The Crab Cooker

A very old traditional restaurantThe 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

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.

I haven't been to the Crab Cooker for a couple of years and driving by decided to stop in for a quick lunch. It was a bit after 2pm so maybe 20% full. I ordered the steamed clams which were delicious. Of course at the Crab Cooker all food is served on paper/plastic plates with plastic utensils. My clams arrived steaming hot in the broth they were steamed in. They were delicious with the melted butter. As all steamed clams lovers know the best part of the meal is dunking fresh bread in the clam broth. None was brought with the meal so I asked my server if I could have some bread. She advised me that bread didn't come with it so if I wanted some I'd have to buy it. She brought out a loaf of bread, sliced, I said she could slice it, in 10 big slices. I was by myself so I did enjoy 2 of the big slices dipped in the broth. The price of this loaf of bread is $4.95. on top of the steamed clams. I understand if a person wants bread for the table it would be fair if a restaurant wants to charge for it. But I don't think it's good customer service to serve a dish like this without a slice or 2 of bread. I left the majority of the bread on the table. I could have taken it but I'm not a big bread eater except when I want it for special meals. I live alone and there was no one to share with. I'm very disappointed with the "chicken poo poo ' attitude of this restaurant and I'm taking the time to call them out.

Been going to Crab Cooker since the 1960's. The food is consistent and excellent. The service is always friendly and efficient. Highly recommend both locations but prefer the Newport Beach atmosphere.

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.

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.

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.

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!!

Da Best! Try the Barbecue Oyster. Then the most delicious and famous Manhattan Clam Chowder

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.