Joe's Crab Shack

3.4 (1.3k reviews)

ModerateSeafood, American

Open • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

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Joe's Crab Shack - Seafood Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Joe's Crab Shack menu photos

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JOE'S CRAB SHACK ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

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Outside

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Casual

Classy

Loud

Good for kids

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Natalie B.

Our waitress Sarah is what made this experience so great. She was as the only one serving when we got there during lunch hour. She did a great job to greet everyone and take orders. She had such a good positive energy. We got stuffed mushrooms. They were so good and then a seafood boil to share. The seafood boil was decent. It's a lot of food and was perfect for 2 of us to share. In fact we didn't finish it all but close to it. We will be back and hopefully when we go back Sarah will be working again.

My sea food boil that costed the same $$

Was at Joe's Crab Shack for my birthday, in hopes that this time it's not horrible food and service. I ended up ordering a sea food boil expecting a whole thing, when it got too my table it was very small for 50$, let alone barley any taste other than a very spicy sauce (I asked for medium and it was very spicy, I know how medium should taste, I should not be snuffling at all and I'm not sensitive to spice I just didn't want it spiced up), I didn't like it and sent it back. Then I went home and made my own which costed me the same amount as it would if I went and ate there.

We went for dinner tonight for my birthday and we had an AMAZING server Madison. She was on top of everything, great personality she made me dress as a butterfly so everyone could sing happ birthday. I think by far she has the 2nd best server we've had. We even stayed to watch the other birthday guest just to see what she picked out for him. Thank you again Madison for a great experience and birthday

Angela C.

I really wanted to love this visit because it's been years, and we always stroll past it at the harbor but the experience ended up feeling pretty middle-of-the-road. Our server, Michelle, was kind, but we rarely saw her, and even simple things like water refills took a while. The calamari came out dry, and the kids' pizza was... rough. It looked like spaghetti marinara poured on top of a crust and left under a heat lamp a little too long and oddly, it was brought out last, after our crab boil and my Captain's dish. With a $120 tab and no alcohol, it just didn't match the quality or service we hoped for. I hate saying it, because I genuinely wanted this to be a nostalgic return, but I don't think we'll be back.

Mitzy M.

First time at Joe crabs shack and it definitely lived up to the hype. We ordered two queen boiled crabs, one cajun and one captains secret sauce and both were so good. Rich, buttery, perfectly balanced flavors that didn't even need extra seasoning. My mom had the Creole glazed salmon and loved it. The vibe is warm and very family friendly, with cute shark decor throughout. Service was also great, everyone was kind and welcoming. Will definitely be back.

Chad T.

Stopped in today 03/15/2026 . for Dinner my sister treated me to dinner for my Birthday. Witch in the 03/19. Have the losbster boil later had lobster tail shrimp and bacon rapped shrimp. And crab cakes . Food was delicious. Staff was professional and polite they did a. Good job. This is the second time I been to a Joe's Crab shack. I recommend trying the. And I be back again .

Don't sleep on this place, it's a 10/10!! Came here while visiting on vacation, and I'm glad we did. The sea food is fresh, the sauce is amazing and they give just the right portions. Other seafood boil places the sauce is mostly oily and runny, BUT Joe's sauce is nice and thickly packed with flavor. Recommend Joe's Famous Boils, The Cajun with mild garlic sauce. I also really like that we got to take home the piña colada cups as a souvenir!! Thanks Joe, will definitely be coming back next time.

Each item was delicious but took 45 mins and never got a refill. Took extra 30 for son's dish

Tia M.

Why is the service so bad here. It's embarrassing. We had guest fly in and we waited to give them a harbor view with a yummy meal and great service. 2/3 ain't too bad. But the service was so incredibly slow that we were completely forgotten for 30 mins at a time. Drinks were not refilled, we were given the wrong thing multiple times. He was nice when he did come around, but was MiA most the night. My Crab was perfect. Seriously. Corn too. Mashed potatoes with cheese n bacon, best I've had. Seriously. Asparagus was very flavorful. My raspberry tea was just ok. I never got a refill though. Was tired and past ready to leave and took 15 mins to get my raspberry to go. My daughter's crab was dirty looking and so gross. She didn't eat it. I shared mine with her. So she got a cheeseburger, which took 45 mins to get. He forgot her oranges twice and she had specifically asked what type of Mac n cheese they have and he said Kraft. He brought some spicy gross breaded Mac n cheese that was NOT Kraft but replaced it with the Kraft. But it took 30 mins. My son got the cheeseburger meal. He asked for a plain cheeseburger, just bun meat cheese and got a hamburger. We waited 45 mins for cheese. No exaggeration. Poor guy was patient for a while but we were all eating and he had to just wait. Guy kept forgetting so he brought a fresh cheeseburger, but 6 of us had already finished eating when he finally got his food and yup, his oranges were forgotten. They got a cool shark drink. That was fun. Server was super patient explaining it to the kids how it works. Like I said when he was there, he was nice. Drink is beyond sugary but it's a kids shark drink, kinda expected that. Husband dish was fine. His soup was fine. The two Couples we brought got fried dishes and their dishes came out 35 mins before ours. So if you are in a hurry I suppose fried is the way to go. We asked for kids dessert to go 3 times. He came with it plated and we were shocked, we asked is that the TO GO dessert we asked for? He said yes and served the kids. We were so tired and had our left overs boxed up and paid. We really wanted the dessert to go. But we knew waiting for to go containers would take 30 minutes so then eating it would be faster. We'd love to bring ppl here but a year ago it was horrible service so we stopped coming. We hoped it would be better. Why can't this place get workers who serve well? Our guest won't be returning and I don't blame them. The other families we brought got last year won't ever return either. We even took a year break. The crab is so yummy, but kids meal crab was trashy looking and tasted ruined. We were still charged for it. Such a mess. So avoidable. A-One Chinese restaurant in Vista has absolutely delicious crab bake. And impeccable service. Go there. Oh and link the owner posts doesn't work. No one ever responded

Elena B.

