Highlights
- Great dessert
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Crab House – San Francisco
Crab House - San Francisco
Photo from Crab House
Crab House at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 171 of the guests
#1230 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#25 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
744
Reviews
72.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh Seafood
- Great Service
- Scenic Views
Frequently criticized
- High Price
- Small Portions
- Noisy Setting
The restaurant Crab House at Pier 39 is a renowned Seafood Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a truly inviting atmosphere here, perfect for a memorable dining experience.
Imagine enjoying fresh seafood by a warm, crackling fireplace, creating a cozy and casual ambiance that makes you feel right at home. This spot is known for its exceptional culinary offerings and a welcoming environment.
Overview: Introducting Crab House
Crab House generally offers a pleasant dining experience, with many guests highlighting the quality of the food and the attentive service. Patrons often appreciate the fresh seafood and the welcoming staff who contribute to a positive visit.
However, some diners have expressed concerns regarding the value for money, particularly the portion sizes of crab. While the ambience often receives praise for its views, a few guests have noted issues with noise levels and seating arrangements.
Good
7.4
out of 10
744
Reviews
72.4%
Satisfaction
168
negative
37
neutral
539
positive
Crab House maintains a solid overall score of 7.4 out of 10, indicating a generally good dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at 72.4%, suggesting that most patrons leave content.
This positive sentiment is drawn from 539 positive remarks against 168 negative ones, out of a total of 744 customer observations. Diving into specifics, Service (7.7) and Ambience (7.7) are clear strengths, often highlighted for attentive staff and pleasant surroundings.
The Food (7.6) also performs well, with many appreciating the fresh seafood. However, Value (4) presents a notable challenge, with guests frequently finding portions small for the price.
What people like
- Delicious fresh seafood
- Attentive, welcoming service
- Pleasant views, good atmosphere
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Small crab portions
- Loud, cramped environment
If you prioritize a lively atmosphere and attentive service alongside well-prepared seafood, Crab House is a reasonable choice. The overall recommendation score of 7.4 suggests a generally positive experience for many, especially if you appreciate the setting and the fresh crab offerings.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some guests feel the portions don’t always justify the cost. For those seeking exceptional value or a consistently quiet, intimate meal, you might find aspects less appealing.
Consider it for the experience, but manage expectations on price.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Crab House
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 75.7%. With 281 positive remarks out of 371 total, many rave about the fresh, flavorful seafood, especially the Dungeness crab, crab chowder, and garlic noodles. The life-changing melted garlic butter and spicy mango margaritas also frequently earn high praise for their deliciousness.
However, 72 negative remarks point to some areas needing attention. Some diners found crab overcooked or lacking meat, while others noted bland crab chowder or aggressive flavors in dishes like garlic noodles with too much cheese. Concerns about frozen fries, lack of seasoning, and certain items being overpriced for their quantity also surfaced.
Food
371
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
72
negative
18
neutral
281
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful seafood
- Delicious crab dishes
- Amazing garlic butter
What people don't like
- Overcooked/no meat crab
- Bland/lack of flavor
- Overpriced for quantity
Often praised
- foodFor our main courses, some of us enjoyed the Crab Chowder bread bowl with Caesar salad, while others opted for a single Combo platter (mussels, half crab, shrimp), garlic noodles, and crab fried rice. Everything was soooo delicious and cooked perfectly. The drinks were equally delightful.
- crabI absolutely loved it. The chowder was perfectly seasoned with generous chunks of crab.
- seafoodThe seafood was absolutely delicious and incredibly fresh
- crab chowderEverything was very delicious. The crab chowder...
- drinksthe drinks were all equally delicious
- FoodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great service, tasty food 😋 👌🏾, and delicious cocktails 🍸. The nice ambiance and awesome sight made it a great place to watch Lion Seals 🦭 😀.
- musselsThe food was very delicious. I especially loved the chowder bowl, mussels, and shrimp & crab fettuccine. I would definitely come back again!
- shrimpOur waitress was absolutely amazing and provided great suggestions. My son and boyfriend had the crab and shrimp skillet and garlic fries, and they were so busy enjoying their food they were quiet most of the dinner 😁. I got the grilled veggie platter and shrimp 😋, and my daughter, who is a picky eater, absolutely loved her garlic noodles with chicken, even saying she was full but couldn't stop eating it 🤣.
- clam chowderBest clam chowder I’ve had in years. It was delicious!
- crab cakeslook forward to having the Salmon and crab cakes - incredible!
Frequently criticized
- foodThe floor manager, I assume, finally took our order and pretty much made us feel like we were an inconvenience. I usually don't knock points off so severely for service, but the food didn't really make up for it. We ordered the truffle fries and the garlic noodles with crab.
