My family and I of 14 came in in a Sunday at 5. We finished by 6:25!! We expected a wait but we must have come in at a perfect time because we literally got sat down right away. It service was efficient, quick, and just what you needed. The food was great. Came out pipping hot and the service was terrific. She was super attentive and kind. Smiles all around for us. It it's a pretty quiet environment other that people laughs and the occasional kid noises haha. Overall would come again. The food was a billion times better than bag o crab. The crab bucket service and food was a 10/10. This is the new spot! Shoutout to our server, Gabriela!! Great service and great food. read more

The Crab Bucket - Clam chowder. Sweet potato fries - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Salinas, California

I loveeeeee Crab bucket! I've been going regularly the last 4 years! I can say that My experience is always 10000x better when Gaby is my server. She's so sweet and friendly. Checks in to make sure we're doing good and that we're enjoying our food. I love the overall vibe here! The micheladas are so bomb when they put a thick chile/chamoy rim. And the Cajun sauce is to dieeee for! Best seafood boil IMO read more

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We were the first people in there at noon and as return customers we thought for sure the crab would be good. Well, as the pictures show the crab is disgusting. There's black eggs all over it, broken legs that are black inside and old green meat on the knuckle. I'm pretty sure this food is just not edible. There is no way that they would serve dine-in customers something like this. It's just criminal, zero stars. read more

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Shrimp is very hard to peel and what is up with the no head option... also they don't clean the inside of it so basically shrimp with poppy!

Food is usually good. Usually get the shrimp with potatoes and sausage. Been coming to this place because it cheaper than the other place in town. But refusing to give gloves because it's a to go order is just bad customer service. Is this place hurting so bad you can't give up 2 gloves? Oh and to top it off I asked one of the employees for gloves and she grabbed them as soon as she told me no like she thought I was going to take some I guess? Yes although they were right in front of me I didn't just take them I asked. I can afford to buy food here believe me I'm not trying to steal some gloves. Just bad experience overall. Guess my scrubs made me look like a thief. read more

Here is an updated version of the menu I with I would have had before I came in. Food was amazing, I was seated quickly and ordered quickly. My waitress was very helpful and knowledgeable. I haven't been in in so long so she was very helpful. read more

The Crab Bucket - Menu - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Salinas, California

Food is always good. The ladies are always super friendly! Also not so expensive here.

Very disappointed. To begin with you enter the establishment there's no host to greet you. While you stand there they yell from across the restaurant. The food...No flavor whatsoever. I am glad I didn't order the crab because I would have been pretty disappointed to pay for something inedible. Not to exaggerate but the Cajun shrimp I ordered looked like it was in motor oil with bottom of the barrel sediment. Inches of it literally burnt spices or something. The bag color was like brown black. Not to mention that the shrimps were overcooked and some were chalky. Super hard to take the shells off of how overcooked they were. We chose to give this place a try since online it stated it was better than bag of crab. But man were we mistaken. Go to bag of crab instead. read more

I have eaten here so many times, and the food never disappoints. It is always so fresh! The corn is crisp and never soggy, and the sides are well worth adding into the seafood boil. The service could use some work, it seems they understaff the servers a lot, as they are hosting as well. We never get refills, and we always have to get up and ask for our check to pay. That is the only thing I wish would get better as the food is so worth continually going for! Their pasta is amazing, as well as their chicken tenders and fries! So crispy and fresh every single time! The restaurant always seems clean and well kept. read more

The Crab Bucket - Snow Crab, mussels, craw fish, head on shrimp - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Salinas, California

I was recommended by a relative about this spot, the said, "The seafood here is great." We took our order to go since we live 2 hours away, the moment my husband and I tried it, we fell in love. I made it a trip this week to get seafood at this spot and I have been greeted with a smile and welcoming face and environment just like the first time. Definitely recommend this place. read more

My wife and I went to the Crab Bucket to celebrate our anniversary, the restaurant was decorated with a lively theme and the service was outstanding, we even had our food brought to us by a robot! Let me tell you that the food was so full of flavor and the whole afternoon was an adventure. You have to try this place, a ten star rating read more

The Shrimp was reallyyy good same with the Cajun fries. Servers were nice I just wish they refilled our waters more lol. But food was great just a bit on the more pricey side but you get what you pay for. The environment is super nice awesome and smells amazing but don't stay in there too long or else the smell starts getting to you. I recommend the shrimp garlic butter mixed with another seasoning. read more

The Crab Bucket - Shrimp 1LB Cajun Fries - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Salinas, California

