Fat Boys Crab Shack

Went in for first time today. Few things:
1). Not a lot of seating inside and not very comfortable. Will probably eat outside next.
2). Drinks were good and reasonably priced. Got a orange crush and draft beer for 10 bucks. Not bad.
3). Crab pretzel was solid and filling. Tried the fried chicken. Pieces weren’t that big but it was very hot and cooked well. Wife got a crab cake and fries. Fries were really good. Crab cake was average. Good bit of fillers. Probably better to have on a bun but as a entrée I expected less filler.
Overall, we will come back. I’m interested in trying sandwiches. Prices were fair but still cost around 50 bucks for drinks, an appetizer and two entrees.

Not expecting to stop in at this roadhouse I follow my escort inside. It was Father’s Day and although I did not have much to offer in terms of gift certificates I think that I was able to make up for in conversation. The crabs looked good as I eyed the woman’s tray behind my Fatherinlaw. The sun beat down upon both of us and the flies buzzed around. I can’t say much more as I have yet to try the food. Plastic cup almost blew away in the breeze.

I absolutely love eveeything about Fatboys… from the location to the setting to the food — it’s all good.
I’ve had almost everything on the menu but if you come you must try the collasal crabcake. It’s so lumpy and full of meat unlike most places.
The alcoholic drinks are so darn reasonable. I will typically have 2 Bahama Mama’s for 12 bucks… that happens no where or 2 frozen drinks for the same price.
The service is excellent from food ordering to the servers bringing the food out.
It’s a quick drive off the beltway and 450 so you get quality crabs and crab meat without the drive to Annapolis. And you can just sit out here forever. and eat and drink and listen to nature. It’s hidden, has offstreet parking, and is well shaded. There also a place for the kiddies to play.
This place earn 5 stars for location, service, prices, and quality. As much as I hate to share my favorite hideouts I recommend you stop on by.

The seating is self-​serve, so if you can find seats before (or have someone in your party find seats while) you order.
My wife and I had a dozen of the colossal crabs and a big crab cake (the 8 oz crab cake with a side and a crush was $ 19 for Father’s Day). Everything was fine, though I think that the crabs still have some time to bulk up. The crab cake didn’t have a lot of filler. I’ve had crab cakes in Manhattan (probably overpaid) and they weren’t as good as the one I had here.
You order alcohol at the bar separate from the food (unless alcohol is included with food).
Everyone was very upbeat and attentive.
I’d go here every two weeks if I lived nearby.

I’ve lived in Crofton area my whole life and have always heard good things about Fat Boys but never have been. I was not very impressed. Service is a little weird you order at the cashier and take a number to sit down (but they don’t tell you this you just figure it out yourself). For a place that is supposed to have the best orange crushes I was super disappointed. Despite the oranges being cut and the juicer in front of the bartender, she proceeded to just put orange juice in… there was no crushed part about it. You are better off going to Malloy’s if you want a good orange crush. Food however was very good. I had grilled wings and mussels, would definitely suggest. Outdoor deck was also nice, but no one wipes off the tables in between for you. Servers kind of acted like they hated their life. There is only happy hour for food not on drinks. Overall was underwhelmed and disappointed.

Maaaan! I have 2 words… FREAKIN DELICIOUS! I traveled from Stafford VA to MD to see what this was all about, and I must say, it was well worth the travel. I had the fat crab cake with potatoe salad. Then ordered a bowl of crab soup and muscles. The Bahama mama and another drink I had *don’t remember the name* was VERY tasty. I will definitely be back a few more times. *Kudos*

This review is based on my carryout experience.
It took several phone calls to try and place my order. The first two times I called the phone rang and rang. The third time someone picked up and the line went dead in the middle of placing my order. The fourth time was the charm. The person taking the order was friendly.
I had to park on the side of the street to pick up my food because the place was packed. The parking lot fills up quickly, especially if it’s a beautiful day outside. My food was ready promptly.
I ordered the Cream of Crab Soup and the Chesapeake Chicken Sandwich with potato wedge fries. The amount of crab my soup had was disappointing. I get the soup almost every time I come here and it’s always been loaded with crab. My soup had a few sprinkles of crab. It was mostly shredded — not the huge lumps I usually get. It was also heavy on the sherry, which I don’t mind, but others might. The chicken chesapeake disappointed also. It’s been a while since I’ve eaten here, but I could have sworn the chicken chesapeake was one breast, not strips. The ends of the strips were rock hard and completely inedible. They were left on the grill entirely too long and were dry throughout. I learned this the hard way when I bit into my sandwich in and nearly broke my tooth. I had to deconstruct my sandwich to peel off the ends and put it back together. The rest of the sandwich was great though. The bun was soft, the bacon and cheese were tasty and I love the crab dip on top. I wish they would have given me a bit more potato wedge fries but the fries I did get were hot and crispy.
Overall, it was an unsatisfying meal. I recommend eating inside and skipping carryout. I’ll update this review the next time I dine inside.