- crabWe ordered garlic fries, crab mac and cheese, and garlic noodles with crab. And by “crab, ” I mean the idea of crab, because between the two dishes, I think we got a grand total of half a claw. Adding $12 for crab and then making it a game of “Find Waldo” is just rude.
- crab chowderI was really looking forward to the crab chowder, but unfortunately, it did not have much of a crab flavor. On a positive note, the Caesar salad was really fresh and tasty.
- musselsThe garlic butter sauce provided an extra punch of flavor that we really liked. While the mussels were a bit on the salty side, our overall experience was great, and the servers were nice and helpful. I would recommend this place, especially for any crab lovers.
- crab fried riceThe foods are cold because it took them that long to put them in our table.
- garlicMy experience at the restaurant involved ordering the king crab. Unfortunately, we ended up consuming more garlic than crab. The price was also exorbitant considering the small quantity of food present in the animal itself.
- FoodFood:2
- RollWe took the crab mac and cheese and the Roll... And no flavors at all...
- appetizersWe waren nog bezig met onze appetizers en daar waren de hoofdgerechten al
- bonesOnly bones
If you're a seafood enthusiast, especially for crab, this place is generally worth a try for its fresh and flavorful offerings. Just be mindful that some dishes might be inconsistent in preparation or value, so stick to the highly praised crab specialties.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
The service here generally leaves a great impression, scoring a solid 7.7 and achieving a good 75% customer satisfaction. With 144 positive remarks out of 192 total, many guests raved about the attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable staff. Quick service and professionalism were frequently highlighted, with specific servers often making visits truly memorable.
However, not every experience was flawless, as 42 negative comments indicate. Some diners encountered slow service, unwelcoming servers, or felt rushed during their meal. Issues like reservations miscommunication and inattentive staff occasionally led to frustration, suggesting an inconsistent experience for a few.
Service
192
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
42
negative
6
neutral
144
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Quick, professional service
- Knowledgeable recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Feeling rushed
- Reservation miscommunication
Often praised
- serviceWhat a wonderful experience it was to visit Crab House at Pier 39! Starting with the exceptional service we received, which was super welcoming. And the dishes we ordered are incredibly delicious and very well served.
- serverThis restaurant was a must-visit for a friend’s trip to the Bay Area, and we were thrilled to have found it. The food was delectable, and our server, Alexander, ensured that our experience was truly unforgettable.
- staffAfter a rocky start due to a reservations miscommunication from the front desk, the rest of the staff was pretty good. Gino was amazing and took care of us at the table.
- GinoWe have been coming to San Francisco to visit my son, and Gino has waited on us each time. The crab feast is amazing, and Gino brings it all together.
- ServiceThe crab was incredibly juicy, and the wine selection was perfectly paired. Our server, Elmer, took very good care of us, providing top-notch service. We will definitely be returning again.
- wait timeVery short wait time, even in the busiest time.
- waitressWe ate pasta and had a seafood platter, and everything was delicious. Maria, the waitress, attended to us attentively and professionally.
- OmarOmar made us feel like we were family
- experienceI can’t say enough how awesome the food and service is every time! Thank you Crab House and salute to you Gino for making each experience so enjoyable. See you next year!
- recommendationsgave us great recommendations
Frequently criticized
- serviceInstead, I left with disappointment and a mild case of whiplash from watching the army of servers hovering near the entrance while we sat waiting… and waiting… and waiting. Service was slower than a crab inching sideways on a lazy Sunday. We had to remind them about the food we ordered, which is never a great sign.
- serverOur first server was noticeably cold and unwelcoming.
- belongingsthey threw my stuff away
- checkWe had to remind them about the food we ordered, which is never a great sign. And when the check took over 20 minutes to arrive after we finished eating, I started wondering if they were out back fishing for my total. Now, let’s talk about the food.
- crab fried riceWe were recommended the crab fried rice, of which we politely declined. The server then kept on re-offering on multiple occasions afterwards.
- customer satisfactionI thought their main priority was to satisfy the customer but clearly it isn't
- customersEventually, a second server came over, and he was much kinder and more attentive, but by that point, the vibe was already off. We couldn’t help but notice how warmly the white customers around us were being treated in comparison. The food itself was just okay — not particularly well-seasoned or memorable.
- customers are taken care ofwon't even make sure their customers are taken care of
- declined servicedeclined service to me
- female managerfemale manager who didn’t even seem to care
If youre looking for a place where the staff often goes above and beyond, youll likely be pleased. While there are occasional reports of slower or less attentive moments, the overall sentiment suggests a positive and welcoming service experience that makes it worth a visit.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
The ambience at this spot generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.7 with customer satisfaction at a solid 76.3%. Many guests, accounting for 106 positive remarks out of 139 total, frequently rave about the fantastic view, atmosphere, and lively ambiance, often highlighting the decor and seaside vibe for a memorable experience. However, its not without its quirks, as 25 opinions point to some drawbacks.
