Shaking Crab (Quincy) — Restaurant in Quincy

My Review from 6 years ago... 5 Stars(Would have given more if I could)

This place, this kind of dining is such a breath of fresh air, especially here in Massachusetts.

There was a similar place I went to down in Florida and I figured I wouldn't experience that again until I returned. Shaking Crab answered my wish, woooo! You guys are awesome!

Whether you get crab, lobster, crawfish, etc. You will not be disappointed, the experience alone will have you begging to come back for more. It's sooooo good that if you turn around after exiting the restaurant, you might be tempted to walk back in.

I highly recommend the garlic noodles to start, they're out of this world! The Crawfish & shrimp combo is great, could not finish the 2 lbs but it reheated just fine.

If you haven't been here, GO! If you've been here, GO AGAIN! Keep this establishment alive and kicking! My Review from January 2024

My perspective has drastically changed since. I ordered out this past weekend and let me tell you, we've done this countless times and there a noticeable decline in the quality of the order, the sauce was mostly oil, lackluster flavor of their signature "Shakin'" sauce, a real letdown, so much that we're not excited to return anytime soon, for now I'll follow current reviews and see if anything changes for the better.

I'm pretty sure the honeymoons over with this place, all the offerings now seem like a watered down cash grab for the prices you're paying and for the experience you get. I am grateful I was able to partake in their apex of quality while it lasted, it's a sad day for my wife and I, who made this place special when we really wanted to treat ourselves.

Prices and Quality Crawfish, which mostly throw away weight(Claws & shell), at $11 a pound, sure, $13 a pound, maybe, but $17 for a pound, crazy! Potatoes, you took away the finger potatoes and replaced them with just mush balls that I guess would pass as a spud, as a baked potato, OK but in a boil, c'mon guys!? Shakin' sauce, cannot really get the benefit of this anymore as you're drowning the flavor in oil which epically dilutes the flavor, no herbs, spices to speak of. BTW, where's the Garlic? I'll answer that, 50% less than in the past, essentially ending this legendary sauce in my opinion.

Overall, everything was just "off", never felt like I was having the best version of what this establishment had delivered for the almost 10 years I've been a patron. Sorry guys, you're in the boat with a lot of other restaurants who cannot find other ways to cut corners than lowering quality as well as nickel and dime the customer.

If you take any pride in the establishment you built, you should have kept your format you had when you opened your doors. It's a real shame, because I have read reviews before I came in last time, doubting them and then I saw it for myself.

Best of luck Shaking Crab and as for my family and friends who adored this spot, we wish them all the luck in finding somewhere else that provides the legacy experience Shaking Crab once delivered.

That being said, first time customers might not agree with me and might actually enjoy this place, but man did you all miss out on a truly great thing before it...

I have been to Shaking Crab in the past, and have never really had a bad experience with them. However, I was disgruntled by my experience Monday night when I took my mother out for her birthday. Wanting to make my mother's day special, I took her out to Shaking Crab. She wanted to take her meal to go and enjoy it at home, so we opted for take out. This was my first time doing takeout at this restaurant, so I didn't know what to expect. I definitely did not expect after driving 40 minutes under torrential rain to get home to a combo bag that had NO shrimp, one crab, and two halves of a corn, and paying full price at that. Brimming with anger, I called the restaurant immediately. They had been closing up at the time. Unable to suppress my emotions, I blatantly told them how this was a huge inconvenience to myself and my mother, and how this ruined a special night. When I spoke with someone, they were very patient and understanding of my disappointment and tried making it up by offering me a bag of shrimp. At this point, driving to Quincy for shrimp was not worth it, so I said I preferred at least a refund. I was told at the time that would not be a possibility, so I even asked for a partial; I didn't receive my combo, so it did not make any sense for them to keep the money for something I did not receive.

Since it was late, I was told to call back the next day to resolve this issue and that a partial refund may be possible. I followed up with them the next day and spoke with the manager, and I reiterated my frustration and disappointment. I explained everything to him. I even offered to send them the pictures of the bags. He was really apologetic and understanding. I was very very grateful because the manager did make a huge effort, and he was able to work with me to find a resolution that worked for me and redeem the restaurant. I told him that I did not want my experience to mar my opinion of the restaurant, and he agreed that is not what they want too.

Although this was a huge blunder that initially ruined a special night for my mom and I, I don't feel it fair to completely write them off and give them a poor review. At the end of the day, their approach to amending the blunder and finding a resolution that worked for me, redeemed them in my eyes. I really appreciate their great customer service and accountability. They deserve a this review simply for their efforts in rectifying the situation.

Thanks...

TL;DR: Shaking Crab in Quincy offers a delightful seafood experience with a homey atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious, buttery, garlicky, spicy shellfish. A must-visit spot in Boston for seafood lovers.

Full Review: Shaking Crab in Quincy is a prime destination for those seeking quality seafood in a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with excellent service that set the tone for a fantastic dining experience. The restaurant exudes a homey charm, creating the perfect backdrop for enjoying bags of crab, lobster, and other shellfish, all shaken with a blend of spices and paired with Southern sweet tea.

The menu at Shaking Crab is wide and varied, offering something for every seafood lover. My party and I sampled an array of dishes, each one more delicious than the last. However, it was the crab that truly stole the show. The buttery, garlicky, and spicy flavors were a perfect match for the fresh shellfish, creating a memorable culinary experience that stands out among Boston's many dining options.

One of my fondest memories from my time in Boston is savoring the shellfish at Shaking Crab. The quality of the seafood, combined with the flavorful seasoning, made for a meal that was both satisfying and indulgent. The crab, in particular, was exceptional, with its tender meat and rich, buttery sauce.

The restaurant's varied menu meant that everyone in our party found something to enjoy, whether it was crab, lobster, or other seafood delights. The freshness of the ingredients was evident in every bite, making Shaking Crab a standout choice for seafood in the Boston area.

Shaking Crab in Quincy is a must-visit for anyone in Boston. The combination of a welcoming atmosphere, excellent service, and outstanding seafood makes it a top-notch dining destination. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and visit Shaking Crab—you won't be disappointed.

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