This place had been on my radar for a while, but when I recently learned that Grappling Crab Shack was serving Crab Stuffed Deviled Eggs, there was no longer any point in delaying the inevitable. A crabby dinner needed to happen...immediately! I recruited an adventure buddy and we made plans to meet at Grappling Crab Shack's creekside home base on a rainy Saturday evening. We arrived around 5pm, about an hour before closing, and thanks to the rain, we had the place almost entirely to ourselves! If you've never been, Grappling Crab Shack is a local family-owned business specializing in fresh Maryland blue crabs, gourmet crab cakes, seasonal seafood specialties, catering and a food truck that travels throughout the area. It's one of those hidden gems that feels like you've stumbled onto a local secret. Since it was our first visit, we decided to do what any reasonable seafood lovers would do....order basically everything! First up were the Crab Stuffed Deviled Eggs ($18 for six). Holy. Cow! These were TREMENDOUS! The filling was loaded with crab, each egg was topped with a little bit of bacon and they disappeared from the plate embarrassingly fast. If you visit Grappling Crab Shack and don't order these, I genuinely think you're making a mistake! Next came the Cajun Jambalaya ($10) with chicken, smoked sausage, tomatoes, trinity vegetables and Cajun spices. This was excellent. Smoky, flavorful, and carrying just enough heat to let you know it was Cajun without setting your face on fire. My adventure buddy never once reached for hot sauce, which says a lot! Then came the Cheesy Crab Bites ($15). These might actually be my favorite surprise of the evening. Homemade crab cake mix blended with mozzarella, cream cheese and garlic, rolled in panko and Old Bay, fried until golden and served with a house remoulade. I'd choose these over mozzarella sticks every single day of the week! The cheese pulls were absolutely glorious, and the remoulade added the perfect tangy finish. Finally, we tackled the Gourmet Crab Cake ($17). This thing was HUGE! Made with fresh Maryland blue crab, it was beautifully seasoned, perfectly cooked, and held together much better than several crab cakes I've had recently. I'm actually glad we skipped ordering it as a sandwich because the crab cake itself deserved to be the star of the show. Our total came to right around $60, and considering how much food we ordered, plus the leftovers we both brought home, I thought it was money well spent. We grabbed one of the covered tables out back overlooking the yard and listening to the creek rush by. Despite the rain, it was a really relaxing place to enjoy dinner. I can only imagine how nice it is on a sunny summer evening. The staff couldn't have been kinder, bringing everything out to us with smiles and making us feel right at home. This place is an absolute hidden gem and one of my favorite seafood spots to have checked out in the last few months! I'll definitely be back, preferably on a dry evening when I can fully enjoy the creekside setting. If you love crab, seafood, or just supporting awesome local businesses, don't sleep on Grappling Crab Shack. And whatever you do...order the deviled eggs! read more

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Top-quality jumbo lump crab meat from one of the best sources (Hooper's Island/Hoopersville, MD). Quite an operation in Pennsylvania.

Grappling Crab Shack never disappoints! The crabs are always perfectly steamed and full of flavor, and the steamed shrimp are a great size--never overcooked. The fresh-cut fries could be a little thicker, but that's not their specialty, so it's all good. The service is always on point, and they make sure everything is just as expected. They also have great creekside seating and plenty of covered tables if you want to eat there and enjoy the view. Everything hits the spot every time. We are... definitely going back! read more

Tried this food truck at the Nissley Winery. Was pleasantly surprised at the nice flavor of the crab bites and spicy fries. Service was quick and the food came out hot. I would go back if they are at Nissley again. read more

I came to grappling crab shack with a friend I was in town visiting and I am obsessed! We purchased a dozen of the medium/large crabs and they were much larger than I expected, and just absolutely perfect. They were seasoned with probably the best old bay I've ever had, we also grabbed some remoulade and it was delicious. The staff were super friendly, and sitting down by the creek while we waited for our order was really lovely. I'm really looking forward to my next visit! read more

Great service and prices! The staff was friendly and threw in an extra crab to make a baker's dozen.

