Old Mill Crab House — Restaurant in Delaware

Okay, so before my last visit, I would say that Old Mill was the best place! "Go there...been there several times, over 1.5 hour drive to visit and never been disappointed." But then Saturday happened. I get all you care to eat crab legs, which is a little more than the crabs, but I spend less time working for my food. Our food comes out pretty fast..."Amazing!" I think. Then I touch my legs and they're cold, as are the hush puppies and clam strips. The shrimp were very hot...almost burned my tongue, which was great! When Tammy comes back, which was a little while because they were busy, I wasn't going to say anything; I didn't want her to feel bad. But, another person at my table told her and she told me she'd get me some more out quickly. She did. But they were also cold...and very salty. At that point I was turned off, but I wanted my legs, they're expensive, so I said something again and she took them, said, "Man, those are like ice!" and brought me another basket. These were hot and so I was really excited. Then I started to eat a leg and they were SO SALTY! I waited, because I really didn't want to say anything else; I thought maybe it was a prank show or something. I asked a man at a nearby table if his were salty and he said "Yeah, they are." So, I decided to say something because they were inedible to me. Tammy responded that the legs are steamed and no seasoning is put on them. I replied, but they're really salty and I'd really like someone to taste them so it doesn't seem like I'm just complaining. She told me again that they were steamed with nothing and walked away. At that point I was over it. I did not eat my legs. I munched on the cold clam strips. I did not complain again and she didn't ask if we were okay, as my legs sat there untouched. She didn't get someone to help me or address me about it further. I paid my bill in full and still gave a 20% tip. I WAS NOT THERE TO SCAM THEM OUT OF FOOD! MY FOOD WAS TERRIBLE. I was NOT HAPPY. I have been a server, and when something isn't right, take it away and make it right. I have never had a complaint against Old Mill before, and generally I loved the place. But when we left, we said we would never be going back because for the cost and travel, you really should be able to enjoy your food. I do have to say that my whole crab eating family enjoyed their crabs very much, but tasted a shared small bite of my crabmeat and then felt bad for me because they agreed they were inedible. We were never brought or offered corn and we had to motion for her and ask for everything to be replenished, but in past visits, we were asked, or water was just refilled. I get being busy, but you have to be able to handle all or ask for help. I was just really disappointed and now will spend more money to satisfy that craving, and I'll go to Pleasanton's, much closer to my home, but without the experience I used to appreciate...

My husband and I have been coming to the Old Mill for years. It was always our go-to place for blue crabs, and we freely gave out referrals. We visited on July 11th for our 44th anniversary. We both ordered AUCE blue crabs. Of course, they throw in chicken, fried clam strips and shrimp along with hush puppies and corn on the cob. We really don't eat much of those items; our focus is the blue crabs. These crabs were ranked as the worst crabs we have ever eaten anywhere! The crabs were very small...barely legal; seasoning was almost non-existent. After eating a dozen crabs, our hands were clean...no seasoning. They gave you little cups of seasoning; but, if you don't cook the crabs with seasoning, it's pointless. The crabs were flavorless with the exception of those that tasted like vinegar. We trashed at least a dozen crabs because they were mushy (they were either dead when they were cooked or they were overcooked). We believe most of the crabs had been reheated; none were cooked properly. Even the fried chicken looked like it was reheated. Regardless, these crabs were tasteless or tasted horrible; they were definitely not fresh. At $65 a person, we definitely did not get what we paid for, and we will not return. We have also been sharing our experience with everyone that asks "how was your anniversary dinner?" It was obvious that the clientele has been reduced significantly, especially for a Friday evening in July. Past experience said be prepared to wait in line on Friday and Saturday nights, and sometimes Sundays. We estimate the restaurant was about 70% full that night. Yes, prices have increased, but, if you are a crab eater, or love seafood, it's not going to deter you that much. We were highly disappointed with our meal that night and somewhat angry that they would try to pass off crabs of such a poor quality to us or anyone else. Those crabs were totally unacceptable to be labeled as "food". On a brighter note, our waitress, Elly, was wonderful. She was cheerful, personable, and professional. We could not have asked for...

I've been a regular customer to this place for almost 20 years. I've had many good experiences and memories with my family here. I do not know what is going on with the quality of food, however it is a far cry from what I'm used to. My review mirrors many of the lower reviews in the respect of It appears that they are either using old snow crabs and shrimp or reheating and reusing uneaten food. The snow crab meat was stuck, appeared almost dehydrated and extremely salty and over cooked. The shrimp I was told was fresh, however they appeared old dehydrated and overcooked the shells were stuck to the meat. Only later to find out from the manager they were frozen and came from Sisco. I asked for another order and was given the same quality, unedible food. I paid the full amount for the order, and ask if there was a new cook. The manager was sent out, she did apologize. However, she admitted the fault was in the quality of the product she was receiving and could not do anything about it. She did not offer a discount for our experience, only stated they were trying to work through bad product. I am from the shore and know what to expect when it comes to quality seafood. I've enjoyed snow crab legs at different establishments from the Eastern shore all the way to Las Vegas. These crabs were definitely old product that was previously served, and reheated or old product that was freezer burned. I can say it will be a very long time before I ever give this place another chance, If I ever come back. If you want good shrimp I recommend Rays Shanty in Virginia, If you want good blue crabs go to Lintons seafood in Crisfield. I'm on the search for the next best place for snow crabs, because this place has lost its flare.

To the attention of the owner / management. This was a very disappointing experience to say the least ! You can only ride on the coattails of the past of this place for so long. It would behoove you to correct course, before your...