Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Crab Stand – San Francisco
Crab Stand - San Francisco
Photo from Crab Stand
Crab Stand at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 11 of the guests
#2348 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#47 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Average
4.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
33
Reviews
27.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Seafood quality
- Scenic views
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Service problems
The restaurant Crab Stand invites you to a delightful seafood experience right in the heart of San Francisco’s iconic Fisherman’s Wharf. As a dedicated seafood restaurant, it offers a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying fresh catches.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed lunch or a satisfying dinner, you’ll find a welcoming spot to savor the flavors of the bay. You can dine in or opt for convenient takeout, making it a versatile choice for your visit to Pier 39.
Overview: Introducting Crab Stand
Crab Stand offers a mixed experience, where the culinary highlights often shine through. Many patrons praise the quality of their fish and chips and the BBQ salmon on bannock bread, making it a good spot for seafood.
The view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the window side is also a notable draw. However, some aspects could use attention.
Concerns about a dirty counter and a lack of facilities, like few toilets, have been raised. While some found the service courteous, others reported issues with incorrect orders and perceived staff treatment.
Average
4.5
out of 10
33
Reviews
27.3%
Satisfaction
20
negative
4
neutral
9
positive
Crab Stand received an overall score of 4.5, placing it in the average category, but its 27.3% customer satisfaction rate indicates a poor experience for a significant portion of visitors. This divergence suggests that while some aspects are well-received, others fall short, leading to a less than ideal overall impression for many.
Looking closer, Food stands out with a good score (5), reflecting positive comments about dishes like crab and salmon. Ambience is average (4.7), largely due to the scenic views, though some practical issues were noted.
However, Service (3.8) and especially Value (2) are areas needing considerable improvement, with many finding the cost disproportionate to the experience. These insights are drawn from 33 customer remarks, comprising 9 positive and 20 negative observations.
What people like
- Excellent seafood dishes
- Golden Gate Bridge views
- Courteous staff
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Inconsistent service quality
- Unclean counter area
- Small portion sizes
With an overall score of 4.5 and a low 27.3% customer satisfaction, Crab Stand presents a challenging proposition. The 5.4 recommendation score suggests some potential, but it’s clear where improvements are needed for a consistently positive experience.
If you prioritize good seafood and a scenic view, and are prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and value, it might be worth a visit. However, if you’re seeking a seamless experience with excellent value, you might find yourself disappointed.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Crab Stand
Food (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
Despite an overall food score of 5 (average) and customer satisfaction at a poor 30%, there are some culinary highlights! Out of 20 comments, 6 positive remarks celebrate excellent dishes like the BBQ salmon on bannock bread and the consistently praised fish and chips. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal and appreciated the quick way to try seafood.
However, 10 negative remarks highlight areas needing attention. The crab sandwich was notably criticized as the worst ever, with dry, untoasted bread and blended crab meat. Other concerns included undercooked fish, a lack of seasoning, and portions being a bit small, with starters sometimes arriving simultaneously with the main course.
Food
20
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent BBQ salmon
- Favorite fish chips
- Quick seafood access
What people don't like
- Worst crab sandwich
- Undercooked fish
- Small portions
Often praised
- fish and chipsThe fish and chips was our favorite
- BBQ salmon on bannock breadThe BBQ salmon on bannock bread was excellent
- crabMy experience was a quick and easy way to grab some crab and try some seafood while visiting the pier. The fish and chips was our favorite.
- delicious mealWe had a delicious meal and were well looked after. Our recommendation goes out!
- seafoodMy experience was a quick and easy way to grab some crab and try some seafood while visiting the pier. The fish and chips was our favorite.
Frequently criticized
- breadThe bread is not toasted and dry
- crab meatThe carb meat is so blended
- crab sandwichworst crab sandwich I ever had
- frieshanded a sandwich without fries
- platestarter at the same time than the plate
- portionsthe portions were a bit small
- salmon sandwichpicture depicting the salmon sandwich is shown with fries
- seasoninglack of seasoning
- starterdisappointed to have the starter at the same time than the plate
- undercooked fishthe fish was barely rare on the inside
If you're specifically after BBQ salmon on bannock bread or fish and chips, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, with an average score and poor satisfaction, be cautious about other menu items like the crab sandwich or potential issues with undercooked fish and small portions.
Service (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, there are a few bright spots, with some guests feeling genuinely well looked after. Based on 2 positive remarks, it seems a courteous waitress can make a real difference, ensuring a delicious meal and a pleasant experience for those lucky enough to encounter such attentiveness. However, the overall picture for service is quite challenging, with a score of just 3.8, placing it firmly in the poor category.
Customer satisfaction also sits at a low 25%, indicating significant room for improvement. Out of 8 total comments, 6 were negative, highlighting issues like incorrect orders, perceived poor customer service, and even concerns about staff treatment. Guests also noted frustrating waiting times, suggesting that while some staff shine, consistency is a major hurdle.
Service
8
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Courteous waitress
- Well looked after
What people don't like
- Incorrect orders
- Poor staff treatment
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- waitressOur waitress was courteous and helpful
- well looked afterWe had a delicious meal and were well looked after. Our recommendation goes out!
Frequently criticized
- ServiceService:3
- incorrect ordersthey got my order wrong
- poor customer serviceshe was mad that I didn’t want to accept the wrong order
- serviceThey're only included in the picture. Sorry.
- staff treatmentstaff also treated Hispanic customers a lot nicer
- waiting timesOur recommendation goes out! The only downside is the few toilets, which lead to waiting times.
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially mixed bag when it comes to service. While some guests have had positive interactions, the low overall score and customer satisfaction suggest that issues like incorrect orders and long waits are common. It might be worth trying if youre feeling lucky, but don't go in expecting consistently smooth service.
