Good, fresh Maryland-style seafood in a fun local atmosphere. This is a small bar, so finding a seat can be a challenge during busy times, but it's worth the wait. The seafood was fresh, well-prepared, and exactly what you'd hope for from a neighborhood Maryland spot. The crowd and staff create a lively, welcoming vibe that makes it a great place to relax with friends and enjoy some great food. We'll definitely be back. read more

Excellent customer service in the carryout area. My daughter hadn't eaten the colossal crabs yet but they look fresh. Their crab seasoning dip is delicious...yes I tasted the dip to see if it resembles the sauce my daughter makes at home for her crabs...and it does. I got my granddaughter the crab legs and they also look really good. Interesting this location doesn't seem to over season the crabs; however they provide a small container of old bay on the side. Still, if you like a lot of seasoning be sure to ask for extra. The interior was clean and didn't have a fishy smell I often dread in many restaurants that sell fresh seafood. read more

Crabs was terrible l!! Had a smell of ammonia and were very mushy. Ate 3 of 12 check 6. Asked for a refund in which they don't do so I'm stuck with another batch of no good crabs. They have fell off so bad since the ownership has changed. It's plenty of better spots I could've went to like Seaside. If you want crabs. Go there! read more

Fat Boys Crab Shack is a cozy little restaurant with a down to earth homely feel. The staff is extremely friendly, and makes you feel welcomed the minute you walk in. Their crabs are meaty, and definitely live up to the size chart ( and they don't try to sneak other smaller sizes in on you ) and you have to try their cream of crab soup it is absolutely delicious !!! If you're looking for a cool out the way spot to eat some good food, then Fat Boys Crab Shack should be your next stop. read more

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For both Fat boys locations you need to make sure you separate the mushy crabs on a tray so you can get your money's worth. They will not give you replacements if the crab is mushy and all parts are not accounted for. Additionally, if they dig through your crab request for it to be replaced. Gloves or not. I refuse to eat any dish someone has put their hands on and tell me its safe to eat. read more

Fat Boys is the place to be! Nicolette, Aniya & the bartenders always do a phenomenal job! This is my place...make it yours. Casey and Avionnah are outstanding workers read more

Fat Boys Crab Shack - Seafood Near Me - Gambrills, Maryland

Visited Maryland and had to get some crab cakes. Yummy flavor & delish crab legs! Their French fries are yummy too, perfectly crispy on the outside & soft on the inside. The bartender, Danny, was phenomenal! Great drinks & extremely friendly! Not a super big place but cute & bright on the inside. read more

We were craving crabs, so we went to fat boys on 5/1/26. I ordered a dozen large crabs $105! When the crabs were brought to the table and my sister started to open/eat a crab it was very mushy! She opened crab #2 and 3 mushy!!! We called the waiter to inform the that the crabs were spoiled/bad. She said we will replace them, absolutely not, after opening 4 crabs. The manager Kumar came and actually was mad because I did not want the spoiled crabs! I want my money refunded. He was very unprofessional and rude. I contacted my bank to reverse the charge! Proceed with caution if you order crabs. We won't be going back! We are all seasoned crab lovers. read more

Low key under the trees. Great crab and fish and the hush puppies were freaking fantastic. Order up front and they deliver to your table. Kids playing on the playground in the back and biker's Harley's up front, come as you are. read more

I visited Fat Boys last Sunday. I really liked that they have an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy a meal and unwind with your family and friends. The ordering process was a bit confusing, but I understand that every place operates differently. It's similar to fast food where you have to place your order at the counter, and then your food is brought to you when it's ready. The crabs were really meaty and delicious. When I was there, I was informed that they only had Large and Fat Boy sizes. I'm not sure if this is a marketing tactic, but the crabs were still good. I gave 3 stars because of the fried oysters. I ordered fried oysters as an appetizer, but I noticed a lot of green and white stuff coming out of them. My family eats oysters all the time, so I knew this wasn't normal, but I didn't say anything. However, when someone in my group asked if they had raw oysters, they were told they don't serve raw oysters during the off-season. This made me wonder how they made the fried oysters if they didn't have raw oysters. Maybe I'm overthinking, but I wouldn't recommend the fried oysters. Oh, also, someone in my party received corn with mold on it. read more

