I haven't tried the food but it's very clean and open here! They even have a separate sink for people to wash their hands which is smart bc the bathrooms at boiling crab have loooong lines! Nicely set up too! Hopefully it's yummy because it was pretty pricey to be honest read more

Cracking Crab - The take out! - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Montrose, California

This is such a fun place to eat. It really makes you feel like you're at a relaxed restaurant by the beach. The food was really good too and the customer service was fantastic. read more

Craving lobster all week so I yelped it! Totally amazing. I can't believe I ate so much but everything was so good. Oysters, bacon covered shrimp and scallops for appetizer. Then lobster and king crab legs for entree with garlic noodles and garlic bread as sides. Everything was amazing I don't know why this place doesn't have a line out the door but I did come in before dinner rush. The only down side is getting dirty and fishing for your food but I don't mind that. Service and food amazing! Coming back with my family we love seafood. read more

I have been to a few Cajun food places in the past, this one is somewhat mediocre. Ordered combo A(including shrimp/black mussel/clam, w/ Spicy Cajun), fries, wings, chowder and garlic noodle for total $70 +tax. The food is okay, the problem is a large portion of them(noodle, seafood seasoning, and chowder) are way too sweet and I didn't like it. Wings and Fries are adequate enough. A convenient choice for people who live in La Cañada Flintridge/Cresenta Valley area, but if you seek for better food, I recommend places like The Boiling crab/Beer&Claw. read more

I found the Cracking Crab to be rather a rather unique experience. The menu and accompanying explanation was a bit confusing. Ultimately, we figured out the bag & bucket usage by observing other tables. There's a three step process where you pick the seafood (shrimp, oysters, crab, etc), the sauce, and the heat level. They steam your selection and mix everything in a bag. You grab your eats out of the bag. We shared the king crab legs and I also ordered the popcorn lobster. The crab legs were good sized & delicious - we went for the cracking crab mix and spicy. Spicy isn't super hot, but it'll make you sweat a bit. The popcorn lobster was lightly coated and very flavorful. The cajun fries were delicious (but could have been a bit more crispy). Overall, I enjoyed the experience and will go back - even though it was a bit pricey. On that note, I do agree with many of the reviewers that being able to order 0.5lbs would be nice. Also, while the decor is nice, they waste a lot of space - there's plenty of room for an expanded bar area (for quick seating...). Oh and sake & cajun don't mix! read more

Prices reasonable. Parking in the back if you need it. Food took just a bit longer than anticipated. Love the sink so you don't have to wait in line for a bathroom just to get your hands clean. Place is nice and clean Also, the shrimp was a bit too overcooked. Lobster was great. read more

Cracking Crab - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Montrose, California

John, John, John... Impeccable service! Definitely a reason to come back. Amazing, attentive, engaging and overall great! Thank you for the recommendations and the stellar service! read more

Okay so my dad order a take out and I'm very picky because we didn't end up eating till two days later and let me telllll ya..... it wasssss sooo good like good doesn't even top it it was beyond delicious I was really living life right then and there I've been actually wanting to go to the place but I never can I'm always to busy but the food is amazing and from what my dad told me was that customer service was A1 read more

Pretty good quality food. Service is usually reasonably good. A little on the expensive side for what you get, but there is no similar restaurant in Montrose or the surrounding area, unless you go into Glendale. read more

It was my first time getting seafood in such a long time, searching different places I finally decided to try the cracking crab. We order take out and I got the 1 combo with calamari as the appetizer . We didn't have to wait that long only took them 15 min to prepare our order. The food was all really good and they're Cajun mix sauce is the best. This is now my favorite seafood restaurant. read more

I order very frequently from this place. They're sometimes off on the quality but I've only encountered it maybe 2-3 times. A good go-to place to order from in this neighborhood. My only tip would be to order via phone with them since the grubhub pickup orders seem to charge extra. read more

