Crab Grabber — Review by Grub with Greg
Pasadena, United States — Seafood and Chinese
Crab Grabber in Pasadena serves an impressive messy seafood boil loaded with shrimp, snow crab legs, whole crab, and lobster tail in garlic butter for $49.99, plus authentic Chinese dishes like roasted fish and Kung Pao chicken. The restaurant offers a self-served appetizer bar for dine-in customers and has even catered Oscar parties.
What was great: Seafood boil swimming in garlic butter, whole roasted fish with garlic and aromatic sauce, authentic Kung Pao chicken, fried appetizers, self-served appetizer bar for dine-in customers
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The star of the show is the combo seafood boil priced at $49.99, which arrives absolutely swimming in rich garlic butter. The reviewer chose peeled shrimp and snow crab legs as the base, then added a whole crab and lobster tail at market price, creating an impressive pile of fresh seafood. Beyond the boil, Crab Grabber delivers authentic Chinese cuisine, including a whole roasted fish presented with a fragrant garlic and aromatic sauce accompanied by vegetables and bamboo shoots, even featuring spam as part of the traditional preparation. The Kung Pao chicken stood out as particularly authentic with a nice spicy kick that fans of traditional Chinese food will appreciate. The restaurant also offers crispy fried appetizers and wings, with the added bonus of a self-serve appetizer bar available for dine-in guests.
The Experience
The seafood boil experience is decidedly messy, which is part of the fun, as evidenced by the necessity of bibs and gloves provided by the restaurant. The establishment has built enough of a reputation to have catered an Oscar party, suggesting both quality and the ability to handle special events.
Value and Pricing
The $49.99 seafood boil combo represents solid value for the amount and quality of seafood included, with the option to add additional proteins at market price. This positions Crab Grabber as a mid to upper-mid range dining option.
Notable Moments
This thing is just swimming in garlic butter.
The reviewer's enthusiasm for the generous garlic butter coating really captures the indulgent nature of the dish.
The Verdict
Crab Grabber is a great destination for anyone craving a messy, indulgent seafood boil experience combined with quality Chinese cuisine. The self-serve appetizer bar adds value for dine-in customers, making it perfect for those who want variety in a single meal.