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The server taking our order, told us he didn't trust the water and didn't recommend getting a drink from the soda fountain. We ordered a burger and some chicken tenders. The burger was basically a greasy hockey puck and the chicken was very over cooked and extremely dry. Very bad experience all around. read more

I remember years and years ago having some service issues in the original location at the intersection of Route 3 and Defense Hwy. Now, you can experience this one, which, I am thankful has two entrances into the rather small parking lot. There are trees right beforehand and it is so easy to miss that first turn! Anyways, this place runs a little different! Instead of having servers like the original location, you order food at the counter, take a number, and they bring it to you, regardless of where you sit. The food line allows for you to order literally everything except alcohol. Which leads to another point... at the time we went, I had a friend who was grabbing beer, and I just wanted some ice water, and it took quite a long time! There was only one bartender handling quite a few people. I appreciate he wasn't frantically running around and stressing out, but the slow moving line warranted some acknowledgement in my opinion. I hope there are more staff at peak time! It's Treat O'Clock... so while my friends got crabs, what did I get? A thick slice of chocolate peanut butter Smith Island cake. And was it fantastic?? Absolutely. Coming back for proper food later on. read more

Walked in for the first time and visited someone in Crofton. This was after the big snow storm. No one was at the restaurant. Only the bartender/server. We were not acknowledged or greeted. I asked if she was ok? She then told me she had to Uber to work or she would have been fired. Her car didn't have four-wheel drive and her community hadn't been plowed. I understood, but we are the customers. You could tell she was furious and didn't want to be there. We order lunch, the burger and grilled chicken sandwich. I also had a drink. The food came out in plastic baskets. Nothing was on the burger or the chicken sandwich not a condiment not lettuce tomato onion nothing we were never ask if we wanted anything on it. The food was horrible overcooked, etc. I would not recommend this place and I felt bad for the Bartender ‍ and her circumstances but also maybe she should've stayed home. I should've spoke up and complained, but I felt that it wouldn't have done any good. We paid our check and left and yes, I still left her a tip. She mentioned to me that the Uber cost $36 and she needed to make enough money in tips to at least cover that. In my opinion, the owners should've paid for her Uber in these circumstances, but she should've been more mature and done her job. read more

The crabs are yummy, I love happy hour and the bartenders are always friendly to me! I will definitely be back, Its a hidden gem in crofton I sneak away to the past 10 years... read more

I honestly did not know that this restaurant was here. I usually go to the one down the street. But decided to try something new this Sunday. There is quite a difference between them both. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy my time here as much as I thought I would. The jumbo wings are not jumbo at all. They are technically party size. Additionally the corn had mold on it. The fried oysters tasted odd. And when eggs did they have raw oysters, they said it was not the season for raw oysters. Which had us question what did we eat when they said they gave us fried oysters. My mom seemed to enjoy her fried fish and fries. And a friend said that the crab eggrolls were good. And of course, the crabs were a decent size and meaty. They only had large or fat boys that day. Overall, I would just go back for the outdoor seating . - I will bring bug spray and fly repellent next time too read more

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I came into town looking for crabs. Came across a tik tok video and people were ranting and raving about the garlic butter grilled crabs!!!! When I say Woooowwwww it was amazing! I also had oysters but that wasn't as good to me. But, I had also ordered Togo. I will definitely go back and try it again! This place is a must go to place EVERY-TIME!!! Service was great! I ordered on the phone. Great system in store. There's 2 parts the restaurant side and the carry out side. I love how it's separate. read more

Fat Boys Crab Shack - Garlic Butter Crabs !!! Amazing!!! - Seafood Near Me - Gambrills, Maryland

They have a very limited wine choices but was told I could purchase a bottle of wine at their liquor store which is connected to the restaurant and have it with my meal. I asked the clerk at the liquor store if they would open the wine or they would on the restaurant side. I was told it would be a $7 corkage fee for them to open it! That's pretty outrageous so I decided against the wine purchase. read more

The food was fresh and hot. I really enjoyed my lunch combo of cod fish with a side of French fries. The order taker/cashier was very patient and professional with our large group. Will eat here again. read more

It was okay! The crab legs were just plain and didn't have a lot of flavor and kind of cold.

