I am a huge fan of the Crab Cooker, it is more than a restaurant to me, it is a big part of my life growing up in Newport. Papa Fish, the owner of the Crab Cooker, knew me from my days as an employee. He was a very special man to work for. Unfortunately, he is not around to see how times have changed and this place is slowly losing its customers. The product is still the same. The fish is cooked just the way Papa Fish wanted it to be cooked. However, times and demographics have changed. This restaurant is not attractive to younger folks for some reason and it is very sad to me. The question is can The Crab Cooker adapt to the changes in society? I'm thinking of Bear Flag in Newport Beach? Fresh fish served every day and the place is packed from the time they open to when then close? What are they doing differently? The Crab Cooker in Tustin is still great fish cooked the correct way. It is still my favorite seafood place to go. I hope things get better for this place and the customers keep coming. read more

The Crab Cooker - Seafood Near Me - Tustin, California

It's hard to miss so look for the big red barn - aka Crab Cooker Restaurant - nestled in an outdated plaza and surrounded by residential area. It's been a while but returning for my third visit with friends. You can smell the aroma of seafood coming from the restaurant about 6 cars away in the general area (e.g., or if you're waiting outside on the bench). Upon entering, you'll find yourself in a "seafood market" aka a display of a variety of raw seafood options and cold precooked soups. There's also a small corner selling some merchandise by the hostess booth. The restaurant is quite big -- seatings are separated by partition front vs back half of the room. Service is decent and nice -- nothing special or standout that I can remember. I am not sure if I'm a fan eating from paper plates and plastic utensils....sort of off, especially trying to "slurp" off a shallow plastic soup made to scoop ice cream not soup. :(( I'm not sure if the prices of the entrées or not, but for a Friday at 6 PM dinner time, the restaurant is only half full. Maybe it's because there's NO FREE bread basket. We had to pay for a sourdough bread basket which was different from most places. I was a bit taken back but rolled with it, no pun (or bun) intended. We ordered scallops skewers and soft shell crab combo which comes with two sides (you chose from 6 different options). The food is delicious so don't get me wrong, but while I was seating I couldn't get over how pricey the entrees are for an average amount of food. Granted I'm not a gluttony but do want my side portions be a bit larger. :))) read more

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The Crab Cooker is located on the corner in a strip mall with plenty of parking. I came here tonight for dinner with a couple of friends. There was no wait and were seated right away. As soon as as you step in the restaurant, there is a case of fresh seafood to the right and a seating area to the left. There are two rooms with seating. The service from the host and the server was excellent. They were very friendly, personable, and knowledgeable. The food was okay. Clams and oysters are only available from October through April so that was out. The King Crab, which we thought about ordering, was over $100 a pound at the time. We weren't sure if it would be worth the price and passed. We ended up ordering bread and calamari for starters. The bread was basic bread, calamari was good. I ordered clam chowder and was informed by our server that was it Manhattan clam chowder. It was good, but tasted more like creamy vegetable soup than a clam chowder. I ordered a combo plate for my entree. My friends got crab cakes and steamed mussels. The crab cakes and the combo plate comes with a choice of two sides. We both chose the coleslaw and cheesy potatoes-both were fine. The combo plate I got had some seafood seasoning on it and there was also tartar sauce on the side. The seafood that came with my plate was cod (or some other kind of white fish), shrimp, and a scallop with some onions and a cherry tomato mixed in on a skewer. If you're hungry, it's not a lot of food. I had plenty of other things to eat so I was fine. All of the food comes on paper plates, the soup came in a paper cup, the utensils are all plastic. Overall, I don't think I would dine here again. All of the plastic and paper items feel wasteful, I didn't get much actual seafood, and the flavor of everything was alright. I would like to emphasize that the service was really great, the food was not. read more

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Take home case is freshest fish in town. The fish monger is quick and friendly service. The large fish hanging through the shanty themed ambiance. I can recommend everything in the take home case. read more

