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The Crab Cooker
Seafood Restaurant$$$$
Newport Pier, Newport Beach
The seafood at The Crab Cooker is a can't miss
"Clam Chowder, Crab Cakes and Grilled Swordfish are all fantastic!"(29 Tips)
"I love the chilled cracked crab with "foam" butter."(3 Tips)
"shrimps and scallops skewers and king crab legs"(3 Tips)
"Don't forget the potatoes and cole slaw."(3 Tips)
84 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- lively
- cole slaw
- casual
- great value
- good for groups
- (15 more)
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SAugust 25, 2016Very old place .. Simple menu. Crab cakes, shrimps and scallops skewers and king crab legs 👌🏼👌🏼 the food is amazing
Nabil BazzariOctober 6, 2014Very basic place. Not fancy but I like the old style settings. Must try the local grilled lobster, alaskan king crab legs and claws, mash potatoes with cheese....yummy
Kitt HodAugust 29, 2024The mashed potatoes and cole slaw sides are divine! Order the cracked crab for a messy delight. The soda fountains are employee-only use, but refills are plentiful.
Jenn EstradaApril 22, 2016Everything I've ever tried here was cooked to perfection! My boyfriend and I love coming here at least once a month! Can't miss the chowder and bread!!
Lucille FisherDecember 29, 2016So retro, hailing from the 50's with so much history! A real piece of Americana! Fun & good seafood.
Offbeat L.A.January 28, 2016Opened 1951. Seafood restaurant opened in 1951, moved to its current location in 1961. Casual vintage decor.
Cady MillerJuly 29, 2016Their salmon wings are good. They are just flavorful pieces of salmon though I wouldn't call them wings. Cracked crab legs were delicious. I wish the portions were larger! Even their drinks are small!
Spectacular fresh fish: can't go wrong with chowder and bread to-go, bottle of wine, and the beach across the street
Steve BurtonJuly 12, 2013Small menu, which is nice for a place like this. Fast service, good fish. Lunch special of the day is a good option if you want great seafood for a good price.
Ömer Metin UzunerMarch 1, 2018Clam chawder soup is something unbelievable, too delicious I have ever had.Actually advising all of its meals especially Mahi Mahi fish
Come with another person (because parking is impossible) and pick up takeout for a refreshing lunch of smoked albacore, smoked salmon, and clam chowder. Pick up a bag of salt water taffy for dessert.- Ömer Metin UzunerFebruary 15, 2018Clam chowder ( fish soup) is marvellous I have ver tasted in my life and deeply advise to everyone in orange county
- Jim MarousMarch 24, 2014Everything is great here. Watch them make your dinner with speedy precision. Don't forget the potatoes and cole slaw.
Lydia AmmosovaApril 21, 2011The most excellent house smoked salmon your world has ever known! With homemade tartar sauce & lemons=perfection! The scallop & shrimp combo is a sure thing! Give the red chowder a whirl too...
Sultan Alhothail🌴November 23, 2013Try the Companions meal its really delicious.. one of the best seafood restaurant in the area has been open for 65 years
Stacy LendtJuly 29, 2013Get the chowder and add some of their homemade oyster crackers. It is delicious! Don't forget to send a postcard home to a friend.
BravoJanuary 27, 2010Crab Cooker has a great fish market atmosphere, like an East Coast crab shack. Make sure to try the crab chowder! The food is pricey, but well worth it. -Lynne Curtin, Real Housewives of Orange Count
Angie ChillemiOctober 14, 2011This is a great, quick meal. Be sure everyone in your party likes fish - there's no chicken nuggets for the kiddos! Clam chowder and bread was delish!
Christine CardosoAugust 17, 2013Perfect for couples to share: chowder / soft shell crab + crab cake apps / scallop+shrimp skewers.
Drama KingOctober 9, 2013I also loved the red chowder! The blue point raw oysters were delicious and the service was excellent.
Rechie ValdezAugust 30, 2016You have to get the crab cakes, and Alaskan crab - very fresh, great service.
Heather UtrataFebruary 3, 2013favorite place on OC so far! great old school atmosphere and DELICIOUS scallops! love!
Fiona McNultyFebruary 25, 2012They provide free postcards and will post them anywhere in the world for free! Also worth checking out for it's 'The OC' iconic status!
William WestApril 16, 2011One of the best seafood spots I've been, upscale or otherwise. The manhattan chowder and shrimp and scallops were melt-in-your-mouth good.
Lilian CamposOctober 27, 2013Blue Plate Special: fish salad was excelent. The "red" clam chowder just 'ok'... By the end of the meal, pricey for what you get.
Jahn ShultzJanuary 6, 2012By definition, red clam chowder is a stew and not a chowder at all. Crab Cooker , your title of world's best clam chowder is revoked!
Marisa KnoxAugust 3, 2011I love love love this place! Always get the cheese crusted potato with your killer crab legs and ask for drawn butter! Mmm.
Karina CeciliaOctober 6, 2011Worth the trip.... Crab cakes, bread bowl & Chowder, Scallops.... and of course the bread sticks and balls!!!
Shaun NilesJune 30, 2011Awesome crab I've had in a long time, scallops and shrimp were great. Will come back soon.
- Lydia AmmosovaJanuary 31, 2011Make sure to grab a jawbreaker on the way out & send a few postcards to your friends~they will happily supply the postage! :)
Victoria SoaresJuly 18, 2011The food is always exceptional and gresh! One of the world's best clam chowders is served here! Read more
Bryson BreedloveJuly 24, 2011Amazing place, get here early or else you'll wait for hours...but the food is well worth it }-))))">
J DApril 28, 2013A little pricey to be served with paper and plastic. And the food is just ok. I guess it's true what they say.... location, location, location is the most important thing for success.
Worth the drive! The halibut is amazing. Don't forget to feed your parking meter!
- OMG! Yummy and cheap. I love the chilled cracked crab with "foam" butter. Trust me "foam" butter is the secret sauce.
Emilio DellepianeJuly 29, 2014Despite the fish market appearance, we had consistently low quality fish throughout our table meals.
- Cracked chilled crab with (here is the secret) foam butter!! Mmmmm
366 Photos
Foursquare © 2025 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Stop on by our seafood restaurant and enjoy our family's favorite homemade recipes.
Closed until 11:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu, Sun
- 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Fri–Sat
- 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
(949) 673-0100
Features
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Menus
Lunch, Dinner
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- 8.9
"Delish!!! Try the from scratch lemon meringue pie...to die for."
Marjorie Foster - 8.4
"Great service. Friendly staff. The food was great. The Mai tai is not bad either, but I should have bought a few of the glasses they are great. Hula girls in the bar at happy hour too."
David Nelms - 8.8
"Great wine and even better seafood, can't go wrong with the goat cheese appetizer!"
Scott Orchard
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- 8.9
"Beautiful clean beaches with good food around!"
Rachel Maier - 9.2
"Splendid Homes.Street walks Are Enjoyable And Clean...Beach Are Crowded On The Weekends! Fun In The Water And Clear.....Breath Taking Vistas...♡"
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- 8.0
"The mimosa schooner is a perfect beach day starter. The Texas Eggs Benedict was delicious!!"
Michelle Walsh
