Lunch: M-F 11:30 AM - 2PM; Dinner: M-Sa 5PM - 1:25 AM, Su 7 PM - 1:25 AM
(609) 392-9041 Website Google Maps
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This is one of those unlikely Trenton places that serves great food from a hole in the wall. Literally.
Justin’s Crab Shack serves fresh, fabulous home-made seafood (plus a selection of other foods suitable for carnivores and vegetarians) at the Regal I Bar on North Clinton Ave. You order in the back and eat in the bar.
North Clinton? Really? In a bar??? Yes, really. Think of it as an oasis of sanity amidst the detritus of a once proud neighborhood. Inside, you’ll be met by Mary, the septuagenarian owner who is warm, welcoming, and exudes quiet dignity. Justin – the Gen Y owner, chef, entrepreneur, and guiding spirit behind the Crab Shack is the son of Mary’s partner. He used to hang out in the Regal when he was a kid – now he runs his own business there. He’s helpful and extremely friendly. Despite the odd surroundings, it’s a lovely vibe. While we were eating, Mary put John Cotrane’s rendition of “My Favorite Things” on the juke box. A huge plus in my book.
If you show up before 11:30 PM, in point of fact, things are likely to be quiet at the Regal. That’s when the shifts change at the nearby prisons, and the joint starts filling up with off-duty guards. But if you’re there at a normal dinner hour, you’ll likely experience quiet. And of course, Justin’s is open really, really late.
The food is cooked with care and attention to detail. The menu includes several varieties of fish (some fresh, some frozen, ask Justin to recommend what’s best), shrimp, crabs, scallops and lobster. Specials of the house include:
- The “Ultimate Twice Baked Potato” which includes shrimp, crab, and scallops and comes with broccoli
- A fried lobster Po Boy sandwich
- Soft-shell crab sandwich (in season)
- Seafood Mac & Cheese, served with broccoli, and your choice of Shrimp, Chicken, or Fish (header image).
Carnivores can get New York Strip or Rib Eye steaks, a BBQ Brisket sandwiches, as well as beef or turkey burgers or chicken wings.
Vegetarians can eat the regular Mac & Cheese, green vegetables (which are fresh and perfectly cooked al dente with a light touch of seasoning). When we were there, Justin was serving fresh asparagus or broccoli. They can also have a veggie burger, and an assortment of other side dishes.
Prices are reasonable for the quality.
If you’re looking for a real urban adventure, invite a couple of friends to join you, and head to Justin’s.
Went for lunch today at 12:40 and it was all locked up. No one answered the phone at the number you had on your description. Sign said it should have been open but nothing.
Sorry we don’t do lunch daily anymore but in some cases I can do lunch if you call me a day ahead between 5pm and 1 am so I know ahead of time.
Thank you
Justin
karen take olden passed trenton high up to clinton and make a left half a block up on right
Where, exactly, on North Clinton? Would love to bring my kids but not sure of a) the neighborhood; & b) eating at the bar, as they are teenagers. Thank you!
Click on the Google Maps link in the review and you’ll see exactly where it is. It’s not the pretty part of North Clinton. As for your kids, assuming THEY behave themselves they’ll be fine. If not NOT, Mary will no doubt let them know about it.
It’s a Bar, not for kids!! The bar is called Regal 1!!! You can if course order and leave!!
If you want to go with your kids, you should check with the Regal 1 to confirm they allow minors to eat with their parents. It is NOT illegal in NJ for children to accompany their parents to a bar (or course they can’t drink). However, many bars have a more restrictive policy than that because they don’t want to worry about them.
No his food Not good at ALL. The customer sevoce is very poor. He prices is sky high and he takes forever to make the food because he trys to be bartender nd cook at the same time
Justin and the woman that runs the bar are very rude. The food may be good BUT their hospitality or lack there of is very distracting. I have not eaten in this place in over 3 years simply because they are very rude. I refuse to spend my money here. Most people call it the “church” because there’s no profanity allowed…really? ??? It’s a bar!
I understand your point, but many of us would view the lack of profanity as an advantage.
It’s been there for a while. My wife and I go frequently. Great food, and the prices are great.