My second time being here. It was not busy on Wednesday afternoon. We came in time for the $1 Chesapeake oysters deal, ordered 24 of them. They were very good and it did not disappoint for my second visit. read more

The Fat Crab Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Loved the oysters! Tried this place for the first time today and already can't wait to go back. read more

The Fat Crab Cafe - Buck-a-shuck oysters - Seafood Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

I saw they advertised on Facebook. Looked at the menu and thought yummy. I so wished I would have read more about the "cafe,". Disappoint in the warm lobster roll. No taste! Not even close to the lobster roll we had in Cape Cod Massachusetts. Kids got cheeseburgers that they liked. The chips were goof. read more

I love the Fat Crab Café, and so do all of my friends who come with me. The seafood is super fresh and their soups well made and delicious. My favorites are the Chesapeake Eggs, the Fish and Chips, the fresh oysters on the half shell for just $1 on Saturdays, and the hot Lobster Roll (sooo stuffed with great lobster and no fillers). All delightful with a cool BYOB white wine, and especially great if you can sit outside. I think I go about every 2 weeks. Also, the servers always take good care of us. The place is not fancy, but the food is wonderful, and you get to eat with people of all ages and all walks of life. read more

Great food, no waiting, goes the extra mile. Fresh ingredients and takes the time to do it right. Good service. Will be back.

Mr. Bill's and The Fat Crab Cafe are local staples since 1973, and I can absolutely tell why. This place takes the classic seafood restaurant vibes and kicks it up a notch with some innovative dishes and fun presentations. The owner came around and chatted a bit with every table, and it really made us feel welcome. Not to mention, the woman taking our order did a great job patiently keeping track of our order as we stumbled through it. The food was just as good as the service. The standout for me in terms of unique dishes has to be the warm crab cornbread (come on thats genius). The lobster roll was delicious, I loved that the bun was warm and the lobster/mayo mixture was cold. The shrimp ceasar wrap was a surprisingly great combo. The chowder was warm and delicious. I was surprised that I liked the fish and chips as I usually don't, I think because it wasn't too salty, and the chips were THICK which I enjoyed. The halibut special was simply prepared, but well prepared nonetheless. The Caesar salad was simple, obviously, but still tasty. We also got oyster and steamed shrimp, which were obviously fresh. Come here if you want fun, tasty, fresh seafood and great service! read more

See all

Wow! Love this place. The food is absolutely delicious. Amazing New England clam chowder. I have eaten there several times and it never disappoints! read more

The Fat Crab Cafe is my new favorite place for lunch in Lancaster. The counter service was friendly and fast. With several delicious sounding possibilities, we decided to try the New England Chowder and the Fish and Chips. Both were fantastic. Absolutely perfect for a rainy afternoon! read more

The Fat Crab Cafe - Fish 'n' Chips - Seafood Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

See all

We started out loving this place. We had some of the best, freshest scallops here that we had anywhere. But the next time, not so much. Fish and chips are just okay, but nothing special. The crab cakes are okay for what they are--no white meat; all claw meat. Portion sizes are average. The sides are definitely a problem. The mac and cheese can best described as gluey and flavorless. The horseradish potato salad sounded good, but wasn't. No horseradish flavor. Canned baked beans. We seriously never had a side here that was decent. I thought everyone could make simple sides. The decor really doesn't matter if the food is very good, but if it's not, I prefer not to eat in a barely heated room in cold weather. Lancaster sure could use good seafood place, but honestly, this is not it. Unimpressed. read more

While parking space is limited, there are plenty of spaces nearby. It features a cafeteria-style casual dining experience where you order from the cashier/registrar and they bring the food to your table (return the dishes to the front when finished). Currently, they offer a $1 oyster special on Saturdays from noon to 4:30 (excluding December 23rd). Honestly, the food was better than I remember from three years ago. What attracts me the most, though, is the current oyster specials. I would love to go back to try their dinner menu as well. read more

See all

The shrimp and scallops were grilled. Had no flavor at all. Was just heated on the grill then put on a plate. Was not satisfied

