This is definitely your average crab house!!! Very divey, the outside seating is awesome! People are super friendly. The service is also great! When we went they only had large crabs $80 a dozen.. Which is ok, by the time we got shrimp and everything else we could only eat 2 dozen.. The reason I gave 3 stars is because I've been eating crabs for 20 years now and I know what large crabs are, And those Weren't it! They pretty much sold medium crabs for the large price! I understand it's Memorial Day weekend but come on... I will be back based on everything else mentioned above read more

A little on the expensive side, but the only place to get fresh and decent seafood in western Loudoun. Good people who understand what makes good seafood... and the hush puppies are awesome! read more

Had such a good time last weekend. environment was great, food and drinks were delicious. Can't wait to come back!

Great find! Out of all the crab places I've been to, this one without a doubt stands out from the rest. And I will start with my disclaimer - I personally am not a huge blue crabs fan (mainly because of the work that is required for the prize). So one of the big reasons why I enjoyed Lowry's so much was because they had an extensive menu catering to any and all customers that may come their way. From delicious fried chicken and burgers to soft-shell crab, salmon, and fresh raw oysters the size of golf balls (only a slight exaggeration), it's hard to pick just one thing off the menu! They also have made-to-order milkshakes and house made ice cream and apple pie. I went with a big group of family, and got to sample their fried oysters, fried calamari, soft-shell crab, salmon, fried chicken, waffle fries, onion straws, corn fritters, blue crab, and last but not least, their ice cream. Everything was so tasty! My favorites were the soft-shell crab and the fried chicken and waffle fries (very flavorful). The corn fritters were a little dry for my liking and the fried oysters had more batter than oyster, in my opinion! It also would have been nice if there was roomier seating indoors, but hey, it's a shack after all, right? Other than that, we had an excellent server who always checked on us and was very friendly and accommodating. Will definitely be coming back! read more

See all

Great crabs or crablegs on a summer day. We always expect to sit a while since we want to savor the flavor :)

Some friends of mine have been raving about how this place Lowry's Crab Shack way out near Purcelville has the best fried chicken in the state of Virginia. So when I happened to be passing through town, I had to stop and give it a try. Unfortunately, the menu said to please allow at least 20 minutes to make the fried chicken, and I was in a hurry, so I didn't try it. Even so, I still enjoyed the shrimp and scallops and the milkshakes. Good food, friendly, attentive service. This is the small, family-run, off-the-beaten path type of place I love - so much better than the typical national chain restaurants. I look forward to going back. read more

Crabs and seafood without driving out east! Everything is is home made and tastes great! definite regular here :)

Great little place. Blue crab was perfectly cooked and the staff were kind. Can't ask for much more than that.

We ordered a dozen large crabs and they were medium, not impressed for $60. Catfish sandwich is huge. Fried pickle app is good, sides are just ok.They have a great outdoor patio play area for young kids. Very casual atmosphere. They have large fans for when it's hot out. Inside seating and bathroom is very cramped and dirty. read more

I had an awful meal and even worse service here in June 2013. I posted a bad review which vanished in 3 days. My neighbor had the same thing happen. After my server dropped clam shells off of another diners plate into my main dish and LEFT them there while walking away laughing, I think I am entitled to a negative review. Lets see how long this one lasts. read more

Being local, we frequent the crab shack a lot. It has its pluses and minuses. Most of the seating is outside...so its best to go when the climate outside is the nicest. Its also a great spot for kids (especially outside) as its just picnic tables and stones...my kids spend more time playing under the table in the stones than eating...we actually get a chance to relax there and not worry about the kids and the standard NOVA anti- kid snobs. The food can go anywhere between great and not so great. The seafood is generally pretty good but WAY over priced. This place is quite far from the shore and you will be paying quite a premium for the luxury. Their chicken is very good as is there burgers. If you stay away from the seafood and stick with the american food, the price is more reasonable and the food is good. We haven't had much like with the more specialty items. Its a great place to go, once you know what to expect, and what dishes to have and stay away from for the sake of your pocket book. Service can be hit or miss...usually high school kids in the summer...we've had anywhere from very friendly prompt service, to extremely slow, poor service.... Location is the best...can't beat hamilton, va...one of the best towns in VA... read more

Wonderful gem in the middle of nowhere! Excellent food and great friendly service. Nice casual neighborhood joint w/worldly taste. Never been disappointed; shrimp / scallops / crab always prepared and served consistently. Economical too! Give 'em a shot -- you won't be disappointed! read more

