Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Fat Crab Cafe

    3.8 (33 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    The Fat Crab Cafe Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Fat Crab Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Fisherman's Red Chowder
    Anna B.

    Mr. Bill's and The Fat Crab Cafe are local staples since 1973, and I can absolutely tell why. This place takes the classic seafood restaurant vibes and kicks it up a notch with some innovative dishes and fun presentations. The owner came around and chatted a bit with every table, and it really made us feel welcome. Not to mention, the woman taking our order did a great job patiently keeping track of our order as we stumbled through it. The food was just as good as the service. The standout for me in terms of unique dishes has to be the warm crab cornbread (come on thats genius). The lobster roll was delicious, I loved that the bun was warm and the lobster/mayo mixture was cold. The shrimp ceasar wrap was a surprisingly great combo. The chowder was warm and delicious. I was surprised that I liked the fish and chips as I usually don't, I think because it wasn't too salty, and the chips were THICK which I enjoyed. The halibut special was simply prepared, but well prepared nonetheless. The Caesar salad was simple, obviously, but still tasty. We also got oyster and steamed shrimp, which were obviously fresh. Come here if you want fun, tasty, fresh seafood and great service!

    Fish 'n' Chips
    Dana S.

    The Fat Crab Cafe is my new favorite place for lunch in Lancaster. The counter service was friendly and fast. With several delicious sounding possibilities, we decided to try the New England Chowder and the Fish and Chips. Both were fantastic. Absolutely perfect for a rainy afternoon!

    Shrimp and grits
    Ashley C.

    While parking space is limited, there are plenty of spaces nearby. It features a cafeteria-style casual dining experience where you order from the cashier/registrar and they bring the food to your table (return the dishes to the front when finished). Currently, they offer a $1 oyster special on Saturdays from noon to 4:30 (excluding December 23rd). Honestly, the food was better than I remember from three years ago. What attracts me the most, though, is the current oyster specials. I would love to go back to try their dinner menu as well.

    a plate of food
    Christina M.

    Delicious!! I was not expecting to find something this fresh and amazing all the way in Lancaster. We got the fish and chips and fresh catch of the day sandwich. Everything was fresh even the fries (not pictured)!! The service was quick and the staff was super friendly. They have a seafood market and cafe inside their one building. Everything is takeout right now with some outdoor seating available. The cafe you order at separate so it was very easy and no line. The seafood market side was really busy which was great to see. You can definitely tell they get regulars there. The best part was outside they just got a delivery of fresh crabs so you could see them outside in the garage area.

    Huge Alaskan King

    Ok welp, our first time here.. was enlightening. If anyone's seen my previous posts, we moved here about 3. 5 years ago and there are many places that are "firsts" for us. To celebrate my new job, I wanted to treat my husband to crabs/seafood... whatever.. We ordered the shrimp wrapped in bacon and I found those a bit tough but really tasty. We also got their loaded fries.. a home run. Those we were able to nosh on at the table. All was not lost . Went there Saturday and was in line at 6pm, Jonesing for blue claw crabs. I asked if they had blue claw and was met with a look of confusion.. "regular crabs?" Oh yeah. We have them but you have to take them to go because we close at 7:30. I didn't understand. She told me they took 1/2 an hour to steam. Umm no they really don't but maybe she meant that's how long the kitchen needed to get to them. "So I can't get 6 crabs and eat them here?" No they'll have to be "to go".. if I can ask the kitchen if theyre still steaming. "huh??" I don't understand this. "So I MAY be able to get them steamed, but I can't eat them here because theyre " to go"? She said "yes". Ok, so I can't get them "to go" and eat them here, then take the rest home if I don't finish by 7:30? "They'll have to be to go".. ummm okay. Whatever. It's an hour . I can def demolish 6 crabs in under an hour .. but ok. She said we have to give them an hour and a half to sit down to eat. I guess that was her way of telling me that's about what the average table stay is, but it came out-- not quite that way. It was our first time there and honestly I was disappointed that I didn't get to experience them hot, not having the mess at my own house and to have an evening where I was being served (whole reason I go OUT ) but my husband and I went back on our 30 minute ride back with my blue claws in and his huge Alaskan King crab legs in a bag. Needless to say, we drove as fast as we could to get them home while still hot. He got two crab legs in his order. This bad boy came in at 19.25" from end to point! Not even a joke. He picked then entire thing and had a nice pile that filled him up. $69.99 but worth it. He was quite happy, it was delicious.. my blues were excellent. We will def be going back, but next time with a clearer understanding of their time lines.. oh and it's a BYOB too. I was too busy eating to take pictures of my crabs... will this do?

