Great service and great crabs for all you can eat .Our waitress was excellent and we were never waiting for more crabs

We had reservations for 5 people at Gus's Crab Shack on Father's Day at 3:30 PM and unfortunately had one of the worst dining experiences we've ever had. We ordered our drinks, one appetizer, and all five meals at the same time. Our sodas arrived quickly, but then the problems began. After 45 minutes, only one meal (a crab cake platter with fries and coleslaw) arrived. A second meal came out around the 60-minute mark, followed shortly after by our appetizer. At that point, three people at our table still had not received any food. After waiting an hour and a half, we asked to speak with Gus because our waiter, who genuinely seemed to feel terrible about the situation, was unable to get answers. Gus explained that one of their cooks had not shown up for work. While we understand that staffing issues happen, there had been no communication about the delay and no effort made to address the situation before we raised concerns. Gus told us the manager, Rebecca, would come over and take care of us. Unfortunately, that interaction made an already frustrating experience much worse. When we explained that we had been there for 90 minutes and only two of the five meals had arrived, her response was, "What do you want me to do about it?" When we pointed out that three people at our table still hadn't eaten, she replied that she "understood what we said the first time." The conversation felt dismissive and unprofessional. We asked for the check for the food we had actually received. Rebecca said she would bring it, but never returned. After waiting another 15 minutes, we finally got up and went to the bar area ourselves to request the bill. Our waiter saw us and quickly prepared it. Despite the excessive wait, the poor communication, and the fact that three members of our party never received their meals, there was no discount, accommodation, or acknowledgment from management. Staffing shortages happen, and delays can be understandable. However, poor communication and dismissive customer service are not. Our waiter did his best under difficult circumstances, but the management response ensured that this Father's Day dinner ended in disappointment. Unfortunately this is a local restaurant for us - we will not be back. read more

This place started out with great food and reasonable prices now the food and prices are terrible. The manger or owner verbally abusing the staff in front of guests. I bought the waitress meal because she was getting screamed at about what she ordered for her comp meal. I won't go back do too the disrespect for there employees and the food has degraded. Crabs are terrible and obviously reheated not cooked to order. Cold in the middle and smells like ammonia. It's going downhill fast read more

If you are not there for all you can eat, service is slow, no drink refill. I ordered a fried plate for the oysters, which they don't have, but never said anything. We gave you extra clams was the response I got. I would not recommend this place unless you are going for the all you can eat crab. read more

The band they had last Saturday night was very good. That is the only nice thing I can say. They probably had a larger crowd that they expected. That would be the only explanation for such slow service and bad food. They should have made people wait for a table instead of cramming them in like sardines. It took forever to give our order. Then it took over 1/2 hour to get our food. I'm allergic to crab so ordered salmon. The 2 sides i chose were coleslaw and corn on the cob. The salmon was overcooked and extremely dry. The corn was it it's husk. When I removed the husk, the corn was at room temperature. The coleslaw was good but came in a tiny plastic container. We had beers but I asked for water. It took 10 minutes for them to bring the water. It was in a plastic bottle and they charged us $2.50 for it. read more

There are some positives and some negatives to this place. The positives: outside bar/patio is fun in the warm weather and has great live music. The drinks are decent. The negatives: the food is subpar at best, even the crabs. We have been three times and ordered all types of food, and it has all been bad. Sometimes cold, sometimes flavorless, and mostly just bad. Also, they use AI for 100% of their marketing on social media. Their Facebook posts are complete AI slop, and it is a huge turn-off on patronizing their business. Half the time, their AI graphics don't even have the correct information on them... read more

Band was playing outside, sounded like they were sitting at my table it was so loud. The bass was really annoying. Wanted to order the fried seafood combo but it came with oysters which I don't like, asked if I could do a substitute was told no. Ordered the broiled seafood everything was good except for the scallops which were overcooked and rubbery. Waitress was new but very nice, handled everything perfectly. Pricey for what you got, probably won't go back unless I go for crabs. read more

Gus’s Crab Shack - a crab holding a can - Seafood Near Me - Port Penn, Delaware

Tried this restaurant after seeing some positive reviews and desperately seeking some seafood. It did not disappoint. Food: I'm a scallop lover and the amount, size and taste of the scallops were phenomenal. I paired it with the vegetable of the day and coleslaw. The veggie of the day was squash and zucchini while the coleslaw was just okay - I like my coleslaw chilled. Other members of my party had: fried shrimp basket, crab sandwich, clam strips and shrimp quesadilla. Everyone was happy and the seafood was fresh! The server was lovely and accommodating. Drinks were great. My parents who are local will definitely be back (and they're super picky on restaurants). read more

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Went here on a Saturday night and didnt realize they feature loud, live music. And it was not pleasant music, more like grunge metal. I guess the band for the evening was a biker gang. We took our entrees to go because it was so loud. The food was overpriced and bland to say the least, but we were hungry so we just ate it. Also, the tap water they serve tastes like bleach, management should use a proper filter because the water tasted so awful we had to go to a gas station to buy some. Maybe it is intentional to get you to buy booze. read more

We are current return patrons.,in the past couple months the service has increasingly gotten worse, not the personalities or the attempt to try to serve the guests. But by the fact that they have only 2-3 servers on staff during busy times and instead of assigning them one side of the restaurant each, they have these servers constantly running from one side to the other. This leaves customers waiting extremely long to even get initially noticed let alone served. By the time we got our food it was cold. We have currently been waiting over 35 minutes to get served a coke and a bottle beer, along with our check. Right now the only thing this place has going for it is the crowd it draws for the live music. read more

Biggest and Best Crabs around!! And they have great bands. We go to Gus's a couple times a month. Love this place!

