Crafty Crab - Richmond Southside Plaza — Restaurant in Richmond

Crafty crab is a great addition to the Southside. I had honestly become weary of the "boil bag" restaurants that were popping up all over place, with great presentation but lacking on flavor (I'm looking at you Sauce and Toss!) and portions. I was excited when I received the flier in the mail for Crafty Crab and after a little research, decided to try it last night! I kept it simple for the first order, 2 shrimp and snow crab (added extra crab legs) boil bags with "The Boom" sauce (medium spice level) and also a 10 piece cajun wing. Everything was delicious and flavorful! The shrimp were cleaned and devained and the crab clusters were large, unlike other boil restaurants that charge you top dollar for skimpy clusters! The wings were seasoned and fried perfectly. My only complaints were that the medium spice might as well be regular because it wasn't spicy at all, and the cajun wings were not cajun lol. Other than that I was not disappointed at all, well worth the money!I hope this isn't just a fluke because they just opened, and that they have the same consistency of food and quality of service going forward! ALSO BEFORE YOU SPEND AN ARM AND A LEG BUILIDING A BAG: Check the daily specials you can get a base snow crab and shrimp bag for about $23-28 and then just add a half/full pound of whatever extra you want! It will save you a couple dollars! I will go back in a few weeks and see if this review...

I absolutely adore this place! We went again on a Friday night ( we heard they party on the weekends 😋). The place was definitely lively, but not as busy as we anticipated. Each time we have been there the staff has been exceptional!! Customer service is everything! Each time we have been there, they accommodate us as if we're family! That's definitely a Plus !! The place is nice enough and the location, although not the best, is developing. I didn't feel unsafe or anything. Who cares about the minor details! The food each time gets better and better! The first time I ordered the blue crabs with the house blend, and although the crabs were small, the sauce was amazing, my friend said her crab cakes were blehh. Yesterday I was hankering some fish, and I'm so happy I did! I ordered the fried catfish platter with sweet potato fries and if that wasn't the best fish I have eaten in forever, I thought I died and went to heaven!! The fish was cooked perfectly, seasoned thoroughly, flaky hot and a perfectly light breading!!!😋 My friend was mad they didn't order their own! That food was so good I wanted to kiss the chef open mouth 😅. I highly recommend the Crafty crab, order the catfish platter, you will...

On a Sunday afternoon with no waiting, take it as a warning something is not right. The only thing good at this place was the water and karaoke. First complaint, we were seated left of the bar and it felt like a sauna. Before ordering, asked the waitress to move us and she stated the thermostat was already on 60 and continued with the order. Asked a second time to move or we would leave. After a 10 minute meeting among the entire serving team at our table, we were moved and mean mugged by the staff entire time. One person out of party of 8, had to return her food 3 times and finally gave up. Here’s the final straw! About 10 minutes later, she was told that ‘she would not be charged for the boil but for the shrimps that she had ate out of the bag before returning’!!!! The 3 kids didn’t even eat their meals. We were told to come upfront to pay and management told us we couldn’t split the ticket. The most expensive $162 water I ever purchased in my life for bad customer service, terrible food, and a hot restaurant (temperature that is and not food or service)! No wonder it’s an 18% gratuity because with that service, who would tip. A one hour and half drive for seafood ended at McDonalds for my...