Good service, but why does the Cajun seasoning taste like masala? It seriously ruined my whole bag of shrimp and veggies. I would never suspect Cajun seasoning to taste like curry. I love most everything, but not masala. The garlic herb one was ok, but not amazing. I'm glad I tried this place though because I have wondered about it for years. The wings were fried SO perfectly so five stars for those! Very clean restroom, too. It's a busy place so I'm sincerely glad they have a good clientele who enjoy their food! read more

I wish I would have taken pics once the food arrived to the table Not sure why we hadn't visited this place sooner! We went on a Friday before it got busy (5pm) and was immediately seated, ordered and had out drinks within 10 minutes. They have robots that deliver the food to the tables and servers meet them there to serve. The food arrived hot and the taste was awesome!! One of the best seafood-in-the-bag places we've visited and we've gone to several. The servers and wait staff were nice and responsible too! We will be visiting this place again. read more

The Crab Bucket - Fried fish and onion rings and seafood in a bag (meal #1, shrimp, clams, sausage, corn and potatoes) - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Salinas, California

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This restaurant is great for dine in but I really enjoy getting takeout for that change in cuisine within the comfort of your home. The Kawabunga Shrimp are outstanding. The are a bit messy and at times oily compliments of what K assume is the butter. The seasoning is usually on point and I would love to learn how to replicate that seasoning as I imagine it's great in most seafood. In this last visit we ordered two orders of Shrimp with one mild and one spicy. I do not enjoy spicy, sadly both orders were rather spicy which was not what We ordered. Aside from that the meal was as expected. read more

I would give three-and-a-half stars if that was an option. The restaurant is an odd mix of ambience. You wait to be seated, but then everything is served on paper and plastic and you eat with your hands and discard shells onto the paper table cover. Service wasn't very attentive, and server wasn't knowledgeable or descriptive about things like the sauce base (butter or what?) and spice levels. There was no flexibility about sitting, because the robot server needs to be able to navigate the aisles, and water has to be purchased. But the food was very good. The fish and chips with substituted sweet potato fries were crispy and good, with a generous portion of fish. The crab legs and shrimp were also very good. Be prepared, though, to get really messy if you eat shellfish, which is the featured menu choice. It's served whole with sauce in a plastic bag, and you have to crack hot shellfish with your hands and maybe a leg cracker. Thankfully, plastic bibs and copious paper towels are provided. Most shellfish is market price and can be steep but appropriate ($48 for king crab legs on our visit), but the shrimp was very accessible ($16) for a huge portion. Everything except shellfish is an add-on, though. Worth the visit, but not anything fancy. Sorry I failed to get pictures until we were done. read more

The Crab Bucket - Crab leg remains - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Salinas, California

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I had always passed by this place and was curious on how it'd taste. At first I thought they might have been out of business but one night as me and my partner were craving sea food he suggested this place since I had been talking about wanting to try it. I was confused when ordering online because I felt as I might over order since everything they sell is by the pound. When we walked in there was only one other table that was finishing up. the staff were welcoming and nice , we were helped with right away too. The food was amazing I literally have been telling everyone about this place now and tell them to forget Bag O Crab this place is better and for the price too it's worth it specially if you like sea food boil this place is amazing and I made the mistake of putting light cajon seasoning because it was sooo good and perfect spice too. Plan on doing another take out order on Valentine's Day! I can't wait to eat your food again ;) read more

Overall the place is bad, it's over priced the food was ok but not the best.. stick too bag o crab. Water was too warm and the resturant smelled like chemicals. Service wasn't good aswell, would not check up on you like a waiter should. read more

Wait staff is not at all friendly. The raw oysters were awful. Worst I have ever had King crab legs were just mediocre. I will not return. read more

First of all overpriced, $6 for an apple juice box not a full glass cup a box, food was not good, too much seasoning to the point it is not enjoyable, service was terrible, water was not cold as it should be it was warm. Room didn't have a pleasant smell aswell, smell of chemicals. Did not give us gloves or bibs, like they should when they give us our food as bag of crab does. Don't waste your time on this place, not worth your money. read more

Food is delicious. However service is horrendous. Servers rarely go check in on their tables, it has happened to me about three times now (with different servers each). I have to be standing up to ask for stuff. read more

The service was terrible. The girls working in the front were very catty and unprofessional talking crap about other coworkers that weren't even there. The food was okay, but there wasn't much sauce. Our crab even had frostbite, and when I brought it up, our server got instantly defensive. She didn't seem to know what frostbite was and kept insisting that wasn't the issue. I highly recommend hiring new front staff this place has potential, but the attitude at the front is holding it back. read more

