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    The Fat Crab Cafe

    3.8 (33 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated 1 week ago

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    Fisherman's Red Chowder
    Anna B.

    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!

    Fish 'n' Chips
    Dana S.

    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!

    Shrimp and grits
    Ashley C.

    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.

    a plate of food
    Christina M.

    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.

    Huge Alaskan King

    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?

    Hayoung Y.

    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.

    Charles B.

    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.

    a sandwich and a cup of coffee

    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!

    Poseidon's Plate, The Crab Totler, Fish 'n' Chips
    Erin S.

    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.

    Shrimp Po Boy

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    6 days ago

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    1 year ago

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

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    2 years ago

    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

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    6 years ago

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

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    8 years ago

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

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    Ask the Community - The Fat Crab Cafe

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    CAVA

    CAVA

    4.1(71 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Live. Laugh. Love. CAVA. I have been a regular at this Cava location for years but I am just now…read morewriting a review bc my wife and I made the dismal decision to eat dinner at CoreLife the other night for a change of pace, and when I tell you they are trying so hard to be Cava but their food has ZERO flavor. You guys are doing it so much better and it's nottttt close. Hot honey harissa bowl is my go to. (I'll post my most recent photo of one here that I picked up and ate for lunch.) Portions are generous, produce is fresh, meat is well-seasoned, sauces are rich and savory, vibes are immaculate.

    "It's like Chipotle, but Mediterranean food!" This is how friends and family described Cava to me…read morewhen it first opened, and it's the reason why I'm such a late convert -- Chipotles are usually dirty and their food is in the news too often associated with making people sick. Cava is nothing like that. I got a chance to try the food for a work lunch event and enjoyed the food so much that I've introduced it to my husband and daughter as one of our more health quick dinner options. I've tried a variety of proteins and topping options in the BYO bowl and have been really pleased with the food quality and variety--I love all the traditional sauces (harissa, tzatziki), and the hubs loves the crazy feta. For dressing options, I highly recommend the lemon herb tahini and tahini Caesar. The online ordering is so simple and everything is completely customizable -- the hubs and kid can nix onions from their bowls and I can add all the onion options to mine. Everyone's happy! There are reserved to-go parking spaces right at the front entrance, so it's convenient to park there, run in to the pick up rack and grab my order. In and out in less than 5 min. If you eat-in, there plenty of room and seating inside and they even have a little outdoor area out back during the warm weather months. The staff work quick, so the order line generally moves well, but you occasionally have someone who is new to the concept asking a lot of questions about options, so that takes a little more time. For the most part the staff are patient in helping people who are struggling with the menu. The one miss? The desserts. We ordered the chocolate chip brownie once to share and were surprised by how small it was-- a little bigger than an AirPod case and an inch thick. Two bites, which for one person is enough, but not really a shareable. And for the price? For a pre-packaged brownie, essentially? Not worth it. Skip the sweet stuff and stick with the bowls.

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    Norbu Lancaster - Norbu Lancaster Sunday Brunch Buffet ($18/ea)

    Norbu Lancaster

    4.8(90 reviews)
    0.9 mi
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    As a family of four, we eat here about once a month and it's our favorite resturaunt in Lancaster…read more Very kid friendly, always exceptional service, clean (my wife would know, not me), and everything on the menu is flavorful and always made with love.

    There are moments in life when you set out in search of dinner and instead discover a small,…read morebenevolent corner of the universe. My wife, acting as both navigator and oracle, found Norbu after I asked for something within walking distance of our hotel. Four Himalayan restaurants, all within a short stroll, which felt statistically suspicious in the heart of Amish country. We chose Norbu because it had the best reviews and, more importantly, because it offered Nepalese and Bhutanese dishes, which none of us had ever tried. We are a family that tries to make it a point to say yes to the unknown. Finding it is part of the adventure. Norbu is tucked along North Christian Street, though calling it a street feels optimistic at best. It is more of a very committed alley. The restaurant sits inside an office building with a few brave parking spaces placed carefully on postage stamp sized lot out front. Had we been driving, I am certain we would have missed it and continued on, poorer for the experience. Fortunately, we were on foot and arrived intact. Inside, the place was alive at 7 PM. There were low tables with stools that suggested a more traditional way of dining, and a couple of unoccupied standard tables for those of us still learning. We took one of the latter and were seated quickly. We began with momo, a dish that seems like could quietly solve many of the world's problems if placed on the right tables. Soft, hand folded dumplings, steamed and served with a savory chutney. We ordered the "Mix It All" option, which gave us vegetable, beef, and chicken. Each had its own personality, its own quiet argument for why it should be your favorite. My older son ordered the Sweet N Sticky Tofu, which was the most familiar thing we ate all night. It tasted like a thoughtful conversation between General Tso and sesame tofu. Very good, very well executed, just less novel. I had the Pak Sha Datsi, the national dish of Bhutan, which I did not know until I read it on the menu and our server filled in the missing information with patience and enthusiasm. Norbu itself, we learned, is rooted in Himalayan traditions and a desire to share the food and culture of Nepal and Bhutan with a wider audience, which feels like a noble use of time. The dish arrived as a gently spiced stew with pork and a blend of aged and smoked cheeses. It was creamy, delicate, and somehow grew more interesting with every bite. It did not resemble anything I had eaten before, which is a rare and welcome thing as I grow ever older. My wife and younger son both ordered the Nepali Thali, a kind of edible symphony made up of curry, lentils, vegetables, chutneys, pickles, and a dessert pudding. My wife chose the fish curry, which was tender and lightly flavored. My son chose the chicken curry, which quietly became the star of the table. It had a familiar warmth, something like Indian curry, but with its own distinct voice. The accompanying mustard greens, curried potatoes, and a simple mix of green beans, corn, and carrots, were so flavorful that we found ourselves marveling at them like tourists at a natural wonder. Service was excellent. Our waitress guided us through the menu, made thoughtful suggestions, and shared a bit of the restaurant's story. By the end of the meal, we felt not just fed, but informed. Our only failure was not saving room for dessert. There was a chai flavored cashew cheesecake that sounded like it might change a person's outlook on life. We will have to return to test this theory. Norbu is the kind of place you hope to find and rarely do. It is hidden, a little hard to reach, and entirely worth the effort. Five stars, because sometimes you find something amazing and new, and that reminds you that the world is still full of good surprises.

