The River Crab restaurant offers a truly unique dining experience. This upscale-casual seafood spot, attached to an inn, provides a delightful combination of sophisticated dining and a relaxed atmosphere, all while boasting picturesque views of the St. Clair River. Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening, a celebratory dinner, a weekend getaway, or simply a delicious meal with a breathtaking backdrop, the River Crab has something to offer every guest.
Overall Ratings and Reviews
The River Crab consistently receives glowing reviews from satisfied diners. With an impressive 4.8-star rating on OpenTable based on over 3,000 reviews, it’s clear that this restaurant is a crowd-pleaser. Diners frequently praise the exceptional food, stunning river views, and attentive service. It’s a popular choice for special occasions, and its seafood and steak offerings are particularly well-regarded.
Location and Ambiance
The River Crab is ideally situated on the water’s edge at 1337 River Road (M-29) in Saint Clair. Located between Yankee and Davis streets, it offers convenient access and ample parking in a private lot. The restaurant provides both indoor and outdoor seating options, allowing guests to savor the beautiful scenery regardless of the weather. Inside, you’ll find a casual yet elegant dining space with an indoor fireplace, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. For those arriving by boat, the restaurant offers the convenience of docking right at the restaurant or at the St. Clair Boat Harbor and utilizing a complimentary shuttle service. The River Crab accepts AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa, and the dress code is smart casual.
Menu and Pricing
The River Crab offers a diverse and enticing menu featuring fresh seafood, tender steaks, and delicious pasta dishes. Gluten-free options are also available. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:
| Category | Dish | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Starters | Raw Oysters On The Half Shell | $3.50 each |
| Shrimp Cocktail (five jumbo shrimp) | $17 | |
| Dynamite Scallops (crab encrusted, herb oil) | $17.50 | |
| Salads & Soups | Martha’s Vineyard Salad (pine nuts, blue cheese, red leaf, bibb, red onion, maple-raspberry vinaigrette) | $10 |
| New England Clam Chowder (traditional New England style with bacon) | $9.50 | |
| Our Chef Recommends | Lobster & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon | Not listed |
| Parmesan Snapper & Shrimp (encrusted snapper fillet, garlic-herb sautéed shrimp, coconut ginger rice, asparagus) | $35 | |
| Today’s Catch | Sixty South® Salmon | $29 |
| Lake Perch | $26 | |
| You can choose your preferred preparation: sautéed, blackened, or broiled. | ||
| Sensational Seafood | Planked Sixty South® Salmon (tarragon mustard glaze, whipped potatoes, asparagus) | $31.50 |
| Alaskan King Crab Legs (coconut ginger rice, fresh vegetables) | Market Price | |
| Beef & Fowl | Filet Mignon (maître d’butter, whipped potatoes, asparagus) | 6 oz $38, 8 oz $45 |
| Slow Roasted Prime Rib (available Friday, Saturday, & Sunday – whipped potatoes, au jus, horseradish sour cream) | 10 oz $36, 14 oz $47, 18 oz $58 | |
| Pastas | Cajun Chicken Tortellini (blackened chicken, mushrooms, cilantro, grape tomatoes, cream sauce) | $23 |
| Jumbo Shrimp Scampi (white wine garlic sauce, linguine, spinach, grape tomatoes, shaved parmesan) | $26 | |
| The River Crab “Lunch Box” | Island Fish Tacos (avocado, pico de gallo, mango salsa, pepper jack, dynamite sauce drizzle) | $16 |
| Crab Cake Sandwich (tomato, melted cheddar, english muffin, mustard sauce, french fries) | $19.90 |
In addition to these delectable options, the River Crab also offers a selection of “Accompaniments” to enhance your meal. These include Dynamite Topping, Shrimp Brochette, Oven Roasted Lobster Tail, Jumbo Fresh Asparagus, Jumbo Shrimp Scampi Topping, Dynamite Scallops Topping, Seared Sea Scallops, and Shrimp & Artichoke Provençale. The pricing at the River Crab generally falls within the $31 to $50 range, offering good value for the quality of food and the overall dining experience.