    Hayoung Y.

    The food is good but the price and service not so much. The person at the registrar was not kind to us and ruined the whole experience, which was a shame. We just wanted to eat our food as quickly as possible and get out. Wouldn't go again.

    Charles B.

    This is probably our favorite local seafood restaurant and retail. We ordered the Shrimp and oyster Po boys and split them they were both delicious, we also got the clam chowder just wow it was so good huge pieces of clam. The staff was very nice and helpful. After we finished we went over to the fish market and got the swordfish and clam cakes can't wait to try these. The staff was wry nice and very helpful.

    a sandwich and a cup of coffee

    Stopped at the Fat Crab today. Takeout only during the pandemic. Got two soups and matching sandwiches and headed straight home. The soups were great with generous portions of crab and clams respectively. The crab could have had a bit more heat but a few dashes of hot sauce from my frig made it superb! The sandwiches were yummy too! One suggestion these sandwiches need a bread remodel. The oyster po boy needs a French baguette and the Fish needs and Italian semi-hard or a Mexican Bolillos. The fish sandwich falls apart half way through and must be eaten with a fork. That brioche bun cannot handle all that delicious fish! It's not a bad thing! Did I mention they deliver right to your car? Great job guys and girls!

    Poseidon's Plate, The Crab Totler, Fish 'n' Chips
    Erin S.

    I've been wanting to try this place since it opened, but just hadn't made it. My mother in law is in town from the midwest and always requests seafood and I'm happy to oblige. Usually, we take a little trip to the neck of the Chesapeake Bay or into Philadelphia, but we spent the day shopping and decided to stay a little more local. Big mistake. Overcooked shrimp, crab cakes full of filler, very little seasoning and no butter or lemon to be found. We had to ask for cocktail, which was a congealed mess with liquid floating on top. Baked mac and cheese managed to be dry and greasy at the same time.Appetizers were good--the tottler (tots topped with crab and cheese) and Chesapeake eggs (think Scotch eggs, but crab cake instead). Fried fish was also decent, but nothing remarkable. The ranch dressing on the salad was possibly the best part, which is not necessarily what one is looking for at a seafood cafe. Staff was lackluster and couldn't provide the wifi password. Stick to Bonefish or even Red Lobster, or take the the 45 minute jaunt down to the bay.

    Shrimp Po Boy

    See all

    21 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Jeff W.
    1
    107
    34

    1 year ago

    Great food, no waiting, goes the extra mile. Fresh ingredients and takes the time to do it right. Good service. Will be back.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Dana S.
    0
    15
    14

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Don N.
    21
    66
    2

    2 years ago

    The shrimp and scallops were grilled. Had no flavor at all. Was just heated on the grill then put on a plate. Was not satisfied

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dina B.
    6
    63
    22

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Pam P.
    0
    25
    1

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Erin S.
    118
    25
    15

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lacey L.
    388
    75
    149

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jamie C.
    42
    98
    150

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Scott P.
    32
    77
    52

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Great food. Was reluctant to get seafood outside of Maryland but I was not disappointed.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ana B.
    0
    17
    1

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of L H.
    0
    1
    0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bev K.
    20
    3
    0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Fantastic Meal, great service and BYOB was a great plus! Will come again soon for the al fresco dining in the spring!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - The Fat Crab Cafe

    Bobby Bay's - French Fries

    Bobby Bay's

    4.2(55 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$

    Had a very nice experience at Bobby Bay's recently. I was visiting from out-of-town and my original…read morerestaurant selection was not open. I looked on Yelp and quickly pivoted here and I'm glad I did! The woman behind the counter was very kind and personable to everyone who walked in, there were free cookies that they were testing out that customers could take, and the seating was limited but clean. The big windows give nice views out to the parking lot and the rolling hills beyond. I ordered a "Rancher" which was one of the hot sandwiches. A bit like a cheesesteak but with ranch dressing and bacon. The sandwich was ready in no time at all and tasted great! Could definitely see myself coming back next time I'm in the area.

    Tough place to review. Got the Johnny Boy sandwich and…read morefries. Johnny boy was prosciutto, thick sliced mozzarella, soprasetta, arugula and olive oil. The fries are always fantastic here! Definitely a top choice if you come here. The sandwich tasted great. The main problem I have is that I am not a fan of their rolls. The rolls are very doughy and seemed like there was too much roll for the sandwich. The service was quick and fast, the lady at the front register was very kind. Great service is always a plus in my mind for a restaurant. The location was clean, easy parking, and setup nice on the inside with plenty of seating. The price per sandwich is a little bit expensive.