Delicious!! I was not expecting to find something this fresh and amazing all the way in Lancaster. We got the fish and chips and fresh catch of the day sandwich. Everything was fresh even the fries (not pictured)!! The service was quick and the staff was super friendly. They have a seafood market and cafe inside their one building. Everything is takeout right now with some outdoor seating available. The cafe you order at separate so it was very easy and no line. The seafood market side was really busy which was great to see. You can definitely tell they get regulars there. The best part was outside they just got a delivery of fresh crabs so you could see them outside in the garage area. read more

See all

Big fan of Mr. Bill's! And have been looking forward to trying the cafe for quite sometime. Love the outdoor patio and plenty of seating inside. This may not be a frequent occurrence, but the prices on the TV didn't match with the prices on the menu. We ordered off the TV and didn't take notice of the difference until we got the check. No big deal, but we did mention it to staff and she didn't care, no apology offered or "thank you for letting us know." We thought we were doing them the favor incase it impacted future patrons, but instead it seemed like it was more of an annoyance that we said anything at all. Oyster Po Boy...I was skeptical to order. It's nearly impossible to find a restaurant that knows how to make a traditional Po Boy around here. No real complaints, just underwhelming. The flavor of the oyster was lost due to being fried and it was bland. I was hoping there would have been a spice in the breading. Enjoyed the sauce with the steamed clams, garlicky and buttery. read more

This is probably our favorite local seafood restaurant and retail. We ordered the Shrimp and oyster Po boys and split them they were both delicious, we also got the clam chowder just wow it was so good huge pieces of clam. The staff was very nice and helpful. After we finished we went over to the fish market and got the swordfish and clam cakes can't wait to try these. The staff was wry nice and very helpful. read more

See all

Stopped in for lunch with my relatives & we were pleasantly surprised with how delicious the food was! We all had po boys- shrimp po boys & an oyster po boy. We also enjoyed The Crabman Fries. The "tar tar" sauce they gave for the po boys was AMAZING. read more

Ok welp, our first time here.. was enlightening. If anyone's seen my previous posts, we moved here about 3. 5 years ago and there are many places that are "firsts" for us. To celebrate my new job, I wanted to treat my husband to crabs/seafood... whatever.. We ordered the shrimp wrapped in bacon and I found those a bit tough but really tasty. We also got their loaded fries.. a home run. Those we were able to nosh on at the table. All was not lost . Went there Saturday and was in line at 6pm, Jonesing for blue claw crabs. I asked if they had blue claw and was met with a look of confusion.. "regular crabs?" Oh yeah. We have them but you have to take them to go because we close at 7:30. I didn't understand. She told me they took 1/2 an hour to steam. Umm no they really don't but maybe she meant that's how long the kitchen needed to get to them. "So I can't get 6 crabs and eat them here?" No they'll have to be "to go".. if I can ask the kitchen if theyre still steaming. "huh??" I don't understand this. "So I MAY be able to get them steamed, but I can't eat them here because theyre " to go"? She said "yes". Ok, so I can't get them "to go" and eat them here, then take the rest home if I don't finish by 7:30? "They'll have to be to go".. ummm okay. Whatever. It's an hour . I can def demolish 6 crabs in under an hour .. but ok. She said we have to give them an hour and a half to sit down to eat. I guess that was her way of telling me that's about what the average table stay is, but it came out-- not quite that way. It was our first time there and honestly I was disappointed that I didn't get to experience them hot, not having the mess at my own house and to have an evening where I was being served (whole reason I go OUT ) but my husband and I went back on our 30 minute ride back with my blue claws in and his huge Alaskan King crab legs in a bag. Needless to say, we drove as fast as we could to get them home while still hot. He got two crab legs in his order. This bad boy came in at 19.25" from end to point! Not even a joke. He picked then entire thing and had a nice pile that filled him up. $69.99 but worth it. He was quite happy, it was delicious.. my blues were excellent. We will def be going back, but next time with a clearer understanding of their time lines.. oh and it's a BYOB too. I was too busy eating to take pictures of my crabs... will this do? read more

The Fat Crab Cafe - Huge Alaskan King - Seafood Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

The food is good but the price and service not so much. The person at the registrar was not kind to us and ruined the whole experience, which was a shame. We just wanted to eat our food as quickly as possible and get out. Wouldn't go again. read more

