Crab Shell - Stamford

I have been going to the crab shell since the 1990s when I lived closer to the restaurant. For Labor day weekend I met friends for lunch. We had a nice meal inside the restaurant and decided to later sit outside for a bit. The bartender was lovely. My friends wanted to order another drink. We were rudely told by the Manager Terry that we could not take a table unless we were going to order more food. We told him we had just eaten and wanted to order beverages. He was very nasty to us and my friend ordered additional food so we all could spend more time together. I was shocked at the lack of customer service and kindness. We had spent upwards of $150.00 in the restaurant and yet people coming in with their dogs were welcomed at tables. I will say the Server Ben was very gracious and kind and provided great service. We appreciated him. Very nice young man. Later we spoke with the owner who was also very nice. The wait staff should not have to apologize for the behavior of a Manager. I have always loved the Crab Shell and will not let a crabby manager ruin it. Still a good place, but they may want to reevaluate who represents them to the public.

My comment goes to the food ?. I sat at the Bar. Fresh, delicious ?, and the drinks ? was great . The female Bar Tender seemed very distracted on her phone ? and didn’t seem like I was a bother. Everything else, was goodFood: 5/5

For a place named Crab Shell, there wasn’t a single crab in shell on the menu. The food was acceptable. Mostly bland and unappealing. Service was lacking. The main planner of my group specifically called ahead to ask if there were gluten free options, she was assured there was. We arrived and asked which items were. The server looked confused and said she’d check. She came back and said, “unfortunately we don’t have a lot. It’s basically the raw items. Shrimp and oysters. Oh, we’re out out of the clams.” We asked about the grilled fish items. She said oh, yeah, those too. We asked about the steak. She said, well, yeah, that too. None of it instilled confidence even though common sense said those should be safe. She then said, “by the way, most of our food is fried (despite us specifically asking about grilled items) and everything is fried in the same stuff, so that might no be gluten friendly if it’s a true allergy.” Anyway. We all ordered. I had the “sautéed” grouper. Came out and was obviously battered and pan fried. We waited forever for water refilled. Also to be asked for second round of drinks. Never checked to make sure entrees were acceptable. They were mediocre. At that point we just accepted it and ate. It was all whatever. View was beautiful. I think that was the only saving grace. Would never bring a group here again.

The crab shell pasta was very creamy and gooey. DeliciousFood: 5/5

Great fresh seafood next to the water, lovely atmosphere, and Oscar was greatFood: 5/5