Should have realized something was a little off when they poured the crab out the bag.

The Ragin’ Crab- 2Stars

Extra seasoned and all the fixings in a sturdy large plastic boiling bag. You could say the Boiling Crab started this frenzy. It would seem based on the long waits at both Shell Shack, and Boiling Crab there is clearly something to this delicious way of getting your crab fix. Unfortunately, just because it’s proven to be tasty, doesn’t mean everyone knows what’s “cracking.”

It was a Sunday afternoon and I was feeling a tad undernourished. Having had a hankering for chicken and waffles all day long, I was quite sad since it was after 4PM and brunch was officially ending.  So, driving half hungry, half confused, I stumbled on some loud live music. Live music is kind of my third favorite thing about being alive, next to writing and food. I looked to my right and noticed the sounds were coming from the once popular hookah lounge, Kush. The space has now transformed into Ragin’ Crab. Anyplace with live music boasting crab has to be amazing, so I parked.

Walking in, the place was completely crowded. My eyes were met with tables piled high of empty shells and smiling faces. It was the grand opening, and the entire menu was half off. No wonder they were grinning. Spotting a singular chair at the end of the bar, I sat down. Live music from the patio flowed inside and I noticed people were smoking hookahs. Clearly they’d kept the best part of Kush. Ten minutes passed. Twenty minutes passed. After 30 minutes, just as I was tempted to leave, a waitress came over, apologized for the wait and took both my drink and food order. I decided on a Dallas Blonde, and one of the Catch Combinations, ordering #2, a pound of snow crab and ½ pound of sausage. Similar to Boiling Crab, and Shell Shack, a variety of seasonings were listed, including: Classic Louisiana, Ragin’ Bang, Lemon Pepper, Garlic, Garlic Butter or Cajun. Ragin’ Bang called my name the loudest, as it was a mixture of all the spices. Thinking I’d need more food, I ordered a side of Cajun French fries.

In the meantime, I excitedly sipped my beer and struck up a conversation with a couple of fellars at the bar. The more we talked, the hungrier I became, the longer the food seemed to take. Once again, I was tempted to do the big walk out, but reminded myself that this was the grand opening.

After what felt like a year of waiting, the waitress presented me with a hot basket of fries and cut open a bag filled with crab legs and sausage. She poured the contents onto a tray. This was a little shocking, as I’m used to eating directly from the bag. I took a look at everything, First, I tried the fries. They had a crisp, “Cajun” batter, but I have to say, they weren’t nearly as seasoned as I’d anticipated. Next, it was time to dive into the main shebang. I started with the sliced sausage. Biting down, I was immediately turned off. There are few things worse than flimsy, soft, mushy meat. And this sausage had all three going on. Hoping to fair a little better with the crab, I looked through the tray. It was then I noticed all of them were as thin as my pinky finger. Keeping an open mind, I cracked one open. Alas, I was disappointed yet again. The meat was shriveled and creeping towards cold. Seasoning was good, but not fantastic. I cracked a few more open, and ate more fries. Ten minutes or so later, I gave up the good fight, realizing there was no way in hell I wanted the rest of this stuff.

The truth is, I will likely not be returning. Maybe one day it will get better, but for a place who boasts having crab that is ragin,’ they have failed me. Shell Shack, if you’ll have me back, I would be more than happy to return. Just needed to see what else was out there. From now on I know, home is clearly with you. TXmb

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Where to find them- 2100 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX. 75206

Phone (214)827-2722

That whole parking thing- It’s Lower Greenville. So, either park in a lot or do the valet thing. No use in getting towed.