The Original Crab Shanty
A historic City Island stalwart serving generous portions of delicious seafood and Italian fare with a cozy nautical charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
The Original Crab Shanty
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic City Island stalwart serving generous portions of delicious seafood and Italian fare with a cozy nautical charm.
"Huge portions, amazing seafood, and great service make The Original Crab Shanty a must-visit!"
Visit Off-Peak Hours
Avoid crowds by visiting during non-peak times for a more relaxed dining experience.
Try Lunch Specials
Great deals on seafood dishes can be found on their daily lunch specials.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood, Italian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Abundant Seafood Platters
Generous portions of fresh, flavorful seafood like crab clusters and lobster, offering incredible value.
Garlic Sauce Lover's Dream
Their signature crab in garlic sauce is a must-try, packed with rich, addictive flavors.
Nautical Charm & History
A beloved, historic establishment with a cozy, nautical theme, once a silent movie theater.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit Off-Peak Hours
Avoid crowds by visiting during non-peak times for a more relaxed dining experience.
Try Lunch Specials
Great deals on seafood dishes can be found on their daily lunch specials.
Don't Miss Complimentary Items
Enjoy complimentary garlic bread or red apples offered at the end of your meal.
Order with Confidence
Knowledgeable and pleasant staff can guide you through the extensive menu.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit Off-Peak Hours
Avoid crowds by visiting during non-peak times for a more relaxed dining experience.
Try Lunch Specials
Great deals on seafood dishes can be found on their daily lunch specials.
Don't Miss Complimentary Items
Enjoy complimentary garlic bread or red apples offered at the end of your meal.
Order with Confidence
Knowledgeable and pleasant staff can guide you through the extensive menu.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Original Crab Shanty is celebrated for its massive portions of fresh, flavorful seafood and Italian classics, particularly noted for its crab in garlic sauce. While many praise the attentive and friendly service, a few reviews mention occasional issues with food quality consistency and slow service during peak times. Despite minor complaints, the overall value and deliciousness make it a popular destination.
"Oh, the Baltimore Blue Crabs In A Garlic Sauce is the bomb; I always get it. That dish with New England Clam Chowder and a side of baked potatoes is the perfect combo. The rich flavors are so satisfying, and the garlic sauce is the best. Every time I go there, the service is always great, with friendly servers. DIVE SEAFOOD JOINT."
t Vega
"Came here yesterday for Valentines Day. The hostess said it’d be a 30 minute wait, we got in just under. The portions are worth the price! The snow crab legs were good, some of them were fresh and the other cluster I had was a bit salty, in an older batch kind of way. The Henny coladas were really good. They stuff anything with crab for an extra $13.99. Super delicious btw! Garlic hero is sooo garlicky in the best way. The staff were really nice, fast! It was worth the drive."
Thatsso Lulu
"Came here and had the tuna steak , my friends had chicken with salad , lobster tail and baked calms , shrimp and scallops, crabs legs , calamar . The calamar was too soggy , tuna had a fishy taste , chicken wasn’t season the right way , pasta had no flavor, lobster was bland. No taste . Will not come back again"
Jay Garcia Murillo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The crab in garlic sauce is a standout, as are the generous seafood platters and the whole lobster dishes.
Many diners report friendly and efficient service, though some have experienced slow service during peak hours.
The restaurant is housed in a building that was formerly a silent movie theater and later the City Island Post Office.
Look for daily lunch specials and consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
They offer a variety of drinks including specialty cocktails like Piña Coladas and Mai Tais.
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10 City Island Restaurants Well Worth the Trip
The Original Crab Shanty is one of City Island’s most famous restaurants, appearing in The New Yorker and on the Food Network. The restaurant opened in 1977 at 361 City Island Avenue, which used to be the home of a silent movie theater in the early 1900s and the City Island Post Office later on. The restaurant actually wanted to be called “The Post Office” but they were turned down by the federal government.The restaurant prides itself on large portions at rather cheap prices in a cozy setting.
Best Post-Grad Dinner Party Spots Around the Bronx
A little bit of a longer drive then the other restaurants on the list but if you’re looking for a seafood feast, it’s definitely worth it. Everything on the menu is a home-run and the portions are huge. Located right on the water with an awesome view, Crab Shanty has all around good vibes.
10 Best Seafood Restaurant In Bronx (Phone & Address)
The Original Crab Shanty building was not always a restaurant. This building has a rich history that can be traced back to the turn of the century. In the early 1900’s this building, with its tall ceilings was a silent movie theater.
NYC hidden dining gems City Island Original Crab Shanty review
The Original Crab Shanty looks from the outside like a chain restaurant in suburban America. Yet, unlike a chain restaurant in suburban America, there’s nothing quite like it, especially in New York City.
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If you’re craving a seafood feast, split a Zipcar with friends and hit the road. Savor epic portions of shrimp parmigiana, soft shell crab or whole lobster while taking in waterfront views of Pelham Bay.
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