Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Frankie’s Crab Stand – San Francisco
Frankie's Crab Stand - San Francisco
Photo from Frankie’s Crab Stand
Frankie's Crab Stand at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 95 of the guests
#1210 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#20 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
521
Reviews
75.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Seafood quality
- Bay views
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Cleanliness
- Service inconsistency
- Long queues
The restaurant Frankie’s Crab Stand is a vibrant Seafood Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s iconic Fisherman’s Wharf. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for enjoying fresh catches.
It’s also known for its great beer selection, making it an ideal spot for a quick bite or a leisurely meal with friends.
Overview: Introducting Frankie's Crab Stand
Frankie’s Crab Stand offers a compelling experience, primarily driven by its excellent seafood. While the view and overall atmosphere are often praised, some visitors have noted concerns regarding general cleanliness.
The service, though generally friendly, sometimes falls short of expectations. Despite minor drawbacks, the restaurant provides a generally positive dining occasion.
Many appreciate the value for money, finding portions generous and prices reasonable for the area. It’s a place that balances its strengths with areas that could see improvement.
Good
7.5
out of 10
521
Reviews
75.8%
Satisfaction
88
negative
38
neutral
395
positive
Frankie’s Crab Stand garners a solid 7.5 overall score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 75.8%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 521 customer observations, with 395 positive remarks outweighing 88 negative ones. The Food (7.8) is clearly a highlight, frequently praised for its quality and generous portions.
The Ambience (7.3) also contributes positively, largely due to its scenic setting. While Value (6.8) is considered fair by many, and Service (6.8) is generally prompt, both areas show room for more consistent excellence.
What people like
- Delicious seafood dishes
- Exceptional bay views
- Good value, generous portions
What people don't like
- Cleanliness concerns
- Inconsistent service
- Restroom queues
Frankie’s Crab Stand presents a strong case for a visit, especially if you prioritize fresh seafood and a memorable setting. The overall experience, supported by a 7.7 recommendation score, suggests it’s a place many would happily suggest to others.
While you can expect good food and a great view, be mindful that some aspects like cleanliness and service consistency might vary. It’s a worthwhile stop for its core offerings, but perhaps set expectations for a casual, bustling environment.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Frankie's Crab Stand
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, you're generally in for a good experience here! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at 78.8%, many diners rave about the delicious fish and chips, amazing clam chowder, and fantastic garlic fries. Out of 321 total comments, a whopping 253 were positive, highlighting fresh ingredients and generous portions, especially for the beignets.
However, not every dish hits the mark. About 43 comments mentioned concerns, with some finding the fish quality (like Swai/Bassa) disappointing or certain items like the crab enchilada lacking flavor. There were also mentions of bland calamari, soggy bread, or greasy patties, suggesting some inconsistency in preparation that might leave you wanting more.
Food
321
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
43
negative
25
neutral
253
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious fish & chips
- Amazing clam chowder
- Fresh, tasty beignets
What people don't like
- Fish quality concerns
- Bland, greasy food
- Inconsistent dish quality
Often praised
- beignetsgood food and fresh. Kinda pricey for the first two, but good food and fresh. - Reviewer Name: Shehryar Iqbal - Review Metadata: {"list":{"list":[{"element":{"element":"Recommended dishes:Beignets"}},{"element":{"element":"Service:4"}},{"element":{"element":"Meal type:Lunch"}},{"element":{"element":"Price per person:$10–20"}},{"element":{"element":"Atmosphere:5"}},{"element":{"element":"Food:5"}}]}}
- fish and chipsMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially considering the price. For fifteen bucks, I received a BIG order of fish and chips that truly lived up to their self-hype. While it was a bit hectic due to the crowds, which is understandable for the tourist district, it was fine.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was marked by really good service and very good food. However, the standout was their delicious clam chowder; it's simply the best and makes this place a must visit.
- clam chowderWhether you want clam chowder, traditional seafood or fried goods this place is awesome.
- fishMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially with their fish and chips. The new owners did a great job not changing the fish, which is a staple for our family. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere was also rated highly at 5.
- friesloved the fries which I must say I am not really fond of usually but those were good
- garlic friesI stopped in for a quick bite and had a very good experience. The fried fish sandwich was delicious, and the garlic fries were a great accompaniment. The food was excellent, and the price was reasonable.
- calamariThe calamari is also delicious.
- FoodFood:5
- Fish & ChipsUn excelente Fish & Chips... recién hecho, y una porción muy generosa.
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was nasty
- breada bit of a waste because we couldn't really enjoy the bread
- fishMy girlfriend and I fancied some fish and chips. This business advertised, "The best fish ever". Priced at around $13.
- friesdidn't care for the fries, thought it was a but under done
- 40 Clove Garlic Chickenwichno way that there were 40 cloves of garlic in this dish
- BassaSo on approaching to make our order, I asked the cashier what type of fish was with the chips. He replied, "Swai", then mentioned it was Bassa. He quickly flipped over a flash card, spelt Swai, and flipped it back over.
- ChipsChips soso, quite oily
- Fishwichit was absolutely not something I would call world famous
- SwaiSo on approaching to make our order, I asked the cashier what type of fish was with the chips. He replied, "Swai", then mentioned it was Bassa. He quickly flipped over a flash card, spelt Swai, and flipped it back over.
- beignetswanted beignets, and ordered, only to wait and then for the cook to say oh we ran out
If you're looking for classic seafood done right, especially their fish and chips or clam chowder, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some other menu items might be a bit of a hit or miss, so stick to the crowd favorites for the best experience.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had some really positive experiences! With a solid score of 6.8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 67.9%, its clear theres a good foundation. Out of 78 comments, 53 praised the staff for being friendly and attentive, often noting quick service and how food arrived on time.
Many appreciated the helpful recommendations too. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as 19 comments pointed to some rough edges. There were mentions of "rude" or "uninviting staff" and even "staff behavior" issues, leading to some feeling the "customer service" was "terrible.
" While the positives outweigh the negatives, theres definitely room for improvement in consistency.
Service
78
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
19
negative
6
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Attentive employees
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Terrible service
- Uninviting staff
Often praised
- serviceI enjoyed the shrimp and chips, while my mom had the fish and chips. The food was very good, the service was prompt and friendly, and the prices were reasonable for the generous portions and prime location. I would definitely recommend this place, especially if you're a fan of garlic – their garlic chips are delicious.
- staffThe staff are quite nice. They're friendly and accommodating
- ServiceService:5
- StaffStaff seemed friendly
- customer serviceI highly recommend the chickenwich and the fish and chips – they were truly to die for. What made the experience even better was their great customer service; the staff were awesome. I would definitely go back again and again.
- employeesThe calamari was also delicious. The service was quick, and the employees were very friendly. It’s a must-try place if you’re in the area!
- recommendationsnos hizo muy buenas recomandaciones
- JesúsNos atendió Jesús, que nos hizo muy buenas recomandaciones
- Spanishtambién hablan español
- attentionatención excelente
Frequently criticized
- cashierThe food was really bad, and the place itself was boring. To make matters worse, the cashier was rude, and I witnessed the chef scratching his balls. I left all the food as it arrived and will never come back.
- customer serviceI will never recommend this establishment to anyone. Management needs to train their staff on the essence of customer service.
- staffManagement needs to instruct their latino workers
- attendantattendant was rude asked that website said 7pm
- chefchef was scratching his balls
- hostess at the front deskHostess at Front desk was not friendly. We asked to be seated and she justed starred at my husband and I.
- serversthe servers are rude
- serviceTerrible service.
