Rustic Inn Crabhouse

Seafood restaurant · Dania Beach

Rustic Inn Crabhouse

Seafood restaurant · Dania Beach

5

4331 Anglers Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

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Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by Courtesy Rustic Inn
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by Courtesy Rustic Inn
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by Courtesy Rustic Inn
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null
Rustic Inn Crabhouse by null

Highlights

Cavernous, bustling restaurant near the airport serving signature garlic crab since 1955.  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

4331 Anglers Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Get directions

rusticinn.com
@rusticinncrabhouse

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

4331 Anglers Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Get directions

+1 954 584 1637
rusticinn.com
@rusticinncrabhouse
𝕏
@RusticInnFtL

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

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outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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@eater

"Rustic is in its name and indeed, this seafood house has been a Broward Country mainstay for more than six decades. If you’re a Rustic Inn newbie or long-time fan, its garlic crabs are as garlic-loaded as they get. Just off its blue canopied outdoor seating is a stretch for boat docking, too." - Jesse Scott

The 11 Best Dock and Dine Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
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@infatuation

"Yes, Southport is our favorite waterfront seafood spot in Fort Lauderdale, but we also couldn’t publish this guide without shouting out Rustic Inn Crabhouse. This is another Fort Lauderdale classic. The seafood is all solid, but you’re coming here to wear plastic bibs and smash big piles of dungeness, garlic blue crabs, and Alaskan snow crab with little wooden mallets. Plus, if it’s your birthday, the whole restaurant starts banging their crab mallets on the table like a bunch of butter-splattered judges. They also have a double-decker boat docked outside that you can eat on, weather permitting. Just expect a wait." - ryan pfeffer, virginia otazo

The 20 Best Restaurants In Fort Lauderdale
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@infatuation

"On the southern border of Fort Lauderdale, along a little canal just a baseball toss away from the airport, you’ll find one of the greatest seafood establishments in the whole state: Rustic Inn Crabhouse. This place has been serving crabs and lots of other great seafood since 1955, and it’s like a museum you get to eat. Food aside, this place is just fun. You get to wear plastic bibs and smash big piles of dungeness, garlic blue crabs, and Alaskan snow crab with little wooden mallets. Plus, if it’s your birthday, the whole restaurant just starts banging their crab mallets on the table like a bunch of butter-splattered judges. They also have a double-decker boat docked outside that you can eat on, weather permitting." - ryan pfeffer

The Meet In The Middle Guide: Where To Eat With Your Broward Friends
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@eater

"This waterside crab house has been a favorite for its garlic crabs – sauteed in garlic and a family-recipe sauce – since 1959. If you’re not feeling crabby, perhaps its quirkier menu items will do, like fried frog legs, chunks of deep-friend gator, or a wedge salad topped with jumbo lump crabmeat." - Jesse Scott

The 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Broward County
View Postcard for Rustic Inn Crabhouse
@infatuation

"On the southern border of Fort Lauderdale, along a little canal just a baseball toss away from the airport, you’ll find one of the greatest seafood establishments in the whole state: Rustic Inn Crabhouse. This place has been serving crabs and lots of other delicious seafood since 1955, and it’s like a museum you get to eat. Food aside, it’s a blast here. You get to wear plastic bibs and smash big piles of dungeness, garlic blue crabs, and Alaskan snow crab with little wooden mallets. Plus, if it’s your birthday, the whole restaurant just starts banging their crab mallets on the table like a bunch of butter-splattered judges. They also have a double-decker boat docked outside that you can eat on, weather permitting." - Ryan Pfeffer

Rustic Inn Crabhouse Review - Fort Lauderdale - Miami - The Infatuation
View Postcard for Rustic Inn Crabhouse

Eva

Google
It’s our family tradition now, once a year we go there to eat the best crabs and fish. We always always get the blue crab which is 10/10 at the Rustic Inn Crabhouse. This time we decided to get some of the old bay shrimp, and wowww I couldn’t recommend these more. The staff there are always so nice, and the atmosphere at this place is amazing. We always sit outside which is nice for the breeze (lots of planes landing by though, so quick loud), but inside is a treat! It is absolutely charming with all the photos and the vibe is so cute ! Anyways I highly recommend to pop by if you are near by because you will not be disappointed ! You also get cute little aprons and hammers to eat your crab with !

Arelys Delgado

Google
Great place and location and OUTSTANDING service by Kevin. He was so knowledgeable of menu and had great suggestions. We ordered the Key West Shrimp for appetizer and it was good sadly the garlic butter did not have much garlic taste. The grouper blackened and grilled both delicious and very moist not dried. Sweet potatoes were good but not gluten-free and the potatoes with Parsley had hardly any and was very bland. The restaurant is very cute just a bit loud. Definitely a great place to go and outside sitting is beautiful just get there early to be able to get a sit outside otherwise is a long wait.

dominic villarreal

Google
What a great place. The menu was quite extensive. The queen crab also a variety of snow were nice and plump. Jackie our waitress was very informative, nice and on point with the service. And she was nice enough to pose for a picture with us. We will return the next time we're in town. Also when they announce birthdays everyone bangs the wooden mallets on the tables, so much fun.

