The Crab Station - El Paso — Restaurant in El Paso

So my partner and I decided to give this establishment a try as we are both big fans of everything shrimp, and personally, I am huge seafood junkie. At first glance the place seemed like most crab shacks, papered tables, rolls of napkins, etc. When reviewing our dining options there was something there for everyone, though in my opinion some of the seafood prices were a bit steep with headless shrimp priced at 19$/lbs. But that was fine, food prices as of late have been going up. Our server came to greet us with a less than warming hello, and seemed to try to avoid eye contact, which was really weird. We decided to both try the mix and match plates. The wait was a bit long, but in fairness we did visit during peak hours. After about 20 minutes, our plates were brought out, hers missing the side of ranch and mine missing the dirty rice I paid an upcharge for. At this point the server told me they were out of dirty rice and asked if I'd rather have white rice. I declined and asked to just have the fries the plate was supposed to come with. The food was lack luster at best. The batter had almost no seasoning, the cocktail sauce was oddly sweet, and my catfish was mushy. While waiting for my fries, we were able to finish both of our meals...a server came to clear plates and asked if I was done with my drink instead of being the first to offer me a refill... shortly after the table was cleared, my fries finally show up. I ate most of them and we asked for the check as we just wanted to walk away from a very disappointing dining experience. The server was quick to bring the check, but reviewing charges the upcharge paid for the salad and dirty rice was still on the check. When contested we were told that since I got the salad and fries(which were supposed to come with the plate) we would still be assessed the upcharge. I felt that this was ridiculous but didn't feel like arguing. We sat for the next ten minutes waiting for the server to return so we could cash out and leave before just walking to the bar and getting change for a 5 to leave exact change for the bill. This was a very poor dining experience from quality of food to the customer service. I DO NOT recommend trying this establishment, go to red lobster or if you feel like slumming it hit up long John silvers. Both will leave you more satisfied...

3 STRIKES, then a come back [8/20/21 visit]:

1] My mom requested "blackened" shrimp with her "Saint's Salad" : BEWARE it's blackened "seasoning" we were informed, AFTER receiving the salad; however, that's NOT indicated on the menu.

2] Then, my sister (turned 51 on this day & selected the restaurant) was excited about the menu, and ordered "The Coral Sea" Sack... BEWARE: "the shrimp is NOT devained. Unfortunately, she returned the shrimp from the meal; not quite an acquired taste to eat poop🤢 , neither is the gritty taste while chewing.

3] We asked for my mom's beverage when we all ordered drinks--we all recvd our drinks except my mom, and we had to ask for hers AGAIN. And I dare not to include the wait at the dinner table, before anyone noticed our family of 5 was there (we had to ask an employee for a waiter). Honestly, after the 3rd incident, I was done and there was no longer a need to keep taking notes.

THEN, there was Chris. Notice: Per, sweetheart manager CHRIS, "we cannot devaine the shrimp"...this is a Louisiana based restaurant. That actually sounded more of an excuse being that we have eaten at tons of Louisiana originated restaurants, even within NOLA. Regardless, would just be awesome to see such info w/in the menu indicated SOMEWHERE, as I explained to him. He LISTENED to our grievances, then explained on behalf of " The Crab Station" and we TRULY appreciated him.

In the end...we enjoyed our Hurricanes (alcoholic beverages) and I enjoyed my Garlic Noodles w/ Lobster, which was served to me after my table was done eating. I WILL note n their defense that I took a lil longer than everyone else to decide & request my meal after inquiring w/ our waiter about their dishes. But not long enough that everyone was literally finished, then had to wait for me to eat.

We received a 2nd round of Hurricanes & my meal comp'd per Chris--we truly appreciated his hospitality and concern for our experience. He is definitely a superb Manager, wanting to ensure customer's do NOT leave totally unhappy on his watch. He's also the reason for my increased 4star rating--just can't forget the experience😖 pre-Chris.

Their Hurricane's r truly the bomb and the Garlic Noodles with Lobster was awesome (dont let the dry appearance fool ya); would definitely...

Was going to go eat there with my brother, but wait to be seated was 1 hr, so i ordered to go. Dozen raw oysters, the fried catfish/oyster combo, and steamed Dungeness crab and a bread pudding. Came back inside a half hr latrr and was told it was ready. Then told they didnt have bread pudding but i could get one "for free" (which i had already paid for) if i come back. Was handed 2 bags. I opened them to check, My entire fried meal was missing, and i was given only 1 tiny cocktail sauce for a dozen oysters. No melted butter for crab, no catsup for fries and no lemon for oysters or catfish. I asked for that and they found my fried meal and brought it out, gave me 2 extra cocktail sauces, but had no lemons, no catsup, no melted butter. Stopped by store to buy lemons, cocktail sauce, horseradish and butter. The oysters were excellent. The fried meal was very good. The Dungeness crab was not to my liking as it was coated in a sauce and really messy to eat. It also overpowered the crab. I think if you really enjoy steamed crab, lobster, etc you may eant to order just steamed without any sauce. I plan on doing that next time. Normally i LOVE Dungeness crab, but this wasnt very good due to the garlic butter, seasonings on top of the crab, that you still need to crack to open. I'd suggest steaming the crab, and having the sauce on the side to dip in as well as melted butter and LEMON... not LIME. I think the restaurant will do well if they get the kinks out. Like having all items on the menu (i also wanted gumbo, and was told they were out like the bread pudding). Also get lemon, tartar sauce. Provide enough condiments for to go meals. Double check that order is complete for to go meals. Will go back and try again in a month or so, to give them time to get things going smoothly.

Editing bc thrley have been open for a while now. and I now go here regularly. Some of the freshest oysters in town. Very good crab and their fried fish and butterfly shrimp are really good. Service has been excellent ever since...