Review: Avoid the Rocking Crab on 56 in Temple Terrace
I want to share my horrifying experience at the Rocking Crab on 56th in Temple Terrace. Last night, my cousin, three friends, and I (five of us total) decided to visit for happy hour because we've enjoyed their food in the past. However, the night turned into an absolute nightmare.
When we entered, we were greeted--not by a staff member--but by a man named Bill, dressed in a mechanic's uniform that said Boulevard Tire Center with the title "Roadside Assistance Agent." He stood behind the host stand, asking how many people were in our party. Naturally, we were confused and laughed, thinking it was a joke. One of my friends asked, "You don't work here, so why are you behind the booth?" He insisted he did, but we waited several minutes for an actual employee. Finally, the manager, an Asian woman named Jenn, came to the front and confirmed that Bill would seat us. Reluctantly, we followed him to the table.
After we sat, our actual server arrived, and we asked if Bill worked there. The waiter told us, "No, he's just a regular who they let do whatever he wants." This was already bizarre, but things only got worse.
During our meal, Bill came over to our table, initially joking around, but then made offensive and inappropriate comments. He told one of my friends that he enjoyed watching women "suck meat out of crab legs." He then directed derogatory comments at my cousin, calling her a "carpet muncher" because she had a hoodie on and her hair wasn't done. He also insinuated that my cousin and I were in a romantic relationship, making crude remarks about her "eating my private parts."
We were appalled and told him to stop and leave us alone, but he kept apologizing in a backhanded way, repeatedly calling her a lesbian. One of my friends eventually had to tell him to go away, which he briefly did, but he soon returned, saying he would leave us alone because my friend "threatened to fight him."
The chaos continued, and at no point did any staff member check on us. Bill answered the restaurant's business phone and took orders, acting as if he worked there.
When we finally reported the situation to Jenn, the manager, she offered a half-hearted apology and didn't seem to care. Instead of addressing the issue professionally, she tapped Bill on the back of the head at the bar and pointed to our table, making the situation even worse. Bill became enraged, stormed over to us, and started yelling, demanding to know "who told on him."
Bill then began shouting that he wanted to fight someone if we didn't tell him who had spoken to Jenn. This man, who does not even work there, stood over us--five small women--yelling aggressively and unbuttoning his shirt as if he was preparing to physically fight. We were absolutely terrified and feared for our lives.
At this point, we grabbed our things and left. We couldn't even finish our food or get it boxed up because of how unsafe we felt. As we exited, Bill followed us outside, yelling and demanding to know if we were going to pay our tab. Again, where was the management? Jenn looked terrified but did nothing to de-escalate the situation.
This experience was beyond unacceptable. Allowing a random customer like Bill to act as staff, harass diners, and then threaten violence is outrageous. Jenn's inability to control the situation and failure to protect her customers were inexcusable.
I don't feel safe ever returning to the Rocking Crab, and I would never recommend it to anyone. The food was fine, but that hardly matters when you fear for your safety. Save yourself the trouble and go elsewhere. read more