Ambience (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, theres a clear standout: the breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the window side, which customers highlighted as a true gem. The overall ambience scores an average 4.7 out of 10, based on 3 opinions, with 1 positive mention focusing on this scenic delight. However, the customer satisfaction for ambience tells a different story, sitting at a poor 33.3%.
With 2 negative comments, guests pointed out issues like the few toilets causing waiting times and a dirty counter'. This suggests that while the view is great, other practical aspects need attention.
Ambience
3
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Golden Gate Bridge view
What people don't like
- Limited restrooms
- Unclean counter
Often praised
- view of the Golden Gate BridgeThe view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the window side was a highlight.
Frequently criticized
- dirty counterthat counter is very dirty
- few toiletsOur recommendation goes out! The only downside is the few toilets, which lead to waiting times.
If you're seeking a stunning backdrop, especially the Golden Gate Bridge view, this spot might catch your eye. But be aware that practical aspects like restroom availability and cleanliness could be a significant drawback, potentially impacting your overall comfort.
Value (2 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, there simply werent any positive comments to highlight among the 2 opinions gathered. It seems guests didnt find much to praise in this area, leaving us with no glowing feedback to share regarding how their money was spent. On the flip side, the value here seems to be a major sticking point, with a poor score of 2 and customer satisfaction at a dismal 0%.
Based on the 2 comments, terms like tip and money frequently appeared, with one diner noting a cheekily demanded $9 tip and another flatly stating it was not worth the money.
Value
2
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Poor value
- High tip demands
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- moneyNot worth the money
- tipshe cheekily demanded $9 tip from each of us
If you're looking for great value, this might not be the spot for you. The feedback clearly indicates concerns about pricing and unexpected costs, so be prepared for that when you visit.
How are the prices at Crab Stand?
You’re looking at roughly 32 per person – reported by 11 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 32, most guests tend to spend a bit less, with a good cluster around the $21–$30 range. There’s also a mix of both budget-friendly and more premium experiences reported.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 11 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good mid-range option, with flexibility for those looking to spend a little more or less.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Crab Stand
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Service, Okay Food
I decided to check out this restaurant because it had decent ratings, hoping for a quick meal. Unfortunately, my experience was marred by incorrect orders and poor customer service. When my order was wrong, a worker insisted I take it, stating it was more expensive, which felt presumptuous.
She then became upset when I didn't accept the incorrect order. After it was remade, the food was handled carelessly, nearly falling off the dirty counter. The same worker placed a napkin on my sandwich, getting sauce on it.
The BBQ salmon sandwich itself tasted alright, though the fish was undercooked, closer to raw inside. The clam chowder was decent, but not as exceptional as advertised. I also observed that staff seemed to treat Hispanic customers more favorably, which was confirmed by the rude worker's reaction.
I will not return and advise others to consider this review before ordering.
- BBQ salmon sandwich6
- clam chowder5
- incorrect orders2
- poor customer service1
- dirty counter2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Delicious Food, Great Service, Minor Toilet Issue
We had a delicious meal and were well looked after. Our recommendation goes out! The only downside is the few toilets, which lead to waiting times.
- delicious meal9
- well looked after9
- few toilets3
- waiting times3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
7
Great View, Service Mixed with Bill Surprise
The view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the window side was a highlight. The food was okay, though the portions were a bit small. Our waitress was courteous and helpful.
However, we were quite surprised when it came to paying the bill. Initially, the tip for everyone together was around $17. When we asked to split the bill into three, she cheekily demanded $9 tip from each of us, which ended up being $10 more than expected.
- view of the Golden Gate Bridge9
- food6
- waitress8
- portions4
- tip3
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
6
Clam Chowder Just Okay, Service Timing Off
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The Clam Chowder 🦐 was just okay, and I found it to be lacking in seasoning. I was also disappointed to have the starter served at the same time as the main plate, which disrupted the meal's flow.
The service received a score of 3, food a 3, and atmosphere a 4.
- Clam Chowder5
- seasoning3
- starter3
- plate3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Quick Seafood Fix at the Pier
My experience was a quick and easy way to grab some crab and try some seafood while visiting the pier. The fish and chips was our favorite.
- crab8
- seafood7
- fish and chips9
What Crab Stand offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Crab Stand, and is it accessible?
At Crab Stand, you can enjoy a casual dining experience for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant offers both dine-in and takeout service options. For your convenience, it features a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What beverages does Crab Stand offer, and is it suitable for families with children?
Crab Stand provides a selection of beverages including wine, beer, cocktails, and other alcoholic options to complement your meal. Families will appreciate that the restaurant is child-friendly, offering a dedicated kids’ menu to cater to younger diners.
What are the main strengths and weaknesses of Crab Stand?
Crab Stand’s main strengths lie in its Food, which scores a good 5, with customers enjoying dishes like fish and chips and BBQ salmon. The Ambience also rates as average at 4.7, particularly for its Golden Gate Bridge views. However, Service is poor at 3.8, and Value is notably poor at 2, with many feeling it’s not worth the money.
Is the food at Crab Stand generally well-received?
Yes, the food at Crab Stand is generally well-received, scoring a good 5. Positive opinions highlight the fish and chips and BBQ salmon on bannock bread as excellent. However, some specific items like the crab sandwich and bread received negative feedback, and some found portions small or seasoning lacking.
What are the common issues with service and value at Crab Stand?
Service at Crab Stand is a notable concern, scoring a poor 3.8, with issues reported such as incorrect orders, poor customer service, and long waiting times due to few toilets. Value is also a significant dealbreaker, scoring a poor 2, as many customers felt the experience was not worth the money and some reported issues with tip demands.