The Mighty Crab — Restaurant in Fort Smith

We went for lunch in the middle of a weekday. The place was nearly empty, only about 4-5 other tables being served when we went in. My very first impression was the overwhelming smell. I understand it's a seafood place but the odor was strong. A few moments later the smell was added to with a strong cleaning solution smell. The two together was powerful. Then I felt a bit overwhelmed by the decor - it's quite loud. There are a lot of bright primary colors and big props hanging from the walls and ceilings. It's a huge place with a stage in the center of the room and a giant bar at the back. Lots and lots of empty tables. The hostess was friendly but a bit unorganized and at one point she just walked away but didn't say anything and I wasn't sure if we were to follow her or not (she did came back). Once seated we immediately ordered drinks - a water and a drink from the bar. When she came back she said the bartender had just arrived on shift and would get that made soon. Then we had to remind her about the water. The drinks took longer than expected to arrive and we were able to place our order. I guess the lunch hours had passed and so the meal of settled on wasn't available so I was scrambling to order something else. I settled on some fried scallops after being disappointed there weren't any fried clams as I'm used to in seafood restaurants on the West coast. The drink special arrived (Bahama mama?) And it was pretty and sweet. I wouldn't order them if I were trying to get buzzed. Our meals arrived and the food was hot and fresh. I ordered the fried scallops with the standard Cajun fries and the other dish ordered was a lunch boil special that we paid an upcharge for since it was an hour after the lunch cutoff time. It was a generous portion of shrimp, à red potato and a half corn cob. The potato and shrimp were cooked perfectly and seasoned eel. The corn got a bit overcooked. My dish was cooked well also - I had to check each of my scallops because I kept feeling like they were undercooked because they were so juicy and soft still - but they were all cooked. It's impressive they were fried but still had that texture inside. The fries were just okay. There was a huge portion of fries. If I go back I will go at night so hopefully the lighting helps tone down the decor. I will also order a big boil bag meal next time because I do think the quality of the cooking merits another visit. The meal was priced well - under $35 for lunch. I think it was on par with the quality...

The decor was fun and inviting, and the tables were clean with paper coverings like a home crawfish boil. It looks like they are still expanding part of the restaurant, and there are both a bar and an area for live music entertainment. It looks like it will be a fun joint when all is in place.

On to the food, though. I got to try the shrimp (head off), green muscles, and snow crab legs. All were in their Cajun seasoning as a boil bag. The shrimp were easily large / extra large size, deveined cleanly, shell-on but cut in such a way that it was easy to grab the legs and pull the full shell off in one go. The muscles had the top shell fully removed before cooking, and we're roughly 4-5 inches in length. You definitely knew you were getting a solid bite of food out of each one. Finally, the crab legs were superbly well done. Fully cooked, but came out of the shell cleanly without sticking or being mushy. All three items were cooked to an ideal level that meant it was firm without being rubbery and absorbed the boil seasoning well. Overall, delicious and satisfying.

We did also try the cheesecake, and, while decent, it didn't stand out like the boil bag did.

Our waitress, Dede, was very friendly and knowledgeable about the seafood when we had questions. She was quick to replace drinks when they ran low and was constantly checking on customers and making for an overall pleasant experience.

The only thing holding me back from five stars is that they did seem understaffed for even a weeknight, and, as someone else mentioned, the price for the shrimp seemed a bit high compared to other offerings in town. The price of other items balanced it out nicely, though.

All told, I look forward to going back to try new things on their menu as well as updating this to five stars as they get past the hurdles of being a...

With relatives in town, we took the couple to dinner here, and it was simply amazing!!! We all got a variety of different items, and each of us commented many times about how good it was!!! Yes, it is a little pricey - but it was my son’s birthday, (he is in his 40’s) and he wanted seafood. This was to be my early Mother’s Day dinner with them, and it was perfect!!

The server (I think her name was Dez, was so attentive, helpful and so professional. We never had to ask for drink refills. Their menu is so very large - but she had quality answers to each question.

We were shocked that they also had a Hibachi Grill menu, and my daughter-in-law and I (she doesn’t eat seafood) ordered off of that menu. She got the Chicken Fried Rice, and I got the Shrimp Fried Rice. Both were fresh off the grill, and hot when our plates arrived, and we were both thrilled with our choices!!! Both of us commenting on our respective rice dishes being near the top (if not the best) we’ve ever had!!!

Both my husband and son ordered the “steamed bags” which included their choice of seafood, corn on the cob, and potatoes. They both had so much food!! My son also ordered the raw oysters, and loved them and we also had an appetizer (gator bites) that we shared. It was all amazing!!!! I apologize that we didn’t take any pictures.

This restaurant is close by, and we will be back very, very soon!!! The food, service and atmosphere were great!! Although my family guests have left this area, they already mentioned multiple times about how great it was, and that all of us can’t wait to return!!

It is pricey, but oh so worth it. If you love seafood, and are in the mood for great seafood, this is the...