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The Crab Cooker is my all time favorite place for sea food! Unfortunately, this site in Tustin is scheduled to close for good at the end of May 2026; destruction planned for a series of high rise apartments. Just what we don't need! read more

Sometimes you just miss out on a place because you never grew up around and because it's such an institution that it doesn't get talked about as being a place with buzz. The folks that know it's worth just keep going, leaving the folks that are on the lookout for new places to try to stumble upon it on their own. Lucky for me I know somebody who grew up with to mention to it in passing because this place is fantastic. I like seafood boils as much as the next person, but sometimes you need a place just to get some fresh grilled or fried seafood that isn't California Fish Grill. And this is that place. From the famous Manhattan Clam Chowder to the cheesy potatoes, to the awesome effing skewers of cod, shrimp, and scallops--every bite just hit right. The scallops especially were amazing, and that's from someone who doesn't usually like scallops. The only quibble I had was that the fish portion on my skewer was a little lacking, but it wasn't even by that much. And by the end I got full anyway. I was just thinking that distribution of the seafood was far heavily skewed to shrimp, then scallops, then the cod, and I would've liked it more equitable. The space was super thematic and on point; I felt like I was right on the pier, despite being a good fifteen miles from the ocean. And my server especially was chill and made me feel relaxed. She even had an ongoing bit about my drink refills that was hilarious every time. Everyone at the table thought she was the best at her job. I will definitely stop by here again and again, as I'll always need seafood and now I know where to get some done how it's supposed to be done. read more

The Crab Cooker - World's Best Clam Chowder from #TheCrabCookerTustin - Seafood Near Me - Tustin, California

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My family has been coming to The Crab Cooker in Tustin for many years, and we love it! I appreciate that the food is always consistent, throughout the years they have maintained the quality and flavor of their food. I love the menu's simplicity, while still offering a variety of options. The quirky decor adds to the ambiance of the restaurant and vintage nautical vibes. Our favorite menu items are the clam chowder (Manhattan style!), the grilled fish (all varieties), coleslaw, and potatoes! Cooked to perfection every time, and the service is always fast and friendly. read more

The Crab Cooker - Shrimp and Scallops Skewer with Coleslaw and Potatoes - Seafood Near Me - Tustin, California

crab cooker is just pure nostalgia for me bc we used to come here a lot when i was little! food is still the same as it's always been: tasty and comforting. a little on the oily side but thats why its so delicious :) our order has never changed either! a bowl of their signature manhattan clam chowder + lighteaters (childs plate) with 2 sides of your choice. their cheesy mashed potatoes and rice pilaf..... no words!!! my absolute fav combo. but lately i've been getting their coleslaw and it's really good!! service mostly great from the times ive been. theyre really nice and friendly. the interior always amazes me. i love looking at all the ocean themed memorabilia and the giant shark hanging from the ceiling. i love the marine vibes side note: i do miss the free taffies from the giant taffy jar they used to have up in the front. but that was ages ago, im not sure if anyone even remembers lighteaters: 100/10 clam chowder: 10/10 read more

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One of the jewels in Newport Beach is The Crab Cooker, which has been owned and operated by a family since 1951. Their slogan says: "Searching out the world's finest seafood for you is a pleasure for us" - how can I not be interested in trying it? Fisherman's bread Hand kneaded & baked fresh daily. House-made secret family recipes: Clam Chowder Hand-filleted Smoked salmon, brined and smoked in their own smokehouse. Fresh fish of the day, Halibut cooked with mesquite wood and light spices, with world-famous Romano cheese potatoes and homemade coleslaw. read more

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So sad they're closing 1 June. The next two days are the last day of business so good had the halibut and crab cocktail for an appetizer over the top. My sister in law had the salmon. My brother had the lobster on the skewer#EpicDinner sad to see it go read more

The Crab Cooker - Lobster skewer with coleslaw and rice - Seafood Near Me - Tustin, California

