DESCRIPTION

Welcome to Crafty Crab Alexandria, a vibrant seafood haven tucked away at 5770 Dow Ave, Alexandria, VA. Known for its bold Cajun flavors and a lively atmosphere, this restaurant captures the essence of southern seafood dining. When you step through the doors, you enter a world where the sea’s freshest catch meets expert seasoning, delighting every seafood enthusiast.

From my visit, I quickly learned why Crafty Crab Alexandria has garnered a devoted following. One standout feature is their customizable spice levels—mild, medium, or hot—allowing diners to tailor each dish to their preference. The spotlight, however, shines brightest on their Snow Crab and Shrimp Boil, generously coated in house-blended spices that dance on your palate. The combination of buttery crab and perfectly cooked shrimp creates an unforgettable dining experience.

Another highlight on the menu is the Fried Catfish Basket. With its crispy, golden exterior, this dish provides the perfect contrast to the moist, flaky fish within. Paired with signature dipping sauces, it’s a comfort food classic that encapsulates southern hospitality.

The ambiance at Crafty Crab Alexandria strikes a balance between casual and festive, making it a perfect spot for families or lively gatherings with friends. The attentive staff, highlighted by warm and engaging personalities like Gigi or Linda, ensures that your visit is nothing short of exceptional. They not only provide quick service but also offer recommendations tailored to your tastes, enhancing the overall experience.

While the restaurant can buzz with energy during peak hours, this vibrant atmosphere only adds to the charm. Patrons often rave about the freshness of the seafood and generous portion sizes, making every meal feel like a worthy indulgence.

So, whether you're a local or just passing through, Crafty Crab Alexandria is a must-visit for anyone eager to dive into authentic Cajun-style seafood. With its commitment to quality, taste, and customer satisfaction, this hidden gem exemplifies what makes dining out so special.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Service options

Offers delivery On-site services available Offers takeaway Serves dine-in

Highlights

Fast service Great beer selection Serves great cocktails Good for watching sport

Popular for

Popular for lunch Popular for dinner Good for solo dining

Offerings

Serves alcohol Serves beer Serves cocktails Serves comfort food Serves happy-hour drinks Serves happy-hour food Quick bite Serves spirits Serves wine

Dining options

Serves lunch Serves dinner Catering Serves dessert Seating

Amenities

Bar on site Toilet

Atmosphere

Casual Trendy

Crowd

Good for groups Popular with tourists

Planning

Accepts reservations

Payments

Accepts credit cards Accepts debit cards Accepts NFC mobile payments

Children

Good for kids High chairs available Kids' menu

Parking

Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Paid parking lot

Meals And DrInks

Small Seafood Platter

Snow crab 2 clusters, 1/2 lb. whole shrimp, 1/2 lb. crawfish, 1/2 lb. mussels, 1/2 lb. clams, 2 corns and 3 potatoes.

$US$72.99

Cheesesticks

$US$7.99

Chocolate Cake

$US$7.99

Key Lime Pie

$US$7.49

#D. Lobster Special

1/2 lb. lobster tail, 1/2 lb. snow crab leg, 1/2 lb. headless shrimp, 1/4 lb. sausage, 2 corn and 2 potato.

$US$65.99

OpenIng Hours

  • Monday
    12:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    12:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    12:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Thursday
    12:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday
    12:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Saturday
    12:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Sunday
    12:00 AM - 10:00 PM

LOCATION

Reviews

  • 1-to-Adore

    7 months ago

    First time dining today and everything was perfect. The seafood was fresh and made to order. My server was Aliyah and she was fantastic! My kids and I ordered the Large Seafood platter for the 4 of us and it was plenty with left overs. I would visit this location again and certainly recommend. If it’s your first going the parking can be a bit confusing because they are surrounded and tucked in between a cluster of apartments and you’ll need to park around the back behind the apartments. Don’t park at the Plaza management said they’ll tow your car. Enjoy!

  • Aravind Iyengar

    7 months ago

    Crafty Crab Alexandria is a haven for seafood enthusiasts who crave bold Cajun flavors and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of Alexandria, Virginia, this restaurant consistently delivers fresh, expertly seasoned seafood that satisfies both casual diners and devoted seafood lovers alike. One of its standout features is the three levels of Cajun spice —mild, medium, and hot—allowing guests to tailor their dishes to their preferred heat level without sacrificing the rich, flavorful seasoning that defines the restaurant’s signature style. The menu boasts an impressive selection, with fan favorites like the Snow Crab and Shrimp Boil which is generously coated in house-blended spices, and the Fried Catfish Basket, a crispy, golden delight that pairs perfectly with their signature sauces. The restaurant’s ambiance strikes a balance between casual and festive, offering an experience that’s both comfortable for families and vibrant enough for groups looking to enjoy a fun night out. But what truly sets Crafty Crab apart is its friendly and attentive staff who go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Whether it’s recommending the perfect spice level, accommodating dietary preferences, or simply engaging in warm conversation, the team at Crafty Crab brings an element of hospitality that elevates the meal. Though the restaurant can get busy during peak hours, the energetic atmosphere and flavorful dishes make it well worth the visit. Reviews from patrons frequently praise the freshness of the seafood, the consistency of the seasoning, and the overall value offered by the generous portion sizes. With its growing reputation and dedicated customer base, Crafty Crab Alexandria stands as a must-visit destination for anyone eager to indulge in authentic Cajun-style seafood.

  • Rakiyah Stewart

    7 months ago

    Gigi is so professional. I was waiting on a plus one that took over 20 mins to arrive and every 10 mins she came by my table and asked if I were okay and if I needed anything. I love her energy, she’s so bubbly and she made me not feel alone since I was waiting for someone. She also brought out my drink fast which I highly appreciate while I was waiting.

  • Chris Suter

    7 months ago

    This is not a budget place. Sometimes, you get what you pay for. I was with three others. Everyone ordered something different. Everyone was very happy with their food. Our waitresses, Linda, was very busy but still made time to give my table first class service. I plan to visit again in two weeks.

  • Cherylyce Martin

    7 months ago

    This establishment is exceptional, earning it a perfect score of 10 out of 10. The seafood boil bag, without sausage, two eggs, chicken, tender, fries, catfish with hush puppies, pink lemonade, a Sprite, and a blueberry lemon drop is a delightful experience. My daughter is thoroughly enjoying her chicken tenders, while my son is radiating happiness. The other child, despite not having anything to say, seems content. The customer service is commendable, and this will undoubtedly be my next visit. The food is hot, fresh, and reasonably portioned.

  • Kathryn Colby

    7 months ago

    We had the best experience here! Paige our server, had so much positive energy! The food was great! The presentation was fantastic! It's definitely worth the prices. I got fried scallops with hushpuppies. My husband got Green mussels, clams and crab boil. He enjoyed it!

  • Natasha ShaMone

    7 months ago

    05/11/2024- Happy Mother’s Day! Crafty Crab was a great choice! Our family placed our orders via phone then drive to pick it all up! Yum! Yum! Yummy! Crab legs, booked red potatoes, corn on the cob, crab cakes, shrimp!!! It was all good! We so enjoyed the total hit steamed seafood in a bag!!!! Best choice ever!

  • Vince Oaks

    7 months ago

    Food is amazing, they are consistent. My food never takes too long, all of the staff checks up on you frequently. Great vibes/energy with the music. I always leave satisfied! My go to is an order of hush puppies, 1lb of snow crab legs, 1/2 lb of sausage with garlic butter and mild and I add an order of boiled eggs. The meal also comes with corn and 2 potatoes. I highly recommend.

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