I ordered the steak, shrimp, and crab legs.. the shrimp and steak were overcooked. My kids order the boil and ate every single thing off the plate! Our server was very funny and helpful.. she would disappear for a little bit, but then come back after a while. But she was super nice so that made up for it. We were seated outside and had a great view of all the boats and the light house. The music and decor were great! All of it was a vibe. Even brought back home our cups that light up!

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Manuel G.

7 months ago

Joe's Crab Shack was a fun stop with great food and an even better atmosphere. The seafood was fresh and flavorful, and everything came out hot and well prepared. The staff was friendly and kept things moving smoothly, which made the whole experience easy and enjoyable. Sitting by the harbor just added to the vibe and made it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal. Definitely a spot we would come back to again. read more

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John W.

1 year ago

Katie K makes the best margaritas and the vibe is has Oceanside views. Secret little spot come check it out! read more

Joe's Crab Shack - Margaritas and menus here at Joe's Crabshack - Seafood Near Me - Oceanside, California

Joe's Crab Shack - Katie K at the bar fixing us all amazing drinks! - Seafood Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Eric B.

4 months ago

Our server was so Amazing, her name is Rylee you should get her for maximum experience

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Sawyer A.

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Laura M.

10 months ago

I just cannot say enough about the sweetest bartender Sarah! She is just so AWESOME! Ty so much for the wonderful customer service

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Matt T.

4 months ago

Quick and friendly service from Madison. The food was delicious and we were able to partake in the fabulous happy hour drinks. The view of the harbor was the icing on the cake. read more

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Sawyer A.

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Jose T.

4 months ago

Friendly, fun and very attentive! Must visit Madison for great service and a memorable meal with friends and family with an incredible view!

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Sawyer A.

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Rezana M.

4 months ago

The food was great! Our server Aaniyah was absolutely awesome. She was welcoming, energetic, and attentive every step of the way. She most definitely has what it takes to be an amazing manager! Thank you Joe's Crab Shack for great food and amazing service!! read more

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Sawyer A.

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Rebecca C.

3 months ago

Our waitress Michelle was amazing, and funny. We loved being served by her and we will come back when we visit San Diego again

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Sawyer A.

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Britni R.

4 months ago

Nikki is so friendly, accommodating, and gave us great service! 10/10 we will be coming back.

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Sawyer A.

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Jenna T.

4 months ago

Aaniyah was amazing!! She was so sweet and made sure we had everything we needed! She provided some of the best service we've had!!

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Sawyer A.

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Oscar S.

10 months ago

Great food, great service and amazing ambience, totally recommend the restaurant . Definitely coming back

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Ivan M.

8 months ago

Today's experience at Joe's crab shack was amazing, we had an amazing service provided by this wonderful young lady Katie whom not only gave us the best service but also treated us like family! The food was delicious! The place is wonderful and the view is amazing' read more

Joe's Crab Shack - Best server - Seafood Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Layne S.

4 months ago

I had not been to Joe's Crab Shack in years i was t impressed back then so I decided to try it again Today a little before noon I went them because the view is great A man brought me two menu s One with specials and a dinner menu I looked over it twice and could not find a lunch menu The waitress came and I asked don't you have lunch menu s She said we do but we are not allowed to give them unless asked for I could not believe what I heard I said it is lunch time isn't is automatic She said we are u dear new management they won't allow us to give them unless some one ask for them This is outrageous the food still not very good and now the greed is worse read more

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Christina S.

Elite 25

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11 months ago

The service was great! We had Brooke and she was attentive and very friendly. Our food was yummy- steak and shrimp and Parmesan crusted flounder. We even had a chocolate cake!!! We haven't eaten here in a while and thought we try it and it didn't disappoint! Come on over and have some yummy food! read more

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Angie R.

4 months ago

First visit, visiting from Reno NV. Amazing food ! Great prices ! Outstanding costumer service ! Amazing vibes from the two girls from Sarah and other girl (starts with an H) . My son turned 8 years old and said it was his best birthday dinner. Thank you soooo much great experience for my son. read more

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Sawyer A.

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Raquel G.

105

8 months ago

Came in for a glass of wine and some crab, and it was delicious portions were great and atmosphere was very fun. Service was excellent, Sarah behind the bar is full of energy and so attentive! I will be back to see her very soon. Thank you! read more

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Alexis J.

5 months ago

Food & drinks were good. We sat at the bar. The place was crowded, loud and busy but good.

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Orland L.

10 months ago

Amazing! First and foremost, the greeting we got from the hostess was superb sat at a wonderful table by the windows, overseeing the marina. Afterwards our server, Diego, came by and gave us the best service you can imagine! From popular drinks where you get to keep the glass you drink from, to the amazing crab, boil where lessons can be given to the boil, newbie, and everything else on the menu was just superb. Again, a shout out to Diego, our server and to the hostess! Bonus tip: if you have a little one, the environment is kid friendly with a gift shop in the corner and plenty of things on the ceiling and on the wall to mesmerize yourself with and take picture too! read more

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Ritwick S.

10 months ago

Darian was excellent. My wife and I had a great time, and it was worth the drive from Lake Elsinore.

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Calvin G.

1 year ago

The food was amazing! My server was Becca, she was wonderful and super friendly! We could talk for hours but ofc she was working, she was on top of everything even got me hooked on my favorite drink forgot what it was. The mood of the place was really nice, a lot of birthdays happening lol. I sat outside which it was cloudy but still a beautiful evening. I will say gotta make a reservation on certain days or nights, I can tell it gets packed at points. But all in all, great restaurant! read more

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Jacqueline T.

Elite 26

293

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2 years ago

Had a lovely afternoon in Oceanside and wanted to try this place. Sat outside enjoying the nice ocean breeze and had wonderful service. Everything we ate was very good. read more

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Sawyer A.

Hi Jacqueline, thank you for choosing to dine with us, as we know you…

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Keila R.

11 months ago

Brooke is an awesome server! Super professional, attentive, but also fun and great vibes. The food was good but the service made the experience better. read more

Joe's Crab Shack - decor - Seafood Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Doreene M.

117

1 year ago

Stopped in yesterday to have a few drinks with family and James was very helpful. He has a dry sense or humor but a very nice guy. He made us some great drinks just off our suggestions and service was great. Would come again. read more

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Cynthia H.

