Review: CITY CRAB SHACK in Union Square for Excellent Seafood in a Relaxed Atmosphere

Find out what the buzz is about. Visit City Crab Shack, conveniently located at 10 East 16th Street in the heart of Union Square. This spot has an extraordinary seafood menu, an enticing beverage program and a casual, authentic "seaside" atmosphere that makes you want to kick back and go for a second round of food and drinks. Open for both lunch and dinner, you can enjoy their raw bar, light bites or a complete meal. Whether you're going solo or with a group, the seating options are totally comfortable.

City Crab Shack is a retrofitted version of the 23-year-old Park Avenue South institution City Crab & Seafood Company. Restaurateurs Andrew Silverman and Dean Palin collaborated to establish the new spot. The relocated restaurant brings together classic Chesapeake Bay "crab shack" decor and style to the neighborhood. And Silverman personally scours the Fulton Fish Market in Hunt's Point daily to bring seafood from the docks of the Eastern Shores to the restaurant's guests.

We stopped by early on a Friday night. Our culinary journey was fantastic starting with a raw bar selection, the finest Select Eastern Oysters. An ideal appetizer is the Nola "French Quarter" Blue Crab Beignets, served with Creole Mustard Aioli. These crispy, light beignets are a true taste of the Big Easy. Aunt Mae's Maryland Crab Soup is an exclusive recipe that uses a beef stock in a richly flavored, yet light soup. Their Down East Lobster Rolls are full of the most tender lobster. And their Chesapeake Bay Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes are all crabmeat, perfectly seasoned. Tasty, generous sides go perfectly with your meal like their Hand Cut French Fries or Grilled Market Greens.

Top off your meal with Key Lime Pie, a perfect balance of sweet and tart, or creamy Cheesecake. Dessert gives you even more of an opportunity to relax, enjoy the ambiance and reflect on a fine meal.

Service is prompt and friendly and the wait staff is happy to suggest beverages to pair with your meal. The cocktail menu has nautical interpretations of classic cocktails like their Original Maryland Martini and the Dark and Stormy and inspired choices like the Shipwreck with bourbon, mint, lemon juice and lyngot syrup. Langunitas and Stella Artois are on tap with PBR and Narragansett beers available by the can. There's a nice wine list that is served by the bottle and glass.

One trip to City Crab Shack will never be enough. We are sure that it will become one of your favorites in Manhattan for the best seafood imaginable.

City Crab Shack is located in Union Square at 10 East 16th Street. The restaurant seats 90 with a private dining room that can fit up to 30 guests. Seasonal outside café seating will also be available. They are open Monday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Happy Hour is offered Monday to Friday from 3:30pm to 7pm and 9pm to close with specialty priced beer, wine, cocktails and oysters.For more information, call 212.529.3800 or visit http://www.citycrabshack.com/.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of City Crab Shack

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