Similar setup to Boiling Crab. Food comes in bags seasoned. Service was excellent. There was 25 of us for a birthday party and they handled us with no issues. Even helped with the birthday cake and even provided plates and forks. Food came out hot and delicious. Definitely order the corn! Will recommend to friends and family. Beware that it can be crowded durning peak periods. Parking on the street or behind the building. read more

Cracking Crab - It's busy here! - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Montrose, California

Excellent food! Excellent service! The staff was all so genuinely nice. Super messy to eat, but I love the flavor! This definitely isn't the place to take a first date or anyone you're trying to impress, you gotta get messy to enjoy the food properly! Ladies, make sure you bring a clip to put your hair up! read more

Cracking Crab - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Montrose, California

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I was unimpressed with the oysters I ordered and shrimp I ordered on my first visit to the Cracking Crab about three months ago - the service was also not that great. It didn't leave enough of an impression on me and my waitress at the time didn't seem to speak much English so I didn't leave a YELP review then and went on my merry way to the Boiling Crab whenever I had a craving for some yummy spicy shrimp and crab in a bag that I can get all over my hands as I eat. Yesterday, I didn't feel like driving far and waiting so I took my husband to my second visit to Cracking Crab and I'm really glad I gave it another shot. Our waitress, Janie, was freaking fantastic. She was super attentive (refilling my iced tea before I had to ask), asking if there was anything else we needed, and offering us plenty of their delicious limes with salt/pepper. She made sure we were taken care of and she seemed to be the best waitress within the joint, covering multiple tables and doing it as efficiently as possible. The shrimp was also really really great and I think I actually prefer the mix of flavors at the Cracking Crab even more than their competitors. It was big and plump. I also added the half pound of sausage and it was more than enough food for me. The price was also great - it was about $40.00 including tip for two pounds of shrimp and one half pound of sausage that left my husband and I stuffed! This is the type of food where if you taste remnants of the spices a couple of hours after the meal, you feel pleasantly surprised instead of grossed out. I am so so glad we came back here. I probably won't order oysters here again, but I'll be back to try the crab and some of the other dishes. read more

Always the fav spot for shrimp Cracking crab mix with any seafood l, and their popcorn lobster are the best! read more

I always see a crowd outside the restaurant. So, I decided to stop by for dinner with my DH and two kids (11, 13). We all love seafood. What could go wrong? It smelled of seafood when we walked in, not good nor bad. We were seated right away and given the confusing menus. I explained to the server that we had never been there before, and he answered a few questions but wasn't all that helpful. I would expect the restaurant to read its revisiews on a regular basis and see that a great many of its first time customers are unclear about the menu and would therefore direct wait staff to talk to customers about this upfront, but this clearly has not happened. We ordered our dinner from the friendly server, at least there was that. My daughter's shrimp skewers came out first. I asked if the rest of the meal was coming... no, the boils take longer. The nice waiter explained that the kitchen was told not to hold any food because it was busy. Not my problem. I had the waiter take it back and hold it. Ummm... kitchen manager? When all of the food finally came, we had to ask for silverware. My son and daughter were each brought a fork, my husband and I nothing. Why? Am I supposed to eat the potato with my hand? Apparently. Was my son supposed to harpoon his sausage and gnaw on it? Apparently. At least our water was filled on a regular basis. The food itself it good enough; it's the rest of the dining experience that is severely lacking. Sadly, we had to eat our dessert with plastic spoons? Why? I just spent $150 for seafood; give me a real spoon. I didn't feel so bad when I looked over and saw the family next to us with plastic forks. Conclusion: Never again. read more

You have to check out the crackling crab if you love sea food!! If you happen to be in town looking for some where to eat, I'd highly recommend visiting this place! The restaurant is one the top best in customer service and you must see the waiter John! He's super friendly and he's very helpful explaining the menu for newbies like me! I love this place food, environment and the people here are awesome! Check it out! read more

Food and service were great! Got the Cajun shrimp and it was bomb. Was a perfect amount of shrimp for a pound too and for the price. Will 100% be back! read more