We came on a Sunday and they were very busy. The wait was long, but we eventually got seated. Family friendly means a lot of families with kids, and noisy. It felt like we were in a cheap eatery in Tijuana. So definitely not a date place. The food was very good, but to be honest I could not give it more than 3 stars since my fish and chips was mostly fries and a piece of fish. I doubt if we will every come back. Maybe we'll order a bucket online and just eat it at home. But then, it is so easy to pick up seafood and steam it at home. It will cost less and we won't have to deal with the noise and shuffling around of people around us while we eat. read more

I absolutely love this place! Service is quick and I've never had to wait to be sat. I usually get their shrimp with potatoes and the kawa banga for seasoning, which is absolutely delicious! I love the music that they play, will definitely be going back and definitely recommend! read more

The Crab Bucket - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Salinas, California

Very demure of them to have these super cute gloves, very high quality and chic. As for the food and service, great as well. Keep these gloves pls, the girlies appreciate the little things like this. Thankss besties. read more

The Crab Bucket - Gloves - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Salinas, California

Really rude service, waitress are rude and don't know how to treat a customer. waitress starts to raise her voice at us and rolling her eyes and didn't want to call management and she told is we had to leave. waitress name is Brenda Trust me I will not come here anymore and I will talk about my experience at the crab bucket. she ain't good for your business The crab bucket. read more

This spot is small but perfect! It's not over packed, Food was good & came out timely BUT the server was RUDE! She really needs to take a coarse on customer service, her facial expressions were as if she didn't want to be there, we asked for bibs and she placed them on our dirty container from our chicken wings & ranch. Poor customer service is a big no no for me. Hopefull, our next visit we'll encounter a friendlier face. read more

Food is great. Service is terrible! Manager on duty is always in a bad mood and has the worst attitude with customers I hope the owner takes the time to talk to her. Customer service is very important and she does not realize how much she affects the small business. read more

The Crab Bucket - Rude management - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Salinas, California

Customer service is horrible...the waiters not friendly always a stink face when asked for something they forgot to bring ....i had to keep reminding them about ketchup never brought ranch or fries I ordered ...and when I asked for the cutters for snow crabs she said they are all dirty only have one for a party of 6....Also fyi you need your actual debit card to pay if bill is more than 100 otherwise they will charge your debit multiple times ....Overall food was good but you will have to keep asking g for everything they forget to bring and will be bothered by it.....Just make drive to San Jose read more

Food was amazing! Kawabanga flavor is the bomb. We had shrimp, muscles, snow crab legs, chicken strips for the kiddos, Cajun fries, crawfish, and shrimp Alfredo for the kiddos. Brenda our sever was AMAZING super patient with us. It was our first time here and she was very helpful. Wear dark clothing as you will get dirty. Hands on for sure. You can ask for gloves. If you get crab legs they give you some tools to help. There is parking in the front of the restaurant. read more

The Crab Bucket - Shrimp, snow crab legs, tools in kawabanga flavor. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Salinas, California

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Service was rude! None of the food was cooked with any type of seasoning which made the food taste like garbage was not worth the money at all!! The atmosphere of the place was a downer the employees were obviously annoyed/irritable and the overall experience was not worth it. Been to plenty of seafood places in pismo and morro bay and this was the only bad experience I've ever had. If you want the open experience of the crab bucket or any other seafood place the puts the seafood or food on the table this is not the place! Genuinely hope this helps!! read more

Service was terrible, was there for about 1.5 hours and not once did our server check on us. Hands down the Worst service I've ever gotten.

Extremely salty today. It made me throw the rest away. So so bad. We ordered pick up. But damn it was like they poured 5 cups of salt in 1 pound of shrimp I'm not exaggerating. read more

First time going to the crab bucket in Salinas. Location is great. Shrimp was over cooked. I informed the waitress but there wasn't much she was able to do. Shrimp Alfredo was good, and is great to have on the side if you're looking to fill up. Don't let the price fool you. You get a big portion for what you paid. read more

The Crab Bucket - Shrimp 1LB - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Salinas, California

