01/19/09

Great Atmosphere & Great Seafood

by bluetick

The Outback Crab Shack is located on SR 13 south of Jacksonville on Six Mile Creek, which feeds into the St. Johns River. This little seafood gem is big on Atmosphere, great seafood and a very friendly staff. If you are looking for fancy tables, real silverware then the Outback Crab Shack is not for you. They have great seafood, and a large outdoor eating area that is next to Six Mile Creek. There is a huge boat dock that is adjacent to the Outback Crab Shack and extends toward the St. Johns River and in the summer this place is packed with boats and people eating fresh seafood. You will find some gator and a few manatee's in the creek. This place is a frequent stop for motorcyles out on a Sunday Ride. You will go back, and is a great place to take out of town guests for an authentic Fish Camp.

• Pros: Great seafood and great atmosphere
• Cons: Little pricey for the food

12/30/08

OutBack Crab Shack; what a disappointment,

by Trankin5

We had guests visiting from Ohio went to Outback Crab Shack. We had spent the day in St. Augustine & raved to our guests about the food at OBCS. The adults were (7 total) were looking forward to a delicious dinner; fresh fish, gator & shrimp - we were really disappointed. The restaurant had totally re-done the menu, cutting out popular food items, including fried catch platter for two. They decreased the platter size markedly & increased the cost radically by more than 1/3. As well, much of the food we ordered was "out" & the staff was unaware- more than once we had to re-order. The children's menu was downsized to only three choices; gator, shrimp & chicken strips-no child eats gator!

OBCSt had flooded earlier in the year (unknown to us), so it appeared dirty & had a smell of mustiness. No one had bothered to clear any dirty tables the entire time were were there. The restaurant was not busy except for patrons at the bar & a few ables having dinner--the football game was blaring on ALL TVs. NOT a quiet dinner.

The womens bathroom was colorful with profanity & graffiti. I was embarrassed when my 8 year old had to use the bathroom. The bathroom also had only one working toilet as the other two were backed up and no attempts had been made to correct the problem,l there were not any "out of order" signs on the doors but the smell alone should have signaled the problem. Even after we told the hostess, no one bothered to rectify the problems.

A year ago this restaurant was at the top of our list, now I wouldn't recommend anyone eat there. It is a shame since it is close to St. Augustine and shows the outdoor beauty of north Florida. Sadly, we won't be returning or taking any more guests to Outback Crab Shack.

• Pros: The fish is fresh, when they have it. Hush puppies delicious, beautiful view of the river.
• Cons: High Priced, few choices, outdoor dining is "buggy". Restaurant is dirty and not child friendly at all.