Crabby’s Bar & Grill New Smyrna Beach Review: Ocean Views & Beachside Eats
Crabby’s Bar & Grill in New Smyrna Beach is right off the beach — and that’s exactly how it should be treated. After a day on the sand, there’s no better move than heading upstairs to their open-air deck for lunch or dinner: ocean views, live music, frozen drinks, and a big menu of beachside food. We had a great lunch there, and here’s our honest review.
Location & Hours
Crabby’s Bar & Grill is at 203 S Atlantic Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169 — steps from the sand.
- Phone: (386) 675-1900
- Hours: daily 8:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Breakfast served daily 8:00–11:30 AM
- All-day happy hour
The Setting: Upstairs Is Everything
The upstairs open-air dining area is fantastic — string lights overhead, a long bar, TVs, and the Atlantic right there in front of you. I don’t know about the downstairs dining area, because I don’t know why anyone would want to sit down there when this exists.
One heads-up: it can get windy up there, and the day we visited it was a little chilly. Bring a layer if the breeze is running — the view is worth it either way.
Live Music Adds to the Beach Ambiance
They had live music during our lunch — an acoustic guitarist playing while the breeze rolled through the deck. It’s exactly the touch a beach restaurant should have, and it made the whole meal feel like a mini vacation.
The Drinks: Frozen and Happy All Day
The frozen drinks were delicious — a layered frozen cocktail and a Cruzan Rum Punch bucket, sipped with the beach as the backdrop. They run an all-day happy hour, and breakfast is “home of $5 mimosas & bloody marys” (during breakfast hours only). Hard to beat.
The Food: Artichoke Dip and a Table Full of Winners
We started with the baked artichoke dip and chips — hot, cheesy, and gone fast. A great opener.
Then the table went full spread. My guests had the crispy chicken tenders with mac and cheese (kid-approved and then some), the kids’ fettuccine alfredo with fries, and the bang bang shrimp tacos with Mexican street corn — three tacos loaded with saucy shrimp, plus a whole ear of street corn on the side.
My pick: the Mac & Cheese smash burger — an 8 oz. seasoned Angus-brisket blend topped with a heap of mac & cheese, with crispy fries and a side of slaw. It’s gloriously over the top, and I’d order it again.
The menu goes deep: crab legs, royal red shrimp, hand-tossed pizza, sandwiches, soups, a full breakfast menu, and a kids’ lineup — plus the beachside-drink program that ties it all together.
The Service: Friendly and Attentive
The staff was very friendly and attentive — quick with refills, happy to help, and keeping the good energy up across a busy deck. Exactly what you want from a beachside spot.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Address: 203 S Atlantic Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
- Phone: (386) 675-1900
- Hours: daily 8:00 AM–10:00 PM; breakfast 8:00–11:30 AM
- All-day happy hour; $5 mimosas & bloody marys during breakfast hours
- Sit upstairs — the open-air deck with ocean views is the whole point
- It can be windy/chilly up top; bring a layer
- Kid-friendly menu, big-group friendly, live music
- Perfect for lunch or dinner after a beach day
The Honest Verdict
What we loved: the location right off the beach, the open-air upstairs deck with real ocean views, live music, frozen drinks, and a menu that kept everyone at the table happy — kids included.
What to know going in: it’s open to the ocean air, so wind and chill are part of the deal. Dress for the breeze.
Who it’s best for: beachgoers looking for the perfect post-sand lunch or dinner, families, groups, and anyone who wants their seafood with a side of live music and an ocean view. We’ll be stopping by the next time we take a trip to the beach — and so should you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Crabby’s Bar & Grill located?
Crabby’s Bar & Grill is at 203 S Atlantic Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169, right off New Smyrna Beach. Call (386) 675-1900.
What are Crabby’s Bar & Grill’s hours?
Open daily 8:00 AM–10:00 PM, with breakfast served daily 8:00–11:30 AM. They also run an all-day happy hour.
Does Crabby’s Bar & Grill have ocean views?
Yes — the upstairs open-air dining area and bar have views of the Atlantic and New Smyrna Beach. Sit upstairs; the deck is the main event.
Is Crabby’s Bar & Grill good for families?
Yes — there’s a kids’ menu (we had the fettuccine and fries), the atmosphere is casual and lively, and live music makes it fun for all ages.
What should I order at Crabby’s Bar & Grill?
Our picks: the baked artichoke dip to start, the bang bang shrimp tacos with Mexican street corn, and the mac & cheese smash burger with fries. Frozen drinks pair well with everything.