Have you ever gone to a restaurant and order crab cake and wonder how much filler will they put in it to hold the little crab meat together… You don’t have o worried about it here. I recommend spend the money to get two for $ 32 rather than 1 for $ 18.
BTW, the girls at the bar make an awesome margarita. And they are pretty strong. The clam in butter is tasty, the wing are hot and the jerk shrimp tasty spicy and sweet with a saltiness.
I have not figure out are they splitting the tip? I would tip per people and the bar people and the cleaning don’t share tips.
One again, the girlfriend enjoy every bites of the crab cake and so my job is done satisfy her stomach and now to other… Beep beep beep x rate stuff beep beep.

The set up to get ur food is confusing. U stand to order, pay, then u are seated. I come on the recommendation of my cousin but I was not impressed. The crabs where light not meaty at all. The crabs I had that particular day was below standard in taste. My cousin loves crabs and said the crabs were very good the day she came so I’m thinking you have to come when they have a good batch. I wasn’t lucky. The drink and the wings were good. They need better crab suppliers so the quality is consistent.

Fatboys is a no-​frills, come-​as-​you-​are type of dive. Specializing in seafood, they offer crabs, crablegs, shrimp and more. I’ve tried the crab pretzel, which is really good and the crab dip. The snow crab legs are OK, nothing special… The steamed MD blue crabs are seasonal, and look good, have to try them sometime soon. I’ve heard about the Orange Crush drink, that’s on my to-​try list as well. Don’t come here expecting a lot of fanfare, its almost a serve yourself type of establishment. There is a deck with picnic style benches, which is perfect for a warm summer day.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first time here. The crabs were good, the fries were ok. I got a crabcake which was delicious with huge onion rings and my beau got the cream of crab soup. The soup was delicious with lumps of crab meat. It could have used more seasoning like old bay or something. I loved the atmosphere of the Sunday crew. They are known for their orange crushes which is very understandable. The grapefruit crushes are out of this world. The best I’ve ever head. Great good, great atmosphere. I will definitely be back again. I hope it stays good.

Got a dozen steam crabs. Corn on cob. Chicken tenders. And orange crushes. Orange crushes were ok. Had better elsewhere, since they don’t squeeze fresh oranges. Tenders. Were ok. Corn on cob has no Taste. Crabs were light, had one dead stinky crab. We dine inside. The floor were rumpling every 20 mins. It was an interesting experience.

My Third time here and I think it’s time to write a review! This was first time sitting outside and it was a Beauiful day! really my only complaint is and I have read this in other reviews is that really when you walk in you need to go straight to Bar to get Drinks and I think with all the employees that were there I think you should be able to get table and someone take your drink order! And bring to your table and give you Menus! On that part of the place I don’t like! But the w employees are always very nice and helpful at least all 3 times I have been there! And the Food is very Fresh and very good and I think prices are fair too! There crab Balls are excellent! Fish bites too! This time I got the Half Salad and Crabcake! It was Delish!! and for $ 12.00 you can’t beat that! Also the food comes out really fast too! I thought the bottle of wine was priced good! $ 13 Cheaper then buying by glass! I have never had the steamed Crabs there but for sure my next visit! I know they will be expensive but everybody Charges a lot these days for crabs! And I don’t mind paying for them as long as they are really FAT and Seaoned Good! I always have a good time when I am there and people are way friendly! Just wish you would change the way you make customer do a lot of work! I still tipped $ 20 I think I shouldn’t have to do nothing but get up to go to restroom! Lol! House Chips are really good too! My friend got Chicken Cheaspeake Sand, she said it was delish! Had a great time Will be back soon for some Crabs!!!

Had surgery last week, now bed rest for a month = Really sad can’t get out of the house for Unilocaling ‚-(
Hubby tried to bring date night to me by bringing takeout from one of my Unilocal bookmarks = Woohoo!!!
Food from Fatboys Crabshack = Meh/​not good
He had a fried crab cake sandwich that looked like a weird ball of sand and was mushy inside with overcooked soggy fries. Yucko
I had a broiled crabcake that was super yummo but it came with some really bad watered down and bland Mac and cheese that had a distinct SOUR flavor. We took two bites then … gahbaaaaage for that :/​
We shared firetrash shrimp… I mean firecracker cough cough. You may be gathering i’m implying that fishy tasting firecracker shrimp joined the mac & cheese in the gahbaaaaaage.
2 stars for the yummo broiled crabcake and because yes you guessed it… I didn’t die :)

Great drinks, food is sub par. My colossal crab cakes were cool to the touch inside and had a ton of filler in the center. Crab dip was decent but the crab wasn’t mixed in. Like the crab on top should have been lump but was some back fin canned like crab. Yuck.
Try the drinks. The famous orange crush is lovely and so is the pumpkin pie shooter. Bartender and drinks are yum.