The food here was a mixed bag. My daughter liked her crab cakes, but hubby likes his with more crab chunks, not so smooth. My crab chowder was not the white New England, which I should have paid more attention to. It was more like a tomato veggie soup. Again, it was ok, but I really had to search for any actual crab pieces. The prices were high, so I expected better. Probably try somewhere else next time. read more

The Crab Cooker - Dining room - Seafood Near Me - Tustin, California

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Service was ok..it was chewy and hard. Not satisfying taste.. it is not worth the price. Place was pretty empty. I should of trust the vibe. read more

The Crab Cooker - Lobsters skewers - Seafood Near Me - Tustin, California

Their scallop bacon skewer with fluffy soft oh so yummy pilaf rice was sooo good and perfectly cooked and so flavorful with a side of melted butter. Their smoked fish is not too fishy and not too smoky but so good with their amazing tartar sauce. read more

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Awful. Greta service but seriously???? Paper bowl and plastic utensils and cups? For the price we paid? A joke. Then the food... Worst chowder ever. Seriously. Tasted like preservatives and chewy clams. Overpriced crabs. Good crabs but forget the pricing and presentation. Just have some class please! Or don't pretend to with the ambiance and prices do some dishes! Yuck. Never again. read more

The Crab Cooker - Seafood Near Me - Tustin, California

This is one of our favorite seafood restaurant. We started with their loaf of French Bread and a cup of their amazing clam chowder. My wife ordered the cod skewer and I ordered the halibut. We both got the cheese mashed potato and the coleslaw. Everything was amazingly great!!!! read more

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I've been coming to Crab Cooker in Tustin for many years, and I've always loved the food and the atmosphere. Unfortunately, this was the first time I had a disappointing experience. We ordered the halibut with mashed potatoes wrapped in cheese, but when it came to the table, the potatoes were burned. I even took a picture because it was that noticeable. When I very politely mentioned it to our waitress, instead of offering to replace it or apologize, she snapped back and said, "That's how it comes" in a very rude manner. I was honestly shocked. After years of great visits here, I never expected to be treated that way--especially over something so small that could have been easily fixed. A simple, kind response and replacement would have made all the difference. I truly hope management sees this and takes it seriously because this restaurant has always been a wonderful place, and I'd love to keep coming back for many more years. read more

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Mediocre seafood in my honest opinion. Seems more like a place that locals enjoy going to for a little nostalgia and homey feel. They're good but not great. Prices are affordable and good amount of parking. read more

old family favorite restaurant. Tustin location is right off the 55 freeway. clam chowder and the loaf of fresh sourdough bread is terrific, especially on a cold day. also had a large shrimp cocktail tonight. family owned restaurant that has been around since the 1950s. I've eaten at the Newport location since the 70s, now the Tustin restaurant is closer to home. I usually order a plate of Skewers but tonight I was feeling nostalgic and ordered a bowl of clam chowder, a loaf of sour dough bread, and a large shrimp cocktail order. They no longer offer the chowder in a bread bowl but when I asked the server offered to bring me the bread prepared to be used as a bowl. That's what I did, pouring my bowl of chowder into the bread bowl. Fantastic, reminds me of my days surfing in Newport in the winter when the ocean was cold nothing warmed you up like a bread bowl of crab cooker clam chowder. Ambiance is fun, lots of fish mounts including a white shark that was harpooned off the Newport pier in the 50s or 60s. Prices are reasonable and the fish is good quality and tasty. read more

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Always a go to when by the beach or near Tustin and want some manhattan clam chowder. The best. Love the bread and butter as well. We do order fish and sides sometimes but really the soup is always are favorite part and we do get smoked salmon to go for later. Service was very good. Love all the quirky things to look at inside as well. Wait time was short. read more

The Crab Cooker - Inside - Seafood Near Me - Tustin, California

Fresh seafood, excellent service by Martha, fun seaside atmosphere. We had scallops , halibut , oysters, spiny lobster skewers . All tasteful , cooked perfectly . read more

Very consistent food always great service exceptional, love this place. I recently discovered I can order food to be delivered and that has been a game changer for me. read more

