Clemente's Crab House

Next to Hello Kitty, blue crabs were one of the first loves of my life. While starting me on piano lessons, my mom also felt that it was time for my little six-year old Asian fingers to learn how to open and eat blue crabs all by myself. I’ve been self-sufficient ever since!

Fast forward twenty or so years: when I heard that there was a place in Brooklyn which offered an all–you-can-eat blue crab special for $32.95 with seating out on the water, I just HAD to check it out. Unfortunately for me, Clemente’s Crab House is wayyyy out in Sheepshead Bay and not easily accessible via public transport (woe is my beloved monthly metrocard). Fortunately for me, I have awesome friends who have a car and offered to soothe my ache for a piece of sweet sweeeeet crab.

On a Sunday afternoon, we started our journey to Clemente’s Crab House (note to readers – it’s cash only so head to the atm before leaving). 35 minutes and a couple shady back road detours later, we finally arrived!

Front of Clemente's Crab House (pic from Clemente's Crab House)

A quick glance around the place showed a no-frills dining area with tables wrapped in brown paper. The dining area out back was our pick – tables along the water just as promised!

Our table on the water with boats in the back!

I had no need to look at the menu – I knew what I came for. I did do a quick glance at the specials board, however, and made a game-time decision by opting for a dozen of the jumbo size crabs for $40 instead of the all-you-can-eat deal. Here they are and in a HUGE bucket!!

Our spread - each of us ordered a dozen and it was WAY too much oops!

Close-up of the crabbies!

I got half dozen crabs in Old Bay and the other half in garlic oil. Each bucket came with an order of fries and corn on the cob. I was excited to dig right in.

While the flavor was tasty (mmmm Old Bay…), the quality was mixed at best. The crabs were a good size but we unfortunately found some not-so fresh crabbies hiding in the midst with the meat slightly mushy instead of firm and tight. That was a huge let down.

The quality issue coupled with their cash only policy was a double whammy in the negative direction for me. Would I come back? Probably not. Was I glad I tried it? Definitely. Do I think you should try it? If you have an afternoon free and a ride – why not (and stick with the Old Bay seasoning)! Give it a go and let me know what you think!

Piggy says eh...

Thanks for reading - Piggy KK