Great place for seafood! The service can be just a tad bit slow but the food was well worth it. Tried the soft shell crab and the clam strips, both were great. read more

I have been meaning to try this place out for a year or so. I went today and splurged on a dozen steam blue crabs. They were mediums, pretty darn meety, and fresh tasting [how can it not be? Oddly, Ive had weird / re heated tasting crabs before, yuck]. We sat outside and it was around 2p on a Saturday. Decent round of guests, and not packed. The service was good, the side items and shrimp were that of typical seafood joints (no where near a red lobster...not that I know red lobster well). I am very happy there is a traditional beach-like crab/seafood shack around, this inside is tiny, so expect a wait during regular business hours! We'll be back! read more

Fun relaxed outdoor vibe with great seafood. Okay we love going to MD and getting crabs. It's as close to that with a shorter drive. Had the shift she'll crab sandwich, snow crab legs, blue crabs and coconut shrimp. Crab dip with potato chips was yum with a horseradish kick. Sides were huge! Everything was yummy. Sat outside on a perfect Friday night. Service was on point (not too much but still attentive). Kids loved the milkshakes. Fun night out in Hamilton. read more

Love their fish and chips. Not fancy but friendly and good food. Parking can be rough at peak times but I love to treat myself and go there for a late lunch read more

Had never heard of this place, boy - what a find! We will definitely be back. Everything we had was fantastic! We ate so many appetizers (Fried Pickles, Hushpuppy's, Oysters on the Half Shell and Corn Fritters) that we barely had room for our meal. Somehow the kids were able to save room for the soft serve ice cream for desert though! read more

Very disappointed, I feel we were discriminated against since we were the only table of color, dining in. The table across from us were heard commenting that their crabs were heavy; not ours. I watched a young girl and her mom pick up their crabs and every crab they picked up had two claws attached; not ours. Our tray had one crab that had two claws attached; One! The rest had no claws or an occasional one maybe twice. "How does that happen? But the most disgusting and disappointing thing for me in this entire experience was the crabs had an ammonia smell. All of the crabs I picked up and I could not eat them. I honestly felt myself getting sick. I have never left Capt John's in 20 years believing that my food was grossly different. We wanted to try something different for variety. Big mistake choosing Lowry's in Hamilton, Va. Our tab came to $96 for two. Our hard earned money was spent and the crabs were awful the service was great but I came for the crabs and I wasted my time and money. Shame on Lowry's for not being fair and desperate enough for a buck to serve garbage to what they believe are unaware people of color. read more

Tried this place out on Friday because I heard amazing things about it. Not really a fan, waitress started off great and as she got busy completely forgot about the table, we sat inside so there is only 8 tables, all which came in about 20 minutes apart. My guest asked for a second corona twice, never received. Got our food and wasn't checked on again until we were finished and ready for the check. When the food came out it wasn't hot at all, kind of luke warm. Crab wasn't served with butter, never came back so I couldn't even ask if they had butter. Never eaten crab without it. Weird experience. Most definitely will not be back. read more

Quite a distance to travel for seafood but was pleasantly surprised at the quality of food and service! Blue crabs were perfect, fried oysters were great, hush puppies were yummy! I would definitely eat there again! read more

Tasty soft shell crabs and steamed shrimp. This place was an unplanned happy surprise. The only thing is it can get pretty packed and we had to wait and then go outside to pay our check. All that aside, the seafood's fresh and the flavors remind me of times I've been on the beach with some delicious seafood. read more

This place is my favorite!!! They used to be only seasonal, so I'm thrilled they're open all year long now. The outside patio area has a wonderful ambiance; feels like you're on a beach, big umbrellas and high powered fans keep you cool. The staff is friendly and it's just a feel-good place with feel-good people working it. The food is on point. I have a tradition of going with my Dad and friends for their all you can eat specials - check the chalkboard from the road to see the dates. Also noteworthy is their fried pickles and the crab's biggest competitor is the fried chicken. Sometimes you have to wait for your food, but that's because they only steam the crabs when you order them, or only fry the chicken when you order it, so how can you complain when it's that fresh? Great place to fill that urge for beer, crabs, fried chicken, and hushpuppies. Can't go wrong :) read more

When you want to feel like you are on the beach eating crabs this is the place to be. Tiki tables on rocks and the seafood is good. Nice place to chill with friends and family. read more

Some things are really good, like the fried chicken, clam chowder, and seafood. The sides are just ok and sometimes the fried food taste fishy from maybe unchanged oil? The best waitress there is Sherry...make sure to ask for her section. read more