    Photos
    Bobby Bay's
    Bobby Bay's - Burger

    Burger

    Bobby Bay's - Sign

    See all

    Sign

    Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar

    Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar

    3.5(219 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    I thought this place was great. Has a fun atmosphere. The service was good. We arrived on a weekday…read more(Friday) during lunchtime. I got a grilled chicken sandwich with coleslaw. I wasn't a fan of the coleslaw. Very different from any coleslaw I've ever had before. Not saying it wasn't good. Just wasn't my thing. The sandwich was good. My son ordered a huge sandwich (can't remember what it was called) and it has coleslaw and fries inside. I snatched a fry and they were so good! Three people, three sandwiches and under $40. Good deal! Especially when two of those sandwiches could have served other people. They were huge.

    Service was great. Started with the hot soft pretzel…read more Outstanding. We both ripped off part before I even got my pics taken. Yum. We ordered the New Yorker sandwich this time (had the Don last time). It was good but not great. The spicy mustard was unevenly applied so was missing on my half and was badly needed. The Don sandwich last week had meat spread throughout and the fries in the sandwich were crunchy and not limp like today's sandwich. We also had naked BBQ wings that were good, but again, not as good as we had last week. The wings were bigger, meatier and better sauced last time. Apparently didn't take pics last weekend for comparison, but it was noticeably better then so would suspect that cooking is uneven. Last week was a 5, today was just a 3, so I averaged.

    Photos
    Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar
    Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar - Onion Rings.

    Onion Rings.

    Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar - Half wings.

    See all

    Half wings.

    Mad Chef Craft Brewing - Housemade pickles

    Mad Chef Craft Brewing

    4.3(411 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$

    This was my 2nd time coming to Mad Chef!…read more The first time I came here was about 2 years ago (before doing yelp reviews). I was not very impressed. This time around I cannot complain! Their specials are all revolving around the Masters which was unique! We tried the Pimento, Fried Green Tomato, Chicken Sandwich (The Pimento Birdie). This was a delicious sandwich that just screams Georgia! We also tried the Madfather Chicken Sandwich! Pesto, Vodka Sauce, Mozzarella, this thing was outstanding! The fries are always a highlight here! We got the bucket (had a bigger group) and it came with 3 sauces. 1 tiny little knock on the fry bucket....the entire bucket was not filled with fries. The bottom of the fry bucket had about an inch or 2 of crinkled up paper..... All of the food was outstanding. The beer was good. Tons of space and seating. Very easy ordering process. Go up to the counter, tell them your table number, and your food arrives shortly! Prices are high here! Expect a larger number on your check if consuming both food and alcohol!

    Big Sigh... An attempt to create something good, unsual, but…read morenot only falls short in doing so, the inflated prices were enough for you to rethink your groceries for the week. Maybe what I smelled upon walking inside Mad Chef, were hops; I'm unsure. There was a lingering, unpleasant scent (hay/old peanut shells, an earthy staleness). When my food arrived, the scent dissipated. I purposely took a picture of the fish, on my fried fish sandwich, to illustrate what $17 and some change, looks like - very thin. The fish fry was tasty, slightly undercooked, soft crusted and soft bun, fresh condiments and those "pickles" were stellar. They were the best part of my meal. I would seriously purchase a jar of those pickles. Was wary of how hot honey would mesh with a pepperoni pizza, but surprisingly, the sweet heat and the savoriness of the pepperonis, worked well together. The only miss and it's a pretty big "miss," was the paper thin, tasteless crust, acting only as a vehicle to hold the toppings. Suggest you improve the crust and then, you'll have a stellar pie. Loved the peach bread pudding with brown sugar ice cream, but once again, for the price; the portion was skimpy. Liked the touch of homemade whipped cream, but it was overly whipped (stiff and tasteless), making it actually, impalatable.

    Photos
    Mad Chef Craft Brewing - The dining room closest to the brewery.

    The dining room closest to the brewery.

    Mad Chef Craft Brewing - Reuben w/ Fries ($17)

    Reuben w/ Fries ($17)

    Mad Chef Craft Brewing - Complimentary Water ($0)

    See all

    Complimentary Water ($0)

    The Fat Crab Cafe - seafood - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...