- staff argumentthere was more emplyer they keep argue with us
- staff behaviorthis guy was totaly unrespectfull with us and very rude
Overall, youll likely find the service to be quite good, often quick and friendly. While most experiences are positive, be aware that some guests have encountered less-than-stellar interactions. Its worth a visit if you prioritize efficiency, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
The ambience at this spot is generally a big win, scoring a good 7.3 and leaving a solid 75.9% of customers satisfied! With 60 positive remarks out of 79 total, guests frequently rave about the amazing view of the bay, the playful decor, and the nice atmosphere. Many also love the back patio seating for enjoying the scenery and good vibes.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows, with 16 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. Some folks felt the place could use better cleanliness, especially regarding the restroom access and condition. There were also mentions of waste and the use of plastic forks, which detracted from the overall experience for a few.
Ambience
79
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
16
negative
3
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing bay views
- Playful, unique decor
- Pleasant outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Restroom access issues
- Cleanliness concerns
- Excessive plastic waste
Often praised
- atmosphereEverything was wonderful, though I anticipate having significant garlic breath later – but it was so worth it! The view truly cannot be beat; sitting out on the bay on a beautiful day, listening to the seagulls cry, made for a perfect atmosphere.
- viewThe only downside was the fries; I found them to be a bit underdone. Despite that, it's a nice place to sit, eat, and enjoy the view.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- placeGreat place for a snack!
- restaurantBonito restaurante bien localizado
- seatingWhile the store can get busy with a line, the self-service tablets for card payments are easy to use and super efficient, leading to a quick order. The restaurant offers plenty of seating, both inside and outside. Overall, it's a place with really good food and good vibes, and I would highly recommend it to anyone in the Fisherman's Wharf area!
- locationWe also ordered other dishes, and they were equally delicious. The restaurant has a good location, and I appreciated the free refill on drinks.
- AlcatrazGreat view of Alcatraz
- amazing viewamazing as the view of the pier
- ambiancecome for the ambiance
Frequently criticized
- placePlace could use a good cleaning
- restroomThe line to order wasn't too long, and the food is made to order. However, there was a continuous line for the restroom. As a local, I wouldn't return, but I can say I've been there and done that.
- Tartar Sauce and Ketchupuse a more eco friendly way to dispense the Tartar Sauce and Ketchup
- Toilet areaarea of toilet is infested with flies
- ambienceAmbience is a bit lacking
- areaThe area could be a bit cleaner
- bugsToo many bugs around
- cleanlinessIt was not very clean
- fast food restaurantFelt more like a fast food restaurant
- long line to use restroomsalways a long line to use restrooms
If you're looking for a place with fantastic views and a fun, relaxed atmosphere, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially busy restrooms and a few eco-unfriendly practices, but the overall vibe is a strong draw.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests feel theyre getting a good deal. With a solid score of 6.8, customers often praise the reasonably priced items and good value for money, noting its a bang for your buck experience. Out of 43 total remarks, 29 were positive, highlighting that many find the prices quite fair, especially for the quality and portion sizes.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 67.4%, indicating some areas for improvement. About 10 remarks pointed out concerns, with some feeling certain small plates were overpriced or pricey. A few even noted being charged for tap water, which was a surprising disappointing detail for them.
Value
43
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced dishes
- Good value for money
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Some items overpriced
- Charged for tap water
- Small plates expensive
Often praised
- priceMy experience was with a takeout order of fish and chips. The food was delicious, reasonably priced, and expertly prepared. It arrived very hot and included all the necessary condiments, napkins, and silverware.
- pricesI was incredibly impressed with the freshest and crispiest fried fish I've ever tasted. The portion sizes are big and the prices are well worth it. It's great to know the fish is fried in corn oil and separately from other meats, making it Pescatarian friendly.
- pricingThe pricing is reasonable in San Francisco.
- Reasonably pricedReasonably priced.
- bang for your buckdefinitely a good bang for your buck restaurant
- economicaly económico
- food quality-priceComida calidad precio muy buena!
- good pricessurprisingly good prices for being in such a touristy area
- good value for moneyYou get good value for money here!
- great dealgreat deal actually
Frequently criticized
- pricecarb burger is by far not worth 20 bucks
- tap waterMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I was surprised and unhappy to find that they charged for tap water, something I've never encountered in California before and hope to never see again. The calamari was also bland, lacking flavor.