Closing out the weekend with family at Fat Boys. We were looking for a goid place to get Crabs and assortment of see food . The service is self seating. We found a nice table where we could see the football game(s). The food arrives fairly quickly once seated. The place is a local hangout so it has the sports bar vibe...tables inside and outside and let me say the weather supported the outside venue. Overall the meal was OK. The oysters, fish, as well as the crabs were over done. We discussed with the manager who exchanged some of the king crab legs. The king crab legs were looked without old bay and as a result the flavor was not baked in. The old bay was provided in a small plastic container to pour on. We noticed the color of the exchanged king cracrab legs were completely different as well. Overall ok, but did not circle the bases...Maybe a double...but clearly not a triple. read more

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Soup 5/10 Shrimp 5/10 Crabs Little AF, hollow and MID Worst crabs in Maryland. And management? Chile please!!! Next read more

Seating is highboy table and chairs, along with regular seating around the perimeter of the room. You order your drinks, and food at the bar, you take your own drinks back to the table, (run a tab, you'll want to), and servers bring out your food when it's ready. Excellent service, drink specials (before 7:00), and appys, entrees, and crabs, The crab dip was off the hook almost to good, steamed clams were sweet, and the colossal blue point crabs were the best that I have had in many years. We ordered a round for three of our party of four of the nights's drink special, the Black Eyed Susan, which consisted of Tito's vodka, Jack Daniels, orange juice, and sour mix. Drink a couple of these if you like Long Island Ice Teas. they will take you for a ride. We'll be back, loved this place. read more

I'm torn because the crab cake sandwich was really good, full of fresh chunky lump crab meat. But the crab stew was a real disappointment! It tasted so sour. I could barely eat it. I let the server know but nothing came out of it. Oh well. read more

Fat Boys Crab Shack - Crab cake sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Gambrills, Maryland

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I'm going to go ahead and give them the full monty and I've only been here once because it was that good! First off the atmosphere is what I love that "Cheers" feeling where everybody knows your name type place. This places reminds me of one of my other spots I love that would be consider "a hole in the wall". These are the best places to go...usually good strong drinks and fire food! And yes Fatboys checks all those boxes! My friend who goes here often schooled me on how the process here goes. You have to order your food at the counter, pay and then take a number to an open booth, bar stool, or open table that's available. They did have plenty of sitting outside under some newly constructed tents probably due to Covid. Now the parking lot of extremely small so definitely get there early during the weekend. We did go on a Sat (5/29/21) but I guess because it was rainy like crazy even getting there at around 3pm we was able to get a spot. More people came afterwards so I know on a very nice day we might would have be our of luck on the parking. So we ordered a dozen of their large crabs and a pound of steamed shrimp. The crabs were fairly good sizes and heavy with the right amount of seasoning on them. And the shrimps were steamed perfectly as well. We ordered their famous grapefruit crushed which were banging. I didn't try for orange crush, but didn't much like that and just got another grapefruit crush. If you want to cut some of the sugar you can get both made "light"....I didn't but it's a good choice to have that option. So with all that being said I will have to make that trek from Woodbridge again to sample more that they have to offer. I was planning on trying out their clams and Cream of crab soup, but was too involved with the good time I forgot. And for some of you who are still a little scared to not have a mask on there's is no policy to have it on. So if you want you can but if not you can be free. I had no problem with that...but I know some people will. But to each their own right? read more

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Never! They dont fry, just broil. A waste time and money. Everyone does not like their crab cake broiled.

