We were here for Block Party and being here was just a wonderful experience. Inside is a cozy surfer vibe, with a ton of artwork made by local artists. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. We ordered the onion rings, and shared an O’Neil Mixer with beer battered shrimp and grilled scallops. Everything was amazinggg. The batter that coated the shrimp had a nice flavor and the scallops were perfectly seasoned. Our entree also came with house-made coleslaw and Old Bay fries that me and my wife thoroughly enjoyed. Highly, highlyy recommend to give this place a try, and we will for sure be back again soon.
Overview
Jay's Crab Shack in Ocean City, NJ, is the perfect spot for anyone craving fresh seafood in a laid-back, casual atmosphere. Located at 737B Asbury Ave, this hidden gem offers a menu packed with flavorful options that keep both locals and visitors coming back for more. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty seafood boil or a quick snack, Jay's Crab Shack delivers an unforgettable dining experience.
The menu at Jay's Crab Shack is a delightful mix of traditional seafood dishes with a few unique twists. You’ll find all the classics, from succulent crab legs and shrimp to lobster rolls and oysters. But what sets this place apart is the way they prepare their meals-each dish is infused with vibrant flavors that make every bite worth savoring. The seafood boils are particularly popular, allowing diners to choose their favorite shellfish, add in potatoes, corn, and sausage, and have it cooked to perfection with just the right seasoning. It's the ultimate comfort food, with a rich, bold flavor that stays with you long after the meal is over.
For those not as keen on shellfish, Jay's Crab Shack offers a variety of non-seafood options too. The fried chicken is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfectly seasoned. If you're in the mood for something light and refreshing, try one of their fresh salads, featuring locally sourced ingredients that enhance the flavors without overpowering them. Pair any dish with a side of their crispy fries, which are the ideal accompaniment to any meal on the menu.
The atmosphere at Jay's Crab Shack is perfect for a casual day out. The restaurant's cozy, beachy vibe makes it feel like you're on vacation-even if you're just visiting for lunch. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring that you have a great time whether you’re dining in or taking your meal to go. It’s the kind of place where you can easily unwind after a day of sightseeing or enjoying the sun.
What makes Jay's Crab Shack stand out even more is the commitment to fresh ingredients. The seafood is always sourced locally, ensuring that every dish is as fresh as it gets. This focus on quality is reflected in the reviews, where many diners rave about the freshness and taste of the dishes. In fact, it's not uncommon to see people come in multiple times during their stay in Ocean City, proving that the restaurant's reputation for high-quality seafood is well-earned.
Another standout feature of Jay's Crab Shack is the family-friendly environment. With its relaxed vibe and diverse menu, it’s the perfect spot for a meal with the whole family. There’s something for everyone, from the youngest seafood lovers to the pickiest eaters. Plus, the casual setting means no pressure-just great food and good times.
When it comes to the local food scene, Jay's Crab Shack has earned its place as a must-visit restaurant in Ocean City. Whether you're a local or just passing through, the combination of fresh ingredients, delicious flavors, and a laid-back atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for anyone looking for great seafood. The restaurant’s consistent popularity is a testament to its dedication to quality and service.
So, if you find yourself in Ocean City, NJ, make sure to stop by Jay's Crab Shack for a meal you won’t forget. With its unbeatable combination of fresh seafood, welcoming staff, and casual vibe, it’s a dining experience that will have you coming back for more.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Comfort food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small platesDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ CosyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Cheques ✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 358 reviews
I got a crab cake quesadilla and loved it. Jays has great takeout. Staff is so nice too. My family LOVES JAY’S CRAB SHACK!!
Christmas Shopping in O.C. when we stumbled across this gem. The crab bisque was amazing! Like tilt the bowl to every conceivable angle to get the very last drop amazing. The Taquito was so unique and so very delicious! I highly recommend it. The beer battered shrimp were also delectable!! Prices are on par for the area. Portions are more than generous. We got a great meal with beachy surf shack vibes. 10/10 would recommend and will dine here again. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My wife and I recently had a fantastic experience at this cozy little restaurant. I ordered the fish and chips, which were perfectly cooked and clearly made fresh, crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside. They served a side of cheese dip with the fries that my 5 year old thoroughly enjoyed. My wife had the crab cakes, and she hasn’t stopped talking about how delicious they were! What really stood out was their house-made tartar sauce. It’s honestly some of the best I’ve ever had! Rich, tangy, and the perfect complement to the seafood dishes. To top it all off our waitress, Cat, was absolutely wonderful. She was warm, friendly, and incredibly accommodating, making sure we had everything we needed. All in all, a great dining experience. We’ll definitely be coming back! Highly recommended.
We stopped by during the Ocean City Fall Block Party, we had a great time, food was excellent! Loved the crab cake sandwich and crab bisque. We stopped at the tent set up out front for the Block Party after we ate in the restaurant. We picked up a Dirty Dr. Pepper soda on the way out, amazing! We will defiantly be back!
Good experience overall and the beer battered shrimp was great. The service was average, nothing extraordinary. The only bad thing that happened during our visit was that my brother's fried fish tasted like pure egg. Thankfully, we got a discount off of the check, but I would come back to try some of their other stuff.
My husband and I tried this place for lunch. The food was great!! We both loved it. Amazing fish tacos. 7/2024 This is one of my favorite places, we always make sure to stop by when we are in Ocean City. The food is consistently awesome. This last time my husband did the Colossal challenge and won a t-shirt!! The staff are so nice and make it a great place to go. The owner is such a wonderful person.