Sometimes you just want seafood without all the fancy-schmancy dressing up and tableware. I know I do. Luckily enough, my family and I were at the Newport Beach area and found a really great casual seafood restaurant called The Crab Cooker. It’s been around for over 60 years and was one time rated one of the best restaurants in the world by Venture Magazine.
A funny story: back in the day, President Nixon’s staff asked for him to be seated immediately for dinner, and the restaurant informed them that he would have to wait in line with the rest of the patrons. So my wait in line wasn’t too bad, after all – plus it took only 20 minutes on a Saturday night.
Once inside, we found ourselves seated in a nautical-themed room – it definitely gave off that beach bum/surfer vibe. The food came pretty quickly and of course in paper plates and plastic utensils, the true mark of a down-to-earth seafood joint.
The food itself was amazing. For what would’ve amounted to a single entree at a fancier seafood restaurant, we feasted like kings here. Appetizers included Manhattan clam chowder (tomato base and really good), calimari (fresh fresh squid), and smoked salmon (also fresh). I ordered a shrimp and scallop skewer entree, which came with some of the tastiest and amazing freshly-cooked shrimp and scallops this side of the Pacific. The included mac ‘n cheese mashed potatoes and coleslaw were added bonuses.
I was super impressed by the quality of the seafood and was seriously stuffed by the end of our meal. What an awesome seafood experience at a great price in a casual environment!
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