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This order started a little rough. We ordered 2 King crab legs buckets (bags because of Covid - take out/delivery only), both with 1 corn and 1/2lbs of sausage, a side of garlic noodles, 2 beers and 1 Jarritos. Took about 15 minutes. NOTE: We are from out of town, celebrating our anniversary, and our hotel is 20 minutes away. 1: We got 1 bag of crab w/sausage and corn, 1 bag of shrimp w/sausage and corn, noodles, and drinks. As The Man and I were ordering, I had asked if the shrimp was deveined. She said no. The Man ordered another crab bag (read my review from earlier today for the Filipino restaurant - he doesn't like whole shrimp). She thought I wanted a shrimp bag. He ended up walking back and they replaced the shrimp bag with crab legs. She was super nice and realized the misunderstanding. 2: We had nothing to crack with! LOL! And ONE fork and ONE spoon! LOL! We found a spot to park and set up in the bed of our truck (this is where we figured out we had a wrong order; hence, the walking back - and then realized the limited utensils. Oh well). Thank goodness they provide paper, napkins, and bibs! I had rolls of paper towels and a pack of baby wipes -- We laid the paper out on the truck bed and the eating commenced! AH-FREAKING-MAZING! I didn't realize the sausage was spicy, or I would not have gotten it in my bag. But everything else was amazing! IF YOU'RE FROM OUT OF TOWN, make sure you ask for all the necessary tools or whatever you can get to help with the crab. We got the King crab because it's easier to rip than Dungeness crab. Good call! * 2 King crab (1 non-spicy garlic butter, 1 mild lemon pepper) + 2 corn (1 in each) + 1lbs sausage (1/2lbs in each) * garlic noodles * 2 Corona * 1 Jarritos Approx: $100 (Sorry - no pics because it's dark!) read more

The only reason I'm giving this 2 starts is because the food is good, the customer service though? Terrible. I've visited this place 3 times and on each occasion the customer service by the manger was very poor. Not so much the waitresses but by, what I'm assuming is the manger, an older Hispanic lady. The only reason I visited after 2 poor visits is bc this is 1 of 2 seafood boil places in Salinas and it's much closer to me. But after this 3rd visit I'm done giving them a chance. This last Friday me and my daughter visited. it was early evening and wasn't too busy which surprised us since it is a Friday. Well we sat down and ordered right away, we knew what we wanted. We both got a soda, shared a basket of sweat potato fries and a bag of snow crab each. They brought us our fries and drinks after 10 minutes, as more people trickled in. After 40 minutes we noticed our crab hadn't arrived but they had already served the people that came after us. I assumed it was bc I had mentioned my shrimp allergy and they were trying to accommodate that. Our waitress came by and asked if we had gotten our food and we said no so she went to check. 10 more minutes passed by and my daughter was getting upset bc she was hungry. The waitress came by again and told us they had lost our order so they were gonna get it out soon. 10 more minutes pass by and they finally brought our order but they brought us the WRONG order. At that point we were very upset. I talked to the older hispanic lady that seems like she's the manager about my grievances and was met with an attitude. She needs to learn better customer service skills. I also noticed they did not even try to accommodate my shrimp allergy. Thankfully it's not deadly I only get hives but I noticed 30 minutes after our meal I ended up getting hives. This happened on my second visit as well even after mentioning my shrimp allergy. I have never had this experience before and have eaten at plenty restaurants that serve shrimp. I recommend you DONT eat here. read more

Last nights dinner was very tasty (little on the salty side) nothing a lemon couldn't neutralize. read more

The Crab Bucket - 1lb of shrimp/potatoes (ordered the sausage didn't get that in the order) but still very good meal - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Salinas, California

The Crab Bucket is always a crowd pleaser. Messy, delicious, fun food. Nice staff. They put a roll of paper towels on every table which is great because you're going to need them! The seafood is fresh, and they have choices of seasoning - I like the kawabunga seasoning. Great place for a fun special occasion meal. read more

As soon as we were seated, the waiter dumped about ten cut limes (40 slices) onto the paper table cloth. She didn't ask if we wanted limes. I think she should have asked because we are not going to eat them with our meal. Lol! I consider it a waste as now they have to be thrown away. Management!, PLEASE CLEAN YOUR WINDOWS ONCE IN A WHILE. As I walked out I notice how dirty they are. Gross!! I hope the kitchen is not as filthy as the glass windows and doors!! My stomach is turning now. lol. We ordered hot wings and got chicken strips. We ordered corn but never received it. We ordered water but did not receive it until asking a second time. Also, water cups don't need lids nor straws. What a waste!! Shrimp came with heads on. read more

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The ambiance was great. I love the decor. The food was great! They have a small robot server and they were happy to change the TV over to Spider-Man instead of kids cartoons. read more