It was over 100 degrees and couldn't even get my elderly mother water, over an hour waiting they just walk past and look... They are slow and maybe understaffed if this happens to customers. Wasn't an enjoyable experience. Wouldn't recommend. read more

Went here for my birthday with my wife and I must say it was the worst seafood I've EVER had in my life. We ordered dungenous crabs and stuffed flounder with crab meat paired with roasted veggies and roasted potatoes. The crabs were not seasoned just steamed so absolutely no flavor at all. The fish was not seasoned either. The veggies were severely overcooked and the roasted potatoes looked like an old man's testicles. Such a horrible culinary experience I will never return to this place read more

Gus’s Crab Shack - Dungenous crabs and their roasted potatoes - Seafood Near Me - Port Penn, Delaware

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So I went to this place by chance. It was Father's Day and knowing any place would be crowded. We got there around 3 pm and the dining room was about 70% full. I was informed by a pretty young ignorant girl that she was unable to seat a party of three due to the fact she had reservations at 5pm for those open tables. She offered for us to go outside. So I asked I just need to go out there thinking she would seat me. She rudely said that's your choice. I was pretty unhappy. Nevertheless we picked an table outside. There was a great southern rock band warming up. We ordered clam strips and 18 crabs and dinks. The drinks were excellent the crabs were also great. If it weren't for the great crabs good drinks I would give this place a thumbs down. Otherwise I would rate this 31/2 stars. If the young hostess wasn't so unaccounted they would have received more stars. read more

Excellent crabs! Big and meaty. Sides are okay. Good beer selection. Have been several times and will return. Great family friendly place. read more

Gus’s Crab Shack - Crabs - Seafood Near Me - Port Penn, Delaware

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First time at Gus's... Great Atmosphere. They had a live band outside, but we ate inside. Wait staff was super friendly and helpful. Food was delicious! Crabs were probably the best I've had in a long time. Shrimp, corn, drinks all were really good! Totally recommend Gus's and will be going back!! read more

Gus’s Crab Shack - Seafood Near Me - Port Penn, Delaware

The crabs were bought takeout. They were really tasty and seasoned well. They were steamed perfectly. Now for the bad. We ordered 1 1/2 bushels. Total 108 crabs number one males. They bring out two light boxes stating they put half n each box. Well we knew better but tried to give the benefit of the doubt. So we sit down and guess what we had 72 crabs. They put half a bushel into each box. For the price this was unacceptable and really down right dishonest. The extra half we were missing cost us 150 dollars. Now we have no way of proving it but today they lost a customer and all of my family members and friends as customers. This is a shame that the company does business this way. I'm done with the rant I'll be moving on to a more reputable company. Money is too hard to come by. Buyer beware. It's not the quality it's not the food it's about the deceptive business practices. Thank you for listening read more

Went with family for crabs and beer and Gus stopped to check on us. The crabs were delicious, we had corn and fries, clams and shrimp. What a terrific meal. The service was prompt and very efficient. I highly recommend Gus's Crab Shack for casual seafood lovers. read more

Overpriced horrible food and the rudest staff I've ever come across. Do not waste ur money on this place! Watching staff treat customers made me suck to my stomach SMH read more

Excellent food and drinks and atmosphere!!! Brands are SOOOOO good! Seriously, worth the stop!!!

Had been here before for beers. Tonight was AYCE crabs. We did not have them. Place was crowded. Our server "Liz" was her first night and was great putting up with us. Crab cakes, chicken breast and soft shell sandwich were good. read more

OMG! What a bunch of back woods banjo playing "Asshole's" is what it should be called! First off I should have expected this from grammar. Drove an hour with the family after seeing it opens at 4:00 on Yelp! They said "No! 5:00 and sent us (wife plus 2 kids) at 4:45. I've spent my life in family restaurants, being Greek and having family in restaurants, and I couldn't give any better advice to permanently lose a customer and everyone of my family members that live in Middletown (who recommended this place but never actually went there). Now I will make sure they never go! read more

Amazing food ! Freshest seafood we've found in Delaware / steak cooked to perfection. Staff very friendly and owner checks in with everyone . Worth a trip !! read more

