The food was delicious and the service is always good. I would like to see more specials

Food and ambiance was poor. Appetizer- calamari and a pretzel were tasteless. Fish and chips diner was small and felt processed. The location needs a remodel - felt dated and cheap. Not at all like it used to be. read more

My family loved this place. They had a guy singing and playing guitar. The food was really great you can tell they have made it their own and perfected it over the many years it's been here. It runs like a well oiled machine and it's a great place to eat or have a drink and some appetizers at the bar. Very Family friendly. read more

Food was ok, but we waited way too long to get our entrees. It was busy. But... Too long a wait to me means I don't think we will go back again. read more

We arrived a few minutes before lunch service started and were seated by a frazzled hostess. We would have been happy to wait the extra few minutes until they opened (especially since we were hoping to sit in the covered outdoor area) so that was a bit disappointing. The inside was actually fairly crowded, with many people at the bar even though lunch hadn't started yet. I ordered the fish and chips, which came with soup. I upgraded to the crab chowder. I thought the food was just okay. The soup was not as flavorful as I would have hoped and the battering on the fish wasn't very crispy. Our server was great though and I found him to be very attentive. There are not a ton of sit down restaurants in this part of Lavalette, so I would give this place another try with a different meal despite my mixed feelings about this visit. read more

The Crab's Claw Inn - Fish and Chips - Seafood Near Me - Lavallette, New Jersey

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When for a quick bite and drinks. It was crowded in the bar area - bartenders were friendly and personable. Ordered the Paper Plane drink - was really good. We also had the calamari with marinara sauce and the buffalo wings. Everything was really good and great portions. I recommend this restaurant if you're in the area. Also, there is live music outside & outdoor seating! read more

The crabs claw seems like the main go to place for the people in Lavallette. Good food and fun environment! Ambience: the restaurant is huge. They have and outdoor and indoor section. We went on a Saturday evening around 7 pm and the wait was over an hour. But they have an upstairs bar that is a bit tucked away where you can get seats at the high table. This was a quieter area and where we ended up sitting. It was enjoyable and actually quiet so you can hear each other talk! The downstairs is a lot busier and loud! Food: I got the blackened chicken over linguine and it was good! I think the flavor overall could be better but the portion size is huge and I enjoyed the garlic bread. The burrata salad was large and flavorful and so was the clam chowder Price: reasonably priced - especially with the portion sizes. Expect to pay a m $35 for an entree Service: they are very kind but service could've been better! read more

The Crab's Claw Inn - Blackened chicken pasta, burrata salad, and Creamy Crab Chowder - Seafood Near Me - Lavallette, New Jersey

This is a popular place in Lavalette. They don't have many vegan options but that's not their focus so don't fault them for that (you can get a baked potato and salad and steam vegetables). I did call and ask about allergens and they were confident there was no egg in the kids hot dog and hamburger buns and nothing on the chicken fingers however when I was in the restaurant they said there was egg on the bun. We asked for water and only one was delivered and had to keep asking - but again they were really busy. The fish and chips special seemed good but the fried fish was tiny. read more

Had to wait an hour and a half for a table of 7. Told it would be 45 minutes. Won't be coming back here again.

Edited with comments regarding manager response: NOT FAMILY FRIENDLY Aileen, let's not twist this. From the very start, the woman at the hostess stand was rude when I asked about the stroller, even trying to brush me to the side without finishing our conversation. That's not the way paying customers should be treated. If there hadn't been a two-hour wait, your stroller policy wouldn't have even come into play. My baby fell asleep during that time, and demanding I wake them was absurd. Yes, your staff eventually brought what we asked for--that's the bare minimum of their job, not a favor. It doesn't erase how poorly the situation was handled. And it's not my problem if the rest of my family was content with subpar service. I expect better. As for your "hope" that I'll have a better experience next time--there won't be a next time. Not for me, and not for anyone I know. Families deserve respect, not excuses. Terrible experience for families. This restaurant has a "no stroller" policy, which they tried to enforce even though my baby was peacefully sleeping. The staff insisted I wake up my baby and take them out of the stroller just to be seated -- absolutely unreasonable. We were a big party, and it was very clear they didn't want to lose our business, but instead of handling it gracefully they dragged us into an unnecessary, massive argument. Only after going back and forth with the manager did they finally allow the stroller, but the entire situation was stressful and soured the night. If this is how they treat paying guests, I'd steer clear. There are plenty of restaurants that welcome families without making them feel like an inconvenience. read more

We came in for lunch and shared the Old Bay steamer pot, which was delicious. I got a guava spritz which was pretty good. Our server was friendly and the atmosphere felt pretty relaxed. We had tried to get dinner the previous night (Saturday) and it was insanely packed. read more

The Crab's Claw Inn - Old Bay Steamer Pot - Seafood Near Me - Lavallette, New Jersey