Great service, clean restaurant, reasonable pricing. Food is good, wished it is a bit more saucy but overall great experience

Came here during the week for the first time and wasn't disappointed. Our server, John, was great and very attentive. The food came out quickly and tasted great as well. All the fish courses were spot on and we ordered the buffalo wings as an appetizer and they were surprisingly good! It does get messy since this is a spot where you mostly eat with your hands. They do offer plates and utensils and give you plenty of napkins to clean up afterwards. read more

This place was great!!! Good service, inexpensive beer and amazing food! I'm never going to Boiling Crab. Montrose is a push but there was no wait and it was worth the drive... Got 2lbs of shrimp, 1/2 lbs of sausage and Cajun fries all for under $40 it was two of us and we have leftovers... Win! Staff was very friendly too btw! read more

Cracking Crab - 2lbs of shrimp and half sausage - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Montrose, California

Pretty good seafood place. Our party get there week day so there no waiting time. The seasoning is decent not the best from what I try so far. It was over all a good place if u are craving for seafood. read more

Cracking Crab - Shrimp and clam - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Montrose, California

I used to like this place a while back, but not this time. The food quality was just OK. I'm not a fan of their seasonings. On the day I went, it wasn't a busy day. There were only 3-4 tables. The service was like Ehhh. Since the taste of the food wasn't that special or incredibly remarkable, the service should had been better or over the top. Overall, I probably wont go back to this place anytime soon according to my last unhappily experience. read more

Oh this place is pretty good. It's great to be able to have this nice seafood place in the area. Though a bit on the pricey side, it's worth it. The food isn't anything mind blowing or crazy new, but it's somewhere I would eat out with my friends. Note that it can get messy, especially if you are getting seafood. I recommend getting a basket (fries are included!) since it's a bit more filling than the seafood itself. It's fine to share 1 pound of king crab with 2-3 people. Including corn is amazing. Including potatoes is rather subpar, but there is always more sauce to add flavor. Parking is nearby. There is a lot behind the restaurant. Montrose is a nice place to walk around after too. I love how the napkins are easy to reach and nearby. Their bibs are also large and have a small pocket in case anything falls. If you like seafood and you are in the area, why not try cracking crab? :) read more

I don't eat crab and don't belong in a place like this however, it is fun to go to with friends and I have now found my favorite place to go for Salmon!!!! The best tasting salmon I have ever had! I'll go back just for the salmon! read more

Cracking Crab - Best Salmon ever!!! - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Montrose, California

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Consistent and always fresh. I usually order the shrimp with crackin mix sauce. The bread is must with the crackin mix. The corn is decent.

Awesome place. Good food no wait and price is better then boiling crab. Just on thing, they need to get a better quality sausage. Way to salty for the shrimp garlic combo read more

Amazing food, Mark is literally a god tier server at this place. Mans deserves a raise.

Always happy to come back here all the time. We ordered the very spicy one, but it wasn't as spicy ad I expected. I'll order the very very spicy next time. read more

Yet another Boiling Crab clone... Don't come here if you expect Louisiana style food, but more an dig-all-in seafood feast. The interior of the place is nice and clean even though having dinner can be quite messy as usual at such places. The servers are very attentive and helpful. The food is quite good - the King Crab legs and the shrimps were tender and juicy, just the way I like them. However, the clams were overcooked and chewy. The Cajun fries might need a little bit more spices. Although we've ordered every food using the very same sauce (mix of everything), it tasted quite different every time. One time it was slightly on the bitter side, another time it was extremely spice although we've ordered mild, the last order was really sour with waaaayyyy to much lemon in it. That's definitely something they need to work on! Again, the food was good, however I would still prefer Boiling Crab if there wasn't the insane waiting times. Unfortunately Cracking Crab is just another uninspired knock-off without new and original ideas. Too bad, as I certainly believe we need more non-Sushi seafood restaurants in the area. read more