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    Norbu Lancaster - Choice of low table seating or traditional Western tables

    Choice of low table seating or traditional Western tables

    Norbu Lancaster - Norbu Lancaster Sunday Brunch Buffet ($18/ea)

    Norbu Lancaster Sunday Brunch Buffet ($18/ea)

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    Norbu Lancaster Sunday Brunch Buffet ($18/ea)

    Freshly Greek

    Freshly Greek

    4.7(123 reviews)
    3.4 mi

    I ordered the chicken souvlaki (lower plate) with fresh made pita bread, tzatziki (which I'm…read morecompletely obsessed with), and a side of fresh cut fries with ketchup. It was a good portion, I was satisfied and everything was cooked really well. My boyfriend ordered the pork gyro (higher plate) with tomato, red onion, lettuce and tzatziki wrapped in pita bread with a side of fresh cut fries and ketchup. First time trying this restaurant because it was close to my hair salon, and it did not disappoint! The place is a smaller shop in a place but it was well organized, clean, and service was quick and tentative as well. There were probably only 3 or 4 employees in the whole restaurant but it seems they have a really organized system and the food came out amazing and at a reasonable time. If you're ever in the Lancaster area looking for delicious Greek food I'd highly recommend this restaurant! And I will definitely be back!

    Fantastic dinner! Fast casual Greek food where we had a chicken and lamb gyro and fried feta…read more Everything was delicious down to the seasoning on the fries. Most items are scratch made down to the pita and they even grow their own herbs. When ordering dessert the owner offered to make us an off menu item he was trying which hopefully makes it onto the menu soon! Additionally a really good drink/beer list! The owner came and spoke with us for a bit and is a very kind and cool guy. This place is absolutely with a try!

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    Dinning area

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    Lancaster Salad Company - Winter Beet Salad - winter feature salad.

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    3.7(3 reviews)
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    My salad didn't look like any of the promotional shots they have posted here but it was LARGE and…read moreworth the ten bucks!!

    On one hand, there is so much potential for awesome salads here (given the proximity to fresh local…read morefoods) but unfortunately over half of my experiences here have been underwhelming. Some mornings when I stop in to grab lunch on the way to work, the person behind the counter is friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient while making my order. Usually on these days the quality of the order is A+ (good portion, no missing ingredients, quick). However, there's other mornings where I make a quick stop en route to work only to find some of the most painfully slow service I could imagine just for one salad and maybe a cup of soup. To top it off, the person behind the counter usually doesn't know what type of soup they have (why isn't it just labeled?), usually doesn't fill the salad bowl up all the way, doesn't know what type of dressing is what (again, why aren't they labeled?), and usually doesn't have half of the salad ingredients prepared. Just this morning I ordered the special "summer salad" only to be told that literally half of the ingredients weren't prepped yet. I've certainly had some good lunches here which keeps me trying but overall I'm pretty disappointed in the quality of staff behind the counter.

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    Bobby Bay's - French Fries

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    4.1(53 reviews)
    3.6 mi
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    Had a very nice experience at Bobby Bay's recently. I was visiting from out-of-town and my original…read morerestaurant selection was not open. I looked on Yelp and quickly pivoted here and I'm glad I did! The woman behind the counter was very kind and personable to everyone who walked in, there were free cookies that they were testing out that customers could take, and the seating was limited but clean. The big windows give nice views out to the parking lot and the rolling hills beyond. I ordered a "Rancher" which was one of the hot sandwiches. A bit like a cheesesteak but with ranch dressing and bacon. The sandwich was ready in no time at all and tasted great! Could definitely see myself coming back next time I'm in the area.

    Tough place to review. Got the Johnny Boy sandwich and…read morefries. Johnny boy was prosciutto, thick sliced mozzarella, soprasetta, arugula and olive oil. The fries are always fantastic here! Definitely a top choice if you come here. The sandwich tasted great. The main problem I have is that I am not a fan of their rolls. The rolls are very doughy and seemed like there was too much roll for the sandwich. The service was quick and fast, the lady at the front register was very kind. Great service is always a plus in my mind for a restaurant. The location was clean, easy parking, and setup nice on the inside with plenty of seating. The price per sandwich is a little bit expensive.

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    The Fat Crab Cafe - seafood - Updated May 2026

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