Ben's Crab Oceanside — Restaurant in Town of Hempstead

Let me begin by noting that I already feel like I am being promiscuous with my 3-star rating because although the food is undeniably good, the cavalier attitude of "AshSlay" owner of Cocoslay minks, co-owner of Driipjuice, and most notably the bartender, left a much nastier taste in my mouth that I have yet to get out. We will get back to that one later on this review but she has a re-occurring role ;-). We chose to come to Ben's crab because we had dined there before and enjoyed the food and enjoyed the ambience (They play music at night at varying levels of volume so feel free to roll the dice). Upon entering this particular night, we instantly were greeted and seated at a round table that was great for our party's size (5 people). This all would have been great save for the music that was blaring so loud we had to yell at each other actually to hear each other. Let me take a minute to note that I work in entertainment, so I am no stranger to music being played in many different types of venues. Still, my problem is when I cant actually talk to my friends casually without shouting. I tried to get one of the four waiters working the area around my table and got the "Give me the 1-minute finger" thrown up and didn't make a big deal because I know that waiting on people is not easy. Adding Covid compliance and the loud music can't be any easier, but I digress. A waitress finally came over, and I politely asked if a)The music can be turned down or b) Can we be moved to an area that is not near the speakers. She told me she would have the music turned down. Less than a minute later, the music was turned down to a much more manageable level, and with a sigh of relief, my party was able to have our first normal volume conversation. Less than a minute later, the music was turned back up even louder, and I immediately noticed the bartender "Ashslay" glaring at us while she worked the bar. I quickly put 2 and 2 together and realized "Ashslay" controls the volume and does not care for my request. My friend decided she would intervene and talk to her directly to see what can be done so we can carry on. My friend did not have to give me a play-by-play about what was said because from "Ashlay's" body language and her chicken neck emphasis, I knew the conversation did not go well. My friend came back and told us that "Ashlay" said that she would turn it down a little "But just so you know, this is how it's done on nights like tonight," my friend asked for a manager, and "Ashlay" responded, "I don't know where they might be, but I'll see if I can find them" Of course, we know "Ashslay" was not going to get us a manager. I immediately knew I needed to talk to a manager and sought out the manager myself. I told him what happened, and he gave us a table downstairs in another section to accommodate us. Thankfully the music was much more tolerable down there. However, "Ashlay's" cavalier attitude towards us and death stares was still fresh on my mind. We were in a section that was not generally opened at that time because as we dined for the rest of the evening, the waiter stood a table away the entire time, waiting for us to finish. Let me emphasize, the food was delicious, and the manager did accommodate our request to move. I'm sure our complaints may be why my BF, the birthday boy, didn't get a little birthday shout-out as everyone else did. However, I can't shake the fact that the only way "Ashlay" would feel so empowered to talk out of the side of her neck to us like that is if management empowered her to do so. And maybe I need to find another place to eat or spend our money elsewhere. It wasn't the loud music that bothered me so much; it was the reaction to the request that I can't shake. So I will conclude by saying that Ben's crab has excellent garlic noodles, their old bay seasoning and king crab are so satisfying. The drinks were okay but inconsistent. It was ranging from heavy-handed to barely any alcohol. And that is okay because it will be the LAST time they get my money as long as...

My 18 year old daughter wanted to celebrate her birthday at this place. I did Not like this place At All. The host & hostess did not know how to seat parties. They kept seating parties of 2. So, therefore they weren't getting tables that can accommodate parties of 5 or more. We were a party of 5. When we arrived we asked how long was the wait, before we committed to staying because I am physically disabled. I walk with a cane. They said 30 minutes. That wasn't bad. My daughter's and I waited Over an hour Outside in the Cold! My Fiancee stood near the Host podium. Good thing he did because I noticed what they were doing and Called them Out on it. Then, Miraculously there was a table available! 2ndly, as we were walking to the table one of the Waiters almost Knocked me down trying to Squeeze pass me. As I mentioned earlier, I walk with a cane. So, I'm telling him to watch what he's doing. I'm using a cane (giving him the benefit of the doubt that Maybe he didn't see it) This guy Still shakes his head while still focused on getting to the table he's taking food to and continues to Squeeze pass Me! Also, while I was talking to the Waiter another one is behind me rubbing my back as if trying to console me. I turned around and elbowed his arm so his hand would get Off of my back! I told Him Not to touch Me! Especially, like that! (1) He shouldn't put his hands on Anyone customer and certainly Not Rubbing them on the back as if he Knows me! (2) If Both of them were Behind me that means Both of the Waiters cut my Family Off from Me. We were walking close enough so someone can assist me. Now, if I would've have Falling they would've Denied having dine Any of that. The 3rd thing I wasn't pleased with was the music was Way to High. It was Difficult to try and hold a conversation. Even with the person sitting Next to you! It gave me a terrible Headache. My Fiancee DJ weddings, birthday parties, etc. I know how the music level should be When people are seated for a meal. That was just Ridiculous for an Establishment! I saw alot of people looking like they weren't enjoying themselves because the have to Shout to speak to. Lastly, I order a side of fries & chicken with garlic noodles. It looked delicious. I noticed the pasta was Angel Hair. Me personally don't care for Angel Hair pasta. So, I as the waitress 3x if I could change the noodles to Fettuccini or Spaghetti. (she couldn't hear me because the music was too loud.. Smh) She told me they Don't serve any other pasta. They Only serve Angel Hair. I was shocked! I told her it didn't state that it came with Angel Hair pasta otherwise we could've had this conversation Before I ordered it. Now, it's a waste of food. Good thing I ordered the side of fries! Smh She asked if I wanted to order anything else. I declined because I was Done with this place. I was completely Annoyed 30 minutes after our arrival from the time we left! I only went for my Daughter... I'M NEVER GOING BACK THERE AGAIN!!! PERIOD. && Whom ever decides to give this place a try. I hope your experience was...

Got a flier in the mail n decided to visit their new Uniondale location. I ordered crab cakes, the fried shrimp basket, a mango mojito n everything was amazing. I expected this place to be like Joe’s Crab Shack n I was dead wrong. Not knocking Joe’s but the music was in point, the vibe was crazy n I really enjoyed my time there. The bartender Stacy was not only hot but she had an amazing personality n very outgoing demeanor. She set the tone for my experience. I also had the pleasure of chopping it up with owner Ben, who obviously is very business savvy n knows what he is doing. He refused to allow me to buy him a shot n took care of it on his end. Really a very cool down to earth dude that offered to promote my business in the area n my clothing line. I usually don’t write reviews unless I am very impressed n I to say I was impressed is an understatement. They didn’t know me from a hole in the wall n treated me like family, made me feel at home. It’s business owners like him n bartenders like Stacey that are the reason that the place was packed n I have no doubt that Ben will have many more successful locations in the near future. If u own a restaurant, I suggest u visit Ben’s n take pointers. Being a business owner myself that has grown exponentially in the past 2 years, I know a winning formula for a success when I see one. Thanks again Ben n Stacey for a great time. Writing this review n will be back as a regular not only cus of the tasty food, cus u guys really merit it. Wish u guys the best of luck, although u don’t need it. Keep doing exactly what ur doing, don’t change a thing. Plenty of places sell good food n cocktails but I was more sold n impressed by the treatment I received. If u get the pleasure of talking to Ben n the lovely Stacey not only will u see exactly what I’m talking about but u will feel it. Good food, good music, great vibe n...