We have been coming here for many years. And it's always very consistent. So we love the food, presentation, the paper everything, and the staff. Everything is always perfect for us. Nothing really has changed. But I do enjoy changing up what we order from time to time. Just keep it that way. But for suggestions I will suggest that it's time to bring back the salt water taffy that we ca read more

Place was a surprise. Great ambiance and for an old place it looked great. Service was friendly and food was great. Placed looked well taken care of for an older restaurant. We will be back read more

Been coming here for years! Loving the food since 2010 & 2011, would highly recommend! Came back this year and the food was still delicious after all these years! read more

The Crab Cooker - Seafood Near Me - Tustin, California

I protested all day at the No Kings rallies today and took our tired group here for dinner. We have eaten here several times and really love it. I had my Not My President T shirt on and the MAGA boss-manager was extremely rude to me. Pointing at me and staring me down. At one point I looked at him and held my hands up like, What is it? Was extremely uncomfortable, was served a TERRIBLE meal. Very little fish on my skewer and all undercooked. Won't be going back there. read more

Had a birthday lunch here and our server Kimberly took great care of our group. We had several different items including a bowl of clam chowder, crab cakes, and the crab Louise salad. There were five of us total and everything came out quick and delicious. The atmosphere is very laid back and chain-like with more of a homie feel. Great price for everything. read more

The Crab Cooker - Crab Louie - Seafood Near Me - Tustin, California

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The service was good and the bathrooms were clean. I took a friend out to dinner and the waiter recommended the grilled salmon and my friend had the Alaskan halibut. I didn't care if the food was served on paper plates if the fish was good. The food was just okay, we both said that we would never go there again. For the prices they charged we could have gone some place nicer and much better food. read more

The Crab Cooker is truly one of the best places to take your family when you're in Southern California. My dad, Rico, started this tradition 50 years ago, and now I am carrying on the legacy by bringing my family and friends here for a great time. We commend the dedicated staff and management at the Crab Cooker - keep up the great work! Shawna for the best service we had!! read more

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This is a fairly classic establishment as it has been in OC for a few decades. From what other reviews say, the menu hasn't changed for decades but that doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad thing. If they are doing well with what they are doing, then there's not much issue with keeping the same menu, aside from competition from other places. I tried the clam chowder, mesquite broiled salmon salad, and crab cake dinner with house rice pilaf and Cole slaw. The clam chowder is served Manhattan style which is a different take from the more ubiquitous New England style creamy chowder. There is not that much clam in the chowder, so that was a slight miss. The salmon salad was pretty good, with a giant piece of salmon as expected given the price. The crab cake dinner is good in that each bite is crab meat, but it is fried in a way that there is too much oil remaining within, so it made the dish very heavy. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the dish and it paired well with the rice pilaf and Cole slaw. I also sampled some of their "world famous" romano cheese potatoes which had a sharp, creamy flavor and I'm glad I didn't get it as a side since it was very oily and filling. Service is okay and I expected it to be a bit better given this is more of an American establishment where they pride themselves with service. Nonetheless, food is good but not excellent, so I wouldn't write off visiting this place if it's your first time, given that it is a classic establishment. read more

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We were a very large party for a birthday and not only were we seated quickly but the servers tried their best to be as accommodating and helpful as possible for our large group of almost 20. Overall the meal was okay. The shrimp skewers had a large number of shrimp and the sides were large portions, especially for a lunch plate. Even though the skewer looks well seasoned the flavor didn't come through strong enough. The skewers were done on the grill, but lacked consistent grill mark through the whole skewer on each side or the taste we had hoped for. The bacon pieces on the skewers were uncooked and not crisped. The lemon and butter sides were definitely needed for seasoning especially since the bacon didn't grill enough to add to the skewer. The cheese potatoes were very tasty and not too cheesy with a good consistency. The rice pilaf was well cooked and seasoned nicely. We included a photo of the fish of the day lunch plate which was Mahi Mahi and got positive feedback but our main dish was the shrimp skewer lunch plates. read more