The Fat Crab Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Excellent! We were searching for good fish and chips - we found it! Upgraded to the cod and it was perfect. My husband got the oyster po boy, also excellent. We will definitely be back. read more

The french fries were good, the red seafood chowder had no fish in it and the blue fish was very dry (overcooked) Its not the first time I have had the red seafood chowder that did not have any fish in it but i thought it might be a one off so I wrote an email to the owner (manager?) rather than write a yelp review. Unfortunately, it wasnt a one-off. Quality control seems to be the problem here. read more

Stopped at the Fat Crab today. Takeout only during the pandemic. Got two soups and matching sandwiches and headed straight home. The soups were great with generous portions of crab and clams respectively. The crab could have had a bit more heat but a few dashes of hot sauce from my frig made it superb! The sandwiches were yummy too! One suggestion these sandwiches need a bread remodel. The oyster po boy needs a French baguette and the Fish needs and Italian semi-hard or a Mexican Bolillos. The fish sandwich falls apart half way through and must be eaten with a fork. That brioche bun cannot handle all that delicious fish! It's not a bad thing! Did I mention they deliver right to your car? Great job guys and girls! read more

The Fat Crab Cafe - a sandwich and a cup of coffee - Seafood Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

I've been wanting to try this place since it opened, but just hadn't made it. My mother in law is in town from the midwest and always requests seafood and I'm happy to oblige. Usually, we take a little trip to the neck of the Chesapeake Bay or into Philadelphia, but we spent the day shopping and decided to stay a little more local. Big mistake. Overcooked shrimp, crab cakes full of filler, very little seasoning and no butter or lemon to be found. We had to ask for cocktail, which was a congealed mess with liquid floating on top. Baked mac and cheese managed to be dry and greasy at the same time.Appetizers were good--the tottler (tots topped with crab and cheese) and Chesapeake eggs (think Scotch eggs, but crab cake instead). Fried fish was also decent, but nothing remarkable. The ranch dressing on the salad was possibly the best part, which is not necessarily what one is looking for at a seafood cafe. Staff was lackluster and couldn't provide the wifi password. Stick to Bonefish or even Red Lobster, or take the the 45 minute jaunt down to the bay. read more

See all

I always get the fish chowder which is always very good. I just wish they had more of a menu for seafood though. Like some cool combination platters or offer some type of crab legs , king crab legs, or lobster dishes that are very popular in other cities I've been to. I mean for it to also be a fish market you would think the menu would be out of this world. I hope they add new menu items. But it's one of the only seafood spots we have here in Lancaster so it will do for now. read more

It's great Mr. Bill's expanded and started serving food. Easy to find. Right across the street from the old location. It's a small little cafe. I ordered the shrimp po boy. Very fresh. I only wish there was a little heat to balance out the acidity of the lemon. Also ordered the crab fries. Again I was looking for seasoning and there was none. Thus the 3 stars. I really think there is potential. I would give them another try. read more

The Fat Crab Cafe - Shrimp Po Boy - Seafood Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Nice casual restaurant for seafood. I stopped in for takeout. Had the crab cake, no roll. Came with the Maui sweet kettle chips and a pickle. I asked for a lemon wedge, but I'm sure I could have asked for tarter sauce. Crab cake was a delicious Maryland style, just wished there was more. Ordered a side of coleslaw to go along. Its the kind I like with a little bite of vinegar. Also had a cup of seafood chowder, Maryland style ( red broth), good but wanted some crab in there. Will be back to try some other menu items. Staff was very friendly and helpful. read more

We went with a party of five and there was plenty of available seating, but it did start to fill up pretty quickly! I ordered the fresh fish sandwich and it was exceptional! The fish we perfectly fried, light and flaky. The brioche bun was also delicious and held up to the sandwich. You have to order the fries as a side, but I would highly recommend as they were nice and hot. I also got a dozen clams, and they did not disappoint either. They had a great flavor. Highly recommend ! A great small business to support that serves high quality, fresh seafood. read more

Lobster roll was a little disappointing. The meat was quality but it was just meat, no Mayo, no seasoning, no anything. A cup of meat and a roll... if that's the PA version of a lobster roll ok, but it was extremely bland and very disappointing. For the money (the roll, crab cornbread and a drink was over $30) I expected flavor, not boredom. read more