Vikki Smallz

Google
If you're looking for a fantastic seafood experience, look no further than Rustic Inn Crabhouse! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality that set the tone for a wonderful dining experience. The star of the show was undoubtedly the crab legs and lobster — both were absolutely delicious! The seafood was incredibly fresh, bursting with flavor, and cooked to perfection. Every bite was a delight, making it clear that the quality of the ingredients is a top priority here. Our server, Fernando, deserves a special mention. He was not only attentive and friendly but also went above and beyond to ensure we had a great meal. Fernando even helped us put on our bibs, which added a personal touch to our dining experience. His positive attitude and excellent service truly made our visit memorable. Overall, Rustic Inn Crabhouse is a must-visit for seafood lovers. With fresh, delectable dishes and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a dining experience you won’t want to miss! Highly recommended!

Shakira David

Google
Be prepared for a bill, but the food and portions are worth it. The seafood is fresh, and the side butter that comes with the meal is the only thing that didn't taste right. But there is so much flavor/sauces that you dont need the butter. Kids also had a great time beating the mullets when they announced celebrating birthdays. The server was also good and attentive, kept the cups full and friendly vibes. We will definitely be going back.

G T

Google
I love the garlic Dungeness crabs. It is everything I need. It is definitely garlicky but at least no vampire will come near you. If you got a significant other that loves you no matter what, get those crabs and they will kiss you anyways. The seafood sampler platter was delicious, with snow crabs and blue crabs. Everything is cooked/steamed to perfection and butter is generously served. The Bloody Mary is delicious and spicy. I was surprised at how moist and comforting the corn bread was. Service was friendly and attentive. We will always come back and splurge on some crabs!

Joanne G Bauman

Google
Absolutely fantastic & delicious. Friend had advised me about here who'd been there many times. Well lived up to expectations and more. Nicole was our server in bar room area she was outstanding, friendly and spot on. It was a great dining experience, expensive.... but worth every cent. All 4 of us loved it. Thank you

S D

Google
I literally don’t even know where to start. We got there around 9pm. Greeted by a cheerful hostess, who took us to our seats. It took about 10 minutes for the waitress to arrive, which we didn’t mind because we didn’t know what we wanted to order. We both ordered shrimp, he got the old bay shrimp and I got key west style. The old bay style was extremely salty, definitely had to check our blood pressure after that. The key west style was supposed to have garlic and butter however, it tasted like it was put to boil and just taken right out. There was no garlic flavor. We requested extra butter, hot sauce, a side of old bay, and malt vinegar. We only got the malt vinegar. The butter that came with the dish was cold. I actually ordered oysters rockefeller which came at the end of the night, and they were burnt. Our waitress was extremely slow and forgetful, my friend ordered a corona but she forgot to bring it but brought the check so it had to be modified. The only positive was that it was on the water besides that, this was an extremely poor experience and we will not be returning.

Anthony C.

Yelp
Just like it says, Food Service Ambience. Outstanding!!! Anyone who comes to town we take them straight to the Rustic Inn...

Russell H.

Yelp
Rustic Inn in Fort Lauderdale is such a fun spot if you're looking for a great seafood experience with a cool, charming vibe. The interior is super inviting, with its unique décor that makes you feel like you're in a cozy seafood joint. The whole atmosphere is casual, fun, and perfect for hanging out with friends or family. We started with the stuffed clams and calamari, and they were both delicious. The clams had just the right amount of seasoning, and the calamari was crispy without being too heavy. For the main course, we went with the lobster roll, which was loaded with fresh lobster on a soft, buttery roll. We also tried the snow crabs, which were perfectly steamed and came with melted butter and a flavorful garlic sauce. Our waitress was awesome--super friendly and made sure we had everything we needed without hovering. Overall, it's a great spot to kick back, enjoy some fresh seafood, and have a good time in a relaxed, lively setting.

Lisa J.

Yelp
I'm sitting here waiting at the takeout window to order while the cashier gossips about someone that's "not talking to her.." she opened the window after I had been patiently waiting, then she closed the window again and told me to wait a moment after someone came up inside to speak to her to speak about whomever that person was that wasn't talking to her... I guess the customer is not important so I had to wait until she could finish her conversation... Yikes! If Tracy was at this window, this wouldn't happen... Tracy is like the best for customer service with my years of coming here. Whenever I come and she's not here, there's always a feeling of an unpleasant experience once I walk away from that takeout window. The food is decent which is what keeps us coming back. Too bad that can't replicate their other take out cashiers to be more like Tracy.

