How about Joe's Crab Shack?

[debbie655]

Isn't there one in the Lake Buena Vista Area? Has anyone eaten here? Would love to know how the food was, atmosphere, etc. We may not be doing Disney at all this year, staying at the GP for a couple of days and The Royal Pacific for 6 so I know we'll be eating @ Citywalk quite a bit. We are looking for a couple of offsite places to eat that are good and reasonably priced. We've done Red Lobster, Outback, Rainforest Cafe, etc., looking for something different. We like steak and seafood. No Italian--the Italian food in Fla does not compare to Italian here in NYC, not that I've found anyway. Thanks for any advice.

 

[Pixie_Dust]

We ate at the one in/near Redondo Beach (can't remember exact location). It was decorated hyper-kitschy and the wait staff did little dance routines. It was fun

We had some money back from a hideous experience at the SF Rainforest Cafe, and since Joe's Crab Shack chain is part of the same company we decided to use it there and never go back to the RC. No doubt the one at DD is better, but we'd much rather try another Joe's than another RC.

 

[CarolA]

There is one here and I really like it. Reasonably priced and pretty entertaining. It can get loud however.

 

[Steve P]

I for one dont like it. Raucus seafood factory with *ok* prices for what you're getting. Here in Tampa Bay we have a similar chain called Crabby Bill's. Same ultra casual tourist seafood but slightly better prices, and a bit (not much) more subdued.

 

[Ron and Lynn]

I don't have any experience with Joe's crab house. But if your looking for something different than the ordinary that fits your taste try Kobe's Japanesse Steakhouse. Great food and wonderful entertainment all wrapped up into one. Also the price is not very expensive. Its a must do on our yearly visit. Good Luck.
Ron and Lynn

 

[mrsstats]

Joe's Crab Shack is a fun place to go. Not fancy, not inexpensive. They sometimes have a $9.99 shrimp special. Very 60's type dressing. At certain intervals the waiters stop whatever they are doing and go into a dance rountine. Strange the first time it happened but again, its fun. I have been to one in Vegas and the one in Lake Buena Vista. Vegas was much more upbeat.

 

[Muffy]

We tried Joes Crab Shack and it was terrible. The food was not even mediocre and over priced. The atmosphere was lacking too! Hated it!

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Although I hate being negative, our view of Joe's Crab Shack wasn't very high. We did like the atmosphere, but the food middle-of-the-road, price wise, but had a certain Ponderosa taste to it, like everything came out of a vacuum-locked bag....

Pat

 

[cowtownmom]

It's a fun place to go to if you're just wanting to get out and have an entertaining evening. It can get loud.

 

[Golter]

I going to try and word this without sounding negative......UUUUUGGGGGGGHHHHH...Joes is the worst, its overpriced. Wife and I had two salads (with Boiled Shrimp on them) and two teas. It was over $30, for salads and stained water. I have eaten there probably 3 or 4 times in my life and I will never go back. Red Lobster is better.

 

[CarolA]

OK, I have to pipe up again.

I will eat at Joe's. I only eat at Red Lobster under threats! SO I guess this is just one of those places that some people like and some don't.

The other nice thing is they have a playground for the kiddies!

 

[debbie655]

Well, it looks like there are more negatives than positives for Joe's Crab Shack, too bad because it looked like a fun place. Is there a Shells Seafood in the area? We ate there in St. Pete and enjoyed it. Any other suggestions?

Steve--Crabby Bills- We visited St Petersburg two summers ago and I had read so much about this place on The St. Pete message boards. Well we went, all sat down, ordered drinks and they had no crabs!! We ended up going somewhere else for dinner.

 

[MrsMud]

Wow! I researched Joe's a couple of months ago and even posted asking for opinions, and most of those were positive. If I can find the thread, I'll post it for you.

 

[CarolA]

There used to be a Shells on 192 in Kissimee. I have not eaten there in years, but the food was good and the prices excellent.

 

[Steve P]

Debbie - Sorry Crabby Bill's was crabless

Still, maybe shoot for either a Shell's or even Landry's (on rt. 535 IIRC) These are pretty decent seafood chains, either of which I'd take over Joe's.

 

[Favorite Auntie]

Hi Debbie 655!

I see you are from the Northeast too. I think the seafood in Florida stinks, anywhere. It will never live up to the standards of Maine Lobster, etc. My parents live in Florida now, so I have tried the seafood at many places down there (although not at Joes) and have decided to stick with pasta etc from now on... Being from New England I think I am a LOT spoiled when it comes to seafood. You can't beat a lobster right off a lobster boat in Provincetown Cape Cod!!!

 

[debbie655]

Being from New England I think I am a LOT spoiled when it comes to seafood

I bet you are Favorite Auntie! I have to get up to New England someday, my dad is originally from Kennebunk Me and I haven't been up there since I'm a kid.

I find the seafood in Fla ok, but being in NY we don't get the fresh seafood that you guys get up in Mass. Now the pasta is another story, there just is no comparison to NY pasta, or maybe we haven't gone to the right places down there.

We're just looking for a new restaurant to try, fun atmosphere, and good reasonably priced food.

BTW, is it getting nice where you are? We are finally getting a hint of summer here in NY, it's about time!

 

[tax58]

We have a Joe's close to our home. It's a fun place to go, but the food isn't very good. Save your money.

 

[HockeyDadof2]

I am curious of those that didn't like the food, what did you have? I get the Joe's Crab Pot or sometimes the blackened fish, and am always very satisfied, though the veggie of the day usually leaves alot to be desired. I had a fried platter of some sort and agree it wasn't very good, or at least wasn't worth having again. You definately have to be in the mood for the atmosphere, it is loud. Not by threat of a hot poker in my eye would I set foot into a Red Lobster, I can't stand that place. I don't think I have ever been there without at least one persons meal being stone cold, we wonder if it's some sort of policy? LOL


Edited to add: if you haven't had the crab balls you are missing something pretty darn good!!

 

[BostonMouse]

Joe's Crab Shack is ok. Food was good, not great. It was a very hokey atmosphere but fun. The kids loved when the waiters started thier dance routines. I'd suggest you try it at least once.