First and foremost the staff was all around friendly and welcoming, from when we arrived to when we left. That being said, on a Thursday night 6-8:30 this place was horribly understaffed. While waiting for our table our group of four decided to hit the bar for drinks. Didn't take long to get those drinks and then be seated at our table, I would say 20 minutes in total. From that point it took our server a little over 15 minutes to greet us, which is when we realized our poor server was also the only bartender AND had many other tables (including a large party of well over 10 people). Because of this it took over 20 minutes after being sat to finally get a water for our fourth member. Appetizers came out, and they were amazing. We got the crab dip as well as the shells that are pictured and they were VERY good. Our server hadn't had time to see us before then, so when she brought our appetizers we had to slow her down enough to ask for refills. What's sad is our server was so busy the restaurant missed out on more liquor/beer sales as we easily could have drank more if we were asked/prompted to get another round. Again, service was kind and welcoming but it was rare we were helped in increments less than 18 minutes at ANY point in time. They forgot to bring out an appetizer salad we ordered, and when we finally were able to flag down our poorly overworked server, 17 minutes after we received our entrees, all we were offered was to eat it as dessert or to take it to-go. No apology, no compensation. I got the crab cake sandwich and it was good! The sweet potato side was AWESOME, light and fluffy, like my first tinder-match's pet bunny. That being said the sandwich was very dry, and the cocktail sauce that came with it was inedible. Horseradish was SO SPICY it completely deadened out senses; we couldn't taste anything else. Sad. I would've preferred a moist aioli. Cool place, but staff was unable to meet basic service requirements such as periodically checking in, asking how things were / offering anything we might need or even basic drink alternatives when what we wanted...
Read moreDuring our visit, I was delighted by the incredible flavors and exceptional service that this restaurant has to offer.
The fish bites at Mad Crabber were a standout, as they were incredibly soft and bursting with freshness. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavor that left me wanting more. The commitment to using the freshest ingredients was evident in every dish I tasted.
In our first visit, we had the pleasure of trying the Dungeness crabs, and they were simply delicious. However, what truly amazed me were the accompanying sides. The collards had a fresh and tangy taste that perfectly complemented the rich flavors of the crabs. Additionally, the sweet potato mash was seasoned to perfection, creating a truly blissful culinary experience.
On our subsequent visit, we opted for the snow crabs, and once again, the sides did not disappoint. The collards and sweet potato mash maintained their exceptional quality and flavors, elevating the meal to new heights.
I had a dietary restriction that required me to avoid fried food, but the Mad Crabber team was more than accommodating. Although their boil typically includes shrimp (to which I'm allergic), I had my eyes on one item - for which they made it possible for me to enjoy a side of their tantalizing Andouille sausage. It was cooked to perfection and added an extra layer of deliciousness to my meal.
Aside from the remarkable food, the service at Mad Crabber was impeccable. The servers were attentive, joyful, and well-informed about the menu. They went above and beyond to ensure that our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional.
If you're searching for a seafood restaurant that offers a perfect blend of incredible flavors, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere, look no further than Mad Crabber. Whether you're a fan of fish bites, crave succulent crabs, or want to explore their delightful side dishes, this place has it all. Make it a point to dine at Mad Crabber during your stay in OBX, and prepare yourself for a culinary journey you...
Read moreDont waste your $$$ Dining area was clean. Reason for 1 star review is the rude waitress named Jennifer. Food was just ok. We were a party of 3 different families, when Jennifer seated us she did not make us aware they would only do 2 checks. At the end of dinner she handed us 1 bill. I asked if we could split it between the families and she said no just 2 tickets were allowed. I asked that they please do 3 and she said no. She handed it back to me and told me to figure out how we want to split it. I gave it back stating I would just tell her who got what so she can enter it and she with a rude attitude stated no she wasn't going to do it and that If I wanted to split it then I had to mark it down. Umm, are you not the waitress?? If you took the orders and know who got what, you should know. She was very rude, disrespectful with her tone, words and body language. She needs to find a different job, that's not how you treat your customers. I am a manager in retail and would be ashamed to treat my customers the way she did. We will not be going back, and I will not be recommending this place to any of my family and friends that visit OBX frequently. Now to the food. The Hot Crab Dip was nothing but sour cream and cheese, you could not taste the crab. The Fish Tacos had barely any fish. The crab cakes were overpriced for what they were. Everything was bland with no flavor or seasonings. The kids chicken tenders were so dark brown because the oil was old and needed to be changed. Don't...
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