I've given this place multiple chances. This was strike 3. Very disappointed at how this place treats people. When you hire a band to play who makes every effort to show up, despite having 1 member out due to medical reasons, you do not tell them to pack up and go home after they have played a 1st set just because they brought a fill in. The fact that they wanted to still play here after lack of marketing is beyond me. The band was there early to set up and you saw them!! You were there acting important driving around on your golf cart. A few other tables, as well as ours, left and went to another establishment because of your unprofessional actions. Also...the owner did not pay the band for playing, or even offer partial payment. This guy has no idea how to treat people. No wonder they can't keep wait staff in there. Poor girl was overworked running her butt off!! She was great. The food is ok at best. There are many better places to eat for the money. The food took a while to come out and wasn't very warm at that point. I won't wish any bad on anyone but i hope this guy gets his stuff together and learns how to run a business...all aspects of it. Or at least hire people who do. You just lost quite a few customers because of your actions and lack of caring. read more

The crabs have been good and flavorful every time I've been. They are good sizes and the prices are reasonable. The staff has always been helpful and attentive. I've eaten in more than I've taken out but both have been good experiences. read more

Horrible. If I could give zero stars, I would. The owner, Gus, is the worst business man. I came and brought my family to see a band, that he stopped after 3 songs because their lead singer didn't make it, even though they had made arrangements for a great show. If you're a local band do not play this venue. I wouldn't even suggest you be a patron of this place, as the food is sub par and he cannot retain staff. The few hands on deck are so overwhelmed & backed up. May check out again if under different ownership. read more

We went there Thursday 6/30/23 and had an awesome time the people were great and the steamed crabs were cooked perfectly. The place was clean and bright inside, which made a great atmosphere for eating crabs .We will be going back read more

We loved the crabs! We got a doz colossal and they were worth it. Also great clam strips and fries. 1 LB of snow crab a little pricey but very good. Will definitely come back! read more

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Great food, friendly service and atmosphere. The Crab Cake sandwich and steamed clams were excellent!

Delish! Warm crabs and butter. Snow crabs were full of flavor and loads of meat. Great service too! read more

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A great venue with a fantastic staff and owner. They go out of their way to take care of customers to make sure you get your orders as fast as possible. The food is served hot and with a smile. They keep check with you to make sure everything is okay and if you need anything else. The owner, Gus, does his best in providing the best entertainment that he can find for your enjoyment inside and outside on his 3 stages. The venue is clean and neat inside and out. Also, the owner, Gus goes around to meet his guest to make sure they are happy and listen to any ideas and suggestions. read more

Went to Gus's on Saturday they had three bands playing. There was a coverage charge for the second band, but none listed for the first or third band. My boyfriend who has cancer decided he wanted to go see his friend who is playing drums for the first band, so it was outside we sat down first we had security person come to us and say there's a $10 per person cover charge. I told him I did not see that on the website. So we told him we weren't staying long. We just wanted to say hello to the drummer. Security guard who is very nice said OK and walked away. Next thing we know the owner Gus comes up to us and said I'm going to stop the band so you can say hello and leave he made us feel very unwelcome. I originally wanted to go see the band playing today for Mother's Day, but I will not be back there, and I don't know if I'll ever return there. I can't believe the rudeness by the owner I did call and spoke to, I believe his wife on the phone and told her how I felt and that I frequent their establishment, but I don't think I'll be back. I never saw an owner of a business treat customers the way he does. His wife was very nice and apologetic on the phone, but that doesn't negate what he did and how he made us feel. read more

NO STARS WAS MY CHOICE BUT HAD TO CHOOSE! IN ORDER TO REVIEW!! Won't go again!!! The owner doesn't care about patrons, their safety or employees. That was clear to everyone when we were there. The band that was playing was named "Just Because" they are from delaware and were really good had the crowd involved and all. Well the owner or man we encountered via his staff (Robert-owwner 1of2) was very unprofessional. While enjoying music and waiting on out food he sent out a lady to stop band from playing any more. Well my self and alot of other patrons were confused by this since we really all were enjoying the band. We left once the band was told to stop. So did mamy many others. Come to find out.... It was because the singer that sings wasnt there. The back up singer was not there. Well original singer may of been in contact with covid so she didnt want to infect anyone else or their children. Band used thier back up Singer for this reason. Aka as everyone safety. Owner must not care about the safety or health of others. We wont return. .. nor will family and friends... ! read more

The service was slow but it was busy, so I was not entirely upset over that. They can't handle big crowds and they're drastically understaffed. The MAIN reason for the 1 star review - the bigotry that was over heard outside was uncalled for and definitely directed towards us. The bikers love to gang up and run their mouth with their confederate flag waving attitudes that still exist. The restaurant seems to cater to a certain crowd and that's fine, but keep your racist comments to yourself. Not a place for our race!!! read more

The food and service was good. We will be going back and taking friends with us. Crab Cakes, Crab Soups and Steamed Shrimp.

We had a wonderful experience at Gus's crab shack! Staff was very warm and accommodating. Ordered the steak and it was absolutely delicious, best steak we've had in a long time. Shrimp and crab soups was delicious too!! Will definitely be back! read more