5 months ago

Such a great experience for ocean front dining with great service. Maximus went above and beyond to make sure our food was delicious, drinks were filled and all needs met. Even my kids knew his name and he made a fun interaction for their kids drink they totally loved. Sara came by and offered to take pics and just ensured the hospitality was over the top the entire visit. Food came out quick and the kids entrees were adorable. Absolutely highly recommend coming to Joes for some good food and hospitality. read more

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Sawyer A.

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Yasmeen S.

11 months ago

love this place and always have a great experience. wait staff is always on point and food is always perfect. The vibes are perfect after a day at the beach. love the Cajun crab and the calamari! read more

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Ty W.

332

10 months ago

Darian is the best!!! He made sure to make us feel welcomed and was attentive to our orders! 5star service!!

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Jackie G.

Elite 26

155

2 years ago

Me & my fiancée are regulars & usually celebrate my hubby's birthdays, & there's one server we always get but I forgot her name. A few weeks ago we had a server named Sam I believe & got introduced to Ruben. Ruben is one of the managers & today, Ruben recognized us. I think we finally got recognized as regulars since we love this place. Ruben is great & he's always making sure we're good! The server we had today, did not make us happy but Ruben was definitely making sure we were great. Just wanna say thank you to Ruben for also helping us become a member. The food is absolutely delicious! We always get the Atlantic steam pot, the sampler that comes calamari, chips and dip & some style of cheese balls! The kids foods are pretty great & decent size. The atmosphere is always great too! read more

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Leiah P.

10 months ago

Aniya was awesome and gave such great service, definitely made the experience worthwhile! Food was just as good!

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Moon K.

5 months ago

Maria is so kind and thoughtful serving for us. Love her service! And pretty detailed explanation helps me to decide on menu.

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Sean C.

5 months ago

James and Sarah were great! The service was incredible and they Were so friendly. highly recommend Joes crabs at the shack in Oceanside. request James and Sarah. read more

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Janet K.

10 months ago

I was back in town again the other day and made my monthly stop at Joe's. Was very happy to see our favorite bartender,Katie ! She is always so pleasant and kind regardless of how busy she is! Look forward to next month's visit!! Thanks again Joe's for another great visit and for the friendly staff!! read more

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Sawyer A.

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Stacie W.

10 months ago

Brooke and the rest of the staff did and amazing job. We mentioned we were visiting the area and Brooke went above and beyond! The food was perfect and scenery picturesque. read more

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MJ F.

6 months ago

Our waitress Aaniyah was great. Very personable and accommodating. She served us well.

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Kel V.

5 months ago

I've never met someone more attentive than Sarah. So much fun, great vibes. I'm really glad I showed up. Thank you, Sarah!

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Annette L.

1 year ago

We live in the IE and we haven't had Joe's in forever. We came to the Oceanside location and everything was amazing. The staff here went above and beyond. They all have great attitudes and were so awesome! We will definitely make the trip back. Claire and Zach were so amazing! read more

Joe's Crab Shack - Old school turtle sundae! - Seafood Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Miranda Taylor R.

5 months ago

My bestie and I went out tonight (Friday night) for the start of our girls weekend and sat at the bar. Our night was awesome and more than we could have hoped for due to the bartender that night Sarah!! She created such a good atmosphere and was not only personable with everyone but also very attentive and made amazing drinks. Even though she was the only one behind the bar that night you wouldn't even be able to tell (possibly an octopus? Lol) Would definitely come back!! read more

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Johnny L.

2 years ago

We had the most wonderful experience tonight at Joe's Crab Shack in Oceanside, Ca ! The food was delicious but what stood apart was the service !!! Cheryl was the best waitress I think I've ever had ! The cherry on the Sundae was her manager Eddie was also amazing! They both went above and beyond and we had the absolute best time !!! 10/10 ! Highly recommend !! We will be back !!! read more

Joe's Crab Shack - Joes Crab Shack in December ! The cutest photo opp/backdrop - Seafood Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Sawyer A.

Hello, thanks so much for sharing your experience with us. We hope to…

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Kevin M.

131

468

1 year ago

outstanding service from Katie B and James!!! Thank you ! Scenic view of the harbor is epic as well ! read more

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Joseph C.

5 months ago

Jordan was the absolute best server we have ever had. The epitome of timeliness and niceness. He made our experience truly amazing.

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Russell B.

5 months ago

Worst dining experience in many years! Do not go here. Family of four went in for lunch. Waitress acted like she barely spoke English, implied she didn't understand, wasn't allowed to make substitutions. My son's cheeseburger was dry and over cooked, my daughter's shrimp still had poop lines in them. My wife's crab cake was wet and mushy, crab legs were over cooked and dry, and the pasta Alfredo sauce was watery, with no flavor. Literally yellow water over pasta. My steak had zero seasonings, no salt, no pepper, nothing. They also forgot half my food or grabbed the wrong plate in the window. My shrimp scampi was bland just sitting in olive oil, and the green beens were so heavily salted I couldn't eat them. But, the didn't mess up the broccoli. We passed on free kids ice cream. The waitress was polite enough, but not really present or available. I decided to tell the manager about our experience, he was just as bland, and unconcerned as the quality of our lunch. Like talking to a blank slate with no one home. Save your money, do not go here. Eat anywhere else, anything else. read more

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Page 4 of 32

314 Harbor Dr
Oceanside, CA 92054
Directions
(760) 722-1345
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.joescrabshack.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Joe's Crab Shack open?

Joe's Crab Shack opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Joe's Crab Shack close?

Joe's Crab Shack closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Joe's Crab Shack take credit cards?

Yes, Joe's Crab Shack takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Joe's Crab Shack have catering options?

Yes, Joe's Crab Shack does have catering options.

Does Joe's Crab Shack have a happy hour?

Yes, Joe's Crab Shack has a happy hour.

Does Joe's Crab Shack serve alcohol?

Yes, Joe's Crab Shack serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Joe's Crab Shack allow dogs?

Yes, Joe's Crab Shack allows dogs.

Does Joe's Crab Shack have TVs?

Yes, Joe's Crab Shack has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Joe's Crab Shack have bike parking?

