Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Crab Station – San Francisco
Crab Station - San Francisco
Photo from Crab Station
Crab Station at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 82 of the guests
#2197 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#42 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Average
5.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
365
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh seafood
- Quick service
- Lively atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent quality
- Poor value
- Limited seating
The restaurant The Crab Station at Fisherman Wharf is a popular seafood restaurant located in the vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood of San Francisco. You can expect a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying fresh catches.
Whether you are looking for a quick bite, a satisfying lunch, or a delightful dinner, this spot offers a welcoming experience for you and your family.
Overview: Introducting Crab Station
Crab Station offers a seafood experience where the fresh crab and quick service often stand out. Many appreciate the lively atmosphere, especially with the option for outdoor seating.
It seems like a place that aims for a casual, enjoyable meal, making it a popular stop for those seeking a relaxed dining experience. However, some diners have found certain dishes, like the clam chowder, to be disappointing, and there are concerns about items being overpriced .
Seating can also be an issue, suggesting that while some aspects shine, others might need attention for a consistently positive visit.
Average
5.8
out of 10
365
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
144
negative
35
neutral
186
positive
Overall, Crab Station receives an average 5.8 out of 10, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 51%. This indicates a somewhat balanced experience for many visitors.
The feedback, gathered from 365 customer remarks, shows a nearly even split, with 186 positive comments and 144 negative ones, suggesting a range of opinions. Diving deeper, the Food (5.9) and Service (5.9) both hover around the average mark, indicating a generally acceptable experience in these areas.
The Ambience (5.6) also falls into this mid-range. However, Value (4.7) appears to be a more contentious point, leaning towards the lower end of average, which aligns with some of the concerns raised by diners.
What people like
- Fresh seafood options
- Efficient, friendly service
- Lively outdoor atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Questionable value for money
- Limited, uncomfortable seating
With a 6 recommendation score, Crab Station presents a mixed bag. If you’re seeking a casual spot for fresh seafood and appreciate quick service in a lively atmosphere, it might be worth a visit.
However, manage your expectations regarding consistency in dish quality. Be mindful of potential overpriced items and the possibility of inconsistent food quality.
It’s a place that can deliver a decent experience, but it’s not without its drawbacks, especially concerning value and seating comfort.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Crab Station
Food (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners find plenty to celebrate! There are numerous praises for the fresh seafood, especially the Dungeness crab and lobster rolls, often highlighting generous portions and delicious flavors. With 124 positive remarks out of 240 total, it seems many truly enjoy their favorites, like the famous crab sandwiches.
However, the overall food experience presents a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction at 51.7% (mixed) and an average score of 5.9. Some guests encountered issues with imitation crab, cold hard bread, and a general lack of seasoning. The clam chowder also drew criticism for being soggy or bland, noted in 92 negative comments.
Food
240
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
92
negative
24
neutral
124
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Best Dungeness crab
- Fresh seafood options
- Famous crab sandwiches
What people don't like
- Imitation crab used
- Cold, hard bread
- Bland clam chowder
Often praised
- foodThe clam chowder was also a highlight. I particularly enjoyed the fried shrimp, and in my opinion, the food is very tasty. Beyond the food, the atmosphere is familiar and welcoming.
- lobster rollDelicious lobster roll with loads of large chunks of lobster
- clam chowdertheir main signature dish is clam chowder
- crabMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the very fresh crab, and the quick service was impressive, with preparation taking only five minutes. The lively atmosphere was enhanced by a street band playing during the sunlight.
- seafoodAs fresh as it gets when it comes to seafood.
- Lobster RollHusband enjoyed his Lobster Roll
- fish and chipsEnjoyed the fish and chips
- Clam Chowder Bread BowlInstead, grab your food and head to Fort Mason for a picnic; there's free and easy parking not too far away, just a couple of minutes. The Clam Chowder Bread Bowl is also recommended.
- Dungeness crabMy experience at Crab Station #2 was fantastic, especially regarding the food. They serve the best Dungeness crab, cooked perfectly and they even crack the shells for you. We had the fastest crab for only $55.
