3057 Julington Creek Rd.
Jacksonville, FL 32223
904-260-CRAB
Hours:
Tue - Sat 5-10 pm
Sun 12:30-9 pm
Menu
On Friday, June 26, 2009, Brett and I headed out to try a seafood place in Mandarin. Not sure how long it’s been there, but it’s new to us – The Blue Crab! It was exactly what I was hoping for – a seafood place kind of like Sliders out at the beach but closer to us (we live in Mandarin now).
We opted to sit on their outside deck since it was below 90 degrees. All of their tables are covered in craft paper – ready for people wanting a pound of blue crabs. Our server was friendly and helpful. We were surprised it wasn’t busier for a Friday, but he said since it was the weekend after Father’s Day, they anticipated being slower.
For appetizers, we got the Crabmeat Martini ($5.95), Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail ($6.95) and Steamed Mussels in Garlic Butter ($5.25). All were tasty and for the prices, the portions were on target. At a lot of places, shrimp cocktail and mussels can run $9 and $10. For the Crabmeat Martini, I think Brett was expecting something more citrus-y vs. a dip or a tuna salad with mayonnaise, but it was tasty, had a nice kick to it and went great on club crackers.
Crabmeat Martini
Shrimp Cocktail and Mussels - after already eating some (I always forget to take pics!)
For dinner, I couldn’t decide between 1lb of Snow Crab or Dungeness Crab – both entrees are $19.95 and come with 2 sides and hush puppies. I asked the server the difference and he said they are about the same but he prefers the Dungeness. You can get either with Old Bay Seasoning, but I opted for plain Dungeness since I enjoy the taste of the meat solo. I thoroughly enjoyed the Dungeness, but now having both that and Snow Crab, I think I will stick with Snow Crab. The bodies on the Dungeness were delicious and stuffed with tons of flakey white crab meat. The legs are where the difference is; Dungeness to me is a bit less sweet and a little drier. The broccoli, cole slaw and hush puppies all accompanying my meal were great too.
Crabs - there were 2 clusters, I just already ate them. That and most of my broccoli and cole slaw haha
Brett got the Mandarin Shrimp for $11.95 with broccoli, red beans and rice, and hush puppies. The Mandarin Shrimp is two skewers of medium-sized shrimp glazed in a pleasing teriyaki sauce. I sampled the shrimp and would have been just as happy ordering that.
Overall, the prices are reasonable for a seafood place, the portions are good and the environment is casual and comfortable. We’ll be back!
* Full bar, beer, wine and Kid’s Menu available.