Concerns include cramped table seating, a noisy place, and occasionally unpleasant smells that can detract from the overall experience, especially when it feels crowded' or dusty.
Ambience
139
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
25
negative
8
neutral
106
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great views
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Nice decor
What people don't like
- Loud environment
- Unpleasant smells
- Cramped seating
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding! The customer service was the best, matched only by the best food and best atmosphere. The view of the pier and Golden Gate Bridge was absolutely fantastic.
- viewDue to the prices, we had high expectations, which were unfortunately not met. The view is indeed very nice, but it is incredibly loud. It's hard to have a conversation, and the restaurant wasn't even full.
- AtmosphereThe Blue Angels were performing.
- noise levelNoise level: Quiet, easy to talk
- placeThe place is very pleasant. We went during the day, but I believe it must be even more beautiful at night. The food was very tasty and came out very quickly.
- sea lionsThe only attraction worth visiting is the sea lions. I advise against eating at the restaurants; they are very expensive and the food is terrible.
- view of the bayThe fries had truffle oil but not much salt unless you had a fry with some parmesan stuck to it. The view of the bay is nice, but honestly, it just feels like they don't really care about how their customers are enjoying the evening. Wouldn't come back and wouldn't recommend it to anyone I care about.
- viewsGood views towards the Golden Gate Bridge
- AmbianceNice ambiance
- experienceMy first time at the Crab House was a very good experience. The food was wonderful, and I especially want to highlight our server, Jovana.
Frequently criticized
- seatingseating right behind another couple, which made the space feel a bit cramped
- tablethey needed our table because they had reservations.
- Parking spaceParking space: Difficult to find parking
- air conditioningThe air conditioning could get some improvement
- atmosphereOok een luide sfeer
- bathroombathroom unique
- cramped tablesit at a cramped table
- crowdedit can mostly be crowded
- dining areasmall dining area
- dustyThe place is really dusty
If you're seeking a vibrant spot with incredible views, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that it can get a bit loud and crowded, and some guests have noted issues with seating and occasional smells.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
Looking at the value, there are some positive notes, with 8 favorable comments out of 42 total. Guests occasionally found the prices to be reasonable and felt they received good value for their money, especially when considering portions. While the overall score for value is an average 4, customer satisfaction here is quite low at just 19%, suggesting a mixed bag.
However, the majority of feedback, with 29 negative comments, points to significant concerns. Many felt the prices were elevated, with dishes often described as overpriced or expensive for the quality. Several experiences highlighted feeling over-charged for meals and drinks, leading to disappointment.
Value
42
Reviews
19%
Satisfaction
29
negative
5
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good value
- Appropriate portions
What people don't like
- Elevated prices
- Overpriced dishes
- Poor quality for cost
Often praised
- priceportions were appropriate for the price
- pricesMy 42nd birthday dinner was amazing and offered great prices. The staff was great, and the food was excellent.
- valueit was a great value
Frequently criticized
- priceAnd by “crab, ” I mean the idea of crab, because between the two dishes, I think we got a grand total of half a claw. Adding $12 for crab and then making it a game of “Find Waldo” is just rude. And while everything tasted good, the cheese in the garlic noodles was so aggressive, I thought I had accidentally ordered mac and cheese again.
- billThe crab was hot, fresh, and flavorful, but we received the same amount of crab legs as the last time we ordered two whole crabs. When the bill came, they never took off the Margarita, even though they did replace it. I questioned it because that's something they should have done in the beginning or discounted the check.
- pricesIn a restaurant like this, we would expect them to check if we were finished with our appetizer before bringing the main course. The main course tasted good, but was completely overpriced for what it was (Seafood Pasta). The non-alcoholic cocktails also didn't quite hit our taste and $14 per drink was too much for the small quantity.
- $200Despite the disappointing food, the service was great and the view was great. We spent over $200 and was very disappointed.
- billing errorMy experience at this restaurant was marred by a significant billing issue. We used Apple Pay to settle the check, but the waitress informed us the payment didn't go through, necessitating a retry.
- drinksThe main course tasted good, but was completely overpriced for what it was (Seafood Pasta). The non-alcoholic cocktails also didn't quite hit our taste and $14 per drink was too much for the small quantity. While my husband was still eating, my plate was cleared.
- expensive for qualityExpensive for the quality and flavor
- extra tequilaextra tequila ($3) Dit werd niet gevraagd maar wel aangerekend
- meal costso crazy the meal cost 63$
- money doesn't spend the sameGuess my money doesn't spend the same
If youre highly sensitive to price and expect exceptional value for every dollar, you might find yourself disappointed here. While some find the prices reasonable, the overwhelming sentiment suggests that many feel the offerings are overpriced for the quality received. Its best to manage your expectations regarding the cost-to-quality ratio before visiting.