Matt K.

Yelp
Great authentic crab and clam place not over seasoned. Lower salt content than you'd expect this is the real deal not boiled in a bag. Fast friendly service.

Deniece W.

Yelp
I love me some crabs! I finally got to check out the Rustic Inn Crabhouse. Let me tell you, their dungeness garlic crabs are amazing!!! The other crabs I tried in the crab sampler, to me, were just ok. But I will go back for those dungeness garlic crabs. Omfg!!! Yummmm so good! Their key lime pie was delicious too. Very classic, no meringue or neon green gel on top like some places. Service was friendly and attentive. I love supporting old school, locally owned places like this. You should too.

Sanhsany Aka Sunny S.

Yelp
I was traveling and had an extended layover on my flight so we went out exploring and found this place. Boy was I in for a treat!! It's a seafood lovers paradise!! I ordered the combo for $72.99 a bit hefty of a price but well worth it. It came with 1 cluster of snow crab legs (I wish there were 2), 2 halves of blue crab clusters and 2 halves of Dungeness crab clusters and a small container of seasoned & boiled potatoes. I dug into them with all 10 fingers! They were well seasoned and hot and fresh. Fingers licking good!! I also ordered a dozen oysters which was so fresh you would think they fished them out of their backyard. (They have a stream next to the restaurant) It came out on a huge tray of ice along with cocktail sauce, horse radish, crackers and lemon. I had a hard time refraining from ordering a 2nd dozen. I washed it down with a Michelada and iced cold water. They didn't have Michelada on the menu but our server was creative and suggested a selections of beer a with salted rim on a glass and a separate glass of calamato juice which I combined. It was delicious! Of course I couldn't leave Florida without their key lime pie. It was soft and creamy with just the right amount of condensed milk lathered with whip cream. I can't wait to go back and eat more of their goodies

Mei Y.

Yelp
Food and service were amazing. I got the half lobster and garlic Dungeness crab combo, large portion, flavor was perfect! Definitely coming back when I'm in Hollywood again.

Wai H.

Yelp
The crab sampler plate was giant. Definitely great to share as a group and get a taste of each crab. The meat was sweet tender and full of flavor. The bib and mallets were very needed for the cracking. Loved the fun environment and service was prompt and friendly. The hand on plate was also a favorite. The ribs were seasoned perfectly and were tender. This is a great surf and turf option to get the best of both worlds. The seasoned fried and corn bread were top notch. Would have ordered more if we were stuffed.

Zei K.

Yelp
Updated review Quality has severely gone downhill. The virgin pina colada tasted like cheap drink mix, yuck. The crabs tasted bland and like it kind of went bad. Everything was honestly bland and not really good.. very disappointing overall and not worth the price at all better go to Joe's stone crab for this price! Previous Delicious! Beautiful setting with outdoor seating. Crabs are delicious and service was great. I was afraid it would start pouring rain being outside but let me tell you, when it did, the staff were insanely efficient and fast to put down the curtains and we didn't get a single drop on us or our food. The biggest con is the price of the virgin pina colada which is insane. $12 for no alcohol when you have a tiny pineapple slice in there is honestly ridiculous and that's coming from someone who lives in NYC! I had no idea of the price when I ordered it and won't be making that mistake again.

Alise L.

Yelp
Rustic Inn never disappoints! The restaurant is right on the water so you have a scenic view if you are in the back of the restaurant. The staff was very friendly from the hostess to the waitress. It can get loud when they announce birthdays because everyone bangs their crab hammers on the table to show you love lol The food is great! The portions are very large which is to be expected because as you know seafood can be pricey. The claim strips are very meaty so if you like claims you can't go wrong. The steamed shrimp is plentiful! The garlic crabs are top notch and you can share one order with someone else and be full. The king crab legs are seasoned really well.

Yee Y.

Yelp
Great service.If you want good seafood this is the place to go and spoil urself.place was clean and they have a sink for you to wash your hands in the middle of dining room I have never seen that..I definitely want to go back and try something else.

Enrique O.

Yelp
When you wanna eat crabs and raw oysters, you head to a place that has been serving seafood since 1955, that alone is a guarantee that these guys are doing seafood right. Okay so it was raining and this place was still crowded. This restaurant is huge so we chose the outdoor patio and got things started right with Bloody Mary's . We then had Raw Oysters and the Froglegs and Gator Sampler, yes absolutely delicious fried froglegs and fried alligator chunks, they were fresh and so tasty. We then ordered the Crab Sampler which consists of Garlic Crab Clusters, World Famous Dungeness Garlic Crab Clusters and Alaska Queen Crab Legs served with parsley buttered potatoes, this platter was also incredibly delicious and fresh, I gotta say that the garlic sauce was out of this world delicious and everything was super fresh. If you're into garlic crabs and you're in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida then I highly recommend you make this place part of your trip, you'll be so happy that you did. We intend to be back really soon tomthey their lunch menu.