Not the best seafood I've ever had, but I have no complaints either. We called ahead so we were seated promptly inside and everything I got was pretty good at an excellent value. The clam chowder was the outlier, as it was "okay" but overpriced at $6 for a bowl. My clams however were plentiful even with getting the smaller "captain's" portion, the mac n' cheese was good and it was nice to have a decent side salad as a non-fried option. My wife's fried oysters were good with a nice breading that wasn't overdone, and her only complaint was the cole slaw was a little sweet (not bad, just not her preference). Given there aren't a lot of seafood restaurants in the area and the ones there are can be overpriced, I'm just fine with the rustic feel of Lowry's with better than average food at better than average prices. read more

We came up from Fl. to N. Va. Had a hankering for crabs. This place fit the bill. They had run out of large so medium had to do. They were heavy and meaty. Great service. We shall return read more

If you are into seafood as much as we are, you have to try Lowry's, huge portions, of delicious shrimp and crab legs, with a really nice homemade feeling. Highly recommend them. read more

Best kept secret in Hamilton Va. I love this restaurant. Just took Mom there for the first time on Saturday. She loves it too. My favorites - crabs are hot and delicious, fried shrimp is the best I have ever had, southern home cooked green beans, they came from vegetable heaven, fried chix is the best, comes out hot and a very crispy skin. Everyone that works there is so nice and they have outdoor seating. This is one of my very favorite restaurants. Keep up the good work. read more

It is small, but the people are friendly. The shrimp seemed over cooked and under seasoned. You can stay home and do the same thing cheaper.

Hands down the best possible family restaurant environment in Loudoun County! It's like you're on your own private mini vacation the entire time. Outstanding seafood for the adults and the best kids desserts in the world. The owner's, Leslie and Donald, go out of their way to make sure your entire family is treated like kings and queens. Can't wait to go back! read more

This has been my second time to Lowrys Crab Shack and it has been amazing both times. The food is outstanding! Will never go anywhere else for crabs! read more

The steamed crabs were pricey but good. Tried the oyster po boy and was disappointed. The bread was too dense and combined with the lettuce & tomatoes overwhelmed the meager amount of oysters. And too make matters worse they used cocktail sauce instead of the customary tarter sauce or mayo. From what I saw others had ordered the other seafood dishes looked good. Will go back. read more

What reserve 3 dozen live crabs on Wednesday and pick up on Saturday? Sounds great till we get there on Saturday and they only left us 2 dozen! Get home and 2 dozen aren't even LIVE! Only 14 are alive! Seems I should have listened to prior reviews! read more

Found this little gem totally by accident. We were headed t a soccer game in Purcellville and we were really early and looking for something to eat. I noticed this place as I drove by it...made a u-turn and stopped in for lunch. The hush puppies were good but the fried shrimp and fried patters were great. As was the house cocktail sauce. I can't wait to come back on a warmer day and take advantage of the outdoor seating. read more

We recently moved to Hamilton and have discovered Lowry's Crab Shack. The owners are incredibly nice and the food is delicious. We have been here a couple of times already and have not been disappointed. The raw oysters were really fresh. The shrimp for the fried shrimp plate were huge. We were also impressed with the fish and chips, not only that they use catfish but that it is fried well. I love warm carby-goodness and the hush puppies were on point! We came by to grab some soft serve ice cream and it is creamy goodness. We have yet to try the fried chicken, but that is next on our list. I think we are really going to love being close to this place! read more

We had a great evening! The service was great, the food was awesome and the beer was cold! We had the peeled shrimp and clam strips for appetizers, then crab legs, the King and Snow combo. Everything was delicious, even the ladies working in the hot sun were smiling and attentive. We will be back! (The orange dreamsicle was a great finale!) read more

Wow great place! Great clams. Service is good. Very friendly.

Greasy, over-fried. Really disappointing stuff, but the service was outstanding. Can't imagine a time I'd be inspired to come back.

Been here several times, every time we regret it, always see the owners fighting with each other. It's depressing

I've been here several times and today was my last. Food has been terrible twice in a row. Fried chicken was so dry it was like eating straw and both the fried and broiled shrimp were dry and tasteless. My husband ordered the three piece fried chicken meal and received one breast that was dry as straw, one tiny wing, and a tiny leg. When we asked them to replace one of the small pieces for a normal size piece, they said it would be an extra charge. The only thing that is really good at this place are the broiled scallops. The restaurant is in a very nice location and has a nice outdoor eating area. But it's just too much money to pay for food that ranges from bad to mediocre. read more