How are the prices at Crab House?
On average, you’ll spend around 63 per person – from 171 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco, this is definitely a higher-end experience.
Looking at the price distribution, while there are options for mid-range spending, a substantial portion of guests choose premium dishes, with many spending over 100$.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 171 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a quality seafood restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a range of experiences, from a good meal to something truly special, making it a versatile choice.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Crab House
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Experience, Lacking Flavor
Full disclosure: we did not get their specialty dishes, so maybe you'll enjoy it more if you do. My wife and I were thoroughly unimpressed from the moment we walked into the door. The service wasn't really welcoming.
We had a reservation and they placed us in front of the kitchen, so the wait staff was constantly bumping into our chair. It took a while for anyone to notice we hadn't placed our order. The floor manager, I assume, finally took our order and pretty much made us feel like we were an inconvenience.
I usually don't knock points off so severely for service, but the food didn't really make up for it. We ordered the truffle fries and the garlic noodles with crab. They give a decent amount of crab meat, but the overall dish lacked flavor despite using their house special garlic sauce.
I guess I am just used to Chinese-style garlic crab and noodles, where the flavors punch you in the mouth. The fries had truffle oil but not much salt unless you had a fry with some parmesan stuck to it. The view of the bay is nice, but honestly, it just feels like they don't really care about how their customers are enjoying the evening.
Wouldn't come back and wouldn't recommend it to anyone I care about.
- view of the bay7
- service1
- food3
- garlic noodles with crab3
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Food, Atmosphere, and View!
I've visited this restaurant three times over the past 13 years. My experience has consistently been excellent, with amazing food and a wonderful atmosphere. During my most recent visit, I was treated to a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.
The service was also top-notch, receiving a perfect score.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- view9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
8
Delicious Crab Dishes with Minor Noodle Hiccup
I had an enjoyable experience on a beautiful, sunny day with the sunlight sparkling off the water. It was crowded around the Pier, and the restaurant was full with not many open seats, the window seats were all taken. I highly recommend visiting on a nice day or night.
I tried the crab chowder, which was delicious. The crab garlic noodles were good, but the garlic noodles were a bit stiff, maybe slightly overcooked. The crab itself was perfect, however.
The crab nachos were also quite delicious. The service was polite and mostly prompt, until it got a bit busier, where there was a noticeable wait for the rest of the visit. I look forward to going back and trying some of the other choices.
- crab chowder9
- crab garlic noodles7
- crab10
- garlic noodles4
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Mixed Feelings on East Coast Seafood
My experience at this restaurant offered a mix of positives and negatives. The atmosphere and service were good, with the atmosphere rated a 4. The food, while generally good, might not be to everyone's taste, especially if you're accustomed to East Coast preparation.
We ordered the half crab, mussels, and shrimp. I found there was too much parsley on the food, and the addition of white wine was noted. A surprise was learning the shrimp were frozen, which wasn't expected.
The food presentation was incredibly fast; our order arrived just 5 minutes after ordering. I tried to change my order, but it was already placed and served. The garlic noodles were just okay.
For those from the East Coast, it's advisable to be very clear about your preferences when ordering. I suspect I would have preferred the lemon pepper crab. Overall, the food received a rating of 3, while service and atmosphere were rated a 4.
- atmosphere8
- service8
- food6
- parsley3
- shrimp4
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Delicious Food, Great Experience!
My experience at the restaurant was very positive! The food was very delicious. I especially loved the chowder bowl, mussels, and shrimp & crab fettuccine.
I would definitely come back again!
- food10
- chowder bowl9
- mussels9
What Crab House offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options are available at Crab House at Pier 39, and do you need a reservation?
At Crab House at Pier 39, you can enjoy brunch, lunch, and dinner with comfortable seating and table service, plus delicious desserts. While walk-ins are welcome, dinner reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot at this popular San Francisco Seafood Restaurant.
Is Crab House at Pier 39 accessible for all guests, and what amenities are offered?
Yes, Crab House at Pier 39 is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms. For your convenience, the restaurant also provides amenities such as an onsite bar, gender-neutral restrooms, and free Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Crab House generally rate among diners?
Crab House holds an overall score of **7.4** out of 10, with customer satisfaction at **72.4%**. **Service** (7.7), **Ambience** (7.7), and **Food** (7.6) are rated well, though **Value** (4) is a weaker point.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Crab House?
Many customers praise the delicious and fresh seafood, particularly the crab and shrimp dishes, and the well-seasoned chowder. Items like crab chowder, mussels, and shrimp are frequently mentioned positively.
Are there any common complaints about the dining experience?
Some guests express concerns about the **value** for money, noting that portions, especially of crab, can be small for the price. The **ambience** can also be loud, and seating sometimes feels cramped.