Adriana H.

Yelp
We haven't been to this place in a few years & quite frankly we're never disappointed. The wait was only about 15min & mind you this was on Father's Day. Service was fast, our server was fantastic & although it was packed, people were mindful of each other. Some places get very loud & annoying. For 2 queen crab meals, gator bites, side of French fries & sparkling water, I paid $214 (this includes the tip). You can taste the freshness of the seafood & all the spices used were on point.

Amanda B.

Yelp
From the moment we stepped into Rustic Inn Crabhouse, the ambiance whisked us away to a seaside retreat. Our culinary journey began with a shared platter of oysters, each one a fresh taste of the ocean. But the stars of the evening were undoubtedly the crabs. An array of crab dishes graced our table, each more delicious than the last, their flavors as rich and inviting as the rustic decor surrounding us. The food was so exquisite that not a morsel could be wasted. As we prepared to board our flight to Atlanta, we made sure to take our leftovers with us, a savory reminder of our delightful meal. Rustic Inn Crabhouse isn't just a restaurant; it's a destination that promises a repeat visit. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this place is a must-visit for any seafood aficionado.

Anna L.

Yelp
We were in the area and decided to check out what all the hype was about with this place. For starters, the view whether inside or outside is perfect, the staff from start to finish was outstanding. Our waiter OLLI was soooooo adorable and attentive he's such a great asset to the team. The food, superbbbbbbbb and seafood was so fresh and tasty. Literally my child before we even left begged if we could frequent this place weekly and he's the fussiest eater I know. 10/10!!! Try the dessert, no matter how full you are, peanut butter pie and chocolate cake is soooo moist and packed with flavor!

Addy C.

Yelp
Wow the prices went up - then again, it's been 15 years since my last visit. Back then, the crab sampler was $29.99 - now it's $72.95! Everything else like ambience and service hadn't changed at all - our server was very friendly. You have the option to eat outside next to the water or indoors. Convenient sinks in the dining area to wash your hands after handling the crabs. CRAB SAMPLER - $72.95 World famous garlic crab clusters, Alaskan queen crab legs, Dungeness garlic crab clusters, served w/ parsley buttered potatoes. The Alaskan queen crab legs was the best - the other crab was just ok. SIDE LORAINE'S FAMOUS LINGUINI - $10.95 Red crab sauce, topped w/ crab. Very good. Our server said the portion was good for sharing and he was spot on - this is a great filler dish :) It was plenty for our party of 3. REGULAR GARDEN SALAD - $5.95 Good salad. Overall still a fun but now very pricey experience. I might skip the Crab Sampler next time and instead indulge in the Lobster Fra Diavolo ($47.95) and other seafood dishes.

Angie R.

Yelp
Went here for my mom's birthday! Fun and very casual spot. They'll announce the birthday over the intercom and everyone starts bashing their mallets on the table, so there's constant noise. If you're looking for a quite spot, this is not the place for you. My mom had the whole Lobster, she really enjoyed it. I had the Snapper Fillet, taste good... but nothing to rave about. We did have the crab cakes as an appetizer and I would really recommend those, especially over the gator bites. Our server was Ali, he was very kind and patient with us.

Briana H.

Yelp
This place doesn't miss. I've been twice & was blown away both times. My first visit, I had the crab sampler platter for lunch which is a steal. Less than $30 gets you Dungeness crab, queen crab, a crab cake & 1 side. The Dungeness crab was the highlight for sure. Eating the queen crab after it was honestly underwhelming lol but still good! The crab cake was good too, if you don't mind breading you'll love it. I also tried the grilled shrimp which was ok but a little bland for my liking. Squeezing lemon on it did enhance the taste. I had a frozen daiquiri for my drink which was ok but a little sweet, weak & watery. On my second visit, I sat outside & tried the warm lobster roll. Being from Connecticut, I'd have it no other way. I was blown away. They nailed it. The bun is fluffy & toasted. The lobster is chunky with the perfect amount of butter & there's no shortage of it. 10/10. The blackened mahi mahi sandwich was flawless as well. Perfectly seasoned & another generously portioned dish. The Tito's lemonade was eh, the lemonade they mix it with is most likely from a fountain. Not bad, just a matter of preference.

Stuart S.