Stoped in here for lunch they didn't have any hot food today but they had ready to heat food available so I got a pint of the Cajun jambalaya got home heated it up and it was very delicious definitely seasoned nicely. read more

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Tried their new special of fish & chips tonight, while sitting at one of their picnic tables by the creek. The fried haddock was absolutely delicious, and you really can't beat the setting. I wish I could give them 10 stars! I sure hope they keep the fish & chips on the menu. read more

This is a little out of the way for most people I'd imagine, being in the middle of "downtown Lisburn" (Mechanicsburg almost at the end of 114 a little before it meets 382). It's worth the trip if you're after a great crab cake. The jambalaya is no slouch either. I've had spicier versions of it, but it's quite tasty. I can absolutely recommend the cheesy crab bites as well. They make a very good macaroni salad, but I'm a little more "traditional" in how I like this to taste. The crab seasoning is always a little surprising. It's not bad, but it's not my favorite. The cole slaw is exceptional. This place had an insanely long line downtown harrisburg during the 4th of July festivities last year, and it's clear why! read more

Their mobile crab shack was at my work and I was super excited for a great sandwich for lunch... For $15 dollars you would think you wouldn't get a shell in every bite, but I did, must have been my lucky day. Would have been great if not for the shells thrown in.... read more

Went to the food truck at arts fest '24. Crab fries were $10 and while light on meat and the cheese sank to the bottom (?) it was still pretty good. Crab cake $6 and idk what the heck I ate. The good, the size-while flat it was a pretty good size crab cake, I think they make it flat for sandwiches but traditionally (aka in DC/MD) it stays its classic shape regardless. Not good; I had two shells on the FIRST bite, crab is a food that does NOT need a bunch of added things this had a bunch of green specks and idk what it was but yeah no. You just need some old bay or Cajun or even a "crab seasoning" and leave it alone. There were no lumps in this at all which gives the impression that it's the "special" (or "claw") meat which nothing is wrong with that but you're supposed to mix it with lump. I know PA isn't the place to get crab but whew this was...anyway I'll continue to go back to my home state cause I won't be taking a chance like this again. Idk if their were other shells cause I didn't get many bites, I was gonna take it home to tear it apart and put in mac n cheese or something but my husband dropped it while we were leaving ‍ The guys at the food truck were nice though. Someone should add mustard to the condiments read more

Best fresh crabcakes in the Midstate area... It does not get any better! They personally catch the crabs during the week and they are literally as fresh as can be. You can call ahead and order... They include a nice little dipping sauce. Enjoy! read more

Excellent service - appreciate their timeliness on my large order, having it ready within 5 minutes of my preferred time.

Did a random stop-in on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and they were able to process our order even though they were likely busy! Friendly customer service and decent prices for PA hard-shell crabs. We thoroughly enjoyed our crabs in the sunshine on our back patio. We ordered a dozen medium crabs and a large jumbalaya. The crabs were good sized for mediums and extremely juicy! Sometimes the smaller sized crabs can be overdone and these were delicious. We will likely return for a family event later in the summer! read more

Grappling Crab Shack - Seafood Near Me - Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

My fiancé, mom and I adventured from York here. The best around we will easily make the 20 minutes drive. We had the crab cake, jambalaya, crab balls and fries. Everything was hot and very delicious! We will be coming back and even may order crabs in the future! read more

Being from Maryland, we are hard to please when it comes to crabs. We had them once last season and twice early in the season and we have been pleased every time. It's not hard to find but it comes up quick on the road so you might want to use your GPS so you don't miss it. It is set back from the road. Be sure to put in your order. They do sell paper which makes it so easy since we don't get a newspaper like in the old days. My husband enjoyed the crawfish too! read more

Grappling Crab Shack - Dozen medium and a pound of crawfish - Seafood Near Me - Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Just enjoyed a crabcake from Grappling Crab Shack in Hershey. Packed full of flavor (and tons of crab )! Sauce added had just a little zip which was just a perfect compliment without overpowering the delicate crab. Fried up on the grill but not dripping with grease (yeah!) Oh and the people at their stand, just the nicest. read more

Grappling Crab Shack - Seafood Near Me - Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Love these crabs! Just be sure to call ahead as they catch their crabs based on the requests they get. So if you want heavies or jumbos, call early in the week. Seasoning is spot on. Love it. As a Marylander, you can't get better crabs in South Central PA than with Grappling Crab Shack. Guys, you rock! read more

Ordered crabs to go.... Best crabs we had in the area in years.. appeared to have nice outdoor seating area along the creek

Great crabs. Great service. Totally happy with these guys.