Happy Hour
The River Crab offers a happy hour menu from Monday to Friday, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This menu features a variety of discounted appetizers, cocktails, spirits, and wines.
| Item Category | Item | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Happy Hour Appetizers | Shiitake Dumplings (fried or steamed) | $8 |
| Crispy Calamari | $8 | |
| Crab & Shrimp Quesadilla | $10 | |
| Island Fish Tacos | $10 | |
| Hot Rocks & Blue Slaw | $10 | |
| Crab BLT Sliders | $12 | |
| Bacon Cheeseburger | $12 | |
| Lobster Mac & Cheese | $15 | |
| Prime Rib Sliders | $15 | |
| New England Seafood Roll | $15 | |
| Happy Hour Cocktails | Premium House Margarita | $7 |
| Mango Mojito | $7 | |
| Sparkling Sangria | $7 | |
| Pomegranate Martini | $7 | |
| Spicy Cucumber Martini | $7 | |
| Happy Hour Premium Spirits | Tito’s Handmade Vodka | $5.5 |
| Bacardi Superior Rum | $5.5 | |
| Tanqueray Gin | $5.5 | |
| Bulleit Bourbon | $5.5 | |
| Sauza Gold Tequila | $5.5 | |
| Dewar’s White Label Scotch | $5.5 | |
| Happy Hour Select Glass Wines | Line 39 Chardonnay | $7 |
| Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling | $7 | |
| Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio | $7 | |
| Beringer White Zinfandel | $7 | |
| Clos du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon | $7 | |
| Charles Smith ‘The Velvet Devil’ Merlot | $7 | |
| Happy Hour Premium Glass Wines | Elouan Chardonnay | $9 |
| Rodney Strong ‘Charlotte’s Home’ Sauvignon Blanc | $9 | |
| Château de Berne ‘Romance’ Rosè | $9 | |
| Luca Bosio Moscato D’Asti | $9 | |
| J. Lohr ‘Seven Oaks’ Cabernet Sauvignon | $9 | |
| Josh Cellars Merlot | $9 | |
| Oyster Bay Pinot Noir | $9 | |
| El Coto Rioja | $9 |
Twilight Prix Fixe
For those seeking a delightful dining experience at a set price, the River Crab offers a “Twilight Prix Fixe” menu. This special menu allows you to choose a starter and an entrée from a curated selection.
Starter Choices:
- Martha’s Vineyard Salad
- Classic Caesar Salad
- Cup of Butternut Squash Soup
- Cup of Clam Chowder
- Cup of Charley’s Chowder
Entrée Choices:
- Atlantic Salmon ($38)
- Shrimp & Artichoke Linguine ($33)
- Maryland Style Crab Cake ($36)
- Shrimp Danielle ($33)
Popular Dishes
Some of the most popular dishes at the River Crab, as highlighted by OpenTable diners, include:
- Bronzed Salmon: This dish features a dry spice rub, honey-sriracha glaze, and mango salsa, served with smashed redskins and fresh vegetables.
- Mahi Mahi: While the specific preparation isn’t detailed in the reviews, the Mahi Mahi at the River Crab is a customer favorite.
- Dynamite Mahi Mahi: This dish features crab-encrusted Mahi Mahi with a basil oil drizzle, served with Portuguese rice and asparagus.
These dishes showcase the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, flavorful seafood and creative culinary techniques.
Private Events
The River Crab is an excellent venue for private gatherings, accommodating up to 120 guests. The restaurant’s staff will work with your style and budget to create a memorable event, offering their delicious menu as the perfect complement to any occasion. For inquiries about private events, contact Ilyssa Berkowitz at (609) 216-3221.
Management and Staff
The River Crab is managed by General Manager Martha Collins and Executive Chef Scott Schneider. The restaurant is known for its attentive service, with many reviewers praising the waitstaff for their friendliness and efficiency.
Conclusion
The River Crab offers a truly delightful dining experience. The combination of delicious food, stunning river views, and attentive service creates an unforgettable ambiance. The upscale-casual atmosphere makes it suitable for a variety of occasions, from romantic dinners to family celebrations. The consistently high ratings on OpenTable confirm the excellent service reported by many diners, and the diverse menu options, ranging from fresh seafood to tender steaks, cater to a variety of tastes. With its convenient location, diverse menu, private event capabilities, and takeout options, the River Crab is a must-visit for anyone in the Saint Clair area.
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