Yelp
I admit, returning to the Rustic Inn after some 10-15 years left me a bit nostalgic. I wondered if the restaurant still had a following. Those facts were confirmed immediately. The place was hopping. Every Birthday was greeted by the sound of banging wooden mallets by all customers. How fun! I must admit that I am not a crab lover so I had to rely on my friends for that review, and it was Five Stars. I myself enjoyed what the server recommended to me as two Minis. A half of a broiled stuffed lobster along with wood grilled barbeque shrimp. The portions were generous and I was quite content at the end. One of my dining mates had flounder, another had grouper. All portions were delicious and large portions. My buddy ordered mussels over spaghetti bolongese. There must have been two pounds of pasta in his dish! He raced over the juicy plump mussels. We skipped dessert but I can promise, it won't be a long time until I go back.

Kevin J.

Yelp
Great food. Everything tasted fresh. This is an authentic dockside cafe. Somewhere you get fresh crab and make a huge mess. Not a pretty place per se for fine dining. This is where the people eat. Open since 1955 and still doing it right. I rarely do 5's as that's perfect, but I'll give them a 4.3.

Ryan O.

Yelp
Top To Bottom Rustic Inn one Of the Best Family Restaurants Friend !! Ima A Former Employee Who can Honestly Say This Restaurant Is Wonderful !! You will have the time of your LIFE ! I Seen So many smile that could not be faked. !! The laughs !! Tears !! I seen Outta All my time working in Food service business I found This To be one of the most Enjoyable Experiences in my life The Food and Dranks Are Well worth it The crab And Fried Fish off on A Deck Watching the sun go Down Around the ones You love making Real Memories the managers are Fast On Understanding I RATE RUSTIC INN A 50/50 It pet friendly Baby safe ! And will Even fish You Keys Or Phone Out Of the River If needed

Annie N.

Yelp
It's been a few years since I did a review and it's time to update this! Rustic Inn is a class crab place is Ft Lauderdale and has been here since 1955! This is a place my family has been visiting for quite some time and it is wonderful my husband gets to now enjoy it as well. They are located sort of off the beaten path, it's not on the main road but down a side road. It's not hard to get to, and they have a pretty large parking lot. On really busy days, especially during the height of the season, parking could get tricky at night. They are open for lunch and dinner. We usually go for lunch since they offer specials, and it is less crowded. They have a few dining rooms, but they are not all open at lunch time. This restaurant is also located on a waterway. When it is not really hot aka summer, its actually nice to sit out here along the water. Sometimes boats will go by as well. If you are like my family and prefer AC, you can also ask for a table along the windows. They are floor length windows so you can still get a nice view. They are known for their crabs. They have almost every single crab if not all of them available, and they are always really good. The crab is a little on the higher side in my opinion, but they are cooking it for you, seasoning it and all you need to do is crack it. They do everyone crackers or mallets and on busy nights you will hear everyone hammering away on their tables. It's actually really funny. Their food is really good as well. This is a place we actually really enjoy. If you do not want crab, they offer other options including shrimp, seafood and a few non fish items. We usually like to start with their soup, the Manhattan or clam chowder actually. Both are delicious and always served hot. The Manhattan is spicier, so if this is not your taste, then order the clam chowder. Last time we tried the conch fritters which are also something we really enjoy. They were delicious, had great flavor, were served hot and had pieces of conch in them. They were served with two sauces, but I always prefer ketchup with them. As I said we usually go for lunch because their specials for seafood are awesome price. My mom and husband ordered the grilled dolphin platter which is mahi mahi. He ordered it blackened and my mom just grilled. It is served with rice and potatoes which is a lot of carbs, so you are able to substitute the sides for no additional charge. It also comes with a fountain drink or ice tea. This special is available daily. I chose the Friday special which is the shrimp. This special comes with 3 different styles of shrimp: peel and eat which were steamed, key west shrimp which were steamed as well but with a different seasoning and grilled shrimp. All of these you need to peel, so this is a messy dish and takes a while to eat. There are probably over 30 shrimp on this platter. This is one of my favorite dishes here. The shrimp are so good, so tasty and fresh and it comes with 2 sides as well. I usually order the fries since they are crispy and seasoned. I tried the coleslaw which normally I enjoy but it had a unique flavor this time, more vinegar than creamy. And it comes with a drink as well. My dad ordered the shrimp plate which just had grilled shrimp. We all always enjoy our food, the view is beautiful, and this is just a great place. This has been around so long, I remember when ever family visited, when I was younger, this is where we went. This is for sure a place you should check out when in South Florida. You will not be disappointed. The hostesses can be a little sassy at times, but the servers are always super nice! Definitely check it out!

Khari J. S.

Yelp
Gee, there's a waterside seafood palace in FT Lauderdale that can truly appease the seafood lover in you. I started with a childhood favorite, fried frog legs, which was absolutely delicious. My entre was Mahi Mahi, a side of ribs,and steak with a heaping helping of rustic fries, which overloaded my capacity to ingest. However, all was simply tantalizing. When in South Florida, this is a "don't miss ".