I have been here quite a few times. Tried different items on the menu & they do not disappoint. My favorites are the jumbo peel & eat shrimp with onions paired with a grapefruit crush! I ordered a crab cake sandwich too! It was no filler & very tasty. So good I forgot to take a picture. Kaitlyn the bartender makes really good drinks and gives great service. They even have a nice playlist that adds to the ambiance. I have been there on Sunday the past few weeks! I think I am becoming a regular! read more

Fat Boys Crab Shack - 1/2 lb Jumbo Shrimp with Onions - Seafood Near Me - Gambrills, Maryland

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Stopped by an old reliable seafood joint while passing through the Crofton area. Since the weather was super nice, it was jammed packed outside on a Friday afternoon leaving inside wide open for us. Masks are required inside while placing your orders but of course not while eating at your table. My girlfriend and I decided to order a handful of tasty appetizers to share that included Fire Cracker Shrimp, Crab Balls, Fish Tacos, and Crab dip which was more than enough after downing 2 Orange Crushes. The bartenders were fast making drinks and taking orders with customers respectful of maintaining a social distance. Oh yeah, most importantly they still have happy hour beginning at 3pm!! While unfortunately the majority of the restaurants have opted to forgo HH specials during such trying times in the restaurant industry. It was good to still be able to get a deal as some of us finally begin coming outside again. read more

Fat Boys Crab Shack - Fish Tacos, Fire Cracker Shrimp, Crab Dip, and Crab Balls - Seafood Near Me - Gambrills, Maryland

Walked into fatboys crab shack. It was busy and loud with people watching the football game having a good time. We were able to fiind a table and I ordered the fatboys crabs, steamed crab legs, fried shrimp, fried whiting fish and fried oysters. Everything looked really good however the fried oysters were fried a little to hard and the crab legs were over cooked. I spoke to the manager and he replaced the remaining crab legs that were not eaten. When the second batch of crab legs came out you could see and taste the difference. The whiting fish was really good it was served with french fries and tartar sauce on the side. The fried shrimp were ok they really didn't have a lot of flavor, it needed seasoning and the steamed broccoli was steamed really good it still has a crunch to it and full of butter and flavor. Know on to the steamed crabs, they were good the seasong was good and they were meaty some were a little over steamed which made them really watery. All-in-all I would return to try some of there other dishes. If you are ever in Gambrills Maryland check this place out. read more

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Walked in and sat for 20 minutes without being acknowledged by anyone and left. Not sure what else to say.

The crabs were pretty good but there were several bugs around in the dining room (table, wall, ceiling) which concerned me of what's in the kitchen. I did express to server that they need to exterminate (it's winter, I scared to see it in the summer). read more

So, went to Fat Boy's Crab Shack a week ago after a long hiatus. So my group ordered a dozen crabs and two of them were bad, so instead of the manager George taking our word he put on some gloves and started to examine the crabs. Everybody in the group was applauded by this method of anti-trust, by opening up the crabs and feeling the texture of the crab meat. In his crab expertise he decided that it's only one crab was bad and brought one back to the table. So the second crab that he open i guess he expected us to eat that, we looked at George like he was crazy. This will probably be our last time going there... This is Maryland...way to many crab spots to be this petty read more

My husband and I stopped at Fat Boys Crab Shack to grab a few drinks while out on our motorcycle ride. I've had a beer or two from here, but never the food. Well, that all changed on Saturday, July 5th. We got there around 8:15pm and seated ourselves in the outdoor area. I ordered the Cream of Crab soup, Fish Platter, which came with one side, Coleslaw. My husband ordered the Chesapeake Chicken Sandwich. First, the wait staff person was very rude. She didn't get our attention, she just simply started talking. We thought she was talking to the couple across from us because she never gave us eye contact or anything to let us know she was speaking to us. She was explaining (rudely) they were out of coleslaw and if I wanted to pick another side, which I did. Throughout our visit she continued to be rude as if she were ready for us to leave. It wasn't near the closing time of 11pm. Besides her rude behavior, the food was not good at all. The Cream of Crab soup and the fries (cold) that came with my husbands meal were the best things we had. The rest of the food was very over cooked and under seasoned. The fish (Cod) was so overcooked it pulled apart like beef jerky. My husbands sandwich was a sloppy, drippy mess. He couldn't even grab it without it falling apart. He end up eating his sandwich with a fork and knife. He only got through 1/4 th of the sandwich because again, the sandwich was tasteless, not seasoned and just nasty. We left there so disappointed in the meal and service. We will not return. read more