SOLID FOOD. Divey bar not unlike cheers in the sense it seems everyone knows each other (we were the odd men out since we just moved to the area!) lots of locals, chill spot. It’s a bar so music and crowd can be a bit lively but our baby did just fine in there. Price can add up, especially since it’s kind of divey where it may not be expected, so it may sneak up on you (especially if you partake in some drinks).
NOW — food review: EVERYTHING we ate was great! Started with a hot crab dip. This place is so generous on the crab, with big juicy chunks of crab mixed into a creamy gooey dip. Choice of bread or chips with the dip. Yummmmm! Hubby got a cub of the creamy crab soup — equally excellent with good chunks of crab as well.
For dinner I had the colossal crab cake, with potato wedges. Wedges were seasoned well. Now for the star of the show — THE CRAB CAKE. Hands down best crab cake ive ever had. It was so meaty and chunky, with a good crisp on the exterior, yet juicy and succulent once cut into. Very filling! Husband got Alaskan king crab legs and they were nice big legs that gave way to a satisfying crack and an even more satisfying bite of sweet crab. We will definitely be back.

I’m still talking about this place after my visit 2 months ago. I have a picture in my phone of a crab cake we ate that my friends are tired of seeing, but I keep it because it was the best I’ve ever had and I want people to know. I told near strangers from Maryland about Fat Boys while I was recently in the Bahamas because they wanted a good stop on their way home from the airport. I think I’ve made my point… I’m a fan!
I was here in July while driving through the area. I would have never found it without Unilocal because it’s not on the highway, but it’s nearby so stopping won’t slow you down. Between us, we had bisque, crab cakes, and a burger and all three were terrific! You order your food at the counter and then grab a table. We found a great spot outside and had plenty of space and a roll of paper towels. This place has a very casual vibe that seems like a great place to hang out. I’d love to spend a Friday evening here with friends and several rounds of beer and crabs.
If you’re nearby, go! You’ll regret it if you don’t.

(8÷29÷2015) Went to visit a friend and enjoy a lovely summer day in the burbs. Met up with a group at Fat Boys for some crab pickin’. The whole place is basically «serve yourself». You order, pay, get a table, get your drinks from the bar or fountain, wait for food, eat, leave. If you’re self-​sufficient, this is a convenient set-​up, if you want to be waited on, this place is not for you. There’s a nice large deck up in the trees (so the view is the greenery and not the parking lot), makes you almost forget that you’re right on Rt. 3. Looks pretty spacious, there were also many communal picnic tables on the ground level.
We started with an array of deep-​fried sides, just to get the juices flowing. Boardwalk Fries were crisp and hot (delicious! but a frozen product), hush puppies were piping hot, had bits of corn, served with melted butter and a cup of honey (nice touch), onion rings were very large, lots of batter on them. Tried the coleslaw (just to get a veg in), possible homemade, sprinkled with Old Bay (touch overdid it), excessively mayonnaise-​y.
We had 3 dozen mediums ($ 65/​dozen), they were sized appropriately. These crabs were obviously a reheat job, likely they were cooked previously, held for some unknown length of time (possibly frozen), then re-​steamed before serving (there were 3 large kettles for steaming on the deck). 5 of our 36 were mushy, the Old Bay crust had not been freshly applied. We faked some enjoyment for the sake of our host. Overall, prices were decent, the fried food we tried was very good (but you can’t really mess that part up too badly, can you?). We really did enjoy the weather and deck, and the company. Fortuitously the owners must be the same age and demographic as our host, he sang along to every single song that came on over the PA (thank you, Siruis XM). Our host was happy, so we were happy.

I wish this place was closer to me :) I come here for the steamed crabs and of course the alcohol beverage — Orange crushed for a considerably low price. You can definitely get loaded here for only $ 20. They use Stoli’s Vodka and not the Flaming cheap brand that will leave you with a painful headache. LOL
There is outside seating for warmer temperatures. It is also a great location to watch sports.

Just happen to pop in here for a HH cocktail so I’ll have to update this review down the line. Any review of Fat Boys has to include having their steamed crabs.
Everything you’d imagine of a Fat Boys Crab Shack is in play. Plastic cups, rolls of paper, outdoor seating and beer by the bucket set the atmosphere. Keno, TV’s tuned to sports and a pretty lively crowd kept me more than entertained as I sat alone eating and drinking at the bar.
I’m not much of a person for mixed drinks but because of the heat I choose to have margaritas instead of my usual bourbon. Good choice. Plenty of flavor and strong enough for the winding down I wanted. I’ll try the house favorite orange crush on that return visit.
As for the food I know that having appetizers of mussels and wings is not why most people read Unilocal reviews. Sorry. I will say both were well prepared and tasty. The wings I had were grilled which suits me just fine, while the mussels were steamed and served with a light wine dipping sauce. Plenty of others around me had the steamed crabs and they all looked pleased.
All in all this quick drop in has wet my appetite, I will definitely grab a few friends and return for orange crushes, fat boy crabs and a few hours on the deck.