Yes, Joe's Crab Shack has bike parking.

Does Joe's Crab Shack have outdoor seating?

Yes, Joe's Crab Shack has outdoor seating options.

Does Joe's Crab Shack have parking?

Yes, Joe's Crab Shack has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does Joe's Crab Shack have free WiFi?

Yes, Joe's Crab Shack has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Joe's Crab Shack offers a variety of favorites from all parts of the sea and shore. From its extensive menu, guests can choose from buckets of seasonal seafood, fried shrimp platters and fish dishes, as well as options from the "mainland" that include steak, sandwiches, and chicken. Guests can indulge in over-sized and creative cocktails, such as the Shark Bite which is playfully garnished with a shark toy. Since its inception, Joe's popularity has stemmed not only from its menu, but also its retail store. With various pieces of merchandise for purchase, including the ever-popular tie-dye T-shirt with the phrase "Peace, Love and Crabs," Joe's has become synonymous with the word "fun." Unforgettable moments await at our Oceanside location and across the nation!

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Health Score

Ask the Community - Joe's Crab Shack

Happy hour menu looks great. Is it only for barstool seating or are there also tables in the bar area?…

Happy hour can be served throughout the restaurant. Not just the bar top or bar area. Yes, we do take Laundry's gift cards.

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Do they have a Happy Hour?

Yes. Happy Hour is Mon-Fri from 3-7pm and 9pm to closing.

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Is your property wheelchair accessible?

Yes it is wheelchair accessible. You'll have to use the curb to get to their entrance and then there's an elevator to get to rooftop seating (if desired).

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Is there a private parking lot?

There is a free parking lot right next to the restaurant.

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Do they have a party room?

They have a veranda that is closed off from the rest of the restaurant. Convenient so kids can play without disturbing others

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Explore benefits

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Loved the Havana affair Bowl, especially the plantains , so yummy. I always get the fish tacos, so…read moredelicious . The vibes are always good here and I enjoy the nice breeze on the outside patio. 10/10 would recommend.

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The Plot

Absolutely delicious! The food was incredible, and Austin, our incredibly hospitable waiter,…read morerecommended some of his favorite dishes. One of them was the chicken shawarma, and it was so good! We were able to grab a charming spot outside near their garden, where they actually grow some of the fresh ingredients used in the dishes. Such a cool touch! They also offered a variety of sauces, all of which were delicious. Even the habanero sauce was surprisingly approachable, full of flavor without being overly spicy. The atmosphere was beautiful, the aesthetic was amazing, and the overall experience was fantastic. I would definitely come back.

We go and do Restaurant Reviews & attend special events at The Plot quarterly with my groups San…read moreDiego Foodies and Carlsbad Foodies. This time around, it's just the family for Mother's Day. Since I know my food, the table let me order. Fresh hand cut thick long French Fries without a ton of seasoning or oil arrived: one with a cashew cheese truffle sauce, one with no salt, and one salted as requested. My daughter loved her reuben. I loved my blt. The two Caesar salads for the table disappeared quickly because their dressing is unbelievable! Let's see .... what didn't we eat is probably smarter than what did we eat. Beet ketchup, The C Word (braised cabbage), a couple of cronic sushi rolls, and there was a special lemon creme brûlée. Everyone enjoyed everything they ate, including my almost 3 year old grandson (they brought out a specially sliced fruit bowl for him). They offered many choices for kids, but he just wanted fruit. Hope you had as wonderful a Mother's Day as I did. Yes. We appreciated eating healthy and not walking away stuffed but instead satisfied. They were selling plants. So I bought 4 and planted them today! The gift that keeps on giving! We will be back for sure! With garlic, gusto & gratitude, Chef Marian

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Sausage and biscuits

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Fries with sauce

American Heroes & Brew

Brook was amazing everyone was wonderful love them my new favorite spot. Dale has an amazing night…read morecrew and the atmosphere is great!

Get the meatball sandwich…read more Omg and the meatball parm fries. This place is so chill and has the best atmosphere for watching games or playing cards (all afternoon). A pretty good bargain on breakfast as well.

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O'Side Sports Bar & Grill

Watched the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup match here. The atmosphere was very relaxed and it wasn't…read morebusy at all, though we may have arrived early. Our server was friendly, and the wings were fresh, flavorful, and exactly what you'd expect from a sports bar. The drink menu was limited to beer and wine, with no cocktails available. Overall, it was a pleasant experience, but the vibe was a bit quieter than I typically prefer.

My wife and I went here last week and discovered a place that served food that would make anyone…read moresick. The cheeseburger was dry and maybe microwaved and the fries tasted like bad oil. The bartender got offended and trash talked my wife and I after we said out loud how bad the burgers were. Avoid the hassle and really get into the better part of Oceanside, this is in a Bad area anyway...

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Chardonnay and Porter. First time here and had a blast. Can't wait to come back for some wings. The owner Bryan was the best

Nick's On State

Truly exceptional! Nick's is somehow elegant, casual, and fresh all at once. The food never…read moredisappoints and the staff is always on the ball. The food is so good, that I always feel fomo about the items I didn't order! I make a point to eat at Nick's whenever I'm near one of their locations. So, having been to many locations up and down the coast, I can tell you that each one nails the execution perfectly. This was my first visit to the Carlsbad location and it's one of the more impressive builds. The indoor hangar is beautiful! Patio seating along the street was wonderful as well.

Neat spot on State street to try. Food is elevated and good, and heard many good things about…read moreNicks. Went here for a girls dinner night. They didn't have reservations but we came early enough and got seated right away. By the time we left there were people waiting. For appetizers we got asparagus fries, came with 6 asparagus, and the tuna tartare. The asparagus fries were delicious but for $15 and only 6, it's $2.50 a piece. Not a good value but delicious. The tuna tartare was good too. We enjoyed the apps. For entrees I got their bistro plate, it came with a 4oz filet, soup of the day and a salad. My friends got the chicken piccata and a Thai salad. The bistro plate is a great deal. The filet was cooked perfectly to a medium rare and nicely char, however it didn't have any flavor. They did not even salt it. Otherwise it was perfect, they had some table salt that I was able to add. If they seasoned just a little it would have been perfect. But better no salt then salty. My friend's piccata was amazing. Probably the best chicken piccata that we've ever had! Plenty of chicken too. We ended with the butter cake and it was a good ending! So delicious. Cocktails were spot on. For the most part everything was really good and I would come back to try other items.