Mark W.

Yelp
Ate here with a large group. Lisa was our server, and she did a great job. The fried shrimp was good and had about ten shrimp. The shrimp scampi had at least ten shrimp, tons of noodles, and pieces of bell pepper. Finished the meal with some key lime pie.

Benjamin L.

Yelp
This place is loud, cheesy and fun. The service is actually great, the food simple and delicious, and it's very casual and fairly priced for seafood. The Manhattan clam chowder was excellent, as were the oysters. The New England clam chowder was the worst I've ever tasted. The crab and lobster combo was good, the the clam stuffing was all breadcrumbs and few clam pieces.

Daryn B.

Yelp
Found this spot somewhat near the airport while staying in Ft Lauderdale due to winter weather delays back home. What a find! Sitting on the deck in January eating fresh fish watching boats trolling by on the canal. Occasionally overhead a plane would be on approach but not frequent enough to be annoying. Being an old fashioned crab house everyone is given a plate for shells along with a wooden mallet for banging and a tool for scooping. As I was here for a simpler lunch I just used the mallet for the Happy Birthday banging. I had the Monday lunch special which included a large piece of fried fish, some fried shrimp and fried scallops. I'm not big on fried but they did a good job. I liked the breading. I didn't eat the fries but coleslaw was good as well. I splurged and got a cup of the New England chowder. Very good, too. My lunch special (drink included) with the extra cup of chowder came to $23 before tip. Aime, my waitress, did a great job of being attentive to the level of my drink and getting me extras (tartar sauce). The atmosphere was what one would hope for. I believe the people at the next table came by boat so there used to be a dock option. I came by Uber which was about $10 back to the airport. Definitely a pleasant surprise during an unexpected delay.

Ilana Z.

Yelp
One of our favorites when visiting FLL. The restaurant is huge so the wait time is super quick even on a weekend. Make sure you ask for a table outside. We got seated at the last table by the dock and the view was beautiful right by the water and seeing planes fly by. All the food is delicious. Make sure you try the fried calamari, oysters, shrimp with old bay seasoning, and the best item on the menu: whole famous garlic crabs. They are $70 but so worth the price.

Andy M.

Yelp
Be careful when eating, there may be this stuff in it,you should feel uncomfortable in your stomach after eating this food,It's something that has wires inside for tying things up. I paid $160 for a crab and lobster noodle dish. I ended up eating this in lobster noodles. Fortunately, the adults discovered it. If the child had eaten it, he might have to go to the hospital by now. What's your job? Don't things need to be checked and cleaned?

Donna T.

Yelp
I really enjoyed my 1st time experience. I loved the roomy waterfront atmosphere and spacey floor plan. Large enough for my grand baby's stroller and wheelchair accessible too. Very family friendly. The staff were super attentive and professional. I ordered the Hands All In platter. The food portions were generous and well cooked. The service was quick and the frosty drinks were right on time for the scorching temperatures outdoors. I highly recommend and give this establishment 5 stars. Thanks for taking our first family vacation photo!!!!!

Carol K.

Yelp
It's funny how you find out about restaurants that the locals have been going to forever. For the Rustic Inn, our airboat operator in the Everglades was giving my family, who was visiting, some reccos on where to eat. He brought up Rustic Inn and I mentally made a note to check it out. We went on a week night and were seated out by the canal which was perfect. Our server came over in a flash and he was great- personable, full of reccos and he kept things moving at just the right speed. We started with a bowl of their New England clam chowder and their Conch chowder. Both were terrific and such large servings that we took some home for the next day. We also had Clams Casino that our server recommneded and these were so good I wanted to lick the plate! (but I didn't) For our entrees, I had the grilled grouper and if you live on this side of the state you know how hard it is to get grouper over here. Every restaurant has snapper but no grouper. This grouper was delicious. Perfectly cooked and served with buttery potatoes and veggies. My friend had the Reef Raft which was basically a plate of every fried food they have on the menu but he loved it and took home enough for another meal as well. It's not fancy so set your expectations in the right place. There are people cracking crabs, kids running around and usually a party or two happening given the size of the space. They also have an intercom system playing 80's tunes when I was there. They are also calling out orders when they are ready so it's a casual dining experience. But it all adds to the overall charm, somehow. Don't wait until your airboat captain tells you about it. And trust your GPS as while this place may have been on a major road back in the day, it's kind of hidden from the road now and tucked away by a bridge. Plenty of parking once you do find it! Love spots like this!

Mary B.

Yelp
This is always my go to for crab! Our waitress, Kriston, had only worked there for a few weeks but went above and beyond with her service and attentiveness! Beer was ice cold! The view along the canal at sunset was stunning. I never miss a chance on my trip down to eat here at least once!