- Price per person$16.29 for the “World Famous” Fishwich
- adult portionsmaking them order full adult portions
- disappointingas a regular costumer for years, it's a little disappointing
- overpricedAlthough the menu saw minor changes post-Covid, the food quality remains high. I've made the mistake of trying other places, like Bubba Gump, where the food was both nasty and overpriced, reinforcing my preference for this establishment.
- priceyKinda pricey for the first two
- small platesOverall small plates are overpriced
If youre looking for generally fair prices and good portions, this spot often delivers a decent bang for your buck. However, be mindful that some specific items might feel a bit pricey, and you might even encounter a charge for tap water. Its worth trying if you stick to the well-regarded main dishes.
How are the prices at Frankie's Crab Stand?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 95 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 23, a significant number of diners actually spend a bit less, clustering more around the $11–$20 mark. This suggests a nice mix of options, catering to different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 95 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Seafood Restaurant, especially considering the options available. Its a solid choice if youre looking for good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Frankie's Crab Stand
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Fish & Chips, Friendly Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The employees were friendly and the atmosphere was nice, even though you don’t see the ocean. The food was absolutely delicious.
I’ve never eaten such good fish and chips before.
- employees8
- atmosphere7
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Fish & Chips, Generous Portions
My experience at the restaurant was very positive, especially regarding the food. I had the fish & chips, and it was an enormous portion. The fish was delicious, and the fries were good too.
My only minor suggestion would be for the fish to be slightly less fried, but even so, it was absolutely delicious.
- fish & chips9
- enormous portion10
- delicious fish10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
6
Decent Crab, Questionable Chowder
My experience at this restaurant was okay. I found the crab to be priced well, and I received a good amount for $25. However, the chowder was not to my liking and made me feel queasy.
The atmosphere was decent. While it wasn't the worst place I've been, I have had better meals elsewhere.
- crab8
- good amount8
- atmosphere7
- chowder2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Fantastic Food and Service in Fisherman's Wharf
This is a bonito restaurante (beautiful restaurant) well located in Fisherman's Wharf. Jesús provided us with excellent service, making very good recommendations. We truly enjoyed a really good meal.
The quality-price ratio was fantastic. It's a 'must go' if you are in the area and want to try something typical of San Francisco.
- restaurant9
- Jesús10
- recommendations9
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Fish Sandwich and Fries!
I stopped in for a quick bite and had a very good experience. The fried fish sandwich was delicious, and the garlic fries were a great accompaniment. The food was excellent, and the price was reasonable.
The service and atmosphere were also top-notch.
- fried fish sandwich9
- garlic fries8
- reasonably priced8
What Frankie's Crab Stand offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Frankie's Crab Stand?
At Frankie’s Crab Stand, you’ll find a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for any time of day. You can enjoy lunch or dinner with counter service or traditional seating. They offer dine-in, takeout, and even outdoor seating options for your convenience.
Is Frankie's Crab Stand suitable for families or those with pets, and what about accessibility?
Absolutely! Frankie’s Crab Stand is good for kids, providing high chairs for little ones. If you’re bringing your furry friends, dogs are allowed outside. Plus, the restaurant ensures accessibility with wheelchair accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms.
How does Frankie's Crab Stand rate overall?
Frankie’s Crab Stand holds a good overall score of 7.5, with customer satisfaction at 75.8%. Its Food (7.8) is highly regarded, followed by its Ambience (7.3). Value (6.8) and Service (6.8) are considered fair, though with some noted inconsistencies.
What are the highlights of the dining experience?
Customers frequently praise the delicious and fresh seafood, particularly the fish and chips and clam chowder. The restaurant also offers exceptional bay views and is often noted for providing good value with generous portions.
Are there any common concerns at Frankie's Crab Stand?
Some patrons have raised concerns about general cleanliness, including the restrooms, and occasional inconsistencies in service. While the atmosphere is generally positive, a few find it more akin to a fast-food setting.