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View from dining room showing the bar and kitchen where the glass windows are.

Butter cake

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Bar Seating.

Stone Brewing Tap Room - Oceanside

Such an oasis! Hidden in trees with amazing chill vibes. Pina colada .. 10% yup! Amazing! Fiancé…read moregot the iced cider and it was delicious! Almost like an iced spiced toddy. Super cool they have more than beer! DEF recommend. Also has a parking lot near by

Never been in Stone before because I don't drink beer…read more Travis served me, he was great. Pleasant and a great smile. I wasn't aware that they sold specialty cocktails. A friend invited me so we met up. There's a descent size pl right in front of the establishment, and plenty of street parking. It wasn't busy considering it was raining on and off all day. I had a pineapple habenero margarita. It was good. Wish they would have put a pineapple as the garnish instead of a slice of lime. I thought it would be a little more spicy also with the habenero, but it was very mellow. They had a cool firepit table. Plenty of seating for it to be on the smaller side. They also have an area where you can purchase Stone merchandise. They have 2 bathrooms. They have a TV. It is a kid friendly environment.

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Craft Coast Beer & Tacos

Locally owned & operated

Free WiFi

I stopped by here for lunch while walking around Oceanside Beach, and I'm so glad I did! The food…read morewas absolutely delicious. For the price, the tacos were huge and incredibly filling. These days, it's hard to find tacos loaded with that much meat and fresh guacamole, especially on freshly made tortillas. It was such a great value. My favorites were the carne asada taco and the birria taco--both were packed with flavor and cooked perfectly. If I'm ever back in Oceanside, this will definitely be one of my first stops!

We came here on a recommendation and were glad we did! The tacos are huge and delicious, especially…read morewith the excellent tortillas. Their beer selection is also great, and the option for quesadillas for kids was a huge plus. They don't have a ton of seating when busy, but the large patio that is dog friendly made it an easy trip for us! We will definitely be back! Try the al pastor tacos, thank me later.

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Parlor Doughnuts

No pictures because they didn't last long enough.. The dough…read moreis incredibly good. Croissant profile with perfect consistency. The flavors were amazing. From the chocolate chocolate to the raspberry pistachio to the maple pecan to the campfire, delicious! Will definitely be going back for the savory doughnuts. Not your average doughnut, way better

I appreciate the concept of it. It's a different kinda…read moredonut experience I tried blueberry, the one with nuts on it, the one with glaze, and the chocolate. I like croissant, I like donuts. It's 1 shot, 2 birds. I thought quality of the bread and the topping was very good. And not overwhelmingly oily. So that part was nice.

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From left to right the cronut flavors were: 1. Chocolate Chocolate 2. Cookies N' Cream 3. Maple Bacon 4. French Toast

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Treats for our pups

Mission Ave Bar and Grill

I had gotten an email wishing me a happy birthday and to come in for a FREE ENTREE. I was like,…read morewhat!? Yeah a lot of places give a free dessert but you almost never see a free dinner. I instantly set a reservation (didn't really need it) and we arrived around 4pm on a Tuesday and sat on the patio. Happy hour is daily from 4-6pm and if you sit on the recently renovated patio, drinks are 50% off. I ordered the Ribeye as my birthday entree and we also ordered the Fried Zucchini ($7), Popcorn Chicken ($9), Guajillo Braised Pork Shoulder ($21) and several cocktails ($7 each during HH). Everything was great honestly. No complaints. My wife REALLY loved the braised pork shoulder. My steak was excellent and even though it was free, $32 for a ribeye is the lowest you'll find anywhere. It was nice having not having to fight for a seat. Enjoying a cocktail on the patio in perfect weather is something everyone should try. Highly recommend coming to Mission Ave Bar & Grill for happy hour and to check out the new patio. Make sure to register for their mailing list to get birthday offers too!

Mission Ave Bar and Grill is basically the type of place that says, "just one drink," and suddenly…read moreit's three hours later, you've made new friends, and you're emotionally attached to the Peanut butter stuffed french toast. From the juicy breakfast Burger to the dangerously good country benefit and spicy blood orange, everything feels a little too easy to fall in love with. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it feel like your favorite neighborhood hangout -- even if it's your first time there. Honestly, if good food, great cocktails, and happy vibes had a love language... this place would be fluent. What I got: Peanut butter stuffed french toast $16 Country Benedict $17 Breakfast burger $18 Arnold Palmer Spicy blood orange $10

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Best Espresso Martini in Oceanside, CA

Best Short Rib Grilled Cheese in Oceanside, CA

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Live Music

Sonu BBQ

Great food. The cheese/corn casserole is unique. Only drawback is that the noise level is high.read more

Jackie, Gerardo, and Jason The Manager were amazing as well as the food was good so so good. The…read morecustomer service was excellent and the food was amazing. They were all splendid and so nice to us. We love coming here to get the best Korean bbq. 10/10

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Fried rice, beef brisket, boneless beef rib in the back, mushrooms and bacon

Outdoor seating

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Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen

Second vist and just as great! This time we ordered the…read morebruschetta...it is not your normal bruschetta...it is an amazing combination of marscapone, peaches, honey, and a balsamic glaze on top of toasted ciabatta bread. For dinner I ordered the tri-tip sando. It was excellent but the chimichurri was a bit too strong so I wasn't able to taste much of anything else...the hubs liked it more than I did. The hubs ordered the Pig burger. Two patties...one beef and one pork with bacon jam, white cheddar and bread/butter pickles. The patties were cooked perfectly and the sweet bacon jam was a perfect addition (I'll be ordering this next visit) Both sandwiches came with thin sliced fries. We sat at the bar and Sean was again our server...very attentive and friendly!