Jessica I.

Yelp
I've been coming to Rustic Inn ever since I've been a little girl and have ordered the same thing every time. This visit we picked up our food and had it at home and it was just as good as eating in the restaurant. We order the Dungeness and it was incredible as always. If you've never been I highly recommend visiting the restaurant. It's such an experience. From the bibs to the mallets you're bound to have a good time. Next time we'll be sure to dine in.

Stephany S.

Yelp
Get ready to get your hands dirty!!! This is the best place hands down for some crabs. They have a crab sampler which is great if you're not sure which one to get. But you can never go wrong with the Alaskan king crab legs. All the crab was deliciously sweet and fresh. Comes with butter to dip it in and a side of potatoes. Definitely pricey, but then again, it is crabs we're talking about. I also tried their filet of snapper and it was absolutely delicious. Soft and perfectly grilled. Highly recommend it! The waitress was so awesome. She was constantly swapping our plates when it was full of shells which is really helpful!

Ariana B.

Yelp
From the amazing server to the food it's perfect! We had the crab sampler! Highly recommend it

Tasha F.

Yelp
On the way out of Fort Lauderdale, we stopped here for lunch. Very close to the airport, so we had time to eat without rushing, and make it there in time. They have a lunch menu, we could order from the dinner menu. Jessica was our server, and she was patient and answered our questions thoroughly. Ordered an appetizer of Calamari (rings). Nothing spectacular, but they were seaoned well and tasted good. Another appetizer ordered was Oyster Rockefeller, and my friends enjoyed them. 4 of us ordered the lunch combo, which had a snow crab cluster, Dungeness crab cluster, crab cake, and a side. I ordered sautéed vegetables for my side. The clusters were lightly seasoned, and I didn't need the butter that came with it. The veggies were very cold for 2 of us when they came out, but Jessica got new orders, and the temperature was much better. The crab clusters could've been warmer as well, but we could deal with the temperature it came to us at. Another entree at our table was Stuffed Shrimp, which was said to be very tasty. We sat outside on the patio, which overlooks the water. It was a little windy but a great temperature to sit on the patio.

Traci M.

Yelp
20000/10 if you want good beach food come here. Everything (which was alot) was soo good. Fast, great service. Will be back.

A W.

Yelp
We celebrated my birthday here, and we'll definitely be back. Our waiter was kind and attentive. The food and drinks were great. This is the perfect place for any crab lovers. The only downside was I had a little bit of a hard time using the mallets vs the metal crab crackers you typically are given at other seafood restaurants. They did not have any available, but it wasn't a big deal.

Lena F.

Yelp
Very juicy and tasty crabs , rustic restaurant Our waitress was Priscilla , she was very friendly and nice , always with a smiling face . Great job Priscilla!!! Definitely we will return to try more from the menu

Abel R.

Yelp
Delicious food. A bit expensive but you pay for what you get. The meat that comes out of those crab legs are huge and meaty. It's such a fun place to dine in with your family or friends. I would definitely eat here again.

Andrew S.

Yelp
The lunch crab combo special is a fantastic bargain. The clarified butter is served perfectly warm. The dungeness garlic crab was by far my favorite, but queen crab was also really good. Solid crab cake, fries and slaw as well. The amount if food you get for 25.95 is ridiculous. atmosphere is rustic crabshack as you would expect. service was really good. Anastasia was a sweet heart that uses words like love and papi that make you feel at home. well organized kitchen and wait stations. I see why their garlic crab clusters are world famous.

Pam L.

Yelp
Nice rustic seafood restaurant near Fort Lauderdale airport. Service was slow and inattentive for a Tuesday evening with very little patrons. Some of the seafood items were overcooked and heavily flavored with butter. The bathroom could've used more adequate soap for the messy food. Overall a decent place for a meal before heading to the airport.

Geoff J.

Yelp
Oh, the Rustic Inn Crab House, where I recently had the absolute delight of experiencing a business lunch that could've been straight out of a sitcom. Picture this: a group of professionals, gathered on a patio that's so charming, it could give a quaint Italian piazza a run for its money. First, let's address the ambiance. Dining on the patio felt like joining an exclusive club for people who appreciate the finer things in life - like fresh air and not wearing ties. The atmosphere was so relaxed, I half-expected a sea captain to wander in and join our conversation. Now, the service - it was nothing short of stellar. Our server was so on point, I began to wonder if she had psychic abilities. She anticipated our needs before we even knew we had them. Need a refill? Bam, it's there. Wondering about the daily special? Boom, she's already explaining it. I'm not saying she was a mind reader, but I'm not not saying it either. And then, there was the food. The crab here isn't just food; it's an experience. Each dish was like a treasure chest of flavor, waiting to be cracked open. The crabs must have been marinated in some kind of secret sauce brewed by Neptune himself because, oh boy, were they divine! Eating them required a bit of a hands-on approach, but let's be honest, there's nothing quite like a group of suited-up professionals going full pirate on some crustaceans. The sides? Oh, the sides. They were like the trusty sidekicks in this culinary adventure - perfectly complementing the main event without stealing the spotlight. Imagine vegetables so fresh, they must have been grown by mermaids in an underwater garden. In conclusion, the Rustic Inn Crab House is where you go to make a lunch meeting feel like a mini-vacation. It's a place where crabs are not just served; they're celebrated. And the service? Let's just say if there was an Oscar for waitstaff performance, our server would've swept the category. We left with full stomachs, happy hearts, and the lingering suspicion that our next business lunch anywhere else just won't be as much fun.

