Melbourne Seafood Station — Restaurant in West Melbourne

Been to various Melbourne Seafood Station locations and had inconsistent experiences. I’m unsure if they are franchised and owned independently or not. This time in particular, we came for the all you can eat crab legs. We’ve had the AYCE crab twice before, but both times at the Viera location. At this location, the experience seemed different. I’m not sure if it was an off night, but it seemed like they saved the less than ideal crab for their AYCE night. At this location the clusters were quite small, and some a bit rubbery. We had to flag someone down for “refills”, where previously we were accustomed to the staff being attentive and proactively asking if you would like more when as they saw your plate begin to empty. This is particularly disappointing as they ask for payment and a tip prior to dining, so there is no financial drive to provide a high level of service. The refills for some reason were not served with any more butter sauce, just a couple small crab clusters in a plastic bowl, which we found odd, and very different from the initial serving. At about 7:30, the staff started cleaning off the tables and closing up shop. This, combined with the pungent smell of whatever spray cleaner was being used, and the banter of the staff celebrating that the restaurant was nearing closing time, made for an uncomfortable situation. Our “shell bucket” was never emptied, and was spilling over midway through our meal (four diners, one bucket). I did notice that the price went from $45 to $49 and now back down to $45. Perhaps that’s related to the market price of crab—but if the drop back down was to attract more customers, I’d rather pay a little more for consistent quality. Even at $49 our first two experiences in Viera were a great value. I truly hope this was an off night for this location, as it’s generally more convenient for us. Even jf it costs a few dollars more, I hope the quality improves—we’d...

I walked in thinking it was a normal type restaurant...it's more of like a fast food type place. Order at the counter, and they bring it out. No substitutions on meals. But they will suggest and help you to figure out options if you have dietary needs.

Now the service was great. It wasn't busy at all, only 2 other tables while we were there. But that allowed me to chat with the girl there. Eliza was lovely! Thanks for the great chatter while there. The only complaint I have about the employees is about 1 guy...he was right there when my mother was trying to get into the bathroom but her walker and the heavy door made it difficult. He just let her struggle and didn't help her or even offer any help with the door. That's the only reason for the 3 stars on Service.

The food was delicious. The atmosphere is a little lackluster, but ehhh, who really cares. You're spending your time looking at your food here rather than the décor. Wrists deep in some buttery crab legs 🦀 Which is why the hand washing stations are ingeniously placed outside the bathrooms. Smart. Make sure to bring your own bib or wear a shirt that is ok to get butter splatter on it. I might have ruined my shirt, but so worth it.

I did notice an issue with a couple of things... First, the paper towels need to be on a holder so we don't have to touch them. I'm not sure whose buttery mess was on the top of the towels by the time I even noticed... mine or the people before me. Second, the dishes that we are served in have a MAJOR fault. There are 4 holes in the bottom of them. Yes, you use paper under the food as a barrier, but paper leaks and tears. One of our dishes had a nice solid layer of butter under it when that meal was finished. Overall, loved the experience and I'll be...

Update: went here on 02.21.2022 at 7 pm The register wouldn’t work after order was placed and would not take any credit cards. Half of our party had ordered and paid. The guy behind the counter was trying everything he knew on how to get payments processed on the register. There was no manager or supervisor to help this kid but he stayed calm and very determined to fix this register since the other half could not pay.

Then when the food came out. Half of us had eaten. The fish was brought out and they didn’t know which platter was grouper and which was Pompano. Plus missing items on most of our orders.

All of this could have been overlooked if the poor guy at the counter wasn’t hung out to dry due to NO manager on site at 7 pm …which in my experience is when restaurants get the busiest!

The food we got was good. But if management is not present when the restaurant is busy… who runs the ship? Just not as good as last time. Disappointed

2021 Amazing portions at an unbelievably low price. I took one star away due to the way food was served. Instead of putting each type of seafood in the way it was ordered... my sister ordered shrimp, crab legs and broccoli bowl but they put her crab legs in my basket so all crab legs were on my order. My son and I both ordered the crab leg and shrimp dinner and all the shrimp was on my plate. Also couldn’t get anything to drink, napkins, cocktail sauce despite many attempts of asking for them. While washing my hands I noticed the scrap buckets were next to the soda machine which would have come in handy to put all excess shells in while eating. But the food quality made up for the lack of service. Definitely will go back but order it to...