Crafty Crab offers the freshest seafood and most authentic recipes in the area. We’re cooking up crab, crawfish, calamari, and lobster in the kitchen, made fresh daily. Not into shellfish? Try our Cajun rice, chicken tenders, and another options.
At Crafty Crab, we know food tastes better with your hands, so don’t be shy—dig in! Our signature New Orleans Style low country boil is a feast for seafood lovers and perfect for a casual dinner. We make our own seasoning to create a unique arrangement of flavors. For an experience that satisfies your appetite while ensuring a fun time, visit our seafood restaurant today!
Vy H.
BAR REVIEW. Came here Thursday afternoon for happy hour and dinner—we opted to sit at the bar. Our bartender Tiffany was great, made tasty cocktails and was friendly & attentive. The Apple Martini was okay but I enjoyed the Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini and Dirty Gin Martini more. Happy hour specials (2-7pm) were $8 house drinks and $4 beers!
Food wise, we enjoyed the Seafood Boil: Crawfish and Snow Crab Legs with The BOOM!!! seasoning—well flavored and delicious! For dessert, we tried the Chocolate Cake which was good.
… moreCherylyce Martin
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.
… moreMargaret Barber
Whenever visiting Fort Belvoir, YOU MUST dine here!!! The service is par excellent, from the greeter, the waiter (DWIGHT) to security! We had a blast and will be returning soon, LORD willing!!! Thank you for this extraordinary experience!
… moreAravind Iyengar
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.
… moreManny E.
Waited 1.5 hours only got our soft drinks, people who came after us got their food first, we kept being told that our order was in the “works” ended up cancelling and leaving. I understand that it was a Friday and it’s busy but could you not at least give us our cheesesticks?
Also the owner replying to these bad reviews doesn’t seem to care, whenever someone leaves a bad review the response is so basic, issues don’t get addressed. Take pride in your business atleast…
Waste of time never going back!!
… moreJohn Burns
The entire experience was exceptional. It started with the parking using the Panda App. When we walked in we were greeted and shown out table. Next Amanda came over and introduced herself she took our drink order and appetizer order she came back with our drinks and took our food order when our boil was ready she bought those out to enjoy hot and fresh while we waited for the shrimp baskets to be prepared. The shrimp were all large and the hush puppies was great. The boil was seasoned great. The food was so good I was ready to take a nap. The bartender spoke as we were leaving. Definitely will make this our go to spot for seafood. It was worth the hour and a half drive.
… moreTania Weatherington
I went to Crafty Crab for lunch on a Friday, no need for a reservation and I was seated pretty much instantly- but then asked to move to a different table after 2-3 mins.
That didn’t bother me so much, as I hadn’t ordered yet – but I was never given a reason for the move & I guess it just felt a little strange.
Fast forward to the food — almost all of my mussels were not covered in the sauce. And for a seafood boil spot – one would hope that it would arrive on your table ready to be eaten and not to have to be shaken up a good bit before eating.
The drink that I got, ‘The Crafty Bucket’ was good. Not watered down but as you would want it.
The bibs came with gloves but not with wet wipes; which is weird to me! The reduce was also really slow and my served was very preoccupied with other tables and things the Manager was asking her to do.
I wanted to love it here, as it’s close to where I live – but it was just okay.
… moreTywaneeka
Unfortunately I ordered at this location. 2 people sitting at the bar. Bartender bagged my food up. I drove back to Maryland which is home and noticed I didn’t have all my items. I called the store back and the manager asked me to drive back. I live 30min away. I was home with my daughter getting ready for bed. The manager asked for my name and phone number and said she would compensate me for my missing food. Drove back a month later and I was told they couldn’t help me. 10% off my total order today. I was promised my food that was missing. I am highly upset. Manager at crafty crab didn’t own up to her word. Even the bartender came to my table verifying she remembered I was here. It’s really sad that I feel like I was ripped off Jule have yet to accommodate me or address my concern
… moreEmma Andreas
Food was excellent, but service was incredibly slow and forgetful. Our food took an hour to arrive. A person in my party ordered the double pomelo drink, which took over an hour and required us to track our waitress down since it seemed to be forgotten.
Again, food was delicious. But probably won’t return due to service.
… moreNicholas Carano
Nice place close to us. Honestly, the food wasn’t over the top, and this is an area known for typical seafood near a large body or east coast water lol. It wasn’t bad by any means but just not great. Start with my muscles and clams. Went with the Green Muscles which were good but keep in mind you have to order at least a pound total of the seafood, so I did half n half with clams. The clams were where it quicky went downhill at least for me. Most of the clams were barely the size of little necks, and better than half we’re sitting in the Butter/Old Bay sauce in the pan. Literally no taste to them after that bath. She had snow crabs, and 3 if the legs barely had anything to them.
Loved the atmosphere and service was quick and polite.
We will go back, just to try something else, and of course have a few cond ones.
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