Stopped by because I was in the area. Ordered the crab cake, hush puppies and wings. I was pleasantly surprised. The crab cake sandwich only comes with bread and the crab cake but that's fine by me. They use a combination of lump and jumbo lump. The wings were pretty good as well. The hush puppies are sweet, just like I like them. I will definitely be back to try more of the menu. read more

Fat Boys Crab Shack - Honey barbecue wings - Seafood Near Me - Gambrills, Maryland

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Went here for a quick lunch one day recently. It's my second or third visit. Crabcakes are cool, drinks are ALWAYS ON POINT, service is commendable. Lunchtime specials are a great bargain. Light crowd both times I've went. read more

We drove from DC to get some good seafood. I will say that the crab dip and the cream of crab soup were amazing! Great consistency, flavor and tons of lump crab meat! I docked a star because the seating and the ordering process was not ideal. So it's seat yourself which is fine, but the register where you order and pay is in this narrow hallway, shared by all the people sitting inside and out. Since the majority of the patrons are outside, I recommend having an order station outside as well, they have several covered stations where they can set someone up! Unfortunately I cannot rate our actual means because the second our food was brought out, it started pouring rain, we ducked under a tree, then got some to go boxes and drove home. Cold, wet crab cake isn't the best, but maybe we will come back again to try it again! read more

Fat Boys Crab Shack - Probably the best cream of crab soup; look at all that lump crab! - Seafood Near Me - Gambrills, Maryland

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Their crabs are amazing. I have only gotten them to go but never had an issue with them. Always cooked perfectly. When dining in, I'm not a huge fan of the set up. Basically you order when you walk in, take a number and find a seat (good luck). Your food will be given to you when its ready, hopefully you found a seat by then. The overall look of the restaurant is okay, there are way too many gnats around the bar area. I love their hush puppies! The best I have had in a while. I also get their crab legs (nothing super special). I got their crab cake once and wasnt a fan. Although its meaty they put way too much egg or whatever they use for their sticking agent. The crab cake is very dense, seems like if I dropped it on the floor it would bounce. Their drink are pretty good though. read more

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Excellent hostess and service at this place. The staff was very friendly and patient with me. The bottom Of my crab cake was burned so I ended up having to cut the bottom 1/8 of an inch off of it. read more

What a joke. We used to live this place. Thought we would give it another try. First, no seasoning on the crabs. Next, asked for crab knives qnd told they ran out last month..... new ownership/management doesn't care. read more

Fat Boys Crab Shack - Where's the seadoning??? - Seafood Near Me - Gambrills, Maryland

A good go to spot for happy hour and crabs with pretty reasonable prices. Ordered the shrimp basket which didn't disappoint. Big butterfly shrimp, seasoned and breaded with an ice cold Sam Adam's is a go to. Wife had half dozen large male crabs which were hot, meaty and flavorful. Fries left something to be desired and the wait was pretty long for the crabs but overall, a good time. read more

Fat Boys Crab Shack - 1/2 dozen male large crabs - Seafood Near Me - Gambrills, Maryland

absolutely terrible customer service. placed an order to go and the wrong order was in the bag. after calling the restaurant to inform them and ask for a refund (rather than drive 20 minutes out of the way) they advised that the needed to wrong meal back in order to refund us our original order. it's not as if they are going to resell cold, fried seafood. after being regular customers throughout the years, the food quality and customer service has gone completely downhill. will not return and would not recommend. read more

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