Stuart B.

Yelp
Decent divey old time seafood establishment. It's isolated and near a canal. Large restaurant with many different sections. We sat outside with everyone else by the water. Friendly and efficient service. Food was fine. They give you a lot for the money. The main courses are definitely enough to share. We tried the conch fritters and the New England clam chowder. Good, but not over the top great. For the main we shared the crab platter, it was definitely the star of the meal and our favorite. No complaints and I'd say try it for yourself.

Minerva M.

Yelp
Rustic Inn Crab House is hands down one of my favorite places to dine. Although it's a bit of a journey to get there, every visit proves to be well worth the effort. The seafood spaghetti is a standout dish with its huge portion, easily shareable among two or three people. It's packed with an abundance of seafood that's both very tasty and uniquely delicious. The garlic crabs, the house specialty, truly live up to their reputation as the best around. Paired with always cold beer, the dining experience is elevated to new heights. The ambiance is casual and laid-back, embodying the quintessential American dining atmosphere. For me, Rustic Inn Crab House is the number one spot for seafood, without question.

Russell J.

Yelp
We had a great afternoon at Rustic Inn Crabhouse. Walked in on Monday afternoon and we were seated promptly on the beautiful patio. Our meal was Conch Salad, Fried Shrimp, and Broiled Scallops. Everything was fresh, delicious, and flavorful. Would definitely recommend.

Evgeniy K.

Yelp
Great food and location I like outside porch . Recommend for all. very friendly stiff.

Bianca C.

Yelp
Not sure where to begin and I hope the manager or whoever is in charge reads this review.... It was my mother's birthday celebration for a party of 14. I planned ahead thinking this restaurant was going to be jam packed.. we arrived on time to surprise my mom.. to be honest this restaurant would have been last on my list but she insisted on a seafood restaurant with crabs, fresh fish, lobster, scallops.. etc... When we arrived the restaurant was empty.. we were told everyone had to be present before we were seated. I'm Guessing they were expecting a huge amount of people.. that wasn't the case.. Our waitress who helped us may have been overwhelmed but I felt as if she was a bit passive aggressive.. ok maybe even rude.. Ok let's get to the point.. The food was absolutely horrible.... I ordered grilled shrimp, they were cold.. almost as if it was chilled... the fries, nasty... the water even tasted nasty. My dad ordered king crab legs And they were so soft, couldn't even crack them.. ( hmm... not so fresh after all) the clam chowder was like oatmeal.. so thick with no flavor to offer.. the crab cakes was a fried mess... My husband ordered a rib eye.... The next day he was sick.. my Mom ordered scallops, the next day she was sick... So here is where this gets interesting... they sent a worker to watch our table.. my mom Had a ton of gifts, they stored it along the wall so we had enough space to eat.. smart idea... the worker they had watch our table, stood directly across from our table, with his arms crossed as if he was making sure we didn't leave... when I realized. What was happening, I purposely asked him if we could get us the check and he stated ok let me Get your waitress.. he was not there to assist in anyway, rather they had him watching our table.. Now let me be clear on something, I've been to high end restaurants and never have I ever experienced something such as this.. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant for anyone... this restaurant lacks quality in service, customer service, presentation ... I mean the list can go on.. I regret taking my family to this place.. it was a BIG waste of money. I do not have any pictures to show.. trust me it's nothing to show.. their presentation was below below average ..

Dolly H.

Yelp
This was one of the most extensive seafood menus I've ever seen. I really enjoyed my huge serving of their Reef Raft which consisted of fried oysters, shrimp, scallops and fish. Cooked just right. My friend had more work to do with her hammer cracking crabs. It was a fun atmosphere with a water view. I would definitely return.

Maria R.

Yelp
Best garlic crabs!!! The service is always great here. We are a family of 9 and each time we make our dinner plans a few times during the year depending on what's in season we know the Rustic Inn is our place to satisfy our seafood cravings. The location is perfect as you can sit near the water or inside. You cannot go wrong any time of the year here.