- FoodIF YOU COME TO FISHERMAN YOU HAVE TO STOP HERE! AM SORRY THE FOOD WAS SO GOOD I TOTALLY BLANK OUT AND DID NOT TAKE A PIC. WE ORDERED THE LOBSTER CUP, OMG, PHENOMENAL, SO DELISH WITH THE SAUCE AND LEMON 😱.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe bread was so cold and hard to bite through. It was overpriced and disappointing food. The calamari my partner ordered was better.
- clam chowderMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing, particularly regarding their clam chowder. I found it to be the worst place to eat clam chowder. Honestly, it would be better to get a can from the store than to eat their version.
- lobster rollmostly a lump of crab meat with veggies & a sprinkle of lobster on top
- crabthe white bottom is crab, which is most of the sandwich
- breadwish the bread wasn’t so hard to bite into and cold
- Lobster Roll SandwichI found the price to be high for so little lobster. I ordered the Lobster Roll Sandwich, expecting lobster, but it came with small pieces of lobster sprinkled over large scoops of shredded crab. I ordered a lobster sandwich, not lobster topping over crab.
- crab sandwichThe crab sandwich was overpriced for what you get.
- FoodFood used to be very yummy but this time it was disappointing
- calamariCalamari has no taste
- food qualitysmall pieces of something not shrimp covered in breading
If youre after fresh Dungeness crab or a classic crab sandwich, this place could be a solid pick. Just be mindful that some dishes, like lobster rolls and clam chowder, might be inconsistent in quality. Its worth trying for the right items, but proceed with a bit of caution.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to service, it seems like a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.9 putting it squarely in the average range, and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 60.8%. Many guests praised the friendly people, attentiveness, and how quickly food came out, often noting the efficient service. With 31 positive remarks out of 51 total comments, theres definitely a good vibe from those who had a great experience.
However, not everyone had such a smooth experience. There were 18 negative comments highlighting issues with customer services, particularly concerning the person at the cash register, and some felt the business was hustling or not very friendly. It seems theres some room for improvement in consistency, especially when it comes to the overall interaction with staff.
Service
51
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
18
negative
2
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Family-run business
What people don't like
- Poor customer service
- Unfriendly cash register
- Inconsistent experience
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the very fresh crab, and the quick service was impressive, with preparation taking only five minutes. The lively atmosphere was enhanced by a street band playing during the sunlight.
- ServiceService:5
- attentivenessThank you for your attentiveness!
- coming hereI've tried many of their offerings, and I can confidently say that the sandwiches are the best by far! All of them are good, and I love coming here.
- daughters feel specialmade our daughters feel very special
- effort to re-cookThey did make an effort to re-cook the calamari
- family-run businessit's a family-run business
- folks that work therefolks that work there seem to be having a blast
- food came out quicklyThe clam chowder was a bit underwhelming — not as rich or flavorful as others in the area. However, the food came out quickly and the service was efficient, which is great if you’re short on time. Overall, a decent stop for a quick seafood bite while exploring the Wharf.
- friendly peopleThe staff were friendly people
Frequently criticized
- serviceIl servizio non è granchè perchè non capiscono bene quello che si dice.
- business hourstheir business hours here on Google says they close at 10pm.
- ServiceService:2
- businessUntrustworthy business for sure
- customer servicesVery bad customer services
- discriminationI past a discrimination
- hustlingas if they know they are hustling you
- no glassesHowever, the seating was a joke, and the service was not worth mentioning. We encountered plastic spoons and no glasses. 🙃🙃🙃🙃 It is not a restaurant, just a spot to bite!
- overall experiencenefasto en general
- ownersThe owners were laughing during this exchange.
If you're looking for quick service and a friendly atmosphere, you might find it here, especially if you catch them on a good day. However, be prepared that the customer service can be inconsistent, so manage your expectations for a perfectly smooth interaction.