They don't take reservations. Arrived at 5:15 last night and was told it would be 30 minute wait as long as we were willing to sit upstairs. We agreed. 1 hour 40 mins we were finally seated. Put in a small app order which came relatively quickly to hold us over for our meals as we were famished. 1hour and 15 mins later our entrees were served at about 8:40pm. Ridiculously disorganized. My two children were so out of it, we took two bites and left with "to go" containers to eat another day!! Want to acknowledge our waitress Gigi who was wonderful, apologetic, and in no way at fault. Never again. read more

I would like to start off with the decor of the place it is July with Christmas decorations up,ok "Christmas in July" but I am not coming down the shore to see balloons taped on the ceiling. Now I don't care about all that but should've seen it as a sign that this place is SLOWWWWWWW. Waited a hour and 45 minutes to get our dinner. Then the manager comes out blaming our AMAZING SERVER! (His name was Shane and he's new) would not go again if you want to be home before your death. The food was ok would've expected better for such a long wait. read more

The Crab's Claw Inn - Seafood Near Me - Lavallette, New Jersey

They gave you a time and estimate that is no where near the time. We were told it was 45 minutes ended up waiting an hour in a half just for them to tell us there is still 10 tables ahead of us. Don't waste your time going here As the managers and the hostess are very rude and lie about the times. read more

Steamers were delicious! Entrees good except for cold accompaniments ( green beans and potatoes). We were charged an additional $8 for two drinks, neat, and there was nothing on the menu indicating that significant additional charge. The really good part of our meal was our "in training" waitress, Christine. We live locally and are so disappointed. read more

Oh The Crabs Claw, if I was given an unlimited amount of stars to hand out on yelp, I would give them all to the Crabs Claw. This is my favorite restaurant of the Jersey shore. My family and I go there for all occasions birthdays, holidays, just because, you name it. The atmosphere is always inviting, the servers and bartenders will be your best friends. The winter time, especially, is my favorite time, it's like being on an episode of cheers jersey shore style. The bar is large and cozy and when the fireplace is going in the winter, I swear that place will suck you in in the best way possible. In the summertime they have awesome live music inside and out, and the outside bar is such a fun spot to hang. It makes a long wait go by like nothing. Aside from the ambience itself the food is incredible. At this point I've been there so many times I have probably tried nearly everything on the menu. Since choosing my favorite item would be hard I'll give you my top three. The tuna sandwich is incredible, there's so much flavor and the tuna is great quality. If I had a dollar for every tuna sandwich I've gotten from the Crabs Claw I could probably buy three more tuna sandwiches. They are so good! The coconut shrimp tacos also are incredibly flavorful. I've tried to re-create them at home and have never been successful, the mango salsa I think is the real winner here. In the winter time, especially on a cold day, there is nothing better to warm the soup than a Crabs Claw lobster bisque and grilled cheese. If you're looking for a nice casual cozy dinner on the barrier island look no further. The Crabs Claw is it! read more

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Honestly such an amazing place. The food is spectacular and the staff is so sweet. Whenever I go down the shore I have to stop in! read more

The Crab's Claw Inn - Seafood bucket - Seafood Near Me - Lavallette, New Jersey

Solid local place with solid drink and fare and friendly staff. It's got a line in the summer, and never been because of that - I am a local, and know how to not let summer crowds crowd me out! Enjoyed it in the spring and fall, when one can walk in and get a table right away. read more

fun time with friendly staff Florida Mike the bartender was great. Good food as well as a welcoming atmosphere read more

Great place food is good bartenders are always in a great mood and very helpful . Comfortable bar and happy

Waited 90 minutes but worth it. Had the lobster tails and the were great 45 bucks for 3 tails how can you go wrong. Clams for app. Music and band was fun. Nice night out on the Jersey Shore. Be patient on the wait you won't be sorry. read more

What a cute local bar in the heart of Lavalette. Loved the lively bar in this place. It feels so homey inside. They also have sidewalk seating with live entertainment. My cousin and I stopped in for happy hour. We ordered the meatballs and house pinot grigio. The meatballs were very good. They were served in a cast iron dish with crusty baguette. The wine was good as well. The bartenders were friendly and attentive. I can't wait to visit again in the summer. read more

The Crab's Claw Inn - Seafood Near Me - Lavallette, New Jersey

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Have visited here a few times now and still love it. Small town feel with great food and drinks! Order the tuna nachos.....you won't be disappointed. Oysters are really good!! read more

The Crab's Claw Inn - Drinks! - Seafood Near Me - Lavallette, New Jersey

The food is really good except it gets very crowded the servers are very nice and responsive.I definitely recommend coming here.