This restaurant came highly recommended with an enticing menu that sounded exceptional…read more Unfortunately, the reality was a major letdown. The online descriptions appear to be heavily embellished (likely AI-generated), promising far more than what arrives at the table. The steak was noticeably low quality, and the cioppino, advertised with fresh bread, fish, and pasta, tasted like watered-down Campbell's soup concentrate. To make matters worse, the bathroom was filthy. While our waiter was genuinely nice, the food was a huge disappointment. For the price, it was frustrating and disheartening to pay premium rates for such a poor experience. We cannot recommend this place and will not be returning.

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Charcuterie layou

Mussels Jambalaya + added blackened shrimp

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Tri Tip Sandwich

The Taco Stand

4.4

(413 reviews)

2.6 mi

Food was great. Service was excellent. The inside was clean and neat. Very nice ambience.read more

This was just an amazing experience here at toco stand in ocean side. Love the Al pastor everything…read moreon the menu is great. I would definitely come back!

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Indoor decor with AC

Carne asada tostada (left) and al pastor taco (right)

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Johnny Mañana's

I was itching for a breakfast burrito but I'm pretty particular about my burrito contents lol…read more I'd just surfed at the pier and decided to stop by here...was pretty packed mid/late morning so I thought, "Why the hell not?" Welp, damn glad I gave it a whirl. Customized my burrito, burrito was ginormous AND delicious...super reasonably priced...would for sure try some of their other offerings so I plan to return again

100% recommend! Granted, I'm from the PNW so any Mexican food from SoCal is amazing to me, but I'm…read morestill really really impressed. The staff were friendly, the ambiance/atmosphere was perfect, and the food was delicious! If it weren't for the humongous portion sizes I would've ordered another burrito! It was also a pretty hot day yesterday, but the entire patio is shaded and nestled against the building, so it creates a pocket of cool air. My only issue with my experience is that I had to wait about twice as long as anyone else in my party to get my meal. BUT, they were pretty slammed and maybe they had to make more fries or grilled veggies or something. I'm not complaining, just pointing out that a little extra wait is still worth it!! Thanks Johnny Mañana's!

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Chips, salsa, and a margarita on the rocks

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The quesabirria (on the right) is moist and flavorful

Anita's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

My first experience was on January 29, 2026. A whole lobster, split, and everything about the…read moredish, from presentation to last bite, was outstanding. If possible, I would have eaten the shells, too. I think Olga was surprised to see the shell fragments. No doubt that I like lobster. Yesterday, I decided to go back. January 30. This time I ordered the shrimp fajitas. Again, presentation was a treat - refried, rice, cheese, sour cream, the avocado stuff that I can't spell - the salsa - and chips and hot sauce - awesome. Yes, less than the lobsters, but I have dinner for tonight, which makes me happy. Aaron was attentive and I really will be going back - it's about 10 miles west of me. People eating outside were comfy and one couple I stopped to speak with had lobsters and were very pleased! They drove down from Murrietta. Ok, that's my review. I hope the owners are pleased and treat their staff in the kitchen and in the front with respect. They are great. I don't know how to post the picture of my lobster before/after.

Overall, Anita's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina has a lot going for it. The food had great flavor,…read morethe menu offered a nice variety of options, and the chips and salsa were delicious. The restaurant itself is clean, inviting, and has a great atmosphere that makes it an enjoyable place to dine. Unfortunately, the service really took away from the experience. Our server was not attentive and spent a significant amount of time chatting with another table about personal matters. Our water glasses were never refilled, and it felt like we were forgotten. The food also took much longer than expected to come out, and it seemed as though our server may have been eating instead of checking on guests. I'd definitely give the restaurant another chance because the food and ambiance were enjoyable, but I'm hoping for a different server next time. With better service, this could easily be a 5-star experience.

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Salsa

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House Margarita

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137 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Major P.

882

150

412

9 years ago

Today (July 13, 2017), still celebrating my 60th Birthday, I hit twenty different cities / towns and I visited five different United States (US) Marine Corps / Navy installations in San Diego County. I was planning on having lunch at the Admiral Kidd Officers Club aboard US Naval Training Center (NTC) - San Diego, California. However, NTC is long-gone and is now US Naval Base Point Loma (Harbor Drive Annex), California. Meanwhile, the Admiral Kdid Officers club is also long-gone. Now it is the Admiral Kidd Catering & Conference Center. So much for eating there "35 years later today." Consequently, I starved my tapeworm until I headed back north. I decided to give "Joe's Crab Shack" in Oceanside a try. It was my first visit to one of these chain establishments. The Staff were all polite and courteous. My server (Tracy) has been working there for twelve years and we as polite as a new employee on-probation. The Service was always prompt. The Food I did not order anything fancy---I had a side order of smoked sausage to go-along with my pound of steamed you-peel shrimp. (Hey, I already told You that I had been starving my tapeworm.) Now, this meal was no big deal. However, I am connoisseur when it comes to shrimp and I was quite-impressed with the fact that none of my shrimp were the water-logged wimpy shrimp often secreted-in among the more-firm shrimp. The Ambiance is rife with the typical seafood restaurant decorations. However, since this location is a popular spot for folks trying to outdo each other downing "Hurricanes," I suspect that few notice anyway. The Prices are quite-reasonable. I did not bother mention the fact that I was celebrating my birthday, because I saw how other birthday customers were the focus-of-attention, and after 20 towns/cities and five bases, I was tired and ready to make that 5 northbound trek back behind the "Orange Curtain." However, since I am addicted-to-shrimp, I will have to "hit" this spot again during the upcoming "Paul Mitchell Neon Supergirl Pro 2017." Heck, I might even "treat" one of my surfers competing....jajajajaja Semper Fi, "Major Pain" read more

Lorraine Z.

9 years ago

We are on happy holiday here in California, and we came here on Father's day with a party of six around 6pm with no reservation (oops I totally forgot to make one) We were told it would be about 20 minutes... not so bad we thought, so went over to the bar had an amazing and fun drink called a Shark Bite (it was so good and really fun everyone yells it was super cool) - The bartenders were all so nice and quick it was a real team effort going on. Anyways the hosts got us sat in like 10 minutes which was super nice of them. You could tell they were really hustling trying to get everyone at their table ready for dinner. Anyways we sat down and our server- Jamie- was just such a treat! ( I LOVE how they write the names on the paper towels... it makes it so easy to remember who is helping you out) We ordered: a bowl Lobster bisque, calamari, and mozzarella sticks to start Then for our main course we got: an east coast platter, a Ragin Cajun Steampot, a Queen Crab Bucket with the garlic seasoning, a Chicken club, and two kids pizzas with pepperoni and french fries. Everything was.... Perfection! Then for dessert we got something called a turtle sundae I think? Anyways it was delicious!! From the start to finish our experience was just impeccable! I wished we lived nearby because we would totally be regulars there! read more

Bryce L.