Ambience (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 5.6. Many customers, based on 19 positive remarks out of 38 total, really enjoy the lively atmosphere and dining experience, especially the outdoor seating that offers a true SF experience with fun street food vibes. It often feels familiar and contributes to a great local dining feel.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 50%, with 15 negative comments highlighting some significant drawbacks. Patrons often feel it's a tourist trap due to small tables and limited seating that can be a joke or impossible to get. Concerns about cleanliness, nearby garbage bins, and pesky seagulls also detract from the overall outside environment, making the experience less enjoyable for some.
Ambience
38
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
15
negative
4
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively SF experience
- Outdoor street dining
- Street food vibes
What people don't like
- Limited, poor seating
- Cleanliness concerns
- Tourist trap feel
Often praised
- atmosphereI enjoyed the very fresh crab, and the quick service was impressive, with preparation taking only five minutes. The lively atmosphere was enhanced by a street band playing during the sunlight.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- SF experienceA SF experience
- areaI enjoyed the area
- curb side seatingempty with a lot of curb side seating.
- dining experiencea great dining experience!
- eat insidelove that we can eat inside
- local dining experiencefelt like you’re eating local
- outdoor seatingMy experience at this restaurant was a true SF experience. The fresh crab was a highlight, and the outdoor seating provided a pleasant atmosphere. It was evident that the folks working there were having a blast, contributing to a lively and enjoyable environment.
- outdoor street diningthe outdoor street dining was a lovely experience
Frequently criticized
- seatingNot enough seating.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- atmosphereatmosphere:2
- cleanlinessdirty to the extreme
- entranceConfused from the outside thats not connected from the inside restaurant
- environmentbecause of the environment as it’s a bit small
- garbage binsTo our surprise, when we ordered it, the bill for the sandwich, coke, and french fries came to 42 USD! Adding to the unpleasantness, we had to eat in front of garbage bins. It turned out to be a lobster sandwich, which explained the high price.
- outdoor seatingOnly outdoor seating and it was 48 degrees out by the water.
- outdoor seatsoutside seats are damn near impossible to get
- outsideI was confused from the outside because the restaurant's entrance wasn't connected to the inside. This led to me eating outside in the cold, windy night. The recommended dishes were Fried Clam Strips and Fries.
If youre looking for a quick, lively outdoor bite with a distinct San Francisco street food feel and dont mind a casual, potentially crowded setting, this place might hit the spot. Just be prepared for limited seating and some environmental quirks, as it's not designed for a pristine, cozy dining experience.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.7, placing it squarely in the average range. Many guests have found the prices to be quite reasonable, often describing them as cheaper than other places and offering good value for the quality. Out of 36 total comments, 12 specifically highlighted the positive aspects of the price and overall value.
However, the customer satisfaction for value sits at a rather poor 33.3%, indicating that a significant portion of diners felt let down. With 19 negative comments, many found items too expensive or overpriced for the small portions received, leading some to feel it costs an arm and wasn't worth the money. This suggests that while some find deals, others encounter disappointing price points.
Value
36
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
19
negative
5
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for quality
- Reasonable prices
- Cheaper than others
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Small portions
- Overpriced items
Often praised
- priceThis restaurant, run by Asians, offers excellent quality and price! They know how to cook, and everything is very good.
- crabThey serve the best Dungeness crab, cooked perfectly and they even crack the shells for you. We had the fastest crab for only $55. The food quality was a definite 5 out of 5, though the atmosphere was a bit disappointing with a score of 2.
- pricesprices were much cheaper than most places
- valueAmazing value and their homemade cocktail sauce is an unsung winner.
- cheaper than other placesprobably cheaper than other places here
- good pricesprezzi buoni
- price per personI'm looking forward to trying their calamari next time. The meal was a lunch, and the price per person was between $30–50, which felt like good value for the quality of the food.
Frequently criticized
- priceIt was served cold, dry, and seemed to be mostly imitation crab with barely any real lobster. Considering the price, it was definitely way overpriced and not worth ordering.
- parkingYou have to park the car in a nearby parking lot, it is difficult to find free space on the street
- $35.00$35.00 for what ended up being imitation crab.
- costs an armIf you're going to order something fried, you're safe. However, the food is generally unseasoned and costs an arm and a leg. My father ordered a lobster roll with mayo and vomited all afternoon.