I'll keep it brief. If I had never been to Boiling Crab ("BC"), then this would have gotten four stars. I have, however, been to BC which made me want to give this place two stars. My friend and I ordered the crawfish and the shrimp with the seasoning that has all of it (I forgot what they call it!). The quality of the shrimp was good, but the crawfish were not great. BC's are way fresher and more succulent. Nevertheless, this place is close, clean, and never really busy. They also give limes and pepper and salt to make your own dipping sauce, and I don't know why this is so good, but it is. AND service was fabulous. So food: 2, Experience: 4, equals 3. Worth it if you are close to Montrose, and don't want to brave the crowds of BC. read more

I'm not sure which location you visited. This is an awesome place. Our wait server, Laura was amazingly attentive. Food. High five! read more

Cracking Crab - King Crab. Yum! - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Montrose, California

This place is pretty damn good. I used to go down to Koreatown and wait 2+ hours to eat at the Boiling Crab. This place is almost as good (sorry, Cracking Crab, but BC has been around longer and they're still better), but it's far closer and the line is much more tolerable. They recently added more options to their menu, which I'm yet to explore but so far I've had the shrimp and crab legs and they're both amazing. read more

Great meal! I've loved the whole flavored buttery crab bit since the first time I tried Boiling Crab a few years ago but like every one else can't stand the wait. Have tried many of the others and this is by far my favorite! We had two lbs of the snow crab legs with the signature mix, medium spicy. It was perfect. The crab itself was meaty and not overcooked. The sauce had perfect flavor, helped by the smoked sausage in the bag. I loved the popcorn "lobster" great texture. My date thought the wings were terrific. I agreed. Crispy and flavorful with juicy chicken. Service was solid, there was no wait on a Saturday night about 7 PM read more

Delicious! We had the shrimp, craw fish, sausage, and mussels. Everything was great. Go spicy! Only way to do it! Nice ambiance, good service! read more

I've give it a higher rating if the service was better. The waiter only checked on us once during our meal. Every time we tried to get their attention they looked the other way. The food was great as always . Parking is a little hard during peak times. read more

I've been here 3 or 4 times so far and have always had a great experience. Tonight was no exception. We got the $50 Combo #2 (I think it was called) with shrimp and crab and it was absolutely delicious. Our server, Mario, was more than attentive and kind throughout the entire meal. He came to check on us at least 4 times, and actually opened the crab for us at our table. This was super helpful, considering we would have been completely lost left to our own devices! Thank you so much for an awesome dinner; we will be back! read more

Let me tell you about our experienced in this place... My family & I went here for Mother's Day to have dinner. The place was busy at the time. A lot of people were waiting to be seated. We put our name on there lists and waited patiently. However, a group that came in after us was seated first. We checked the lists and their names weren't even wrote down! My family & I found this extremely unfair. I kindly asked why we weren't seated first before that party, the waitress couldn't give us an answer. then the guy named BRIAN (yes, im calling you out!) jumped in and said they had a "reservation." The funny thing is, we called them a day before asking if they take reservations and they said No, its a first come, first serve basis. We felt that Brian was being racist towards my family & I which made our experience here unpleasant. NEVER AGAIN COMING BACK TO THIS PLACE. read more

I came here to try lobster for my first time. I ordered the second combo with crawfish, lobster, potatos, corn, and sausage. I loved all the food, and it all tasted amazingly. Keep in mind however, while it may say a pound of lobster, there isnt that much meat that you actually eat. The cajun fries were one of the best fries ive ever had too. All in all its a great seafood place to go to. read more

I choose to ignore what some of the negative reviewers have stated and sadly I have to agree with them. I came in and it wasn't really busy so I expected top notch customer service...but obviously that did not happened; it gets worse Just like one of the reviewers said below... they had a deal after 9pm and they failed inform me and the funny thing is that I came in after 9pm and was charged full price......how ethical is that? They just lost a customer and I would not recommend this place to anyone. The food wasn't even that great! save your wallet and the stress. read more