5 years ago

I was with my pregnant fiancée. We wanted some seafood and we hadn't eaten all day. So I said, "let's go to Joe's Crab Shack." I ordered the king crab bucket. I also got the mussels and clams. The service was okay, but luckily my fiancée didn't eat any of the mussels and clams with her being pregnant, because they ended up giving me food poisoning. Roughly 4-6 hours after eating there I woke up in the middle of the night vomiting and having diarrhea nonstop. I was vomiting and had diarrhea from 1am till like 7am. Then I was sick for like 3 days straight still running to the bathroom in pain, while recovering from a recent meniscus and ACL surgery. I even called them to let them know I got food poisoning and they were extremely rude about it, the Manager telling us and I quote, "you couldn't get food poisoning from us it's not possible, it takes 8hrs for food poisoning to start." Then they even had a corporate guy calling me and I quote, "our stuff comes in frozen then is cooked and served straight to you so it's impossible to get food poisoning from us." On top of that they denied us a refund and everything. I even have copies of my receipt. I paid over 150$ for all this food and even have a 20% tip totaling around 195$. I honestly wouldn't recommend eating here, bottom line. read more

Tim C.

1 year ago

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Joe's Crab Shack in Oceanside, and I must say, the experience was elevated by the incredible service provided by our server, Matt S. From the moment we were seated, he made sure we felt welcomed and attended to. Matt S. was knowledgeable about the menu, offering great suggestions and answering all our questions with patience and enthusiasm. When it came to ordering drinks, he recommended a delightful cocktail, which complemented our meal perfectly. Throughout the evening, Matt S. was attentive without being intrusive, ensuring our water glasses were always filled and checking in at just the right moments. It was evident that he truly cared about providing top-notch service and wanted us to have a memorable dining experience. The combination of fantastic food and Matt S's exceptional service made our evening at Joe's Crab Shack a standout. I would highly recommend asking for him if you're planning a visit. It's not every day you come across someone as dedicated and passionate about their work. Kudos to Joe's Crab Shack for having such a stellar team member! read more

Crystal Rose S.

299

2 years ago

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Joe's Crab Shack in Oceanside, and it was an experience to remember! From the moment I walked in, the vibrant and fun atmosphere set the tone for a fantastic meal. The restaurant's location by the harbor adds a charming touch, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing meal with a view. The menu offers a wide variety of seafood options, and everything we tried was delicious. The crab buckets are a must-try, packed with fresh and flavorful seafood. What truly made our visit exceptional was the outstanding service provided by our waiter, Zach. He was incredibly kind and accommodating, ensuring that all our needs were met with a smile. Zach's attentiveness and friendly demeanor made us feel welcome and well taken care of throughout our meal. His recommendations were spot-on, and he went above and beyond to make our dining experience special. Overall, Joe's Crab Shack in Oceanside is a fantastic place to enjoy great food, a lively atmosphere, and top-notch service. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience by the sea. read more

Maurice G.

2 years ago

I recently visited this restaurant for my daughter's 15th birthday, and the experience was fantastic! Despite it being a busy Saturday night, the wait time was reasonable, and the staff made the evening very enjoyable. They were interactive and even hosted a fun game where we won a free appetizer. Once seated, our waitress was attentive and efficient, ensuring our drinks and orders were taken care of promptly. The food was delicious and arrived perfectly prepared--no complaints there! The highlight of the evening was when the manager came over to personally wish my daughter a happy birthday, which added a thoughtful and personal touch to the celebration. Overall, it was a wonderful experience with great food and an exceptional staff. I highly recommend this place and will definitely be back! Before leaving to manager I would definitely leave a review, so being a man of word. read more

Johnni G.

1 year ago

We had such a fantastic time at Joe's Crab Shack, and a huge part of that was thanks to our incredible waitress, Maria. From the moment we sat down, she made us feel welcomed and cared for. She was friendly, attentive, and had the perfect balance of professionalism and personality that made the whole dining experience feel extra special. Maria took the time to walk us through the menu, offered great recommendations, and checked on us regularly without ever making us feel rushed. Every detail, from the timing of our food to the fun, upbeat atmosphere, was on point. The food itself was delicious perfectly seasoned seafood, generous portions, and everything came out hot and fresh. If you're heading to Joe's Crab Shack, ask for Maria you won't be disappointed. We left full, happy, and already planning our next visit. Thank you, Maria, for making our visit so memorable! read more

Zach Z.

12 years ago

My mother and I went to joes after a fun filled beach trip. After waiting 30 mins for a table we were seated in Stevens section what an awesome server I differently recommend asking for Steven when you go here. He's spot on drinks never empty always smiling and get this he thanks you for coming in I how say he said it a dozen times during out time here ( thank you guys for coming, thank you il get you a refill..... ) the food is awesome as always but I have to say I give them a 5 stars because of the service we got tonight!!!!! Thank you Steven for serving us not only our food and our country that's right he works nights at joes and then fights for us during the day ( yes I learned all of this during dinner after I asked him about his arm tattoo. ) we both shared stories very blessed I was able to meet this man today. Thank you for reading and Steven thank you again read more

Steve L.

13 years ago

I had previously left a 1 star review and my review was removed from Yelp "because it lacks a firsthand customer experience" , so I feel it necessary to leave it again and this time I will elaborate... I ate here, and my experience was terrible. The staff was unfriendly, unhelpful, and slow. The food was prepared with significant obvious issues that the staff including the manager was unwilling or unable to fix. I'm not a demanding customer, I was a server for 7 years, this was the worst dining experience I've ever had. I wrote a nice detailed email to the manager and their corporate office to explain the issues I encountered, and received no response. There are several nice seafood restaurants near this Joe's do yourself a favor and eat somewhere else! read more

Nicole J.