I ordered a hot lobster roll sandwich, market price which came out to be $36.00. I received a sandwich, chips and pickles. The lobster was not top quality. It wasn't sweet, sort of dry (buttery water at the bottom of cup) and very disappointing. It reminded me of the subpar lobster Stauffers offers at their Lobsterfest. For $36, I expected a far better sandwich then what I received. Now the cream of crab and asparagus soup is to die for, I would recommend that to everyone but the lobster roll....forget about it. I feel I was robbed. read more

The four stars are for the establishment as a whole, leaning on the fish case, oyster bar and crisp, clean, sunny interior. We took home some Shad, it was great. The deli food was delicious; however, the shrimp in the shrimp tacos were, shall we say, shrimpy, small, tiny. The oyster sandwich, by no stretch of the imagination is this a Po-Boy. As a sandwich quite respectable, but the construction, how they slice the bread etc. makes it hard to eat comfortably. Cesar salad, no anchovies? Come on this is a fish market. I'll be back for fish and shellfish and I would like to try their chowder. Po-Boys, I'll make my own with Alfred and Sam's bread and some of the breaded oysters from the case. read more

Great food. Was reluctant to get seafood outside of Maryland but I was not disappointed.

Mr. Bill's has long been known for wonderfully fresh seafood, and now we can come and eat it prepared and sit outside! I love it.The fish and chips are wonderful. That fresh fish, light batter and well-seasoned fries! Lobster roll is also excellent, and I would recommend the special of the day -- have had great black bass with some sort of risotto 3 times. Clam chowder also delightful. They have now set up an oyster and clam bar on Saturday afternoons, and I have already invited 3 friends to try it next Saturday -- I saw it being set up yesterday and it looks heavenly. I've only eaten outside: you go in, order your food, and then sit and it will be brought to you. Because you're ordering at the counter it's hard to remember to add the tip to your bill, but the table service is friendly and prompt, and should be rewarded. Bring your own cool white wine or beer... read more

Amazing Food! Best Experience!! The Fat Crab Cafe is my new favorite, hands down. I was pleasantly blown away by such amazing customer service from each staff member. First Impression As soon as I walled in, I was greeted by the Owner, Tim and a customer who had just finished eating dinner. It was the actually the suggestion of the customer to try the Dungeness crab over my blue crab (which I would never do until today). When inquiring about crab sizes and prices, the young lady (staff member at takeout) brought a live crab to let us see the actual size for ourselves. Not only did she bring the crab to us, she answered every question that my 7 year old had about the live crab that she was holding. She even let him touch the back legs as she demonstrated safety when handling the live crab. We decided to eat in the restaurant instead of putting our live crabs on ice and driving back home (which is an hour away). The dining room server/hostess/cashier thoroughly explained specials and was extremely attentive during our visit to The Fat Crab. The Food The food was absolutely incredible!!! We enjoyed crab flatbread, fish tacos, popcorn chicken (kids), and that's right the Dungeness crab. The timing and temperature of appetizers, kids food, and dinner was perfect. Everything was just pleasantly astounding.. Last, But definitely not least! Tim (owner) sealed the deal for our already personable experience. He was sure to visit our table and every other table in the restaurant, creating a welcoming and family atmosphere. I am an advocate for customer satisfaction and this excounter has definitely exceeded my expectations!! A message for The Fat Crab: I am already planning our next visit. Thank you for showing my family your excellent hospitality!! read more

This is a wonderful place to eat. They have a terrific selection of seafood items, salads and sides. I love the crab cakes, oyster sandwiches and soups. The crab fries are addictive! Casual friendly atmosphere, reasonable prices and delicious food. I can't drive by without stopping either for prepared food or fresh seafood. read more

Fantastic Meal, great service and BYOB was a great plus! Will come again soon for the al fresco dining in the spring!

I love seafood and have been somewhat jaded by the seafood outside of Lancaster. I had the lobster roll. The lobster salad was quite good, but the roll was stale, seems to be a common problem in Lancaster. The oysters were good, shucking took quite a long time, but the quality was good. The soup was good. Worth a visit to decide on your own. read more