- crabOne crab cost $42 but only worth 5
- moneyDon’t waste your money!
- moolanot worth the moola at all
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
If youre looking for potential deals and are selective with your order, you might find some good value here. However, be prepared that some dishes could feel overpriced for what you get, potentially leaving you feeling like you didnt get your money's worth.
How are the prices at Crab Station?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 82 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 28, most guests actually spend a bit less, with the biggest cluster of prices falling in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges. So, there’s a nice mix, but many diners find good value at the lower end of the mid-range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 82 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Seafood Restaurant, especially considering the variety of price points available to diners. It seems like a good spot for a quality seafood meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Crab Station
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Excellent Oysters and Amazing Service!
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, largely due to their exceptional oysters and outstanding service. We ordered a substantial amount of food, including one crab, one lobster roll, 4-piece raw oysters, and 6-piece fried oysters with fries. Initially, one of the raw oysters smelled bad, and upon bringing it to their attention, the staff was incredibly remorseful and immediately offered four more raw oysters on the house.
We changed our minds and asked for fried oysters instead, which they happily provided, also on the house. Their seasoned curly fries are excellent. Even after our large initial order, we returned for another order of their succulent fried oysters, which were juicy and had an effervescent quality.
They even doubled the oysters when we requested them without fries. The entire group was humorous and made the experience enjoyable. The atmosphere was lively, described as loud but still conducive to conversation, and the food and service both received perfect scores.
- oysters10
- service10
- fried oysters10
- raw oysters2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Quick and Hot Shrimp and Calamari Combo
I had the 2 Item Combo for $20, which included shrimp and calamari. The food was served up quick and hot, and it was good. They also have a small seating area.
- 2 Item Combo8
- shrimp and calamari8
- food9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Decent Quick Seafood Stop at the Wharf
I tried The Crab Station at Fisherman’s Wharf. The quantity was good, but the overall quality wasn’t quite as high as some of the other seafood spots nearby. The clam chowder was a bit underwhelming — not as rich or flavorful as others in the area.
However, the food came out quickly and the service was efficient, which is great if you’re short on time. Overall, a decent stop for a quick seafood bite while exploring the Wharf.
- quantity7
- food came out quickly8
- service was efficient8
- quality4
- clam chowder3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Food and People, Family Favorite
I've been coming here for years; my parents used to bring us when we were small, and now I bring my kids, who absolutely love this place. It's our go-to spot for great food and great people. I also love that we can eat inside.
I highly recommend this place.
- great food10
- great people10
- eat inside8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
4
Shrimp and calamari combo was okay
My experience at this restaurant involved trying the fried combo with shrimp and calamari. The dish was crispy and fresh, but ultimately not especially memorable. At $20 before tax, the portion felt small for the price.
I suspect it's mostly geared toward tourists. I might try somewhere else next time.
- fried combo6
- tourists5
- portion4
- price4
What Crab Station offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at The Crab Station at Fisherman Wharf?
At The Crab Station at Fisherman Wharf, you have several convenient service options. You can enjoy a casual dine-in experience with available seating for lunch and dinner, or opt for outdoor seating. For those on the go, takeout and curbside pickup are also offered for you.
Is The Crab Station at Fisherman Wharf family-friendly and accessible, and what about parking?
Yes, The Crab Station at Fisherman Wharf is good for kids, making it a great family dining spot. The restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating for your convenience. Parking can be challenging, as it’s usually difficult to find a space, but paid parking lots are available nearby for you.
What is the overall verdict on Crab Station?
Crab Station receives an average score of 5.8 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 51%. While Food (5.9) and Service (5.9) are average, Value (4.7) is a weaker point, and Ambience (5.6) is also mid-range.
What are the standout positive aspects of Crab Station?
Many customers appreciate the fresh seafood, particularly the crab and lobster roll, along with the quick and friendly service. The lively atmosphere and outdoor seating options are also frequently mentioned as positives.
What are some common concerns at Crab Station?
Diners have noted issues with inconsistent food quality, such as disappointing clam chowder or imitation crab in some dishes. Concerns about items being overpriced and limited, sometimes uncomfortable, seating are also common.