Went there during the week for lunch. Surprisingly, the place was not crowded at all, and got a seat right away. Our party had the lunch special fish and chips, and two of their burgers. The waiter looked at one of the guests and asked what they would like to drink, and when he answered, he passive aggressively asked very loudly FOR HER? It seemed he did not realize he was asking him what he wanted and then made a big deal out of it when he answered. The attitude continued throughout the meal with the same snarky comments when asking for our food and desert orders. We will not be back. read more

Good food , Great service, Plenty of seating ! Awesome specials! Fair pricing many fancy drinks to keep us coming back ! the evening entertainment is never disappointing! read more

It's summer and families want to go out on the town to enjoy an evening out..Let it be known your wait time we be longer then 45 minutes (2hrs) because they let people sit there who have paid their check and listen to music as long as they want- was told to many by desk staff..even if you have a hungry party of six who will be eating qand drinking more. Bad business manners by owner. They should have bar area only for music lovers and drinkers to listen to music on busy summer days to stand with a drink while others enjoy spending their money on eating at tables. Though tasty fresh clams steamers burgers and steaks are good not all fish frozen and fried entrees. Nice portions- tasty - staff is nice and well trained.. They do their best to make you happy after desk lies about wait time but food comes out fast. Has a regular crowd who gets there early to reserve their bar stools.They do serve drinks at their bar outside while you are waiting. It's a staple in town but there's a very long wait..Outdoor seating you'll get a seat faster..shop around town then your table will be ready- maybe? l gave it one star because of the lies waiting too long for our table.Many were annoyed as well.Management needs to control summer crowds in a more professional and efficient way. There's entertainment outside to keep you from going stir crazy waiting.. read more

was told the weight would be 30 to 45 minutes two hours later we finally walked up to the desk and they told us 11 people were still in front of us and that people were just sitting around not getting up after their dinner finally was seated ordered our meal I had soft shell crab and shrimp over angel hair in a French cheese franchise sauce first of all, there was no angel hair. They served it with spaghetti and the sauce was like lemon juice out of a bottle now we've dined at this place for years every time we're down at this part of of the shore, I felt we were lied to about the wait then when we finally were seated the waiter was very apologetic but still the dinner was awful. Would not recommend this restaurant to anyone. read more

This is one of the best restaurants on the Jersey shore. We went in for a late weekend lunch and the service was excellent. All of the seafood is fresh and menu options are wide enough to accommodate a large group, especially families. read more

We stopped by mid week on a slow night .. weather man called for snow. Super friendly hostess / waitress. Appetizers were really good... stuffed mushrooms and the meatball sampler. Dinner was really tasty as were the desserts. Definitely going back. read more

6 of us recently went to The Crabs Claw Inn In Lavalette NJ 8/2/2025. We have been going there on and off for the past 40+ years and this experience was the absolute worst. In the past, a salad or soup and bread always came with the meal. Nothing this time. For a seafood restaurant, the food was horrendous and the prices outrageous.. No one at our table had a satisfying meal from a burger, seafood platter and soft shell crabs. Most of the food was of the frozen variety. The Calamari was disgusting. They should be embarrassed to by what they served. Never again. Whoever is running this establishment now has ruined what was a once a decent place. JKR, GDR & RDB read more

Nice atmosphere always friendly service good local restaurant for a quick meal. Food is good.

Excellent food!!!! Buffalo Calamari was amazing! Fish sampler and tacos were awesome. read more

The Crab's Claw Inn - Seafood Near Me - Lavallette, New Jersey

What a disappointment . Place has gone completely downhill , used to have an above average fish and chips , had it last week was terrible , fish was mush no crisp nothing we had 3 orders of them all were awful .also ordered a haddock in lemon sauce , no flavor , how you no flavor in a dish with lemon is beyond me . Living on a reputation earned many many years ago would not waste another nickel on this place . read more

We had a great dinner - halibut. Atmosphere was fun. Price was fine. Karaoke was not so great. Would rather have a singer inside.

Never fails at the crabs claw for a great meal amazing service and a delicious drink. Their food is epic and has been for years. Thank you for all you do. Love visiting whenever I can! read more

Went for dinner with the family. The place was packed the hostess sat us promptly. We had fantastic service . The broiled combo was the best I've had in the area . Fresh seafood and plentiful . All the meals were excellent. We will be back.we sat in the porch area which was quite nice. read more

Wow what a great time. Food was fresh well seasoned. Service always Attention to the customer. Portions ok but could've been larger to put the meal over the top. But you're at a tourist joint. Better than most restaurants. read more

Usually has music, kareoke & food with full bar. Food is ok - not outrageous. I usually am safe with shrimp cocktail and/or mussels which are pretty good . It's the go-to place in that area read more

Food has gone way downhill over the decades. It's basically Restaurant Depot food quality attached to a bar. Stale rolls and soggy fish and chips were some of the recent lowlights. I had to send my bill back because it was way too high and had to be fixed. Maybe the target over 75 customer likes this style of food ? read more