The Crab Barrack — Restaurant in Birmingham

So sad to leave this review because I really enjoyed getting their $25 frequently maybe once or twice a month for a year or two. Today was different instead of getting my usual and taking it to go I sat inside , got an alcohol drink that was their special for today called Purple Rain and I got a lb of shrimp and black mussels. My food was very hot almost felt like i had to wait so long for it to cool off and i bit a small baby crab that was inside my mussel it was hard and crunchy and very disgusting, but the waitress i think she’s also the manager was very kind to me and had wonderful customer service as always. I’m not sure what went wrong this time but the food had me soooo I mean so sick my stomach was bloated and my head was hurting so bad once I got home I couldn’t do my normal routine from feeling so terrible I ended up throwing up so bad it was awful. Anytime I go through something like this I don’t return to restaurants that make me sick no matter how good they taste nobody enjoys feeling and being sick. Please remind your cooks to wash hands and not cross contaminate food poisoning is no joke!! This was my meal and drink for today I know nothing else got me sick like this. Sorry but I won’t be returning. Very disappointed my experience wasn’t the best this time it feels like ever since Covid restaurants are not the same anymore this is why I rarely eat out now. Next time I’ll just have to make my own seafood bag at home. I can’t believe this it’s been so long since I’ve eaten somewhere and got so sick that it made me vomit I am pissed never again and I’ll be warning my brother and mother who eats here also on the regular to beware...

UPDATE from my previous visit.

This visit was a complete turnaround from our 1st try! We were seated immediately, within about 2 minutes, upon our arrival. Our waitress, Vanessa, was such a sweetheart and had great customer service from knowledge of adult beverages, food suggestions, checkups and timeliness. Our drinks came out within about 5 minutes and the appetizer within about 10. Our main course was hot upon delivery and was at the table a few minutes after us finishing the appetizer. We had a great experience this time and will visit back again with hopes of receiving the same service.

OLD post from 1st visit.

Waited 20-25 minutes to be seated. Continued to wait to at least have my drink order taken but that never happened. After 40-45 minutes of waiting...I left and went next door to the buffet. And for those questioning, no it wasn't crowded. If it were, I would have had some understanding and patience. As a first timer, I was really looking forward to seeing what the rave was about. Seems like poor management may be the issue. Maybe I'll try again...

My husband and I got here at 6:15 tonight, a Sunday night. We were seated right away. Many tables were full, but at least half the people left within 1/2 hour of our arrival. We ordered drinks (soda, tea) and appetizers within 10 minutes of being seated. Our drinks were brought quickly, but it took over 1/2 hour to get the appetizers. We decided not to order dinner at that point, as we had to be someplace else by 8. Our appetizers were calamari and gumbo. The waitress said it took so long because the gumbo was made fresh. The calamari was chewy, and no dipping sauce was offered. I had to ask for some from the bar/cash register. The gumbo was brought to the table in 2 go containers, one stuffed to the brim with rice and the other filled to the top with gumbo. I had to ask for a dish from the bar/cash register. They had no more dishes, so they have us a go box instead. No salt in the gumbo, or not enough to taste, and none on the table, so I had to go ask for that. We ate about 1/3 of the food, paid and left for another restaurant. Very...