun crackin crab with some good people!

Crab Heaven! Perfect spot if you are a crab fan such as myself!!!
Ambience: It’s name is a very good description of the feel of this restaurant. It is indeed very «Rustic». Get ready to wear a bib, use a wood hammer and get your hands a little dirty! Don’t be surprised to hear them announce a birthday or an anniversary followed by everyone hammering on the tables in celebration!!!
Menu: The menu has a large variety of seafood besides crabs all year round which is very impressive. I would also like to add the seafood is also very decently priced.
Service: I have to say for the amount of people they have they are always on the go and service is pretty fast.
I have been to this place a few times and it’s mind blowing how it’s always full. They don’t take reservations. Great for groups and for a seafood date!
Enjoy!!!

Decided to come here after hearing of the experience from a few friends. It’s in an industrial area but not too hard to find. From the outside, it looks like one of those old dive bars fishermen would go to after a long day on the water. Be careful pulling in as I saw a few cars just barely clear the decline into the parking lot, luckily I drive a Jeep. The strong aroma of fresh crab had me excited. Lots of seafood options, pasta, and «turf» for you land lovers.
Drinks and appetizer: The usual diet coke for the girl and a vodka soda for me. My drink seemed to be about 95% soda which is fine, I came for the food. :) We started with some steamed, old bay seasoned shrimp. Peel and eat style. Came out great.
WARNING: Don’t come too dressed up! Things will almost certainly get messy. But that’s where the fun starts! The barbaric act of smashing my food with a mallet is a blast! I mean a literal BLAST! Crab juices flying all over the place. You’ll be given a bib but eye protection may be good too! Just kidding, a little garlic butter in the eye never hurt anyone. Hahah! Don’t say I didn’t warn you!!!
We both decided on the garlic Dungeness crab. 2 pounds of hot crab legs, about 4 clusters. Wasn’t my first choice but came recommended by our server due to the large meat to shell ratio. Next, we lay the crab on the table, hammer away to get to the good stuff and chow down! The Dungeness crab tasted pretty good but don’t think it would be our choice next time.
Meal was pretty expensive for the two of us but that’s expected. Crab isn’t cheap. 3 showers and 24 hours later my hands still had a faint scent of crab so be prepared! Overall good experience.

Messy, messy, messy, and a fun place to make some memories while playing with your food. This is an old Dania (Florida) institution where celebs such as Frank Sinatra used to dine back in the day. My parents enjoy strolling down memory lane as eating here comes with a main course of nostalgia and reminder of «Old Florida» which is becoming harder to find these days. This has always been a long time family owned business up until recently, where not only did the change of ownership lose some of its longstanding local flair, but it also came with a steep price increase that locals and old timers do not appreciate and will notice right away.
Why come here when there is much better and less expensive crab elsewhere in Florida? Well, it’s to check off «Rustic Inn» off of your «Old Florida» foodie bucket list and just take in the experience.
Rustic Inn is a restaurant with a seating capacity over 600 people (with usually a wait list) and 3 different types of dinning rooms all offering a different dinning experience (main dinning room, outdoor covered deck dinning room, and «the barge» dinning room).
STARTERS:
Frog and Gator basket: The gator was very meaty and delicious and perfectly breaded served with a delicious creamy mustard sauce. The frog legs were a different story, there were about 5 very small legs with too much breading.
CRABS:
Dungeness Crabs: Easiest to open and by far the meatiest. They have a very lobster like consistency with a very hearty flavor. I can easily understand why people love them, they feel like they are getting their monies worth. I personally preferred the Golden Crabs.
Golden Crabs: Light, delicate and melts in your mouth kind of consistency. Although more difficult to open (use the yellow claw opener), I was more enthralled by the flavor profile and overall sensation of this unique crab.
Key Lime Pie: no no no no no! I am still trying to figure out what exactly I was eating… It wasn’t terrible and the citrus was an excellent palette cleanser, but that «pie» most definitely tasted more like a key lime cheesecake or custard than a pie. The graham cracker crust was basically nonexistent and lacked flavor.
Overall, it’s s very fun experience but it does come with a price tag. Plan on spending about $ 75.00 pp (this is if you are having a drink or two) and then add on replacement clothing if you plan on actually replacing the clothes you wore. The service is subpar and really nothing to write home about. According to our server, this is due to a structural issue with the server alleys and I can see why that can cause some service issues. If the food doesn’t leave a lasting impression on you, you will still go home with forever stained clothes and crab in your hair, and memories of mallet banging and crab flying around the dinning room.
PRO TIPS:
— Wear clothes you don’t care about and don’t care to throw out.
— Ladies: wear your hair up, it’s much easier to get crab and shells out of post dinner, plus, when your hair gets in your face, you can’t really move it away without getting your garlic butter fingers in it. Also, no purse hangers/​hooks here so you are better off either BYO table purse hanger or wear a backpack and do not bring a purse that you care about, it will probably get ruined.

We’ve all been there. It’s a beautiful Saturday afternoon, you are shaking things up and trading South Beach for Las Olas for once, and all of a sudden it hits you: you have no idea where to eat! But don’t panic, I have the answer for you: The Rustic Inn, better known as The Crab Shack.
If you thought that The Crab Shack is Broward’s version of Joe’s, think again. This is more like his casual, louder, and bigger brother. And when I say big, I mean huge: this place has over 400 seats, and on most nights, pretty much all them are taken. Yep, it’s that good.
The Crab Shack specializes in all kinds of seafood, but what it does best is, you guessed it, crabs. Garlic crabs, that is. This is the place where crab lovers come to pig out and get a little dirty. And that’s OK. Part of the fun of coming to the Crab Shack is to play with their little wooden hammers. They are meant to crack open your food, but mostly used to bang on the table every time they start singing Happy Birthday (which is roughly every 5 minutes). I was hesitant at first, but eventually I gave in and joined in on the fun. Go ahead, bang as hard as you want on that table, no one cares! This place is chill.
So yes. If you are looking for another Joe’s Stone Crab, you should probably stay in South Beach. But if you want a fun, casual experience, and the freshest crab, go to the shack. Your trips to Fort Lauderdale will never be the same!

Visite este lugar y la verdad me gusto mucho, fuimos atendidos muy rapido la comida es servida en muy poco tiempo, la comida es muy buena, recomendaria este lugar a cualquiera que le guste este tipo de comida.

Le vrai Crab House qu’on aime: super ambiance, bruyant mais pas trop, des produits super frais (heureusement), des sauces délicieuses, des prix doux, un cadre au top (terrasse sur le canal).
Bref, l’adresse parfaite !
A des années lumière de Joe Stone Crab à Miami Beach qui est très réputé mais dont les prix sont hyper élevés et l’ambiance beaucoup moins sympathique.
Courez-​y ! Vous né serez pas déçus !