Crab cakes were the best I've ever had, even when in Maryland. Coleslaw was amazing as well as the corn and crab chowder. Prices were great and had plenty of leftovers. Can't wait to get a bushel of crabs next time! read more

Great food! The crab cakes are amazing. I'm from MD and can say these are some of the best crab cakes I've had. The sauce they give with the crab cake is soo good too. The people who run this are super nice as well. I'd highly recommend giving them your business. Looking to get steamed crabs as soon as I can! read more

Probably the best Maryland Blue Crabs I have had. Call early in the week, to be put on list for heavies or jumbos. Owners head to Maryland - crabbing themselves. Crab cakes are all crab, no filler. You can eat there - they have outdoor picnic tables along the creek - or take home. Can stop off on your way down the creek on kayaks. Owner and staff are so nice. Even gave us waters to take with us on our kayaks. read more

Grappling Crab Shack - Heavies - Seafood Near Me - Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

We just found our new favorite carryout for steamed Maryland Blue Crabs & I can't believe it's in our backdoor! We happened to be driving by & decided to stop & check out this place. They told us that they only had females today due to the weather. Females are only $25 dozen so we thought what the heck let's try some. We are beyond impressed! These were the best hard shells we've ever enjoyed! They were fresh, hot, heavy, meaty, & seasoned wonderfully!! My husband jokingly said we could make a crab cake out of just one & I agreed with him. We spend a lot of time in Maryland & Delaware so we get to enjoy hard shells a lot. These are hands down the best ..simply put ..AMAZING! Call 1/2 hour in advance & they'll have them hot & ready. I can't wait to return to try their crab cakes!! read more

Grappling Crab Shack - Heavy & Meaty Female Steamed Maryland Blue Crab - Seafood Near Me - Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Stopped in last weekend for some blue crab and this place did not disappoint. We ended up buying a 1/2 bushel of their catch. These crabs were excellent and seasoned with the real deal; JO spice. I knew when I walked in the door I was at the right place. As a Maryland girl myself, I know quality crabs when I see them. We were able to eat right by the river and take the rest to go. We even tried their home made crab cakes which were all crab and excellent, I strongly recommend having the crab cakes with their home-made sauce, it is outrageously good. Tip: they have you covered for most everything else, but if you are eating there, bring ice cold drinks and a strong appetite. Many thanks to the crew for a great weekend treat, we'll see you again soon. read more

We visited this food truck during COVID, and let me tell you it was FANTASTIC! I was very cautious about crab cakes because I've had too many where it was mostly filler and no crab, not the case with Grappling Crab Shack! There is substantial crab meat in the cake, my kids loved the Fish Sticks, and the jambalaya was amazing; not too spicy but had a little heat to it. We will for sure visit once the location opens! read more

If I could give this place 10 stars I would, this place deserves an all around A+, taste, presentation, quality, and price point for the portion size is all on point. Their food truck visited my place of employment recently and I went TWICE during my shift. I honestly didn't believe anything could get better after having their jambalaya and crab cake sandwich with their PERFECT dipping sauce but then I had their cheesy crab bites, I was truly blown away. I'd pay double the price and still not complain because of how satisfying and delicious their food was. If you have a chance to eat here TAKE IT, you will not be disappointed! read more

The grappling crab is such a wonderful find!! Great live and steamed crabs! Great staff and owners. Would recommend to everyone!

Love their seasoning. Extremely fresh meaty crabs. Delicious large crab cakes, no visible filler. Sometimes sell out, so call ahead. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Highly recommend! read more

Best crab restaurant in central PA! They also have a food truck that comes to my employer, which is always a huge hit and a treat.

Cool place!! I was skeptical to see how they'd do. Owner is super nice and the crab is fresh and delicious!!!

The Best crabs and crab cakes we've ever had! They are a family owned business and it shows as the owner and staff are extremely friendly and welcoming!! Make sure to check out their mobile food trucks at local events too...their crab fries and poppers are amazing!!! read more

I would give them 6 stars if I could. I have eaten a lot of hard shell crabs in my life and these are the best crabs I've had in a very long time, maybe even ever. I have ordered from them several times to make sure the first wasn't a fluke and they have delivered excellent crabs every time. I have always pre-ordered and they were ready at the specified time on every occasion. Crabs have become quite pricey these days but Grappling Crab has the best prices and quality in the area. If they do not answer when you call, leave a message, they will call you back. They make it clear when you order that they do not accept credit cards so make sure you take cash or a check. read more

CRABS ARE ALWAYS PERFECT! I have had their crabs several times and they never disappoint. I have also had their crab cake sandwich and jambalaya, both are amazing. Great food, great people! read more

We treat ourselves once or twice a summer to crabs and this is hands-down the best place to get them! The guys are super nice, the prices are great and they are always fresh!! read more

Just got 1.5 dozen crabs and the service was excellent. The crabs were fresh, meaty, and delicious. Best place in Central Pa for fresh crabs. read more

Their crab cakes are excellent. This is a take out place and I had to order my crab cakes in advance. Expensive but very good.