138

14 years ago

I was reading reviews and basically i thought it was a hit or miss. But i decied to risk it and go on a sunday.. let me just say that The food was fantastic!! we went for my fathers 50'th birthday and we had a great time. we had a table with a view of the harbor, you could see seals swimming!!! from the appetizers to the main course.. everything was amazing. and our waiter anthony was super nice! he brought refils without us even asking. and around 6pm all the waiters started line dancing. it was seriously the best experience i have ever had in a restaurant. for 4 people with margaritas, soda and appetizers and main course we paid $198. so it wasnt that bad!! i recomend Joe's Crab Shack to everyone now. read more

Sheila M.

2 years ago

i recently visited joe's crab shack for the first time from out of state and it was a wonderful experience! the menu was a bit overwhelming and i didn't know what to try and get. i had asked zach the bartender for recommendations. let me just say, the food he suggested was incredibly delicious and the drinks were amazing. it absolutely exceeded all of my expectations! i also want to give a big recognition to the manager named allie (i think that's her name). she was super sweet and took very good care of us throughout our visit which made our experience even more enjoyable. this place has definitely earned a spot on my list of favorites and i'll definitely be back next time i'm in town. read more

Ivan T.

3 years ago

I recommend this place, food is great, the service is superb today I was having a bad day, I went Joe's Crab Shack to grab something for lunch feeling blue, I got served by this young lady name Katie, not only was her service marvelous she also made me feel like a family and lifted my spirits with her gracious conversation, she made me feel so special I had to buy a Landry membership card for myself and one for my sister and I am planning on returning here more often , thank you Joe's Crab Shack for having such caring people like Miss Katie working with you to make our dinning with you guy's even greater; with that being said THANK YOU sincerely: Ivan T read more

Daniel S.

10 years ago

Haven't been to Joe's in years. Last time I visited one was in Texas, many years ago, and it was a mediocre experience. When I'm at the Oceanside marina, I usually frequent other establishments. Joe's was offering an all-you-can-eat crab legs special - I couldn't resist. The special comes in various flavors, like Cajun, garlic, barbecue, etc., with potatoes and corn on the cobb. All good, but the Cajun flavor was the best. Simply, a very delicious mess. The drink I ordered was just perfect (a dry martini). The terrace with marina view has a very nice vibe, especially around sunset. Friendly and attentive staff. Like Arnold says - "I'll be back!" read more

Alex R.

2 years ago

I had an incredibly disappointing experience at Joe's Crab Shack. After we sat down, we were completely ignored for 30 minutes. Despite trying to get the server's attention, they continued to serve other tables, all of whom were seated after us and were white. I'm the last to make anything about race, but being we were the only broke folks there, it was hard not to noticed. We felt entirely disregarded and unwelcome. This level of poor service is unacceptable and disheartening. We ended up leaving without any acknowledgment or service. I won't be returning and cannot recommend this place to anyone. read more

Dorsa K.

9 years ago

We went here on a Saturday night after spending the day at the Wild Animal Park in nearby Escondido. We were hot, tired, and hungry. We got to Joe's Crab Shack and only had to wait about 20 minutes before we were led to a table near a corner of the restaurant. The way the table was positioned, it created a little blockaded triangle with windows on 2 sides and the table on the third. We saw a sea lion. The service was great and the food was delicious. The little pot full of crab, shrimp, potatoes, sausage and corn has my mouth watering again. It was just what we needed after a long day! read more

Ana R.

10 months ago

We had an amazing time at Joe's Crabshack! It had been over 10 years since our last visit, and this experience was even better than we remembered. Our server, Aaniyah, was absolutely incredible! She was fun, energetic, and attentive. Her warm and lively service truly made the evening special and enjoyable. The food was delicious and came in generous portions. We enjoyed shrimp, fish and chips, and the crab and shrimp dip and each dish was flavorful and satisfying. Overall, a fantastic night out with great food and exceptional service thanks to Aaniyah. We'll definitely be back! read more

Cati A.

187

7 years ago

This post comes after visitng this restaurant numerous times. Today we were fortunate to have Tracy take our order and make sure we were good! Her service was great and even waited for us to return bc I left my debit card behind. As for the food, our food was delicious, my husband's steak was exactly what he wanted, medium well. My salmon cooked through and not dry. I also had a margarita which was not too sweet and so very good. Finally, Tracy noticed my husbands likeness to ice tea and brought us some to go! With all that said, we will return and hope Tracy helps us again! read more

Sarah R.

13 years ago

Ive been coming here for 8 years (wow that makes me feel old) and Ive only ever had one bad meal here. To be honest it wasn't even that bad...just the shrimp in my steam pot were a bit off and weird smelling. The drinks are always great and the foot is usually good quality. The service can be hit or miss but i don't expect those wait staff to be stars at 16 or 18 or however young they are. Its a great place with a nice laid back vice and Ive had many get togethers here, even brought kids a few times. I recommend it if you want good drinks and a good crab meal. read more

Kim S.

14 years ago

The views here are beautiful! You are right in front of the harbor and get to see the ocean, boats, etc. So that was a plus. The food was average, nothing special. The service was great though. They have a very lively atmosphere and they sing and dance ever so often as a group. The music they play in the restaurant was upbeat and wasn't too loud, but loud enough to not hear every word the people at the table next to you say. Which was a plus. Basically, if you want a restaurant where there is peace and quiet and amazing food, this is not the place. It is average. read more

Sarah B.

10 months ago

The service was exceptional.My friends and I never had to wait on any refills or ordering drinks from the full ervices bar. Would highly recommend the Jamaican Me Thirsty that is served in a Tiki glass you get to take home. Super fun. The overall ambiance is laid back chill. I was shocked at the view. I would say it's single handedly the best view in all of the Oceanside Harbor restaurants . I had the Creole Honey Glazed Salmon and it hit all the spots! If you are looking for a laid back time with a gorgeous view, look no further than this restaurant. read more

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Joe's Crab Shack - seafood - Updated August 2026

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