The Crab Cooker - Shrimp skewer lunch plate with rice pilaf and cheese potato - Seafood Near Me - Tustin, California

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Crab cooker is always great. Very consistent service and food can always be counted on to be great. We go here frequently, every month or two. This location is so much better that Newport, parking so easy and much bigger inside, so no waiting read more

Food is simple , always fresh and delicious Friendly staff and great cooks Love this place for a quick lunch read more

This is another place that I have been many times, but for some reason I always thought that I had reviewed it, but never did so here goes... I have been a fan of the crab cooker ever since I was child and would go to the original in Newport Beach. Although the one in Newport Beach is still there, and is a great place to go it is a bit difficult to get to, and from where I am the testing location is super convenient there's always plenty of parking and the food is,!as it is at the original location,always outstanding. It's really hard to find anything as unique as the grilled shrimp on the skewer with the grilled potatoes and coleslaw combo. Plus there unique clam chowder is always a great add-on. The setting is quite casual and friendly in the seating is always comfortable and you don't feel crowded. They do good business, but they're never so busy that you have to wait very long to get in and the service is fantastic . read more

The service horrible, the food disgusting and the price for paper plate way too expensive

My brother-in-law told me about this place and said it was pretty good. I'm not used to eating with paper plates and plastic forks but the food was good. I had the halibut special and I had leftovers and I got the potatoes and their special coleslaw ate every bit. My husband got the swordfish special and he said it was pretty good and the same sides I got. I asked for a taste of their rosé and they gave me a pretty good sample. I ended up getting a glass. It wasn't too sweet just right. The desserts were chocolate cake or. Cheesecake but I decided to pass. Our server was Kristy and she was very good and friendly. Also, the pricing was pretty good as we've been to a lot of restaurants that cost more for Fish. read more

The Crab Cooker - Swordfish, potatoes, and coleslaw - Seafood Near Me - Tustin, California

A very old traditional restaurant The interior felt as cool as it was old. It's so old that it's rather authentic. Food was good across the board: house salad, crab cakes, low shells, clam chowder, and calamari. Service was so-so but acceptable read more

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I have been eating at the crab cooker for 45 years and the quality and service are always terrific! Quick and delicious fish, slaw , and my favorite bbq cheese potatoes ! read more

I've been going to the Crab Cooker for 40+ years, starting with their Newport Beach location. This location just has better parking. The food hasn't changed much. It's fresh seafood, simply grilled. Their slaw is outstanding. Their rice with the noodles is great. Their crusty sourdough loaf is wonderful. On this visit, I had the shrimp on a skewer (~$26). I think they may be using less bacon between the shrimp. They still serve their food on disposable plates with plastic utensils, even though this is a sit down restaurant that isn't cheap. While I didn't get it on this visit, they serve my ideal Manhattan clam chowder (tomato based). Besides pricing going up, there are little things they've changed which are disappointing. They used to have these airy yet crunchy breadsticks on all the tables or these dense and crunchy soup crackers. They took those away. I suppose you have to ask for them now. They also got rid of the free jawbreakers (which was replaced by saltwater taffy), which they got rid of. I still appreciate how the decor hasn't changed much, all nautical themed. The service is still friendly. They have a fish counter where you can get raw seafood to go. However, I usually just get a quart of the soup and a quart of the slaw and I'm good for a few days of meals. read more

We haven't been to the Crab Cooker in many years. I love it, but my wife, not so much. So it was great going there again the other night. The food is still excellent, and I didn't realize how much I missed going there. It was good to be back. My wife enjoyed her meal also. So it shouldn't be hard to convince her to go next time. Thx. read more

Love coming to this place whenever we are in town. Today I wanted to try something new on their menu. BOY was I WRONG I ordered steam clams! It literally came in a bowl of hot water with a side of melted butter and lemon slices. YUCK ‍ for $18.99! I'm still shock! DO NOT order this. Stick with their skewers!!! I've had steamed clams in many seafood and steak houses and it's ALWAYS cooked in a buttery broth and many seasonings. read more