CJ’s Crab Shack

CJ’s Crab Shack is a family-owned and -run business, serving up the best crab cakes this side of the southeast! The origins are honest, adopting a legacy of technique and recipe from its two founding head chefs — Granny Jewel & Grandaddy Gus (don’t they sound like superheroes?). Open every day from 12p to 12a, this homely hub is serving up all the classic seafood goodies none of us ever make at home (at least I don’t). They’ve got the flavor, the fresh, the fish, and the fun!

We enjoyed the playful menu as we mulled over all the attractive items. They’ve got loads of stuff to choose from: a raw bar, pasta, salads, sides, and more — all at an affordable price, too. What’s also cool is that diners are served a side with every entree. Maybe you’d like to pair the baked Crab Cake Dinner with fries, or the southern fried Fish & Chips with parmesan corn on the cob. Even the sammys, like the Blackened Grouper Reuben for example, come with fries or slaw. Not to mention the bar comes stock full of hand-crafted cocktails and ice-cold drafts. 

The shack is appropriately built smack on the South Beach seaside strip, so the vibe is sandy as can be. You can also call to reserve the space for private parties, in case anyone literally wants to take a crab to the beach. And we say, ‘why not?’. Make Granny Jewel proud!

600 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach FL 33139; (305) 604-5951; www.cjscrabshack.com. Open every day, noon – 11 p.m.